G£M
JjlARLtS r, 30Ut.
Ul
HISTORY
of the
Yakima Valley
Washington
Coiiijyrisiiig
Yakima, Kittitas and Benton
Counties
Illustrated
VOLUME II
THE S. J. CLARKE PUBLISHING CO.
1919
1369773
STEINWEG
BIOGRAPHICAL
W. L. STEIXWEG.
Honored and respected by all, there is no man who occupies a more enviable
position in the financial and business circles of Yakima than \V. L. Steinweg, the
president of the First National Bank of North Yakima. This is due not alone to
the success which he has achieved but also to the straightforward business policy
which he has ever followed and to his active and resultant efiforts to cooperate in
the upbuilding of the community in which he has made his home. He was born in
Baltimore, Maryland, September 30, 1852, and is a son of Charles and Henrietta
Steinweg, who, leaving the Atlantic coast in 18SS made their way to San Francisco,
California. The father was a wagon maker and wheelwright by trade and he and
his wife continued to make their home at the Golden Gate until they were called
to their final rest.
W. L. Steinweg was but three years of age at the time of the removal of his
parents to San Francisco and his education ' was acquired in its public schools. He
afterward removed to Bellingham Bay, Washington, and occupied the position of
secretary to the superintendent of the mines of the Bellingham Bay Coal Company.
Later he had charge of the property of that corporation for a number of years
after the mines were abandoned. He came to Yakima in 1886 to accept the position
of cashier of the bank with which he is now identified and through the intervening
period, covering more than three decades, he has been a most prominent factor in
the successful management and conduct of what is today recognized as one of the
strongest financial instituions of this section of the state. It was organized as the
First National Bank of Yakima in the old town of Yakima, and upon the founding of
North Yakima in 1885 was reorganized as the First National Bank of North Yakima
and removed to the new town. It was originally founded as a private bank by
Judge Whitson. In 1886 the officers were: J. R. Lewis, president, who was at one
time circuit judge and is now deceased: and A. W. Engle, cashier. The latter was
formerly of Seattle and later of EUensburg and ultimately of Yakima. Washington,
and was the first state bank examiner. He now resides in Seattle. The vice-presi-
dent of the institution was Edward Whitson and the directors, in addtion to the
officers, were Charles and J. H. Carpenter, who were pioneer settlers and have now
passed awaj'. In the year 1886 W. L. Steinweg became cashier and thus entered
into active relations with the management and control of the bank. Following the
retirement of the first president, Edward Whitson served as chief executive officer
of the institution and was succeeded by W. M. Ladd, while on the 14th of January,
1908, Mr. Steinweg was elected to the presidency and on the 10th of July, 1912, C. R.
Donovan became cashier as the successor to A. B. Cline. The old building occupied
by the bank was removed to the corner of Second and East Yakima streets and in
1888 the present brick building was erected. It was fifty by one hundred feet and
since that time a room has been added, making the bank fifty by one hundred and
twenty-five feet and two stories in height. The upper floor is used for offices. The
bank is today capitalized for one hundred thousand dollars and has surplus and
undivided profits of almost one hundred and eighty-two thousand dollars, while its
deposits have reached three and a quarter million dollars. The bank is a member
of the Federal Reserve system and is the oldest and largest bank in central Wash-
ington. The policy which has been maintained is one which has ever borne the
closest investigation and scrutiny. The officers have recognized the fact that the
(1)
6 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
bank is most worthy of patronage that most carefully safeguards the interests of
depositors and its course has at all times been above suspicion. Moreover, it has
done much through judicious loans to advance business enterprise and prosperity in
this section of the state and results achieved have been most satisfactory. Thirty-
two years' connection with the bank makes the institution a monument to the enter-
prise and ability of W. L. Steinweg.
In the year 1876 Mr. Steinweg was united in marriage to Miss Susanna Engle,
of Xew Jersey, who passed away in 1895. Eleven years later, or in 1906, he mar-
ried Ida H. Sharkey, of North Yakima. The children of the first marriage were
William Engle and George Woolman, both of whom have passed away.
Fraternally Mr. Steinweg is connected with Masonry, belonging to Yakima
Lodge, Xo. 22, A. F. & A. M., and to the Rose Croix. In politics he is a republican,
while his religious faith is that of the Christian Science church. He is a man of
progressive citizenship and the place which he occupies as a factor in the upbuilding
and development of Yakima can scarcely be overestimated.
JOHN E. SHANNON.
John E. Shannon, of Yakima, prominently and successfully identified with the
agricultural and horticultural interests of the valley, was born in Coshocton, Ohio,
•August 14, 1860, a son of Isaac N. and Cassandra (Endsley) Shannon. The parents
were natives of Ohio, where they spent their entire lives. There the father followed
the occupation of farming. He was a son of Isaac Shannon, Sr., and his grandfather
was born on the Shannon river in Ireland. He came to the L'nited States prior
to the Revolutionary war. One of the representatives of this family was numbered
among the signers of the Declaration of Independence. The grandfather of John
E. Shannon took up a homestead in Ohio and thereon resided until his death. The
family has ever been noted for patriotic loyalty as well as progressiveness in busi-
ness. Several of the uncles of John E. Shannon of this review served as soldiers
of the Civil war.
In the public schools of Ohio, John E. Shannon acquired his education and
when not busy with his textbooks assisted in the work of the home farm. When his
schooldays were over he concentrated his efiforts and attention upon farm work
in that state until 1880, when he removed westward to Colorado, where he resided
until 1884, being there engaged in civil engineering. Between the years 1884 and
1893 he resided in Wyoming, where he also practiced the profession of civil engi-
neering, being actively engaged on irrigation and railway projects. With his re-
moval to the far northwest in 1893 he purchased a home in Yakima and engaged
in loaning money. In 1895 he purchased forty acres of land two and three-
quarters of a mile west of Yakima and at once began its improvement. He planted
an orchard there and afterward sold a part of that place but later purchased other
land and now has seventy-eight acres in all, of which thirty-eight acres is planted to
fruit trees, including apples, pears, peaches, apricots and plums. He also engages to
some extent in the raising of hay and grain and his business interests have been
most wisely and carefully conducted, his course at all times being characterized by
unwearied industry and unfaltering determination. He has his own cold storage and
packing plant and in addition to raising he also buys fruit and is one of the big
fruit producers and shippers of this section of the state. He became a charter mem-
ber of the Yakima County Horticultural L'nion and was one of the. organizers of
the Yakima Valley Fruit Growers' .Association but in recent years has conducted
his business independently of such organizations. His long experience has enabled
him to speak with authority upon the subject of fruit raising in the Yakima valley.
He has closely studied every phase of the business and that his ideas are practical
and progressive is at once indicated in the success which has come to him.
On the 22d of December, 1887, Mr. Shannon was united in marriage to Miss
Faith Luckey, of Iowa, by whom he has had three children, namely: Clinton, who
is married and is a fruit grower of Yakima county: Harold E., at home; and Fern,
who is deceased.
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 7
Mr, Shannon and his family are members of the Methodist church and are
people of prominence in Yakima, occupying an enviable social position. Mr. Shannon
has built a beautiful home on his ranch and its hospitality is greatly enjoyed by
all who know them. In politics he has ever been a republican but never an office
seeker, although he served for three terms as county engineer of Johnson county,
Wyoming. Since coming to the west he has preferred to concentrate his entire
efforts and attention upon his business interests, and the development of his orchards
has placed him among the most successful and prominent fruit raisers of this
section of the state.
HOX. RALPH KAUFFMAN.
Hon. Ralph KaufFman, a distinguished member of the bar of Ellensburg whose
extensive practice connects him with much of the important litigation heard in the
courts of his district, is also identified with ranching interests in this state and,
moreover, has been a most helpful factor in the war activities which have so recently
engaged the attention of the country. Mr. KaufTman is a native of Pennsylvania.
He was born in Mechanicsvillc, that state, on the 14th of October, 1860, a son of
Isaac B. and Sybil A. (Merklin) KaufFman. The family was established in Pennsyl-
vania during early colonial days. The mother's people were French and settled in
Pennsylvania in 1711. When the Revolutionary war was inagurated representatives
of the name valiantly espoused the cause of the colonies and assisted in winning
.'American independence. Isaac B. Kaufifman was a lieutenant of the Xinth Pennsyl-
vania Cavalry during the Civil war and was killed while defending the interests of
the L'nion at the front. His widow always remained true to his memory, never
marrying again, and she passed away in Pennsylvania in 1909. She had but two
children, the younger being Isaac, a banker of Pennsylvania, who died in 1905.
In both the paternal and maternal lines are found many names that figure promi-
nently upon the pages of history. Mr. Kaufifman of this review is a cousin of Regi-
nald Wright KaufFman, the poet, and. also of James Lee KaufTman, professor of
.'American law in the Imperial University at Tokio, Japan.
After completing a public school education Ralph Kaufifman passed the en-
trance examination for West Point and was named an alternate but did not have
the opportunity of becoming a student at the military school. Determining upon
the practice of law as a life work, he then entered the University of Pennsylvania,
in which he completed a law course in 1886. He was president of his class there and
was not only a most thorough student but also a popular representative of the school.
In the same year he came to the northwest, making his way to Portland, Oregon,
and there he assisted in organizing a loan and trust company. In 1887 he came
to Ellensburg as a representative of that company and the following year he or-
ganized the Ellensburg Xational Bank, of which he remained the cashier until
1^90. He then resumed tlie active practice of law in connection with Mitchell
Gilliam, who later removed to King county, Washington. Mr. Kauffman continued
in active law practice alone from that time until 1895, when he entered into partner-
ship with J. E. Frost, with whom he was associated for a decade. Mr. Kauffman
was then appointed state tax commissioner. He practiced law alone until 1907
and in March of that year he was appoined judge of the superior court, to which
office he was elected in 1908 and re-elected in 1912. He was again a candidate for the
office in the fall of 1916, but on that date was defeated. He then resumed the private
practice of law. in wliich he has since continued, and his clientage is now extensive
and of a distinctively representative character. Few men are . more thoroughly
informed concerning the principles of jurisprudence or are more accurate in the
application of these principles to the points in litigation. For two terms Mr. KaufF-
man served as city attorney, nor have his business activities been confined to pro-
fessional lines alone, for he has large holdings of ranch lands in this part of the
state, owning two hundred and fifty acres under irrigation. He was one of the pro-
jectors of the Cascade irrigation canal and he has been a close student of the water
8 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
problems of the northwest and of all that has to do with the substantial develop-
ment of this section of the country.
Moreover, Mr. Kauffman has been a prominent factor in public life as a trustee
of the State Xornial. in which position he served for several years, and as a school
director. His political endorsement has always been given to the republican party
and he is actuated in all that he does by a marked devotion to the general good.
Mr. Kauflfman was married November 24, 1888, to Miss Lida D. Stayman, a
daughter of Milton C. and Mary Jane (Bailey) Stayman. of Winchester, Virginia.
The children of this marriage are: Dorothy, the wife of Lieutenant Howard L.
Lewis of the United States army; and Charlotte, the wife of Lieutenant Harold A.
Mallum also of the United States army.
The religious faith of the family is indicated by the membership of Mr. and
Mrs. Kauffman in Grace Episcopal church, in which he is serving as senior warden.
He has been most helpful along the lines of war activities. He was chairman of
the Kittitas County Legal -Advisory Board to advise and aid in the draft registra-
tion and he is chairman of the Kittitas County Chapter of the American Red Cross,
having served in that capacity since its organization. His activities in behalf of
war work have been far-reaching and resultant and his public-spirited citizenship
stands as one of the pre-eminent traits of his character, his devotion to the public
good being manifest in his law practice, in his official service and in every relation
where his activities have touched the general interests of society.
HOX HEXRY JOSEPH SXIVELY.
Hon. Henry Joseph Snively is a distinguished member of the Y'akima bar and one
of the recognized leaders of the democratic party in the state. In fact, through
his political activity and his incumbency in office he has done much to shape the
afifairs of the state, his influence always being on the side of progress, development
and improvement. What he has accomplished represents the fit utilization of the
innate powers and talents with which nature endowed him. He has recognized and
readily utilized the opportunities which have come his way and his popularity as a
man and the faith reposed in him by his fellow townsmen have been indicated by the
fact that on various occasions he has been the only nominee on the democratic
ticket elected to office.
Mr. Snively is a native of Virginia. He was born on the 17th of .August, 1856,
and is a son of Ambrose and Elizabeth (Harritt) Snively. The father is a native
of Germany but came to the L'nited States with his parents when but six weeks
old. Reared to manhood in Virginia, he there engaged in contracting and building,
which he followed at various places in the Old Dominion. He now makes his
home in Grafton, West Virginia.
Reared in the south. Hon. Henry Joseph Snively of this review was graduated
from the University of West Virginia with the class of 1877 and then entered upon
his law course at the University of Virginia where he took the degree of Bachelor
of Law in 1879. He afterward practiced lavv' in West Virginia for seven years and in
1886 he arrived in North Yakima, where he has since followed his profession. He is
recognized as one of the distinguished and eminent members of the bar of central
Washington. As a lawyer he is sound, clear-minded and well trained, felicitous and
clear in argument, thoroughly in earnest, full of the vigor of conviction, never
abusive of his adversaries and imbued with the highest courtesy and yet a foe worthy
of the steel of the most able opponent. He has other interests outside of his pro-
fession, for in 1912 he established and now owns the Kennewick flouring mill and his
investments include large stock ranches in Yakima and Benton counties. In all
business affairs he has displayed sound judgment and keen discrimination, carrying
forward to successful completion whatever he has undertaken.
In politics Mr. Snively has been a most active democrat, one of the party
leaders in the state. He was nominated' for the office of district attorney for the
district comprising Yakima and Kittitas counties in 1886 and was elected by a large
majority against the Hon. C. B. Graves, who was later judge of the district court.
HON. HENRY J. SNIVELY
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 11
In 1S88 Mr. Snively was reelected over Walter M. Milroy and on each occasion was
the only successful democratic nominee on the ticket. While serving as district
attorney he was appointed by Governor Semple a member of the code commission
to formulate a code for the laws of the territory and did active and valuable work in
that connection. This code was later revised by W. Lair Hill and is known as
the Hill code. In 1S9U Mr. Snively was the democratic candidate for attorney general
of Washington, but with the others of his ticket was defeated. In 1891 he was
elected to represent his district in the state legislature, being the only democrat
to receive a majority at that election. In 1892 he was elected a delegate to the
national democratic convention held at Chicago and at the request of the national
campaign manager seconded the nomination of Grover Cleveland for the presi-
dency. In -August. 1892, his party made him its standard bearer in the state elec-
tion and as candidate for governor of Washington he ran live thousand votes ahead
of his ticket but was defeated by a few hundred votes by the republican candidate,
John H. McGraw. In 1897 Mr. Snively was appointed by Governor John R. Rogers
a member of the state board of control, having the management of all the state
institutions except the University and the Agricultural College, in which capacity
he served for four j'ears. Since 1900 he has concentrated his efforts and attention
upon the practice of law, but does not cease to feel the deepest concern in those
questions of public import which affect the welfare, the sociological and the economic
development, of the state.
Mr. Snively was married in 1881 to Miss Elizabeth H. Martin, of Grafton, West
Virginia, a daughter of Luther and Anna M. (Harrison) Martin. The father, who
was a lumberman, was born in West Virginia, while the mother's birth occurred in
the District of Columbia. She was a descendant of the James River Harrisons. Mrs.
Snively was born in Virginia in 1858 and was graduated from the Pittsburgh Female
College. To Mr. and Mrs. Snively have been born three children, Janie M., born
in Grafton, West Virginia, January 12, 1883, is the wife of Dr. Edmond S. West, of
Yakima; Jessie H., born in Grafton, July 30, 1885. is the wife of Dr. A. F. Campbell,
of Yakima, and has two children, W. F. and Henry J. Henry J. Snively, Jr., the young-
est of the family, was born in North Yakima, January 25, 1900, and is now manager of
his father's stock farm. The family attend the Episcopal church and in social circles
of the city occupy a very prominent position. The famil_v residence was built in
1888 by Colonel Hewlett and later was remodeled, being one of the finest homes
of the state.
Mrs. Snively takes a very prominent interest in church work and in the lead-
ing social movements of the city and both Mr. and Mrs. Snively exert much in-
fluence over public thought and he has left the impress of his individuality upon
many movements and measures which have had to do with shaping the policy and
progress of the commonwealth.
GEORGE DOXALD.
It was the consensus of public opinion that the death of George Donald "marked
the passing of one of the best known and most substantial citizens of Yakima."
He was prominently known in business circles as a bank president, rancher and
railroad and ditch builder and through the extent and breadth of his activities and
interests contributed in most marked measure to the development, upbuilding and
progress of Yakima and central Washington. He had been closely associated with
the management of the Yakima National Bank since 1892 and aided in its organiza-
tion four years prior to that time. He was liorn in Canada in 1859, a son of John
and Jane Donald, who were natives of Scotland but who crossed the Atlantic to
Canada when young people. The father died in the year 1870, but the mother sur-
vives and is now living in Yakima.
George Donald was indebted to the public school system of his native country
for the educational opportunities which he enjoyed. He was a youth of nineteen years
when he crossed the border into the United States, becoming a resident of Chicago
in 1878, at which time he was employed by the Grand Trunk Railway Company.
12 HISTORY OF YAKIMA \ALLEY
In 1881 he started westward by stage from Bismarck. South Dakota, and after travel-
ing eleven days and nine nights finally reached Montana, where he was witli the
Northern Pacific Railway Company, following the building of its line to Yakima in
1884. He was afterward engaged in railway contracting and was closely identified
with the development of railway systems in the west to the time of his demise.
He built the Lewiston extension, also the Farmington branch, two coal roads on
the western slope, and he built the North Yakima & VaUley Railroad, making his
home all during this period in Yakima. He also built the Zillah. Moxee, White Swan,
Naches and Cowiche branches and in fact all the branch lines in the Yakima valley.
He likewise built the first large irrigation ditch in the valley in 1889. known as the
Kiona canal, and was later connected with the construction of the Sunnyside canal
besides furthering many other irrigation projects. He developed several ranches
and thus contributed in marked measure to the progress and upbuilding of his sec-
tion of the state.
Mr. Donald's connection with the banking interests of Yakima dated from May
1888, when he became one of the organizers of the Yakima National Bank, of which
H. S. Rowe was elected president, A. B. Weed vice president and Mr. Donald the
cashier. The bank was located on Yakima avenue, between First and Second
streets. In 1892 Mr. Donald was elected to the presidency and Mr. Weed and Mr.
Rowe retired. J. D. Cornett then served as cashier from 1892 until 1908, or for a
period of sixteen years, when he was succeeded by Frank Bartholet, who has since
occupied that position. L. L. Thorp is vice president of the bank, and George E.
Stacy and Edwin D. Clark assistant cashiers. The directors of the bank were
George Donald. J. D. Cornett, L. L. Thorp, W. I. Lince, C. F. Myer. P. A. Bounds.
Mary M. Donald, Frank Bartholet and A. H. Sinclair. In 1894 the bank's statement
showed deposits of one hundred and eighteen thousand five hundred and eighty-two
dollars. Ten years later, or in March, 1904, the deposits had increased to six hundred
and two thousand nine hundred and fifty-one dollars and the bank's statement of
1917 shows deposits amounting to two million, three hundred and forty-two thousand
four hundred and forty-six dollars. The bank was originally capitalized for fifty
thousand dollars but this was increased to one hundred thousand dollars in 1917
and the institution has a surplus of more than one hundred thousand dollars, while
its capital and surplus amounts to two hundred and seventy-five thousand dollars.
The bank has been continuously under the same management. In 1903 the present
building at First street and Yakima avenue was completed — a two-stroy structure
seventy-five by one hundred and thirty feet, the building including the hardware
store which adjoins the bank. President of the institution for more than a quarter
of a century, Mr. Donald was the chief factor in establishing its policy, directing
its activities and promoting its success.
On the 17th of September. 1885, Mr. Donald was united in marriage to Miss
Clara Burch and to them was born a son, George, now living in Tacoma, where he
is employed in a bank. On the 14th of September, 1904, Mr. Donald wedded Miss
Mary Di'tmars and they had four children: Jessie Mary, now twelve years of age;
Jean, ten; Allen, eight; and Remsen, two.
Fraternally Mr. Donald was connected with the Masons and attained the Knight
Templar degree. He was also a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of
Elks and he was one of the organizers of the Yakima Commercial Club, of which
he twice served as president. A republican in politics, he was a delegate to the
national convention at Chicago in 1904 and he put forth every possible effort not
only to promote the success of his party but to advance the welfare and progress of
the community in which he lived. He was keenly interested in war activities and the
governor appointed him a member of the State Council of Defense, making him
chairman of the transportation department. He rendered valuable aid in that con-
nection and suggestions which he made in his official capacity pertaining to the uni-
fication of the railroads of the northwest were considered and to some extent acted
upon by the highest authority. All through the period of the war he was alert to
the issues of the times and he was one of the first Yakima citizens to take an active
part in organizing the war drives, giving himself unsparingly to the work of the
State Council of Defense. He was also greatly interested in the campaign to mduce
thrift among the American people and was county chairman for the War Savmgs
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 13
Stamps drive and organized the campaign to put the war stamps into every home.
His own personal subscriptions to the Liberty Loan and stamp drives were very
large. All who knew Mr. Donald bear testimony to his sterHng worth and pro-
gressiveness in business and his many admirable qualities. He did not have the
extended circle of friends that many claim, but his friends were very close to him
and at all times he held friendship inviolable. His demise occurred on the 4th of
March, 1919.
ALEXANDER E. McCREDY.
Alexander E. McCredy, a banker and capitalist of VVapato and a most progressive
and representative business man of the Yakima valley, comes to this district from
Yamhill county, Oregon, where he was born on the 3d of May, 1868. He is a son
of William A. and Elizabeth B. (Beanian) McCredy, the former a native of Ohio,
while the latter was born in Missouri.
A public school education, acquired by Alexander E. McCredy in his native
state, was supplemented by collegiate training at McMinnville, Oregon, and by a
course in a business college at Portland, Oregon. He then became identified with
live stock interests of Klickitat county, where he remained from 1880 until 1893.
In the latter year he removed to the Yakima valley and here turned his attention to
the sheep and cattle industry. In 1902 he was appointed by Secretary of the In-
terior Hitchcock as Indian post trader at Simcoe, which was later named VVapato
and at which point a postoffice was established with Mrs. McCredy as postmistress.
In 1905 Mr. McCredy laid out the townsite of Wapato. since which time he has
been closely associated with the development and progress of the district. On the
9th of April, 1906, he established the Wapato State Bank, which was nationalized on
the 19th of May, 1908, as the First National Bank. He has remained at the head
of the institution as president since its inception, bending his efforts to administrative
direction and executive control. This is but one feature of his business, however,
for he is identified with many activities. It was Mr. McCredy who established tli'c
Post Traders Store, now conducted under the name of the Hub Mercantile Com-
pany and of which he remained treasurer until 1916. His efforts in behalf of Wapato
have been far-reaching and beneficial. He began the development of the townsite on
an eighty-acre tract by a special act of congress and later another eighty acres was
added the following year. Mr. McCredy purchased the land and organized the
Wapato Development Company, of which he has since been the secretary and
treasurer. Good lots were sold at from one hundred to five hundred dollars and
some of these lots that brought five hundred dollars in the beginning have ad-
vanced in price to fifteen hundred dollars. He became one of the organizers of the
Yakima Trust Company and figures prominently in financial as well as in real estate
and commercial circles. .A considerable portion of his landed possessions he is
carefully cultivating, and his home at Wapato is one of the most beautiful in the
valley.
In 1900 Mr. McCredy was married to Miss -Mice Barge, a native of Illinois but a
resident of Yakima at the time of her marriage. She is a daughter of Professor B.
F. Barge, who was the first president of the State Normal School at Ellensburg.
Mr. McCredy is a charter member of Wapato Lodge, A. F. & A. M., and has
taken the Scottish Rite degrees, while of Afifi Temple of the Mystic Shrine he is a
life member. He has also passed through the York Rite, being identified with
Yakima Chapter, No. 21, R. A. M., and Yakima Commandery, No. 13, K. T., going
up in the first classes in each organization. He is likewise a life member of the Elks
Lodge No. 318 of Yakima and he belongs to the Yakima Country Club. His political
endorsement is given to the republican party. His activities have covered a wide
scope. Opportunities which others have passed heedlessly by he has recognized
and developed and his labors have been a most potent force in bringing about desired
results. Any one meeting Mr. McCredy face to face would know at once that he
is an individual embodying all the elements of what in this country we term a
"square" man — one in whom to have confidence, a dependable man in any relation
14 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
and any emergency. His quietude of deportment, his easy dignity, his frankness
and cordiality, with a total absence of anything sinister or anything to conceal,
foretoken a man who is ready to meet any obligation of life with the confidence and
courage that come of conscious personal ability, right conception of things and an
habitual regard for what is best in the exercise of human activity.
CHARLES R. DONOVAN.
For almost a quarter of a century Charles R. Donovan has been identified with
financial interests in Yakima, first in connection with public service and later as a
representative of banking interests. In July, 1900, he entered into relations with the
First National Bank, of which he is now the cashier. Mr. Donovan is of Canadian
birth. He was born in Chatham, Ontario, on the 4th of May, 1869, and is a son of
James and Sarah Donovan. In 1889 the parents removed with their family to
Tacoma, Washington. The father died October 31, 1918, and had engaged in the
bakery business in the east but was living retired at the time of his death. His widow
is still a resident of Tacoma.
' Charles R. Donovan acquired a public school education in his native country
and supplemented it by a course in a collegiate institute. He afterward pursued a
commercial course in Tacoma and thus acquainted himself with modern business
methods. In 1892 he removed to North Yakima and was with the Prosser Falls and
Priest Rapids Irrigation Company until 1894. From 1895 until 1900 he acceptably
and creditably filled the position of deputy county treasurer and it was his record in
that connection that secured him a position in the First National Bank, which he
entered in July, 1900. Steadily working his way upward in that institution, .he was
elected its cashier on the 10th of July, 1912, and has since served in that capacity.
He is alert, energetic and progressive and is doing much to further the success of the
bank.
On the 3d of May. 1899. Mr. Donovan was married to Miss Anna M. Ditter, a
daughter of Henry and Katherine Ditter. Their children are: Mary; Anna; Agnes;
Katherine, deceased; Ursula; Charles J.; and Alfred. The religious faith of the fam-
ily is that of the Catholic church and Mr. Donovan is identified with the Knights of
Columbus, the Catholic Order of Foresters and the Knights of The Maccabees. In
politics he maintains an independent course, voting according to the dictates of his
judgment with little regard to party ties. He has served as city treasurer of Yakima
for ten years, filling the position until the cotnmission form of government was
adopted, and his military service covers connection with the Washington National
Guard. He is a typical resident of the northwest, ever watchful of opportunities
pointing to progress along the lines of benefit for the individual and for the com
munity.
JOHN S. GABBARD.
While one of the more recent arrivals in Cowiche, John S. Gabbard has already
made for himself a creditable place as a successful ranchman. He was born in
Owsley county, Kentucky. November 24, 1887, a son of Michael and Mary A. (Man-
gan) Gabbard, the former a native of Kentucky, while the latter was born in Jones-
borough, Ireland. The father was a son of Isaac Gabbard, who was a pioneer set-
tler of Kentucky and who had five sons who served in the Union army. The family
came of German ancestry and has figured very prominently in connection with public
events in Kentucky. Michael Gabbard devoted his life to general agricultural pur-
suits in Kentucky and after reaching manhood he wedded Mary A. Mangan, a
daughter of Hugh and Ann (McKinley) Mangan. The McKinleys came from Jones-
borough. Ireland, and the father of President McKinley came from the same place.
Hugh Mangan, the grandfather of Mr. Gabbard of this review, started for California
in 1849, attracted by the discovery of gold on the Pacific slope, but was never heard
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY IS
frnm again. His daughter, Mrs. Gabbard, is still living and now makes her home
with her son in Yakima count}'.
John S. Gabbard obtained a public school education in his native state and con-
tinued to devote his attention to farming in Kentucky until October, 1917, when he
came to the northwest and purchased forty-one acres of land on Naches Heights.
He is here engaged in raising hay, potatoes, wheat and corn and is meeting with
good success in "the cultivation of his fields. He is also engaged in raising hogs.
On the 28th of April, 1911, Mr. Gabbard was married to Miss Laura B. Ever-
sole, a native of Kentucky and a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John C. Eversole, who
were farming people of that state. Mr. and Mrs. Gabbard have become parents of
three children: Hugh Mangan, Beulah Marie and Robert Emmett.
The religious faith of the fatnily is that of the Methodist church and to its teach-
ings they loyally adhere, doing all in their power to promote the growth of the
church and extend its influence. In politics Mr. Gabbard is a republican and keeps
well informed on the questions and issues of the day but does not seek nor desire
public office. His aspirations are in other directions. He has already made for
himself a creditable position among the ranchmen of the Cowiche district and the
qualities which he has displayed in the conduct of his business aiifairs argue well for
the future.
F. A. WILLIAMS.
F. A. Williams, a banker and capitalist residing at Toppenish, was born in Wa-
basha county. Minnesota, in 1860. a son of Zachariah and Ann (Elsey) Williams, both
of whom were natives of England, whence they came to the new world when young
people. They were pioneer settlers of Minnesota, removing with ox teams to that
state about the year 1840. and for a considerable period they were closely identified
with the development and upbuilding of Wabasha county. The father has now passed
away, but the mother is still living in Spokane at the advanced age of eighty-eight
years. She is a most wonderfully preserved woman for one of her age, her intel-
lectual faculties remaining unimpaired and she keeps in close touch with the hap-
penings of the day.
F. A. Williams acquired a public school education in his native state and started
upon his business career as an employe in a mercantile establishment. The year
1884 witnessed his arrival in Washington, at which time he located in Ellensburg
and there embarked in business, organizing the Williams-Smithson Company, a hard-
ware concern. In later years he has extended his activities into various other fields.
He came to Toppenish in 1898 and on the 1st of -August of that year organized the
Toppenish Trading Company, which was incorporated in 1908. In the latter year
they removed to a new location, having a building one hundred and forty by one
hundred and ten feet. It is two stories and basement in height and theirs is the old-
est mercantile establishment of the city. Mr. Williams started the business under a
government license, his being the only store allowed in Toppenish at that time. He
has always conducted a department store, carrying all lines of merchandise, and as
the years have passed on the trade of the house has constantly grown. At the time
the Imsincss was started Mr. Williams did inost of the shipping of the produce
raised in this section. Land was leased to white people for the first time in the 3'ear
in which Mr. Williams took up his abode in Toppenish. He became the pioneer
merchant of the town and with the development and upbuilding of the city has been
continuously identified throughout all the intervening years. With the settlement of
the district his trade steadily grew until it has now assumed most gratifying and
extensive proportions. Mr. Williams remains the president of the company, with
Z. Y. Coleman as vice-president and general manager and William McGowan as
secretary and treasurer. The name of Mr. Williams has long been synonymous
with most progressive mercantile interests yet he has not confined his attention to
this field of activity alone. He has been the president of the first National Bank
of Toppenisli since it was organized and he is also a director of the First X'ational
Bank of Zillah. He is likewise a director of the Traders' State Bank of Toppenish
16 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
and is tlioroughly familiar with every phase of the banking business and with many
problems that are continually arising in connection with banking interests. He is
the owner of a fine orchard of eighty acres and he also has one thousand acres de-
voted to diversified farming. It is to his agricultural interests that he is now devot-
ing most of his time and attention. Mr. Williams purchased the second tract of land
that was sold by the government off the Yakima reservation and all of his land is
on the reservation near Toppenish. He farms altogether fifteen hundred acres and
is therefore classed with the leading agriculturists of the state. He has likewise ven-
tured into the newspaper field and is now the owner of both papers of Toppenish —
the Toppenish Review and the Toppenish Tribune.
In 1887 Mr. Williams was married to Miss Clara Lynch, a daughter of Samuel
Lynch and a sister of J. Lynch, the former Indian agent. Mrs. Williams passed away
in 1898, leaving a son Paul, who is now a student in the University of Washington.
In his fraternal connections Mr. Williams is an Elk, belonging to Lodge No. 318
of Yakima. His political endorsement is given to the republican party and he is a
most loyal citizen who is now putting all of his investments into Liberty Bonds. He
cooperates in every possible way in the support of the government in this crisis .in
the world's history and his aid and influence are always given on the side of those
projects which are a matter of civic worth. His business career cannot fail to elicit
admiration and praise from those who know aught of his history. Starting out in
life without any particular advantages, he early came to a realization of the fact
that industry is the sure foundation upon which to build success. He early learned
that success is as a will-o'-the-wisp before the dreamer but surrenders its treasures
to the man of resolute spirit and determination. Another fact of which he early
became cognizant was that honesty is the best policy and thus he has combined
industry and integrity in his career to the attainment of results and position which
are most enviable.
HENRY BLATCHFORD SCUDDER.
The name of Henry Blatchford Scudder is inseparably interwoven with the
record of Yakima. He took the initial step in many works of progress in the com-
munity and always stood for advancement and improvement. He figured promi-
nently in agricultural and financial-circles and was ever recognized as a high type of
.A.merican manhood and chivalry. He was born in Brookline, Massachusetts, June
18, 1844, a son of Charles William and .Alicia Harriet (Blatchford) Scudder. the latter
being a daughter of Henry Blatchford, who was a minister of the Presbyterian
church. The Scudder ancestral line is traced down from John Scudder of Barnstable,
Massachusetts. Born in England in 1619, he in 1635, came from London to America,
and located first at Charlestown, Massachusetts: in 1640 he moved to Barnstable,
Massachusetts, the home of his descendants. The Blatchfords were also of an old
colonial family that settled in New York, and one of the well known representatives
of this family was Judge Blatchford, a distinguished jurist. The line is traced back
to the Rev. Samuel Blatchford, of England, and his son, the Rev. Henry Blatchford,
was the father of Alicia Harriet Blatchford, who became the wife of Charles William
Scudder. For many years the parents of Mr. Scudder were prominent and well
known residents of Brookline, Massachusetts, where they remained until called to
their final rest.
Henry Blatchford Scudder was a pupil in the Latin School of Boston under the
Rev. Phillips Brooks. He afterward continued his education in the Phillips Acad-
emy at Andover, Massachusetts, and in Williams College. Following the outbreak of
the Civil war he responded to the country's call for troops and enlisted as a member
of Company A, Forty-fifth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, and while on active
duty at the front was wounded in the head. He remained with his regiment, how-
ever, until the close of the war. When the country no longer needed his military aid
he returned to the north and secured employment in the Middlesex (Mass.) mills,
and working his way upward in that connection became manager of the woolen mills
operated under the name of the Dudley Hosiery Mills. Subsequently he returned to
HENRY B. SCT'DDER
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 19
Brookline, Massachusetts, where he owned the Allston Mills, near Boston, on what
is now Commonwealth avenue. Eventually he sold out his business there and in
April, 1888, came to Yakima with his family. In December, 1887, in association with
C. E. Hubbard, of Boston, he had invested in farm lands, purchasing six hundred
acres on the Moxee four miles east of Yakima, and from that time until his death
was identified with the most progressive measures leading to the substantial devel-
opment and improvement of this section of the state.' Before leaving the east he
shipped some Holstein cattle to the Yakima valley, which were the first to be brought
to this part of the country for dairy purposes. He assisted in putting down the first
artesian well in Yakima county. He had one of the best dairies in the state, conducted
along the most scientific lines, and his business reached extensive proportions. About
1893 he opened a real estate office in Yakima which since his death has been con-
ducted by his son-in-law, C, A. Marsh. In that connection he built up a business of
large extent, negotiating many important realty transfers which led to the upbuilding
of the city as well as to the promotion of his individual prosperity. Mr. Scudder
was also one of those who developed the electric railway and the heating plant at
Yakima and for many years he served as a director of the First National Bank. He
erected the Barnes-Woodin building and there seemed to be no line of beneficial
activity in Yakima with which he was not more or less closely associated.
On the 21st of .April, 1866, Mr. Scudder w^as united in marriage to Julia Randolph
Perry, who comes of an ancestry equally honored and distinguished as his own. She
is a daughter of Oliver Hazard and Elizabeth Anne (Randolph) Perry, the former a
son of Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, the hero of the battle of Lake Erie. They
were residents of Newport- Rhode Island, and the father of Mrs. Scudder served as
a lieutenant in the United States navy until 1847, when he turned his attention to the
woolen manufacturing business, becoming one of the prominent manufacturers of
New England. He was descended from Edward Perry, who came to America in
1650 and was of Quaker faith and a man of prominence in the new world. Freeman
Perry served in the Revolutionary war and was assistant secretary of state of Rhode
Island, while Christopher Champlain, a relative of his wife, also aided in the struggle
for American independence. Captain Christopher Raymond Perry, father of Com-
modore Oliver H. Perry, served on a man-of-war from 1780 until 1783. Commodore
Oliver Hazard Perry, who was born in 178S and died in 1819, was a naval com-
mander in the War of 1812, whose laconic message, "We have met the enemy and
they are ours," has gone down in history. He was the father of Oliver Hazard Perry,
who was born in 1815 and passed away in 1878. True to the record of his ancestors,
he, too, responded to the call of his country for military aid and was a veteran of
the Mexican war. He married Elizabeth Anne Randolph, a descendant of William
Randolph, of Yorkshire, England, who wedded Mary Isham and on coming to
."America settled at Turkey Island, Virginia, since which time the name of Randolph
has been closely associated with the history of the south. Peyton Randolph, of
Milton, Virginia, wedded Lucy Harrison, a daughter of Governor Harrison of Bran-
don, and their son, Richard Kidder Randolph, became the father of Elizabeth Anne
Randolph, who married Oliver Hazard Perry.
The children of Mr. and Mrs. Scudder were as follows: Mary Mosley, who died
in December, 1913; Marshall Sears, who served with the rank of captain in the
Spanish-.\merican war and is now a captain in the Three Hundred and Sixty-first
Regiment of the Ninety-first Division, on active duty in France; .Alice Blatchford;
Anne Randolph; Lucy Randolph; Bessie Perry; and Randolph Perry, a commander
in the United States navy.
In his political views Mr. Scudder was a stalwart republican but always refused
office. He took a most active interest in public affairs, however, and gave his earnest
support to all measures and movements for the general good. His cooperation could
at all times be counted upon to further any plan for public progress along material,
intellectual and moral lines. He passed away July 20, 1917, and in his death Yakima
lost one of her most valued citizens. He had not only been closely associated, with
her material development but with her moral progress as well. He was one of those
who established the Episcopal church of Yakima, for which Edward Potter, brother
of Bishop Potter, of New York, drew the plans, and the communion service for the
church was given by the Rev. Leonard K, Storrs, of Brookline, Massachusetts. Mr.
20 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
Scudder was a most aetive. earnest and helpful worker in the church as the years
passed b\' and for a long period served as senior warden. It is not difficult to speak
of him, for his life and his character were as clear as the sunlight. No man came
in contact with him but speedily appreciated him at his true worth and knew that he
was a man who cherished not only a high ideal of duty but who lived up to it. He
was not an idle sentimentalist but a worker. He was at the head of large business
interests, which he managed successfully, yet it was his rule to set apart some
time each day for the labors of love to which he was so devoted.
CYRUS E. SANDERSON.
One of the prominent orchardists and farmers of the Yakima valley is Cyrus E.
Sanderson, owner of a valuable and highly improved property which is the visible
evidence of his well directed energy, thrift and progressive spirit. Mr. Sanderson
was born in . Jacksonville. Illinois. January 26, 1861. his parents being Cyrus and
Charlotte Sanderson, both of whom have passed away. The father w-as a cabinet-
maker by trade. He was born in Maysville, Kentucky, and in young manhood went
to Illinois, where he met and married Charlotte D. Alosley, whose birth occurred in
Ogdensburg, Xew York.
Cyrus E. Sanderson obtained a business college education and afterward entered
a grocery store in Jacksonville, Illinois, as a clerk. Subsequently he was connected
with a shoe store and in 1887 he removed to Lincoln, Nebraska, where he again
engaged in clerking. In 1890 he established business on his own account in Lin-
coln, forming a partnership in the shoe trade. There he remained until 1909, when
he sold out and went to Europe, where he continued for a year. The following year
was spent in Cuba and in 1912 he arrived in Yakima, since which time he has been
identified with the development and progress of this section of the state along
agricultural and horticultural lines. He and his brother, Henry Sanderson, pur-
chased thirty acres of orchard and incorporated their interests under the name of
Sanderson Brothers. In 1913 they built their residence, having one of the finest in
the valley. There is a beautiful fountain, on the grounds and they have twenty-
five acres planted to apples and five acres to pears. They have a fine frostproof
dry storage plant and packing house with a capacity for ten thousand boxes of fruit
and their orchards yield twelve thousand boxes of apples per year. They have
closely studied to develop their orchards by planting the fruits best adapted to soil
and climate and they produce some of the finest fruit that is sent from Washington
to the east. Mr. Sanderson, was one of the organizers of the Yakima Fruit Growers'
Exchange and served as its president for several years. This later was merged into
the Yakima County Horticultural Union. He also assisted in organizing the Fruit
Growers' Exchange, which has since passed out of existence. He has taken a most
helpful part iu organizing the fruit growers in order to fully protect their interests
in the northwest and devoted about three years of his life to that work.
On the 5th of April, 1891, C. E. Sanderson was united in marriage to Miss
Jennie Marine, a native of Muncie, Indiana. They are members of the Methodist
church and he is identified with the Modern Woodmen of America, the Royal Ar-
canum, and a number of other orders. In politics he is an independent republican,
for while he usually supports the principles of the republican party, he does not
consider himself bound by party ties and casts his ballot according to the dictates
of his judgment.
HENRY SANDERSON.
Henry Sanderson, a partner of his brother, Cyrus E. Sanderson, in extensive
and important fruit raising interests in the Yakima valley, was born in Jacksonville,
Illinois. December 29, 1866. He is a high school graduate and after his school days
were over he became actively engaged in the shoe trade in connection with his
HISTORY OF YAKIMA WXLLEY 21
brother, C. E. Sanderson, whose sketch is given above. Together they came to
Yakima in 1912 and purchased land, since which time they have carried on an ex-
tensive and protitable liusiness as orchardists. They erected a ' commodious and
beautiful double residence upon their land and they are concentrating their efforts
upon the further development and care of their orchards.
On the 21st of November, 1888, Henry Sanderson was married to Miss Lillie
G. Smith, of St. Louis, Missouri. He. too, is a member of the Modern Woodmen of
America and also ri( the Royal Highlanders, the Royal Arcanum and the Fraternal
Union. His religious faith is indicated by his connection with the Presliyterian
church and in politics he maintains an independent course. The Sanderson family
have long been personal friends of William Jennings Bryan and his family, with
whom they became acquainted during their residence in Jacksonville, Illinois. The
Sanderson brothers occupy an enviable position in the business circles of the
Yakima valley, for they are actuated in all that they undertake by a spirit of enter-
prise that never stops short of the successful accomplishment of their purpose, and
the methods which they have ever pursued are those which measure up to the high-
est standards of integrity and reliability.
HON. GARRISON W. HAMILTON.
The legal fraternity of Benton county is prominently represented in Hon. Gar-
rison W. Hamilton, who since 1905 has practiced in Prosser, Washington. Thorough
study at one of the best known law schools of the country and long experience are
the foundation stones upon which his reputation has been erected. He now has a
large clientage in Prosser ^nd vicinity and stands high in the regard of the public,
in the estimation of his professional confreres and before the courts. He was born
in Lewisville, Ohio, March 26, 1854, his parents being Jacob H. and Maria (Robin-
son) Hamilton, both of whom passed away in Ohio, where the father followed agri-
cultural pursuits throughout his life with considerable success.
Garrison W. Hamilton was reared under the parental roof and in the acquire-
ment of his primary education attended the schools of the neighborhood and other
institutions in order to prepare himself for college. Entering Mount L'nion College,
he was graduated from that institution in the. class of 1877 with the degree of Ph.
B. Having surveyed the various careers open to a young man in business or pro-
fessional life,' he decided on the profession of the law as best suited to his tastes
and inclinations and for that purpose entered the Law School of Cincinnati, from
which he was graduated in 1880. He then located for practice at Woodsfield, Ohio,
and there continued for twenty-two years, building up a reputation for ability, re-
liability and trustworthiness. The far west always having held attractions for him,
he decided to come to Washington, selecting as his field or labor Spokane, where
he maintained an office for about three years. Then perceiving a field or greater
possibilities in the newly opened Yakima valley, he came to Prosser in 1905 and has
remained here ever since. His practice is of an important character and he has been
connected with many of the better known cases which have come up before the
courts of this district. On account of his ability he has naturally risen, so that today
he is numbered among the most prominent lawyers of Yakima county. His legal
learning, his analytical mind and the readiness with which he grasps the points in
an argument, all combine to make him one of the best lawyers before the courts.
Besides Mr. Hamilton is well versed in legal precedence and ably builds up his cause
upon his knowledge.
In 1885 Mr. Hamilton wedded Miss Emma Bircher, of Summerfield, Ohio, and
to this union were born three children. Dr. B. J. Hamilton, a graduate of the Chicago
College of Medicine, is a well known physician of Detroit, Michigan, where he enjoys
a large practice. Flora J. is the wife of J. Kelly De Priest, of Prosser; and they are
the parents of one child. Miss Marie Hamilton, the youngest of the family, is at
home. In 1910 the family circle was broken by the hand of death when Mrs. Hamil-
ton passed away. On April 27, 1912, Mr. Hamilton was again married, his second
union being with Nellie J. Lundquist, of Prosser, and they have a son. Orris Lee.
22 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
They are popular in the social life of their city and maintain a hospitable fireside
for their many friends. , , ,
In his political affiliations Mr. Hamilton is a democrat and has been auite active
in party ranks not only locally but also as far as the state at large is concerned. Dur-
ing the term of 1906-7 he served in the state legislature, making his opinion felt upon
the floor of the house and in committee rooms and well representing the interests of
his constituents. He is now prosecuting attorney of Benton county. While in Ohio
he served as judge of the probate court of Monroe county for six years, his continu-
ance in office indicating the confidence his constituents had in his ability, fairness and
impartiality Mr. Hamilton is a member of the Benton County and State Bar Asso-
ciations and takes an active part in their proceedings. Fraternally he is a member of
the Masonic order, belonging to the blue lodge in Prosser, and also is a hfe member
of Zanesville (Ohio) lodge No. 14, B. P. O. E. He has always taken a deep interest
in the development and progress of his city and the Yakima Valley and has ever been
ready to lend his ability and means to worthy projects. He owns an excellent farm
property near Prosser, which he has developed from the sagebrush and which yields
a gratifying addition to Jiis income. He takes great pride in this farm, which largely
through' his own labors and own ideas has been created out of the wilderness.
DAVID LONGMIRE.
\mong- the earliest and most honored pioneers of the Yakima vall^- is David
Longmire\'ho during his long connection with agricultural interests here has greatly
contributed toward the development and upbuilding of the district and whose career
has indeed been an unusual one, for it reaches back to the days of the Indians, and
he experienced all of those hardships which were connected with the early days of
frontier life For nearlv fifty years he has been a resident of Yakima county and is
therefore thoroughly familiar with the history of the valley from its primitive condi-
tion to its present-day progress. o , r, , .
\ native of Fountain county, Indiana. Mr. Longmire was born May i>, 1M4,
a son of James and Susan (Neisley) Longmire. The father, a native of Indiana, was
born March 17. 1820, a son of George Longmire, who was a native of Georgia The
latter was one of the early pioneers of Indiana and participated in the War of Ibl-,
taking part in that conflict under General Harrison. Later the family removed to
Illinois where the grandfather died on the 6th of Januaiy, 1868. Throughout his life
he had' followed the occupation of farming. James Longmire largely spent his boy-
hood in Indiana, but on the 6th of March, 1853, decided to take his chances in the
newer country of the west and by the water route proceeded to St. Joseph. Missouri.
There he bought ox teams and by that mode of travel came to Washington. Septem-
ber 20, 1853, marked the date of his arrival at Wenas creek, m the \akima valley.
Mr Longmire of this review, who was then a boy of nine years, accompanied his
parents on this hazardous trip and he still remembers the time when he went
through Omaha, or rather passed the site upon which now stands Omaha before a
house was built thereon. The Missouri river was crossed near Council Bluffs on a
steamboat which was run by a half-breed Indian called Bar Pee. On the \\ enas
they made their camp and the Longmire train was the first to camp in this valley
and theirs were the first wagons ever to come into Benton, or what is now \ akima
countv. which was then not organized. Breaking camp, they went on to the Puget
Sound, arriving there on the 10th of October, 1853. Theirs was the first wagon train
to cross the Cascades and also the first to cross the Columbia river at another place
than The Dalles, which was the regular crossing. From the Wenas they went up the
Naches and over the Cascades and as there was no road the journey was fraught
with hardships and difficulties, yet they succeeded in making it in less than a montn.
Subsequently the father engaged m the cattle business at Yelm Praine, in Thurston
county However, his business pursuits were often interrupted by calls to arm on
account of Indian uprisings and he participated in the Indian wars of 1855 and iSsO
Few were the settlers in that district but the Longmires did not lose hope but on
■ the contrary vigorously took up the work of colonization and built a home. the
DAVID LONGMIRE
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 25
father, a man of more than ordinary intelligence and purpose, readily participated in
public affairs and represented Thurston county in the territorial legislature in 1857
and later in 1865 he drew up the bill for the organization of Yakima county, although
it was presented for passage by the representative from Klickitat county. As his
prosperity increased James Longmire acquired much land in Yakima county on the
Wenas. thus becoming a prosperous and substantial citizen, and it was he who located
the famous Longmire Springs at Paradise valley, in the neighborhood of Mount
Rainier. In fact he and "Uncle Billy" Packwood were early explorers of the Mount
Rainier country. In 1883 the father started a hostelry at Longmire Springs, which
then was the farthest point to the northwest which could be reached by an estab-
lished trail. August 16, 1883, was a remarkable day in his career, for it was on that
date that James Longmire made the ascent and reached the top of Mount Rainier.
It was, upon this trip that they found the well-known springs and shortly thereafter
they started to build a two-log house there, which was completed in the fall. The
proprietary rights to the springs are still vested in the family and these springs are
now known all over the world, a fine hotel having been erected there. As above in-
dicated, the father was very active in public affairs and through his incessant and
energetic labor and prophetic vision foresaw and anticipated many things which he
tried to turn into realities to the profit of a later generation. For many terms he sat
in the territorial legislature, thus devoting time and effort to the general cause of
civilization. He was a democrat in his political affiliations and loyally upheld the
principles of that party. His death occurred September 12. 1897, and in him the
state of Washington lost one of its foremost citizens, who blazed the trail for those
who came after him and helped to plant the seeds of civilization under conditions
which would have tried the most resolute man. However, Mr. Longmire steeled
himself against vicissitudes, and having complete faith in the future of the common-
wealth, went ahead with his projects unerringly and unceasingly until success
crowned his labors. The mother of our subject had passed away four days before
the western trip was undertaken, but in 1848 the father had married Virindia
Taylor, of Indiana, who has also since passed away. She was a daughter of Jacob
and Xancy Taylor. In the father's family were eleven children, of whom David
Longmire of this review was the second in order of birth. The eldest in the family
was Elcaine Longmire. who for many years successfully engaged in ranching at
Longmire Springs and passed away Jime 21, 1915. The third in order of birth was
Tillatha, who married Robert Kandle, now living retired in Yakima, Washington.
John A. Longmire is a rancher of Thurston county, this state. Laura Ann married
Charles Longmire, of Yakima. Melissa was the wife of L. N. Rice and they resided
on the old homestead in Thurston county. She is now deceased. Martha married
Joseph Conine, a resident of Thurston county, who about ten years ago was a mem-
ber of the legislature. Mrs. Conine has passed away. Robert is sheriff of Pierce
county. Washington. Frank, the next in order of birth, is deputy sheriff of the
same county. George is engaged in ranching in the Wenas valley in Yakima county.
The eleventh of the family, James William, died at the age of fourteen years.
David Longmire spent his early boyhood days under the parental roof in Indiana
and in that state he began his education by attending school in a log schoolhouse.
He was nine years of age when removal was made to this state and here he con-
tinued his education in Olympia. attending school there from 1855 until 1857. while
his father was a member of the territorial legislature. In 1858 he went to school
at Chambers Prairie, but in 1859 Mr. Longmire, Sr., succeeded in having a log school-
house established near his ranch and David Longmire completed his education there.
L'pon laying aside his textbooks he continued along agricultural lines with his father
in Thurston county but in 1871 removed to Yakima county, where he preempted land
on the Wenas. It was during these days that the Indians were yet very troublesome
and often attacked the white men, looking upon them as intruders. Many are the
experiences which Mr. Longmire is able to recount relative to this period and in this
connection it may be mentioned that he was in that party which went forth to cap-
ture and punish those Indians who had so treacherously murdered the Perkins fam-
ily. Of this record he may well be proud, as he assisted in bringing to justice some
of the most desperate and degenerate characters among the red men and thereby
aided in teaching a lesson which did much toward making conditions less dangerous
26 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
for the white settlers. Later Mr. Longmire took up a homestead and it is upon this
property that he now resides. Forceful and resourceful, he has ever followed pro-
gressive methods and has made his farm one of the most valuable in the neighbor-
hood, erecting suitable and commodious barns, building a fine residence and institut-
ing other facilities and equipment which denote twentieth century development in
agricultural lines. As his income increased he acciuired more land until he now owns
four hundred and eighty acres of irrigated land as well as several thousand Acres of
range land. In later years, however, he has given much of this property to his
children, in fact he has built seven fine farm homes tor them and his family still
lives near the old home place. It was in 1883 that Mr. Longmire built a fine resi-
dence on the Wenas which then was one of the most pretentious in the Yakima val-
ley and still remains as one of the landmarks here. In order to build this house he
had to send to Tumwater, by way of Olympia. for sash and doors, the difficulties
besetting the early home-builder being more readily understood if it is recalled
that no railroads then existed. Besides general agricultural pursuits, Mr. Longmire
has also given much attention to live stock and has become one of the large stock
raisers of the valley. Moreover, he was one of the first orchardists here, planting
his first orchard in 1872. .\lthough he thus gave great impetus to an industry that
is now very important to the valley and proved the suitability of climate and soil
for that purpose, he never went into orchardizing commercially.
On the 12th of September, 1869, David Longmire was united in marriage to
Elizabeth Pollard, of Thurston county, Washington, a daughter of A^a and Tillatha
(Taylor) Pollard, who in 1864 came by ox team to Washington from Iowa, taking
up their abode in Thurston county and being numbered among the pioneer settlers
of this state. After nineteen years of happy married life Mrs. Longmire passed away
November 16, 1888, and on the 23d of December, 1890, Mr. Longmire married Mrs.
Lizzie ( Lotz) Treat, a daughter of George and Katherine Lotz, natives of Germany.
Mr. Lotz came to Washington in 1851, during the early days in pioneering, his wife
following him in 18SS, for they had been married in Germany previous to that time.
She brought with her her three children, one of whom died while she was en route.
Mr. Lotz was a cabinetmaker by trade but he turned his attention to farming after
coming to this state, locating in Thurston county. There he died in 1895, being sur-
vived by his widow until 1901. To the first marriage of Mr. Longmire were -born the
following children: Alice, who married A. J. Lotz, a successful rancher of the Wenas
valley, by whom she has five children, of whom four are daughters: Asa and Walter,
both of whom died in infancy; Martha, who married C. C. Porter, a rancher on the
Tieton, by whom she has two sons and five daughters: Burnetta, tlie wife of B. F.
Small, a rancher of the Wenas valley, by whom she has a son. Clarence: David E.,
also engaged in ranching in the Wenas valley and who is mentioned more exten-
sively on other pages of this work; George B., who is ranching in the Wenas valley
and is married and has two daughters; and James Guy, who is a rancher in the same
locality and is married and has one child. Of the second marriage of Mr. Longmire
was born a son, Roy Bryan, who is in the L'nited States army. He is married and
has a son, Donald Roy, three years of age. Mrs. Lizzie Longmire had three children
by her marriage to Mr. Treat. A. E. Treat, the eldest, is a rancher residing near
Wapato with his wife and daughter. Harvey C. a resident of Tacoma, is also mar-
ried and has two children. The other, Oliver R. Treat, died at the age of eighteen
months.
Mr. and Mrs. Longmire enjoy the highest regard and esteem in their neighbor-
hood and in fact throughout the Yakima valley, where they are widely known. Both
being members of distinguished pioneer families, their lives have been closely con-
nected with the growth which has made this valley one of the most prosperous in the
state. They are members of the Christian church, in the work of which they are
actively and helpfully interested.
-'Mong political lines Mr. Longmire is a democrat and follows the party's lead
as far as national politics are concerned, but in local affairs prefers to give his sup-
port to the man whom he considers best fitted to the office to which he aspires, irre-
spective of party affiliation. He has ever been deeply interested in public issues and
in fact has promoted numerous measures which have proven of great benefit to the
general public. He has served as justice of the peace, ever dispensing fair and impar-
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 27
tial judgments, and twice has held the position of county commissioner, doing every-
thing in his power to make Yakima county one of the best governed within the state.
Many are the projects which he has promoted in order to bring his county to the
front by instituting public improvements which would be of benefit to the county
along material as well as ideal lines. Fraternally Mr. Longmire is a Mason, having
been a member of the blue lodge since 1883, and the principles which underlie this
organization have guided him in his conduct toward his fellowmen. There is nothing
surprising in the success which he has achieved as it is the outcome of energy and
industry, applied to opportunities which were within the reach of all those who
came here as pioneers, yet he has shown besides these qualities the foresight which
IS necessary in launching enterprises of the right kind at the right time and place
and the conviction of being on the right road and thus bringing them to a satisfactory
end. He stands today as one of the most prosperous and substantial citizens, and
looking back in retrospect to the days of the Indians, he has the satisfaction of feel-
ing that he has had a great part in bringing about the prosperous conditions which
now prevail.
FREDERICK A. WUSSOW.
Frederick .A. Wussow, whose ranch of forty acres in the Cowiche valley is devoted
to fruit raising and to the production of hay and garden products, was born in Mil-
waukee, Wisconsin, .\ugust 4, 1880, a son of Frederick and Emma (Hahm) Wussow,
who were pioneer settlers of Milwaukee, where the father engaged in the livery and
undertaking business for a number of years. His parents were also numbered among
the early residents of that state. Frederick Wussow, Sr., is still a resident of Mil-
waukee, but his wife has passed away.
I'^-ederick A. Wussow acquired a public school education in his native city and
afterward took up the trade of horseshoeing, developing expert skill and ability in that
connection. He had a blacksmith sliop at Burlington, Wisconsin, and afterward at
Milwaukee. In 1909 he came to Yakima and purchased twenty acres of land in the
Cowiche valley, to which he afterward added by purchase until he became the owner
of a forty-acre tract. He now has twenty-eight acres planted to orchards, largely
raising apples and pears, while the remaining twelve acres is devoted to the produc-
tion of hay and garden products. He has built a fine home upon his place and the
improvements which he has put thereon and the manner in which he has cultivated his
land have greatly enhanced its value as well as its fertility. Since coming to the west
he has also conducted a blacksmith shop in Yakima, where he carried on business for
four years and was recognized as an expert horseshoer.
On the 6th of October, 1906, Mr. Wussow was married to Miss Hulda Hafmeister.
who was born in Milwaukee, a daughter of William Hafmeister.
Mr. Wussow has an interesting war record inasmuch as he is a veteran of the
Spanish-.'Vmerican war. He enlisted in the Third LTnited States Regiment at the time
of the difficulty with Spain and he served in the campaign against the Chippewa
Indians in Minnesota in 1898. Fraternally he is connected with the Knights of Pythias
and the Fraternal Order of Eagles. His religious faith is that of the Lutheran church
and politically he maintains an independent course. His life has not been marked by
any spectacular events but his course has been that of a substantial citizen who is
progressive and enterprising in business and loyal to the best public interests.
WILLIAM F. MORGAN'.
William F. Morgan, actively and successfully identified with the farming interests
of the Yakima valley, was born in Warrensburg, Missouri, on the 6th of June, 1871, a
son of Robert S. and Minerva (Mason) Morgan. The father was born in Pennsyl-
vania and at the time of the Civil war responded to the country's call for troops, en-
listing in the Tenth Missouri Infantry, witli which he served from 1861 until 1864, and
(2)
28 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
during that period he was wounded. His wife was born in Missouri and for a number
of years they resided in that state. In the spring of 1886 they came to the Yakima
valley, where Mr. Morgan purchased a homestead right from "Doc" Morris, securing
one hundred and sixty acres of land, constituting the northwest quarter of section 21.
it was all sagebrush and dry land without irrigation when it came into his posses-
sion. With characteristic energy he began its development and improvement and he
was very active in establishing irrigation in this section of the state. He put in a mile
extension of the Hubbard ditch, covering twelve acres of his land, and thereon he
engaged in gardening. He also followed the carpenter's trade in Yakima and through
carrying on both occupations made a good living. Later the Congdon ditch was built
and all of his farm was thus watered. About 1890 he started a small orchard, to which
he furnished water by a w'indmill. After the ditch was completed the orchard was
extended, fruit trees being planted which soon came into bearing and gave another
proof of the fact that the soil was admirably adapted to horticulture. Robert S.
Morgan became the pioneer commission man of Y'akima, selling not only his own
produce but that of his neighbors and finding a market for the Yakima produce in the
mining districts of the Cascades. He built the first produce warehouse in Yakima
and continued actively in the business to the time of his death. He also shipped the
first alfalfa from the Yakima valley, sending it to the coast. Mr. Morgan remained an
honored, valued and respected citizen of Yakima until called to his final rest on the
10th of August, 1909. He is survived by his wife, who yet makes her home on the old
home ranch. They had a family of ten children, nine of whom reached adult age,
while eight are living.
William F. Morgan was the second in order of birth. He acquired a public school
education and was a youth of sixteen years when the family home was established in
the Yakima valley, after which he devoted his time and attention to work upon the
ranch with his father. Later he took charge of the ranch in connection with his brother
Robert and afterward he purchased the southwest forty acres of his father's prop-
erty and cleared and improved the tract. He has since sold ten acres of this and
now ow'ns thirty acres, of which twenty-two acres is planted to orchard, including
apples, pears and cherries. On the remainder he raises some alfalfa and also diver-
sified crops. He has had close association with his father in all of his fruit raising
and his broad experience and wide knowledge are of great value to him in the further
conduct of his business.
On the 8th of February. 1894. Mr. Morgan was married to Miss Anna Dunn, a
daughter of Captain Robert Dunn, one of the pioneers of Yakima county, and their
children are: Mabel, who attended Washington State College at Pullman for two
years; and Harold and Ethel, both of whom are now pursuing a college course.
Mr. Morgan is identified with the ISIodern ^^'oodmen of America and the family
are loyal members of the First Christian church of Yakima. In politics he is a re-
publican and has served as road supervisor, while for five years he was one of the
school directors. For almost a third of a century he has resided in the valley, wit-
nessing the greater part of its development and upbuilding. Associated with his
father he became one of the pioneers in horticulture in this section of the state. His
progressive spirit has led to the attainincnt of most gratifying results and a visit to
his orchards in bearing season is always one of great delight.
JOHN ANDISOX BALMER.
John Andison Balmer has for two years been mayor of Cle Elum and his ad-
ministration of public affairs has been most beneficial to the town. He is perhaps
even more widely known as a florist, for his reputation in this connection has brought
him an extensive acquaintance throughout the northwest. He has the distinction
of being the only florist devoting his attention exclusively to roses in Washington.
A native of Northumberland county, England, he was born on the 10th of April,
1856, a son of Thomas and Margaret (.Andison) Balmer, both of whom passed away
in England, where the father had carried on business as a horticultulist.
John A. Balmer acquired a grammar school education in his native country and
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 29
in 1879, when twenty-three years of age, came to the new world, settling at South
Amboy, New Jersey, where he became orchid grower for George Such, owner of the
finest orchids, pahiis and flowering plants in America at that time. In November,
1879, Mr. Bahner removed to Watcrtown, New York, where he became manager
for Charles Hart, florist- In 1881 he established his home in Pekin, Illinois, where
he began business on his own account as a florist, but the enterprise did not prove
profitable. He then returned to England and while in that country was married.
Not long afterward he once more made his way to the new world and took up his
abode in Danville, Illinois, where he conducted business as a florist for a year and
a half. Later he went to Paris, Illinois, where he again engaged in business as a
florist, and a year later he removed to Vincennes, Indiana, where he resided for
eight and a half years, continuing in the same line. At the end of that time he
was ofTered the position of horticulturist at the Washington State College and
accepted in May, 1894. He held that position until February, 1900, when he removed
to Cle Elum and established a big rose hothouse. He has forty thousand square
feet of glass, with eighteen thousand square feet of actually planted area. His plants
include eighteen thousand rose bushes under glass. He burns over eight hundred
tons of coal per year to keep his greenhouses at an even temperature. He is the
only exclusive rose grower in Washington and is the second largest producer of this
"queen of flowers" in the state. He ships extensively to Butte, Spokane, Seattle,
Tacoma, Grays Harbor and all intermediate points, making daily shipments and
selling almost exclusively to the wholesade trade. He employs four men constantly
besides having additional help from time to time. He has closely studied everything
that has to do with the successful propagation and growing of beautiful roses and
his business is conducted along the most scientific lines. In 1919, owing to a dis-
ease of roses, he temporarily changed to the raising of hothouse tomatoes and ex-
pects to place forty thousand pounds on the market.
On the 28th of October, 1882, Mr. Balmer was united in marriage to Miss Alice
Jane -Atkinson, a daughter of John and Margaret (Scarth) Atkinson, both of whom
have passed away. To Mr. and Mrs. Balmer have been born five children. John
.'\tkinson, who is residing in Tacoma. where he is employed in the shipyards, is mar-
ried and has four sons. The next three children of the familj' died in infancy. Jes-
mond Dean is a lieutenant with the artillery forces in France, having been a student
in the University of Washington up to the time of his enlistment for service with the
American army. He is still in Germany and has been in several engagements, being
gassed twice.
Mr. Balmer and his family are members of the Episcopal church and his politi-
cal allegience is given to the republican party, which elected him to the office of
mayor of Cle Elum in 1916. In this connection he has done most important work.
He has cleaned up the police department and has instituted various needed reforms
and improvements which have resulted greatly to the benefit of the city. He has
also serveil on the school board and was very active in promoting the interests of the
schools- He has been a very successful man in business, a most creditable public
official and is a man of interesting personality whose genuine worth commands for
him the respect, confidence and admiration of all with whom he has been brought in
contact.
CARL P. SUTORIUS.
Carl P. Sutorius is one of the founders of the Sclah Mercantile Company and
as such figures prominently in the commercial circles not only of Selah but of the
valley. In this connecaion, in a period of ten years he has developed a business of
extensive and gratifying proportions. He was a young man of twenty-seven years
when he founded the business, for he was born in Lawrence. Kansas, on the 9th
of February, 1882, a son of Charles -A. and Carrie (WalrufT) Sutorius, the former a
native of Germany, while the latter was born in Kansas and was a daughter of John
WalrufI, who was likewise born in Germany and became one of the pioneer settlers
of the Sunflower state. Charles A. Sutorius arrived in Kansas during his boyhood
30 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
days and was there reared and married. He was a jeweler and watchmaker by trade
and carried, on business along those lines for many j-cars. He has now departed this
life, while his wife resides in Chicago.
Carl P. Sutorius acquired a public school education in Kansas City and during
his youthful days had a newspaper route there. It was in that way that he earned
the money necessary to enable him to continue his course in the Kansas City schools.
He left home when a boy of fifteen years and has since been dependent entirely upon
his own resources and labors. For three years he was employed by the Armour
Packing Company in Kansas City and subsequently removed to Omaha. Nebraska,
where he engaged in the retail sheet music business. Later he went to Minneapolis,
Minnesota, where he successfully conducted business along the same line, and later
he started in the sash and door business in that city. He eventually became a city
salesman and was later with the St. Paul & Tacoma Lumber Company. The year
1905 witnessed his arrival in the northwest, at which time he made his way to Tacoma
and w-as with the same lumber company in that city for five years. He afterward
became purchasing agent and auditor for the yards of the company in the Yakima
valley and was thus engaged until 1909, when, desiring that his labors should more
directly benefit himself, he became one of the organizers of the Selah Mercantile
Company. In this undertaking he was associated with H. R. Blackwell and the
business was established on the 15th of August, 1909, succeeding the Selah Trading
Company, which had been instituted in 1907. The Selah Mercantile Company was
incorporated in 1914 and in 1915 Mr. Blackwell sold his interest to Frank W. Clark,
who was the president of the company and resided in Yakima until his death, Decem-
ber 7. 1918. Mr. Sutorius is the executive treasurer. The company began business
with a stock worth eighteen hundred dollars and had a very small store. Something
of the rapid and substanital growth of their trade is indicated in the fact that they
now carry a stock of general merchandise valued at twenty-five thousand dollars,
dealing in everything that a rancher needs. The growth of their business is due to
their thoroughly reliable methods, their enterprise and their earnest desire to please
their cust9mers and today theirs is the leading store in Selah.
On the 28th of August, 1908, Mr. Sutorius was married to Miss Josephine Clark,
a daughter of Frank W. and Kate A. Clark. Her father was born in Lawrence, Kan-
sas, while his parents were en route to Colorado, and later he became a pioneer
resident of Tacoma, Washington, and occupied the position of general manager for
the Tacoma Smelting Company. In 1913 he removed to Yakima and was the execu-
tive secretary of the Red Cross of the Yakima valley at the time of his death. To
Mr. and Mrs. Sutorius have been born two children, Clark and Helen.
Fraternally Mr. Sutorius is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fel-
lows. He also belongs to the Selah Commercial Club, of which he w-as secretary
and treasurer for three years. In politics he maintains an independent course, con-
centrating his efforts and attention upon his business affairs, which, wisely directed,
have placed him in the front rank among the representatives of commercial inter-
ests in Selah.
CHESTER ADGATE COiXGDOX.
Chester Adgate Congdon, lawyer and capitalist, who first visited the Yakima
valley in 1887 and made investment here in 1889, was born in Rochester, New York,
on the 12th of June, 1853, his parents being Sylvester Laurentius and Laura Jane
(Adgate) Congdon. He was descended in the paternal line from James Congdon.
a Quaker, who came from England about 1640 and settled in Rhode Island, becoming
the founder of the family in the new world. The line of descent comes on down
through his son John, John (II), John (III), and his second wife, Dorcas Huntley,
and through Hannibal and Mary (Satchwell) Congdon, who were the grandparents
of Chester A. Congdon. The latter's father was a minister of the Methodist church.
In the public schools of Elmira and Corning, New York, Chester A. Congdon
acquired his preliminary education, which was supplemented by study in the East
Genesee Conference Seminary at Ovid, New York. His collegiate work was done
CHESTER A. CONGDON
FORMER RESIDENCE OF CHESTER A. COXGDOX
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY ^,^^^^-35
at Syracuse University, from which he was graduated in 1875 with the degreec of
Bachelor of Arts. He studied law under the preceptorship of Hiscock, GifTord &
Doheny at Syracuse, Xew^ York, and in 1877 was admitted to the bar of that state.
After admission to the bar in New York state, Mr. Congdon taught school for about
a year in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, before he went to St. Paul, Minnesota, in 1879,
where he was admitted to the bar of that state and and there established himself
in the practice of law. In 1892 he removed from St. Paul to Duluth, becoming a
member of the law firm of Billson & Congdon as the partner of William W. Billson.
In 1893 they were joined by Judge Daniel A. Dickinson and the firm style of Billson,
Corgdon & Dickinson was adopted. On the death of the judge in 1902 the surviving
partners resumed their original firm title and thus continued until 1904, when both
retired from active practice.
In the meantime Mr. Congdon had extended his efforts to various lines of com-
meicial, industrial and financial enterprise in his adopted city. He became a prom-
incn: figure in connection with the development of the iron and copper mining
resources of the Lake Superior country and at the same time his advice and as-
sistance were sought by many business and financial institutions on the directorate
of which his name never appeared. He was general counsel of the Oliver Mining
Company before its consolidation with other companies, now forming the United
States Steel Corporation. He was also the president of the Chemung Iron Company
and the Canisteo Mining Company, the vice-president of the American Exchange
National Bank of Duluth and a director in the Calumet & Arizona Mining Company,
the Hedley Gold Mining Company, the Greene Cananea Copper Company, the Mar-
shall-Wells Hardware Company, the Gowan-Lenning-Brown Company and various
other banking, mining and jobbing enterprises which claimed his attention and prof-
ited by his cooperation and direction. He also became interested in agricultural pur-
suits, making extensive investments in farm lands in the northwest. He first came
to the Yakima valley on a tour of inspection in 1887 and in 1889, in association with
several old friends, formed a syndicate which in connection with the Ontario Land
Company made investment in land adjoining North Yakima, afterward platting the
Capitol addition and also lands to the south of it. This syndicate, of which Mr.
Congdon was a member, and the Ontario Land Company also furnished the money
for the construction of the Yakima Valley canal. The first investment amounted
to thirty-five thousand dollars, which was used in the acquirement of the aforemen-
tioned property, while seventy-five thousand dollars were invested in dry lands, at
Wide Hollow and Xob Hill. The Yakima Valley canal aforementioned was built
in 189-; for irrigating all of Xob Hill, and in 1898 or 1899 Albert S. Congdon, a brother
of our sul>ject. took charge of this undertaking, which was the second large irriga-
tion project of the valley. The Sunnyside Canal project had been launched before
Mr. Congdon's first visit to Yakima but had encountered diiificulties and was idle
at the time he Ijecame interested in Yakami Valley projects. After carefully inves-
ti;2ating its affairs Mr. Congdon decided not to take hold of this enterprise because
in his opinion there were better lands available for development than those under
the Sunnyside and also for the reason that he was not entirely satisfied with the suffi-
ciency and validity of the Sunnyside water right. It is a fact anyhow that the Sun-
nyside Canal project has gone through reorganization since 1889 and that the Yakima
Valley Canal Company is, if not the only one, one of the very few that has never had
to be reorganized. The Northern Pacific Railroad urged him to undertake the Sun-
nyside project, but he gave his attention to the irrigation of the upper valley on Nob
Hill. This system irrigated three thousand acres at first and later was extended to
irrigate thirteen hundred acres additional. It was built to irrigate the land owned
by the syndicate and the Ontario Land Company, most of which land, in which he
had an interest, had been sold by 1905, in which year Mr. Congdon began to buy the
land which became his ranch. ,\ large part of the present ranch consists of property
which he and his associates sold some years before, after the completion of the canal,
and which he later bought back. Mr. Congdon was so fond of the Yakima Valley
that he wanted to have some interest here which would require his attention once
or twice a year, and with the sale of the last of the land which he and his associates
36 HISTORY OF YAKIMA \ALLEY
had criginally acquired, his excuse for visits here was more or less worn out. There-
fore he personally acquired properties which now constitute one of the fine ranches
of the valley.
With the advent of Mr. Congdon in the business circles of the northwest he
became a very active supporter of all those interests which he believed of value and
benefit to the state. He was very active in the state capital fight in 1889 and gave
land for the capitol site. When it was decided that Olympia should be the capital
of Washington, he, with others, gave the park site to the city of Yakima, but upon
the refusal of the city to improve the park, the land reverted to the Ontario Land
Company, which had made the donation at the beginning. The large landed inter-
ests of Mr. Congdon were developed and much of the property sold, but he kept or
bought back enough so that he was owner of more than nine hundred acres. He
had more than three hundred and seventy-five acres in fruit, while the balance was
farm land. He developed one of the largest Aberdeen-.-\ngus cattle herds in Amer-
ica, his stock being shown all over the United States at the various cattle exhibits,
winning prizes everywhere.
In 1914 Mr. Congdon erected a beautiful home, built all of native stone. It is
the largest private residence in the valley and regarded one of the show places in
Washington. While it is not consciously patterned after any special style of building,
its design largely resembles that of the large Mexican houses. It is a story and a
half, built around a court, and is erected on the edge of a bluff, requiring a good deal
of retaining wall and thus to some extent having the appearance of an old war castle.
Mr. Congdon was a great traveler and considered the Yakima Valley the best agri-
cultural district of the world. He spent much of his time here and did as much as
any ether man for the development and upbuilding of this section of the state. He
contributed quietly and unostentatiously but most generously to all public projects
for good, including churches, nor did he confine his efforts alone to the Yakima Val-
ley. He became a heavy investor at Tacoma, Grays Harbor, South Bend, Raymond
and other points in Washington. He was a personal friend of the officials of the
Northern Pacific Railway, including President Hannaford, and he cooperated with
the railroad company in the improvement of many localities. In 1913 he built a
seveiity-thousand-dollar storage and packing plant in order to house the fruit raised
in the district and he developed one of the largest' orchards under individual owner-
ship in the northwest.
On the 29th of September, 1881, at Syracuse, New York, Mr. Congdon was mar-
ried to Miss Clara Hesperia, a daughter of the Rev. Edward Bannister, a clergyman
of San Francisco, California, and to them were born seven children: Walter Ban-
nister, Edward Chester, Marjorie, Helen Clara, John, Elisabeth Mannering and
Robert Congdon. The family circle was broken in the death of Mr. Congdon in
St. Paul, Minnesota, on the 21st of November, 1916. His life had been one of great
activity and usefulness. He had been called to various offices of trust and responsi-
bility, serving from 1881 until 1886 as assistant United States attorney for the dis-
trict of Minnesota, as a member of the Minnesota house of representatives from 1909
until 1913, and from 1903 until his death he was a member of the Duluth charter
commission. Minnesota in 1916 made him a member of the republican national cen-
tral committee and his opinions carried weight in the councils of the party. He was
a member of various professional, historical, scientific, social and fraternal societies
and associations. He had membership with the Kitchi Gammi, Northland Country,
Commercial and Duluth Boat Clubs, all of Duluth; the Minnesota Club of St. Paul;
the Minneapolis Club of Minneapolis; the University Club of Chicago; the Duquesne
Club of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: the Bankers Club of New York; the Commercial
Club of North Yakima; and with various college fraternities, including the Upsilon
Kappa, Psi Upsilon, Theta Nu Epsilon and Phi Beta Kappa. A contemporary biog-
rapher has said of him: "Those who really knew Mr. Congdon found in him a man
of tender heart and warm, human sympathies. His philanthropy was general and
quite well known, although he sought to keep it under cover ?nd shrank from pub-
licity in this regard. He was a close student of government and state policies, a foe
of waste and inefficiency, a friend of political progress as he saw it, a champion of
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 37
clean pu1)lic life and sound government. He was always the good citizen, eager to
have his part in every forward movement in directions that he judged to be wise."
The northwest has reason to be grateful to him for what he accomplished in connec-
tion with her upbuilding. He was acquainted with most of the old-time men of
prominence in this section of the country. The Yakima Valley — its growth, its
development and its beautification — it is said was his hobby; yet it was more than
that because he always expected to derive profit as well as pleasure from his activi-
ties Iktc. l^nfortunately, he did not see his ranch return a profit to him. but this
was largely for the reason that at the time of his demise many of the trees were yet
too young. Though an idealist, there was yet sufficient business man in him to
expect interest on his investments here and undoubtedly the fine ranch, in spite of
the large investment in improvements, will turn out to be a successful enterprise
even from a monetary standpoint. Mr. Congdon was known nationally in financial
circles, being recognized as a man of wonderful business judgment, but there were
also qualities which endeared him to those who came within the circle of his com-
panionship, knowing and loving him not for what he accomplished but for what
he was.
THE YAKIMA VALLEY BANK.
The Yakima Valley Bank, one of the strong moneyed institutions of the city
of Yakima, was established in June, 1902, by Miles Cannon, who became the presi-
dent, Arthur Coffin, vice-president, and Stanley Coffin, cashier, with ,E. E. Streitz as
assistant cashier. .A change in the personnel of the officers occurred in 1904, when
O. A. Fechter was elected to the presidency. The following year Charles Heath be-
came the cashier, with Charles S. Mead as the vice-president. The bank occupies a
building at the corner of First street and Yakima avenue and owns a property that
it will soon occupy on Yakima avenue between First and Second streets, where
stands a two-story stone building with a fifty foot frontage. The bank was estab-
lished with a capital stock of seventy-five thousand dollars, sixty per cent of
which was paid in. This was increased to one hundred thousand dollars in 1908
and the entire stock was paid in. The directors are Charles Heath, O. A. Fechter,
J. E. Shannon, C. S. Mead and L. O. Janeck, who became a director in 1906. The
bank enjoyed a splendid growth in 1917 and in 1918 its capital and surplus amounted
to one hundred and eighteen thousand dollars and its deposits to one million, four
hundred and seventy-one thousand, three hundred and ninety-two dollars and seven-
ty-nine cents. In 1915 the bank's statement showed deposits of five hundred and
eighty-eight thousand dollars, with a capital and surplus of one hundred and thirteen
thousand dollars. The increase in deposits is indicative of the growth of the busi-
ness and of the substantial policy followed by the institution — a policy which com-
mands the respect and confidence of the general public.
WALTER R. ROWE.
Among the younger agriculturists of the Yakima valley is Walter R. Rowe, of
Naches, who now devotes his attention to orcharding, being successful along this
line. A native of Indianapolis, Indiana, he was born May 21, 1884, a son of William
and Linnie (McCormick) Rowe, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter
of Indianapolis. The mother comes of a pioneer family there, her people being
among the first settlers of that city, and a monument to a member of the family was
recently erected in Indianapolis. The father of our subject was for many years con-
nected with the rolling mill business in that city and later in life also with banking.
In 1893, however, he sold out and came to Yakima, where Mrs. Rowe had in 1889
taken up a ranch on the lower Xaches and proved up on the property. There the
family settled in 1893, tlie ranch comprising two hundred acres, but one hundred
acres of this was given in exchange for water rights. The father developed his
ranch and there passed his remaining days, his death occurring in 1900. His widow
survives and now resides in Yakima.
38 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
Being nine years of age when the family removed to Washington, Walter R.
Rowe received his early education in Indianapolis and subsequently attended public
school in this state. He then attended Washington State University at Pullman for
two years and at the end of that time returned to the ranch, which he bought in
1906. Fifty acres of the ranch are in apples and ten acres are devoted to pears,
peaches, cherries and other small fruits. Mr. Rowe has erected modern buildings
upon the ranch and has his own packing house with a storage capacity for twenty
thousand boxes.
On the 19th of December. 1906, Mr. Rowe was married to Miss Jessie Mead, a
native of Iowa and a daughter of Charles Mead, who about 1898 removed to the
Yakima valley, taking up the occupation of ranching. Mr. and Mrs. Rowe have a
daughter and a son: Helen, eight years of age; and Charles, aged six.
Mr. Rowe is a Mason, being a member of Xaches Lodge No. 211, F. & A. M.,
and also having passed the chapter and Scottish Rite degrees. He is also a member
of Yakima Lodge Xo. 318, E. P. O. E. In his political affiliations Mr. Rowe is a
republican. He is also a member of the Yakima County Horticultural L^nion.
WILLIAM ALFRED STEWART.
William .Mfred Stewart, a progressive agriculturist of Yakima county, has a
highly productive farm on the Cowiche which is largely devoted to the raising of
hay, grain and potatoes, while he also conducts a dairy. For many years his family
has been connected with the development and upbuilding of the west. Mr. Stewart
came to Yakima county at the age of eighteen years and has since resided here con-
tinuously.
Mr. Stewart is a native of Oregon, his birth having occurred in Marion county,
August 29, 1860. His parents were J. T. and Charlotte Loretta (Barter) Stewart.
The father was a native of Carlisle. England, born in 1829, and was only six months
old when he was brought by his parents to Canada. Later the family removed to
New York and in 1885 crossed the plains to California from Iowa, in which state
they had been located for some time, making the trip by ox team, and there the
father engaged in mining. Late in the '50s another removal took them to Oregon,
where J. T. Stewart engaged in farming and stock raising, also starting the first
woolen mill in the stale at JefTerson. In 1878 he came to Yakima county, taking np
land on the .Ahtanum and later acquiring a homestead on \ob Hill. To the cultiva-
tion of this land he gave his close attention for twenty-four years, retiring at the
end of that period with a gratifying income to Yakima, where he passed away in
October, 1912. In 1854 he had married Charlotte L. Barter, who crossed the plains
with him to California and made the removal to Oregon. She died in 1864. She had
two children by a former marriage and four by Mr. Stewart. In 1865 Mr. Stewart
married Deborah Coker, by whom he had eleven children. She died in September,
1908, being survived by her husband for four years.
William .'\. Stewart spent his boyhood days in Oregon, where in the acquirement
of his education he attended the public schools. He was eighteen years of age when
the family removed to the Yakima valley and here he began his independent career
by taking employment at farm work, being thus engaged for several years. For
six years he then was engaged in the candy business in Seattle but in 1889 bought
eighty acres on the Cowiche, which then was covered with sagebrush. He built a
home there but in 1890 sold out and removed to Whatcom county, Washington, where
he successfully cultivated land for about six years. At the end of that period he
located in Woodland, Washington, where for three years he successfully operated a
dairy, but in 1900 he returned to Yakima county and bought fifty acres of land on
the Cowiche but of this he sold thirty acres in 1911. He raises hay, grain, beets
and potatoes and also conducts a successful dairy, thus deriving gratifying returns
from his enterprises. He has always followed progressive methods and has made
many improvements upon the place, also instituting up-to-date equipment and thus
making his farm very valuable. For his dairy he keeps high grade full blooded Hol-
steins.
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 39
On October 17, 1888, Mr. Stewart was united in marriage to Miss Alice Smith,
who was born in Albion, Edwards county, Illinois, August 4, 1865. Her parents,
W. G. and Caroline (Davis) Smith, were natives of Herefordshire, England, the
latter born .April 11, 1825. They were married in England and in 1865, the same
year in which tlieir daughter was born, came to the United States, locating in Illinois.
In 1870 they removed to Wilson county, Kansas, and eleven years later, inl88l,
came overland to Washington, going first to Issaquah, whence they made their way
to Seattle and thence to Bellingham, Whatcom county, in the fall of 1882. There
the father homesteaded and for twelve years gave his attention to his land but in
lf:94 the family removed to Woodland, Washington, where Mrs. Smith passed away.
Mr. Smith now lives retired in the enjoyment of a comfortable competence, at the
age of eighty-six years. Mr. and Mrs. Stewart have seven children: Grace, who
married Clarence Hobbs, a rancher in the Cowiche district, by whom she has two
sons; Edgar Mayo, also a rancher in that locality, who has a wife and three chil-
dren; Chester Earl, a rancher in the same district, who is married and has one child;
Cecile May, the wife of E. G. Hart, who follows ranching in the Cowiche district;
Charles Alfred, who is serving his country in the United States army; .-Vlvin Leroy,
at liome; and William Clarence, aged fifteen, who is also at home.
Mr. and Mrs. Stewart have manj' friends in Cowiche and vicinity, all of whom
speak of them in the highest terms. Both are valued members of their community,
in the moral and material upbuilding of which they take a laudable interest. Mrs.
Stewart is a member of the Baptist church, to the work of which she is sincerely
devoted. Politically Mr. Stewart is independent, giving his support to the candi-
dates and measures that he considers of the greatest value to the majority. Frater-
nally he is a member of the Modern Woodmen of .\merica, and, being deeply inter-
ested in educational matters, he has served for several years as clerk of the local
school board, exerting his efforts in every way to promote school facilities and raise
the standard of education in his district. A pioneer agriculturist of the state and a
son of one of the early settlers, his career is closely connected with the upbuilding
of this commonwealth and by promoting his own interests he has contributed toward
general prosperity. His memory reaches back to the days when the Yakima valley
was still a wilderness and he has therefore witnessed all of the wonderful changes
that have transformed this section into one of the richest agricultural districts in the
country.
FRANK B.ARTHOLET.
Throughout his entire life Frank Bartholet has been connected with the banking
business and is now the cashier of the Yakima National Bank. He has contributed
through .close application, indefatigable energy and progressive methods to the suc-
cess of the institution in no small degree and he is thoroughly familiar with every
phase of the banking business at the present time. He was born in Shakopee, Minne-
sota, on the 17th of March, 1868, and is a son of Joseph and Anna M. (Mcchtel)
Bartholet, who in 1875 left Minnesota and removed westward with their family to
Salem. Oregon, where they resided until 1879. In that year they came to Yakima and
the father owned and conducted the second hotel of the city, remaining at its head to
the time of his retirement from active business life. Both he and his wife have now
passed away.
Frank Bartholet was but seven years of age when the family left Minnesota and
came to the Pacific northwest, so that his education was acquired in the public schools
in this section of the country, his studies being completed in Yakima. When his text-
books were put aside he made his initial step in the business world by securing em-
ployment in the First National Bank at Yakima, of which he became head bookkeeper.
Upon the organization of the Yakima National Bank he accepted a position as head
bookkeeper in that institution and was elected its cashier in 1908. He has so since
served and the record which he has made as a bank official is a most creditable one,
showing the conscientiousness with which he meets every obligation devolving upon
40 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
him and the care and thoroughness with which he safeguards the interests entrusted
to him.
In 1892 Mr. Bartholet married Miss Flora Haas, of Spakone. Washington, who
died in 1901, leaving a son, Urban C, serving in the Spruce division of the United
States army. On the 5th of August, 1903, Mr. Bartholet was united in marriage to
Miss Edith McDonnell, of Tacoma, and their children are: Donnell, Juliana, Catherine
and Mary Elizabeth. The religious faith of the family is that of the Catholic church
and Mr. Bartholet holds membership with the Knights of Columbus and also with the
Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. In politics he maintains an independent course,
voting according to the dictates of his judgment. He stands for progressiveness in
public afifairs of the community and gives his aid and influence to all measures and
projects which he believes of public worth.
WILLIAM PERRY SAWYER.
William Perry Sawyer is the owner of Elmwood I'arm, an attractive ranch that
occupies historic ground near Sawyer Station, in the center of the Parker bottoms
district. He has an attractive residence, built of stone to the second story and
then of wood. It stands on a hill overlooking the road, commanding a splendid view
of the surrounding country, with the snowy caps of Mount Adams and Mount
Rainier dominating the landscape.
Mr. Sawyer comes to the west from Boston, Massachusetts, where his birth
occurred September 19, 1851. He is a son of Humphrey and Barbara (Perry)
Sawyer, natives of New Hampshire and of Boston, Massachusetts, respectively.
His ancestors were of the same family as Commodore Perry and both the Sawyer
and Perry families have been represented in America from early colonial times. The
father. Humphrey Sawyer, on leaving Massachusetts, settled in Alden, Wisconsin,
about 1856. There he engaged in farming but later conducted a hardware business
at Stillwater, Minnesota, where he located in 1870.
In his boyhood days William Perry Sawyer obtained a public school education.
After the removal of the family to Stillwater, Minnesota, he entered the hardware busi-
ness, in which he continued for many years, or until 1889. Eventually he came to
Yakima and purchased the business of the A. B. Weed Hardware Company, conducting
his store as senior partner of the firm of Sawyer & Pennington until 1892. He then
withdrew from commercial connections and purchased two hundred and twenty acres
of land on Parker bottoms. At that time he raised some hops but now has seventy-five
acres in fruit trees, mostly apples and pears. He has his own warehouse and packing
house and all of the equipment necessary for the care of the trees and of the fruit. He
built upon the place one of the finest homes in Yakima county, completed in 1911.
Near-by stands a little log cabin built in 1864 by J. P. Mattoon, who homesteaded the
land upon which Mr. Sawyer now resides. Just back of the house was an old
Catholic mission, which was used for three or four years until the new^ one was
built on the .Ahtanum, and thus from the days of early settlement in this section of
the state the ranch has been used for the purposes of civilization
On the 9th of October, 1883, Mr. Sawyer was married to Miss Alice M. Brown,
who was born in Iowa in 1858, a daughter of John and Maria (Grant) Brown, who
were natives of England and became residents of Iowa in 1854. The father was a
very prominent farmer of Iowa, devoting his attention to the raising of grain and
stock. In 1873 he and his family returned to England, where they spent two years,
but the lure of the new world was upon them and they again became residents of
Iowa, where both passed away. Mr. and Mrs. Sawyer became the parents of six
children, but the first-born, Linley, died in infancy. Beulah. the second of the family,
became the wife of Herman Holmquist, a rancher on Parker Heights. John Edwin,
of the United States Marines, enlisted on the second day after war was declared and
went to France in February, 1918. He has been through all the active fighting, was
badly gassed and was in a hospital for several weeks but is now again on active duty
with the army of occupation, his record being one of which his parents have every
WILLIAM P. SAWYER
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 43
reason to be proud. Harriet Marie, the next of tlie family, is the wife of Earl Cheney,
of Shosone, Idaho, and they have three children. Horace died in infancy. Shirley
Emma, who completes the family, is in school.
Mr. Sawyer is a member of Yakima Lodge, Xo. 24, A, F. & A. M., and served on
the board that built the Masonic Temple of Yakima, being the one who planned the
building and supervised its erection. With the exception of the L'nited States gov-
ernment building in the city of Yakima, it is today the best building in the Yakima
valley. In fact it is the finest Masonic Temple on the Pacific coast, being a reproduc-
tion of the inner chamber of King Solomon's Temple and the only one extant. The
keystone in the arch over the entrance to the elevator lobby was taken from the
ancient quarries of Jerusalem, from which the stone for King Solomon's Temple
is also supposed to have been secured. This building cost two hundred thousand
dollars. Mr. Sawyer also was one of the trustees who built the Yakima Street Rail-
way and no doubt did more than any other man toward giving Yakima its present
street car system. His religious faith is that of the L^niversalist church, while his
wife has membership in the Episcopal church. In politics he is a republican and is
now serving for the third term as a member of the state legislature, his reelection
being indicative of his personal popularity and the confidence reposed in him by his
fellow townsmen as well as of the excellent record which he has made in legislative
service. He is one of the most prominent men of the valley, an active champion of
the good roads movement, of educational interests and of all things affecting the
public welfare. He has maintained in his life an even balance between private busi-
ness interests and matters of public concern, his ready support of every public interest
constituting an element in the county's progress and upbuilding.
JUDGE JOHN B. DAVIDSON.
Judge John B. Davidson, serving for the second term as judge of the superior
court at EUensburg and since 1883 a valued and representative member of the Wash-
ington bar, was born near Rochester, Indiana. March 14, 1860, a son of Stephen and
Catharine B. (Brown) Davidson, the former a native of Ohio, while the latter was
born in Abbeville, South Carolina. The Davidson family is of Scotch ancestry. The
father was a son of Andrew Davidson, whose father came to America from Scotland
prior to the Revolutionary war, crossing the Atlantic about 1760, when sixteen years
of age, at which time he took up his abode in Pennsylvania. Later representatives
of the name became pioneer settlers of Ohio and thus aided in advancing the trend
of western civilization. The father of Judge Davidson was a farmer by occupation
and removed to Indiana, where he passed away in 1877. His wife, coming to the
west, died at the home of her son. Judge Davidson, in EUensburg in 1897.
An academic training followed Judge Davidson's completion of a public school
course and later he entered the Michigan State University at Ann Arbor. He was
also for a time a student in the Valparaiso University at Valparaiso, Indiana, and
he began reading law in Rochester, Indiana, with M. L. Essick, a leading member
of the bar at that place. Subsequently he became a law student in Indianapolis, In-
diana, and in 1883 was graduated from the Albany Law School of New York. His
craining was thus thorough and comprehensive and well qualified him for the active
duties of the profession.
In the same year Judge Davidson removed to the northwest, attracted by the bet-
ter opportunities which he believed he could secure in this great and growing section
of the country. He made his way to Yakima county, was admitted to the bar the
same year and then located in EUensburg, Washington, where he has since followed
his profession. At different times he has been called upon for public service. He
filled the position of city treasurer, was also city attorney and in 1889 was elected
mayor of EUensburg, in which connection he gave to the city a business-like and
progressive administration, characterized by various needed reforms and improve-
ments. In 1896 he was called upon for judicial service, having been elected judge of
the superior court, after which he served upon the bench for four years. He then
retired and resumed the private practice of law, but in 1916 was recalled to that office
44 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
and is the present incumbent. His rulings are strictly fair and impartial, based upon
the law and the equity in the case, and his work upon the bench is characterized by
a masterful grasp of every problem presented for solution. In addition to his work
as lawyer and judge he has conducted a line ranch which he owns.
On the 31st of March. 1886, Judge Davidson w-as married to Miss Jean C.
Schnebly. a daughter of D. J. and Margaret A. (Painter) Schnebly. Her father was
at one time editor of the Oregon Spectator and he afterward established the Ellens-
burg Localizer in 1883 and conducted the paper successfully until his death in 1901.
To Judge and Mrs. Davidson have been born three children: Philip A. was educated
at the University of Washington and is now a resident of Seattle; Mary V. was edu-
cated at Sweet Brier, Virginia, and also pursued a two years' course in art at Berke-
ley, California, and one year in general interior decorating and designing in New
York city; she is now the wife of F. A. Kern, an attorney of Ellensburg; Margaret
A., a teacher in the State Normal School at Ellensburg, was graduated from the
University of Washington and also from the Emerson College of Oratory at Boston,
Massachusetts.
Fraternally Judge Davidson is connected with the Elks Lodge No. 1102. of
which he is a past exalted ruler. His political allegiance has always been given to the
democratic party and it has been the recognition of his public-spirited devotion to
the general good that has occasioned his being called to office at various times.
His recall to the bench is positive proof of the confidence which the public has in his
judicial fairness.
FRED A. HALL.
Fred A. Hall, who dates his residence in the Yakima valley from 1899. is now
the owner of an excellent fruit ranch pleasantly and conveniently situated two and
a half miles west of the city of Yakima- He was born in Lasalle county, Illinois,
April 26, 1867, a son of S. A. and Harriett A. (Beardsley) Hall. The father was a
farmer by occupation and at one time served as postmaster of Tonica, Illinois. In
the year 1902 he came to the northwest, settling in Yakima county, where he again
gave his time and attention to farming, being thus busily occupied until, having
acquired a handsome competence, he retired from business life. He is now enjoy-
ing a well earned rest, being surrounded by the comforts of life. In 1916 he was
called upon to mourn the death of his wife, who passed away on the 6th of July of
that year.
Liberal educational opportunities were accorded Fred A. Hall, who in 1892 was
graduated from the L'niversity of Illinois with the Bachelor of Science degree. He
then entered the drug business at Tonica. Illinois, and remained one of the mer-
chants of that place until 1899, when he sought the opportunities of the northwest.
Coming to Yakima, he entered the Richey & Gilbert Company, assisting in the
conduct of their various interests. For three years he lived at Toppenish but in 1904
purchased his present fruit ranch two and a half miles west of Yakima and built
thereon an attractive residence, substantial barns and all the necessary outbuildings
needed for the care of his fruit and his stock. He has an orchard of forty-two acres,
mostly planted to apples, and his place is regarded as one of the good fruit ranches
of the valley.
On the 17th of October, 1894, Mr. Hall was married to Miss Luella S. Richey,
a daughter of James and Anne (Hamilton) Richey, of Tonica, Illinois, who came
to Yakima county in 1900. her father having been a member of the Richey & Gilbert
Company which he organized. Mrs. Hall passed away September 28, 1907, leaving
three children: Thorland, who was born July 30, 1896, and who at the age of twenty-
two years was serving as a member of the United States army being in camp when
the armistice was signed; Isabelle, who was born May 29, 1900; and Burton Augustus,
May 31, 1902. On the 26th of June, 1909, Mr. Hall was again married, his second
union being with Frances Gray Chace, of Chicago.
Mr. Hall is a member of the Sons of Veterans, his father having been a soldier
of the Civiil war, a member of Company I, Eleventh Illinois Infantry, with which
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 45
he served until discharged on account of sickness. Fred A. Hall is also identilied
with the Modern Woodmen of America, the Mystic Workers and with the Grange.
He and his family are members of the Congregational church and they occupy an
enviable social position. In politics he is a republican but not an office seeker. He
belongs to the Yakima County Horticultural Union and by reason of his progres-
siveness and enterprise has gained a place among the prosperous fruit raisers of this
section of the state.
FLOYD C. DAY.
.\ valuable fruit farm of twenty-five acres, located on the upper Xaches, bespeaks
the progressive methods which have resulted in the prosperity that is now enjoyed
by Floyd C. Day, who is numbered among the well known and successful orchardists
of his neighborhood. A native of Ilion, New York, he was born January 10, 1874, a
son of George and Margaret (Chappelle) Day, both natives of the Empire state.
For many years the father did contract work for the Remington Arms Company
but is now deceased, as is his wife, who was born at Schuyler Lake, Xew York.
Floyd C. Day was reared under the parental roof and in the acquirement of his
education attended public school until old enough to start out in life for himself. In
1893, at the age of nineteen years, he began to learn the jewelry business, becoming
very proficient along that line. It was in 1906 that he came to the west, locating at
first in the fast growing city of Seattle, where he filled a position with the well-known
firm of L. L. Moore & Company for some time. He later had a repair business in
Seattle, until 1914 when another removal brought him to Yakima county. Perceiv-
ing the great opportunities here presented along fruit raising lines, he acquired
twenty-five acres on the upper Xaches and now has eleven acres of this tract in
apples and pears, while the balance is in pasture and plow land. He has closely
studied modern methods in regard to scientific fruit cultivation and has made a num-
ber of valuable improvements and installed the necessary equipment, tlius deriving
a gratifying income from his efforts. His barns and outbuildings are up-to-date in
every respect and a modern residence has been erected as the outward evidence of
his prosperity.
On July 23, 1902, Mr. Day was united in marriage to Miss Evanelle Ely, who
like her husband is a native of Ilion. Xew York, and is a daughter of .Arthur and
Ida (Rhodes) Ely. To Mr. and Mrs. Day has been born a daughter, Margaret, aged
fifteen, and a son, Rhodes, who is six years old. Mr. and Mrs. Day are popular and
valued members of the younger social set in their neighborhood and have many
friends in Xaches.
Politically Mr. Day is a republican but not strictly bound by party ties, often
voting independently as the occasion demands or candidates appeal to him because
of their ability or qualities. Along his line of occupation he is a member of the
Yakima County Horticultural L^nion and in this connection gives and often receives
valuable information. Through his efforts along horticultural lines Mr. Day has
not only attained to a substantial position individually but has greatly assisted in
forwarding movements in that line of industry in his valley. There is great credit
due him for what he has achieved, as in the best sense of the word he is a self-made
man.
EDWIX PORTER DITEMAX.
Edwin Porter Diteman, whose ranch property is situated near Outlook, was
born in .\roostook county, Maine, September 3, 1865, a son of Wallace and Eliza
( Linton ) Diteman, both of whom were natives of Nova Scotia. Subsequent to their
marriage they crossed the border into Maine, establishing their home in Aroostook
county, where the father engaged in farming and where both he and his wife passed
away.
46 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
To the public school system of his native state Edwin P. Diteman is indebted
for the educational opportunities which he enjoyed. During vacation periods and
after his school days were over he farmed with his father until he reached the age
of twenty-two years and then went to Minnesota. In the fall of 1888 he arrived in
Yakima and was employed on a dairy ranch with his brother through the first
winter. He worked for wages for a few years and then returned to Maine, where
he continued for a year and a half. On the expiration of that period he once more
came to Yakima county, where he lived for two years and then again spent a year
and a half in the Pine Tree state. The lure of the west, however, was upon him
and he returned to Yakima county, where he worked for wages. He devoted seven
years to the logging contract business for the Cascade Lumber Company and for a
few years was connected with the sheep industry as a partner of his brother. In
May, 1917, he bought seventy-six and a half acres of land pleasantly and conveniently
situated two and three-quarters of a mile northwest of Sunnyside. Upon this place
he has a good house and substantial barns and raises large crops of hay and corn.
He also raises cattle and hogs, and in the cultivation of his fields and in the raising
of his stock he is meeting with success.
On the Uth of April. 1894, Mr. Diteman was united in marriage to Miss Jennie
Alinda Tingley, who was born in Aroostook county, Maine, a daughter of Ernest
Herbert and Elizabeth (Tilley) Tingley. The father was born in New Brunswick,
May 24, 1851, and the mother was also a native of that country. They removed to
Maine during childhood, however, and the father was a farmer in that state. The
mother has now passed away. To Mr. and Mrs. Diteman have been born eight
children, as follows: Leatha, who is the wife of Earl DeFrece, a resident of Centralia,
Washington; Annie, who is deceased; Wallace R.; Roy; Mae; Curtis; Linley, who
has passed away; and Ernest.
Mr. Diteman is a republican in his political views, but though loyal and pro-
gressive in matters of citizenship, has never been active in public life, preferring to
concentrate his efforts and attention upon his business aflfairs.
THOMAS FEAR.
Thomas Fear, deceased, became a resident of Yakima county when much of its
land was still unclaimed and undeveloped and took up a tract from the government
six miles west of the city. He afterward purchased other land and continued one of
the active farmers and stock raisers of the district to the time of his demise, which
occurred on the 1st of March, 1916, He was born in England, February 22, 1852, a
son of William .-Mfred Fear. The father was also a native of England and in the
schools of that country Thomas Fear pursued his education, remaining in the land
of his birth until 1873, when, at the age of twenty-one years, he crossed the Atlantic
;o the new world. A year later his father also made the trip to the United States.
They settled first in Colorado, where the father took up government land. In the
year 1876 Thomas Fear arrived in Yakima county and entered a claim from the gov-
ernment six miles west of the city of Yakima. With characteristic energy he began
the development of that place and later he bought land on the Cowiche and in many
other places. He becarne one of the large landowners and stock raisers of this sec-
tion of the state and in 1908 he built a beautiful home upon his place, which he con-
tinued to occupy to the time of his demise.
On the 2d of January, 1898, Mr. Fear was married to Miss Aimee Reynolds, of
Yakima, a daughter of J. W. and Susan E. Reynolds, who came to Yakima county
in 1883. H'er father passed away in 1913 and her mother died in 1914. Mr. Reynolds
was born in Missouri and for a year was a resident of Kansas before he started
across the plains in 1879. He first went to Oregon and from that point removed to
the Yakima valley. In this section of the country he purchased a farm and con-
tinued a resident of Yakima county until his demise. To Mr, and Mrs, Fear was
born a son, Thomas Reynolds, whose birth occurred December 17, 1899, and who is
now in the United States navy as a seaman. He was for two years a student in
Pullman College and is a graduate of a business college at Yakima.
THOMAS FEAR
MRS. AIMEE REYNOLDS FEAR
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 51
In his political views Mr. Fear was a democrat and his religious faith was that
of the Episcopal church, while fraternally he was connected with the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows. He was a man of striking appearance and personality — hon-
orable, upright and respected by all who knew him, and in his death Yakima county
lost one of its most valued
CHARLES HEATH.
The banking fraternity of Yakima finds a worthy representative in Charles
Heath, cashier of the Yakima Valley Bank, who came to his present position in
1905. He was born in Wisconsin in January, 1864, and is a son of Charles H. and
Eliza Heath, who in the year 1874 left Wisconsin and removed to Iowa, where they
established their home on a farm, the father devoting his attention to general agri-
cultural pursuits throughout his remaining days, both he and his wife dying in Iowa.
Charles Heath was a lad of but ten years when the family went to the Hawkeye
state and there he acquired his education. Attracted by the opportunities of the
west, he made his way to Park City, Utah, in 1890 and was there engaged in the
banking business. He dates his residence in Yakima from 1905, in which year he was
chosen cashier of the Yakima Valley Bank. He has since acted in that capacity
and through the intervening period of thirteen years has contributed in marked
measure to the development and upbuilding of the business of the bank. He has
closely and thoroughly studied every phase of the banking business and his efforts
have been a contributing factor to the success of the institution.
In 1895 Mr. Heath was married to Miss Millie Getsch, a native of Iowa, and to
them has been born a daughter, Dorothy, who is now a senior in the high school.
Fraternally Mr. Heath is a Mason, belonging to Uinta Lodge No. 7 of Park City,
Utali, of which he is a past master. He is also a past master of Yakima Lodge No.
14, A. F. & A. M., having been master when the lodge first occupied the new build-
ing here. He is likewise connected with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks.
In Masonry he has attained the Knight Templar degree and has crossed the sands
of the desert with the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. His political endorsement is
given to the republican party and he is a stanch supporter of its principles but has
never sought or desired oflice as a reward for party fealty. He prefers to do his
public service as a private citizen and at all times his aid and cooperation are given
on the side of advancement and improvement.
LAWRENCE E. JOHNSON.
Among the financiers of the Yakima valley none enjoys a higher reputation than
Lawrence E. Johnson, president of the First National Bank, to which oflice he was
called in 1908. The rapid growth of this institution is largely due to the business
foresight, natural ability and unfailing watchfulness of its president, who gives most
of his time to the interests of this enterprise.
Mr. Johnson was born in Greene county, Illinois, February 6, 1877, a son of Lee
.■\. and Margaret (Search) Johnson, who went to Oregon in 1883, locating in Albany,
and in 1885 removed to Sherman county, that state, where the father engaged in
farming. In 1889 he entered the Methodist ministry and was in Spokane in 1890,
whence he was transferred to Waitsburg in 1893. Desiring to better fit himself for
the work, he then attended the Northwestern University at Evanston, Illinois, there
taking a three years' course. He later served as pastor of the Methodist Episcopal
church in Walla Walla for several years, after which he retired from holy orders and
moved to Sunnyside in 1902, engaging in the hardware business there until 1912,
when he proceeded to Portland. Oregon, where death claimed him on January 5,
1914. His widow survives and resides at Sunnyside. Lee A. Johnson was one of the
most prominent men in the development of the Yakima valley, which greatly bene-
fitted through his stimulating activities. For several terms he represented his dis-
52 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
trict in the state legislature, always ably representing his constituency in the halls
of legislation and securing for them those measures which he considered of great-
est value. He was a candidate for congress but was not successful. For many
years he was a regent of Pullman College and was acting in that capacity at the
time of his death, the cause of education finding in him a warm champion. In finan-
cial circles he was equally well known, being the organizer of the First National
Bank of Sunnyside, of which he was the first president, and he also served as vice-
president of the Scandinavian Bank of Portland, Oregon. He was a forceful and
resourceful man of unabating energy, extraordinary foresight and one who always
achieved what he set out to do, yet he was a man of kind heart who was eve^, ready
to help a struggling traveler on life's journey and assist those less fortunate than
liimself, contributing liberally to charitable and benevolent purposes, and his memory
will long live among the people of the valley.
His son, Lawrence E. Johnson grew up among the refining influences of a Chris-
tian home and in the acquirement of an education attended the public schools of
.■Mbany, Oregon, and Spokane. Washington. Desiring to better his opportunities
in practical life, he then entered the Spokane Business College, from, which he was
graduated. Fully prepared to take up the arduous burden of making a living, he then
secured a position in the First National Bank of Waitsburg, with which he remained
for four years, from 1894 to 1898, thus thoroughly acquainting himself with banking
methods and practices. His next position was with the Moro Mercantile Company
at Moro, Oregon, where he again made use of all opportunities to learn the details
of that line of business, at the end of which time he became assistant cashier and
later cashier of the Merchants Bank at Waitsburg. In 1903 he went to Sunnyside
a? cashier of the Sunnyside Bank but sold his interest in that institution in 1905.
His next position was witli the First National Bank of Ritzville, Washington, of
which h.- v,;i- tor a short time cashier and which was sold the same year. In .August,
1905, Mr. Johnson came to Kennewick, connecting himself with the Exchange Bank
at that time. This bank was established in 1903 by Howard S. Anion as a private
bank and it was the first institution of its kind in Kennewick. In 1905, upon his
arrival in this city, Mr. Johnson acquired the interest of Howard S. Amon and he
and W. R. Amon became the owners. In December, 1907, however, the First Na-
tional Bank was organized as successor to the Exchange Bank and its first officers
were: W. R. Amon, president; and L. E. Johnson, cashier, our subject having suc-
ceeded C. F. Breighthaupt as cashier of the Exchange Bank. In 1908 W. R. Amon
disposed of most of his stock to Mr. Johnson and others, and L. E. Johnson was
then elected president of the institution, J. L. Johnson becoming cashier at that
lime. In 1918, however. E. C. Tweet succeeded him. T. M. Fine has been vice-
president since 1908. The present bank building, which was erected in 1908, is thor-
oughly modern in every respect and adequate to the needs of the institution. It
has large, well protected vaults and the counting rooms are nicely furnished and
conveniently arranged for the customers. The growth of the institution may be
gleaned from the fact that the first capitalization of the Exchange Bank was ten
thousand dollars. When it was nationalized this stock was raised to the sum of
twenty-five thousand dollars and in 1910 the capital was increased to fifty thousand
dollars. The resources of this highly reliable lianking enterprise are now over six
hundred thousand dollars and its deposits exceed five hundred thousand dollars. As
the head of the institution Mr. Johnson is proving a banker of eminent qualities,
watchful in every way of the interests of stockholders and depositors alike. While
he follows conservative methods as regards the investments of the bank, he is ever
ready to extend the credit of the institution to those who are able to furnish good
reason for such and ample security in order to help hem in heir business or facilitate
farming enterprises. He is consedered one of the financial leaders of the Yakima
valley and his advice is frequently sought in regard to investments in real estate,
stocks, bonds and other securities. He does not stand aloof but comes in contact
with anyone who desires to see him, ever willing to render his valuable services
when asked. In building up this institution Mr. Johnson has not only built for him-
self but has greatly contributed toward the development of his secion, as it is well
recognized that a strong financial enterprise is one of the mainsays in growth and
prosperity.
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 53
In 1900 Mr. Johnson was united in marriage to Miss Ada Fine, a daughter of
T. M. Fine, of Walla Walla, and to them have been born three sons; Ward, who is
sixteen years old; Lawrence Glenn, aged fourteen; and Robert Lee, one and a half
years old.
In fraternal circles Mr. Johnson is well known as a member of Kennewick
Lodge No. 153, F. & A. M.. of which he has served as master, while his religious
faith is that of the Methodist church. His wife is a member of the Episcopal church.
In his political views he is a republican and has long been a dominent factor in the
councils of his party. In 1907 his fellow citizens elected him to the highest position
within their power, that of mayor, and he served for two terras in that position.
His administrations were fraught with progressive measures and movements, many
of which were originated by him and which have been of the greatest benefit. It
would take some time to enumerate the manifold public and semi-public duties and
offices with which Mr. Johnson has been connected but among them may be men-
tioned that he is a past president of the Kennewick Commercial Club, in which he
has always taken a great interest and which organization has accomplished much
by reason of his initiative. He is a director of the Columbia Irrigation District and
is also president of the White Bluflfs Bank. He has ahvays cooperated in all efforts
undertaken for the benefit and improvement of the valley, his county and city, of
which he has become one of the most prominent business men and financiers. He
is greatly admired for his sterling qualities of character and the high morale which
underlies all his business transactions. His friends in Kennewick are many and he
is regarded by them as an e-xample of true American manhood. He is a patriotic
American in the best sense of the word and has built not only for himself but for
those who honor him as a valued citizen.
BERNARD N. COE.
Bernard N. Coe is the oldest merchant in Grandview in length of connection
with the town. There were but four other stores when he established his business
here and all have passed out of existence. Mr. Coe has throughout the entire period
conducted a well appointed drug store, enlarging his stock in accordance with the
growth and development of the community and carrying a line of goods fully equal
to public demands, expressing the spirit of western enterprise in all that he under-
takes and does.
Mr. Coe is a native of Virginia. He was born at Falmouth, that state, on the
11th of October, 1857, a son of the Rev. William G. and Annie M. (Armstrong) Coe,
both of whom were natives of Baltimore, Maryland. The father was a son of Alfred
B. Coe and he, too, was born in Baltimore. The mother was a daughter of James
L. Armstrong, a native of New York. The Rev. William G. Coe was a minister of
a southern Methodist church and passed away in Virginia in 1877. His widow long
survived him, her death occurring in 1900.
Liberal educational opportunities were accorded Bernard N. Coe, who attended
the Washington and Lee University of Virginia and also the Randolph-Mason Col-
lege. He afterward prepared for his chosen life work by a course in the Maryland
College of Pharmacy, from which he was graduated with the class of 1881. He
served his apprenticeship with the firm of J. Brown Baxley & Son of Baltimore,
remaining in their establishment for eleven years. He afterward engaged in clerk-
ing until he came to North Yakima in June, 1890, and he worked for several of the
old-time druggists of Yakima, including the firm of Allen & Chapman, also Alex-
ander D. Sloan and C. C. Case. He afterward was the owner of a drug store at Cle
Elum for eight months and on the 15th of January, 1907, he came to Grandview and
opened a drug store in a little frame shack. The town had been established only
the previous year. He has seen jack rabbits and coyotes come right into the town.
Sagebrush was all around and the conditions were those of a wild western frontier.
Today the town is situated in the midst of a fine orchard and farming country and
the work of progress and development has been carried steadily forward until this
is one of the most attractive sections of the valley.
(3)
54 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
On the 18th of August, 1897, Mr. Coe was married to Miss Lela V. Baisley, who
was born at Baker, Oregon, a daughter of Samuel B. and Addie (WarfieldJ Baisley,
who removed to Oregon in 1866, making the overland trip. The father was a rancher
and mining man. To Mr. and Mrs. Coe were born two children but the elder died
in infancy. The surviving daughter, Marie, now seventeen years of age, is at home.
Mr. Coe is a member of the Modern Brotherhood of America, also of the Elks
lodge at Yakima and he attends the Presbyterian church. His political endorsement
is given to the democratic party and for one year he served as deputy county clerk
at Yakima. Otherwise he has never sought or filled public offices, preferring to con-
centrate his energy and attention upon his business aiTairs, which are wisely and
carefully directed. Since opening his store in Grandview his business has steadily
increased with the growth of the community and he has an establishment which is
well appointed in every particular, while his thoroughly reliable business methods
have secured for him the confidence and liberal support of the public.
A. B. SNIDER.
A. B. Snider was elected to the presidency of the First National Bank of Sunny-
side on the 1st of April, 1918. Previously, however, he had been identified with bank-
ing interests in the state, so that he brought to his present position wide experience
and accurate knowledge. He is a man of marked progressiveness and enterprise
and since starting out in the business world on his own account has made steady ad-
vancement. He was born in Ontario. Canada, April 19, 1885, a son of T. B. and
Magdalene (Groff) Snider, who in 1890 removed to northwestern Iowa, where the
father engaged in the milling business at Sanborn.
A. B. Snider acquired a high school education and made his initial step in the
business world as bookkeeper in a bank at Beaver Creek, Minnesota. He was after-
ward for two years in charge of his father's mill in Nebraska. Later he returned to
the bank and subsequently again took up milling. The year 1910 witnessed his ar-
rival in Washington, at which time he settled at Lacrosse, where he was assistant
cashier in the private bank of Scriber, Lyons & Moore. There he remained for six
months, at the end of which time the bank was sold. Mr. Snider then engaged in
the real estate business at Lacrosse for two and a half years and in 1913 went to
Colton as cashier of the Colton State Bank. He was identified with that institu-
tion until the 1st of April, 1918, when he came to Sunnyside to accept the presi-
dency of the First National Bank and he is now active in directing its business. His
long experience has thoroughly qualified him for the responsibilities which devolve
upon him in this connection. He is remodeling the bank building, putting in new
fixtures, and under his guidance the business of the bank has already shown a sub-
stantial and steady increase.
On the 4th of June, 1913, Mr. Snider was united in marriage to Miss Jeannette
A. Jones, of Iowa, and they have a son, Norman W. Mr. Snider and his wife belong
to the Presbyterian church and in social circles occupy an enviable position, having
made many warm friends in Sunnyside.
In politics Mr. Snider maintains an independent course. He has been a helpful
assistant in various war activities and while at Colton had charge of the Liberty Loan
and Red Cross drives, doing effective work in putting the community over the top.
JOHN HENRY MORGAN.
John Henry Morgan, who has devoted his life to educational interests and is
now -principal of the high school at EUensburg, was born in Rutherford county. North
Carolina, a son of Daniel and Catherine (Cochran) Morgan, who were also natives
of North Carolina, where the father followed the occupation of farming as a life
work ,thus providing for the support of his family. Both he and his wife have passed
away.
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 55
John Henry Morgan supplemented his public school education by study in a
private academy and was afterward graduated from the Furman University of South
Carolina as a member of the class of 1879. In the same year he sought the oppor-
tunities of the northwest, making his way to Walla Walla, Washington. He took up
teaching in the country schools of this state and as his ability became recognized
he was called to the principalship of the schools of Dayton, where he served for a
year. He then accepted the position of principal of the schools at Waitsburg, where
he remained for four years, and on the 25th of May, 1887, he came to Ellensburg and
for four years was principal of the public schools of this city, during which time
he also served as county superintendent of schools. In 1893 he became head of
the department of mathematics and vice-principal of the State Normal School at
Ellensburg and continued in the dual position until 1916. Since then he has held
the head professorship of mathematics in the high school and is now principal. He
is regarded as one of the ablest educators of the state, having for many years been
prominently identified with the schools of W'ashington. He has ever displayed
marked ability in imparting clearly and readily to others the knowledge that he has
acquired and he has ever held to the highest standards of his profession. He served
as superintendent of schools for Walla Walla county and also for Kittitas county
and served as superintendent of schools for the territory of Washington during the
last term before the admission to the ITnion. He has likewise been a candidate for
state superintendent of schools on three different occasions but met defeat.
On the 2Sth of February, 1891, Mr. Morgan was married to Miss Margaret
Bradshaw Hawkins, of Tacoma, a daughter of H. T. Hawkins. Nessa Margaret
Morgan, their only child, is a graduate of the State Normal School of Ellensburg
and is now teaching in the schools of Tacoma. She is also a graduate of the Pratt
Institute of New York.
Mr. Morgan is a Mason, belonging to Ellensburg Lodge, No. 39, A. F. & A. M.
He also has membership with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Wood-
men of the World and the Knights of Pythias. His political endorsement is given
to the democratic party and he has been a close student of the vital questions and
problems of the day. He has served in the city council and also as mayor of the
city of Ellensburg. He was secretary of the library board from its beginnig and did
the corresponding with Mr. Carnegie at the time the donation was received. He is
still a member of the board. Since 1898 he has been an active member of the National
Educational Association and is also a member of the state board of education and
president of tiie Washington Educational Association and also of he Educational
Council. Flis life has ever been characterized by devotion to the public good and
along professional lines and as a citizen he has put forth every effort to advance the
welfare of his fcllowmen. He has many admirable qualities which have made him
greatly beloved, so that his circle of friends is almost coextensive with the circle of
his acquaintance in Washington.
CHARLES YERGEN.
Charles Yergen first visited the Yakima valley in 1900 but did not become a
permanent resident until 1905. He was born in Germany, July 28, 1874. a son of
William and Ernestine (Pretzel) Yergen, who in 1880 left their native country and
came to the new worlds settling in Minnesota. There they remained until 1905. when
they removed with their family to Yakima county. Washington, and William Yergen
and his son Charles then purchased land two miles west of the city of Yakima, be-
coming owners of a ten-acre tract. La.ter they added five acres to their original pur-
chase and now have an excellent property of fifteen acres, of which twelve acres is
planted to fruit. They specialize in apples, peaches and cherries. They have greatly
improved the place through the erection of an attractive modern residence, sub-
stantial barn and other buildings, and all of the equipments of the model farm prop-
erty of the twentieth century are found upon their land.
On the 15th of November, 1899, Mr. Yergen was united in marriage to Miss
56 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
Olga Schwarzkopf, of Minnesota, by whom he has five children, namely: William,
Arnold, Annie, Walter and Irvin.
The religious faith of the family is that of the German Lutheran church. In
political belief Mr. Yergen is a republican but has never sought or desired office,
preferring always to concentrate his efforts and attention upon his business affairs.
In addition to fruit growing he raises Jersey cattle and rents eight and one-half
acres of land near his home place. He also has been very successful in raising hay
as well as fruit and is regarded as one of the prominent and leading farmers ot the
community. He is likewise a stockholder in the Yakima Savings & Loan Associa-
tion, in which his sons also have stock.
ROBERT S. MORGAN.
A third of a century ago Robert S. Morgan came to the Yakima valley and
through the intervening period to the time of his death, which occurred in 1909, was
closely associated with its development and progress. He secured a homestead claim
and for a long period was engaged in the raising of vegetables and in the conduct of a
commission business and took the initial step along many lines which have led to the
further development and upbuilding of this section of the state. He was born in
Camden, Pennsylvania, January 24, 1847, and acquired a public school education.
With the call of the country to arms he enlisted in 1862, although but a youth of fif-
teen years, joining Company E of the Tenth Missouri Infantry, with which he served
until the close of hostilities, participating in many hotly contested engagements in
which he proved his valor and his loyalty. After the war he resumed his residence
in Missouri and there for more than two decades was actively engaged in farming.
In March. 1886, however, he severed his connection with the middle west and came
to Yakima county, where he took up a homestead claim of one hundred and sixty
acres three miles west of the city of Yakima, on the Tieton drive. Mrs. Morgan and
all her children, nine in number, also made the long and hazardous trip, arriving here
in August, 1886. The homestead was a tract of arid land, all covered with sagebrush,
and it hardly seemed possible to transform it into productive fields and fine orchards.
He located upon this farm, however, in .^pril, 1887, and began its development and
improvement. In 1894 the Congdon canal was built and thus water was supplied to
the entire farm. The land proved to be naturally rich and productive when water
was added and even before the completion of the Congdon ditch Mr. Morgan had
begun the raising of vegetables and entered actively into the commission business.
He shipped the first carload of alfalfa from the valley and he built the first produce
warehouse in Yakima. He was the pioneer commission merchant of the city and
the work which he instituted has set a pace for many others whose labors along this
line have constituted a valuable factor in the development, upbuilding and prosperity
of the state.
On the 2Sth of December, 1868, Mr. Morgan was united in marriage to Miss
Minnie M. Mason, who was born in Owen county. Indiana, September 28, 1848, a
daughter of Joseph T. and Mary (Darby) Mason, who removed to Missouri in 1851,
after which the father was there identified with farming to the time of his death, and
his wife also passed away in that locality. To Mr. and Mrs. Morgan were born the
following named: Leola M., who passed away at the age of twenty-two years;
William F., who is a ranchman of the Yakima valley and is married and has three
children; Robert H., who is married and operates a ranch near Selah; Ida M., who
is the wife of Frank Jordan, who is engaged in ranching on the .\htanum river and
by whom she has three children; Nora A., who gave her hand in marriage to Albert
Dean, a clothing merchant of Yakima, by whom she has a daughter; Flora E., who
wedded Teunis Wayenberg. a farmer living at Moxee City, by whom she has two
children; Carrie, who is the wife of John L. Willett. a ranchman, by whom she has
one son; Harry A., who is engaged in ranching in Yakima county and who is mar-
ried and has one child; Leslie V., who is also married and has one child; and Lydia
M., who died at the age of seven years.
Mr. Morgan was a republican in his political views and an active worker in the
EGBERT S. MORGAN
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 59
party but not an office seeker. His religious faith was that of the Methodist church
of which he was long an active and consistent member, and his widow holds mem-
bership in the same church. He was one of the organizers of the first Methodist
Sunday school in Yakima and for many years served as its superintendent. He passed
away in the faith of that church August 10, 1909. honored and respected by all who
knew him. His course was ever characterized by the highest principles of integrity
and the most advanced standards of citizenship. He was constantly extending a
helping hand to the needy and his aid and cooperation were most heartily given to
any movement that was for the benefit of the individual or for the community at
large.
RUSSELL J. THOMPSON.
The Naches valley of the Yakima district has made immense forward strides
in the last few years, during which the peculiar adaptability of soil and climate
in regard to orcharding was discovered. Since that time many valuable orchards
have sprung up and many are the enterprising horticulturists who are now
deriving large returns from this line of activity, to which considerable acreage in
the valley is now devoted. It is characteristic of men of the west that they will
always look for the latest methods and best machinery and equipment in order to
further their efforts and this quality has been the outstanding feature of the pros-
perity that has come to the Yakima valley in this line of business activity.
Among these enterprising orchardists is Russell J. Thompson, who was born
at Howard Lake, Minnesota, October 7, 1884. He is a son of W. D. and Mary
E. (Terrell) Thompson, the former born in Nashville, Tennessee, and the latter
in Vienna, Ohio. In the 70s the parents removed to Minnesota, becoming pioneers
of that state, and there the father continued in agricultural pursuits until 1898,
when he came to the Yakima valley, acquiring eighty acres on the upper Naches.
Of this tract he and his sons planted forty-five acres to fruit and as the years
passed the property became very valuable and the family now derives a most
gratifying income therefrom. In 1915 W. D. Thompson retired from active work
and he and his wife removed to California, turning over the land at that time to
his two sons, Russell J. and Leslie J. The father was always a leader in the dis-
tricts in which he resided. He was ever ready to embrace new discoveries and
assisted in getting the first telephone system established in this district, while he
also did valuable work in securing rural free delivery routes. Moreover, he was
deeply interested in the good roads movement and his enterprise is further indicated
in the fact that he was one of the first in this section to own an autoiriobile. He
did valuable work in regard to horticultural development in the Yakima valley, as
he successfully established one of the first orchards planted here.
Russell J. Thompson spent his boyhood days under the parental roof in Minne-
sota, where he attended the public schools, and removed with his family to the
Yakima valley when fourteen years of age. After completing his preliminary educa-
tion he rounded out his preparation for life's ardous duties at the State University
at Pullman. He then returned to the home farm and assisted his father in the
development of the property, so continuing until the land was divided. Mr. Thomp-
son now has twenty-one acres of orchard in apples and prunes, has up-to-date
buildings for storing his fruit and has also built a fine home. He is typical of
the progressive western horticulturist and is now in the enjoyment of a large
income.
On June 30, 191S, Mr. Thompson was united in marriage to Miss Pearl Hager-
man, a native of Minnesota and a daughter of John Hagerman, who about 1907
removed to Yakima county, where he engaged in farming. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson
have two daughters: Lucille Mary and Margaret.
In his political affiliations Mr. Thompson is a republican, in the principles of
which party he thoroughly believes. Fraternally he is connected with the Loyal
Order of Moose, while along the line of his occupation he is a metnber of the
Grange and also of the Yakima County Horticultural Union, thus being in touch
60 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
with other men in the same line of business and keeping up-to-date in regard
to the latest methods by an exchange of opinions. Mrs. Thompson is a valued
member of the Christian church, in the work of which Ijoth she and her husband
helpfully assist. Mr. Thompson has ever readily co-operated in public movements
undertaken for the general welfare and particularly along lines of fruit raising
has greatly contributed toward the development of horticulture, wdiich promises to
bring to the Yakima valley millions upon millions of dollars.
WILLIAM IRVING HUXTABLE.
The fine home of William Irving Huxtable is situated only about a mile west
of Yakima. Here he has twenty acres of land planted to fruit and his is one of
the attractive properties in his section of the state. Mr. Huxtable is a native of
Tazewell county, Illinois. He was born March IS, 1857, of the marriage of Wil-
liam and Barbara (Robinson) Huxtable, the former a native of England and the
latter of Scatland. They came to America with their respective parents in child-
hood days, the Huxtable family taking up their abode in Illinois in 1838. The
Robinson family also settled there in pioneer times. In 1883 William Huxtable
and his wife removed to Adams county, Nebraska, where he engaged in farming
until his life's labors were ended in death in 1904. His wife passed away when she
had reached the age of seventy-six years.
After mastering the branches of learning taught in the public schools William
Irving Huxtable started out in farm life, purchasing school land in Nebraska.
In 1894, however, he made his way to the coast, establishing his home at Hemet,
California, where he was engaged in fruit farming until 1899. In that year he
came north to Yakima, where he arrived in October, and in 1901 he purchased
twenty acres of land a mile west of Yakima, upon which he has since resided.
He planted this to fruit, specializing in peaches, and he is today one of the largest
peach growers of the county. Upon his place he erected a fine modern residence,
large and substantial barns and made all other necessary improvements, and his
is now one of the fine ranch properties of 'the district. In addition to his home place
he has a seventy-acre tract planted to apples and peaches and he has made a close
study of everything that pertains to fruit growing in this section. He knows the
needs of the soil, the best methods of protecting his trees and the results achieved
are most gratifying.
Mr. Huxtable was married to Miss Charlotte M. Wells, a native of Illinois,
and they became parents of five children: Mary B., the widow of W. Ross Stewart,
by whom she had two children, now making her home with her parents; Ora De
Witt, a farmer who married Edith Cole; Philo I., who is farming with his father in
Yakima county and married Lola Hopper, by whom he has a son, Robert, now
five years of age; Elsie, the wife of G. P. Labberton, of Yakima, by whom she has
two sons; and Orpha, the wife of John I. Preissner, a mining engineer living on
Vancouver Island.
Mr. and Mrs. Huxtable are members of the Baptist church. He has served on
the school board and the cause of education finds in him a warm friend. In fact,
actuated by a progressive spirit, he stands for all that pertains to the progress
and upbuilding of the community along intellectual, social, material and moral lines.
ROBERT BRUCE MILROY.
Robert Bruce Milroy has the distinction of having been a member of the first
law firm of Yakima, where he Ijegan practice in 1884, but long previous to this
time he had seen central Washington, for he was a messenger in the Indian serv-
ice in 1873 and has passed through the valley. He was born in Rensselaer, Indiana,
September 25, 1859, has back of him an ancestry honorable and distinguished and is
fortunate that his lines of life have been cast in harmony therewith. His grand-
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 61
lather was General Samuel Milroy, who served with the rank of major general
in the War of 1812 and also in Indian wars. The father was General R. H. Milroy,
a distinguished veteran of the Mexican and Civil wars and a promoter of civiliza-
tion upon the western frontier. He was born in Indiana in 1816, his father having
settled in that state in 1S09. The date of General R. H. Milroy's birth preceded the
admission of Indiana into the Union by a year. In early manhood he took up the
practice of law and became an able attorney. The military spirit of his father,
however, was a dominant characteristic in the son and he became a captain in the
Mexican war. In days of peace he gave his attention to a large law practice in
Indiana and was serving as judge when the Civil war broke out. He had watched
with interest and studied closely the progress of events in the south and on the
7th of February, 1861, he issued the first call for troops in the United States. Few
so clearly saw or understood the situation as he. When the news came that the
south had fired upon the flag at Fort Sumter, he however, had only two recruits,
but he at pnce went to the courthouse, rang the bell and before breakfast his entire
company was raised. He had served with General Lew Wallace in the Mexican
war, of whom he was also a classmate, and their friendship was one that existed
tlirough life. General Milroy's training in the Mexican war well qualified him for
the duties which he now assumed in connection with the defense of the Union.
He was made colonel of the Ninth Indiana Infantry and his regiment went to the
front with the first Indiana troops. The first man killed from the state was John
Boothroyd, who was a member of Colonel Milroy's regiment. On the 1st of
September, 1861, Colonel Milroy was promoted to the rank of brigadier general
and in March, 1863, was raised to the rank of major general, ranking from Novem-
ber 23, 1862. He served until the close of the Civil war and in May, 1863, was
presented by the Twenty-fifth Ohio Infantry with a sword worth one thousand
dollars. The scabbard was silver and the sword was a Damascus blade with
jeweled hilt set with diamonds and other precious stones., There were three other
swords also presented to him at various times in his life. Such was his known
bravery, valor and qualities of leadership that Jefferson Davis offered one hun-
dred thtnisand dollars for General Milroy, dead or alive, and the rebel legislature
of Virginia offered twenty-five thousand dollars. He was known as "the old gray
eagle." Four horses were shot from under him in battle. At the battle of Win-
chester in 1863 he was caught by Lee's troops, numbering ninety thousand, and his
own soldiers numbered but six thousand. He had orders to "hold on" and then
the wires were cut. He "held on" for three days and then cut his way out. He
was blamed by some historians for not getting out before, but the point was that
he obeyed orders and historians who have investigated the circumstances have for
him only words of the strongest commendation for his courage, his loyalty and his
obedience.
General Milroy was a very prominent and honored resident of Indiana through-
out the period in which he made that state his home. In 1872, however, he removed
westward to Olympia, Washington, to become superintendent of Indian affairs in
the northwest and remained in the Indian service until the office was abolished. He
was then put in charge of all the agencies on the Sound. In 1882 he came to Yakima
as agent of (he Yakima reservation, having charge of all the Indians from the
Columbia river north to Wenatchee and an exceedingly broad territory surround-
ing. He was the first man dismissed on account of "offensive partisanship" by
Grover Cleveland. He was a stalwart republican and made a few political speeches
in the east while on a visit there. He liocame as prominent and influential in the
vve<-t as he had been in the east and at all times and under all circumstances he was
a most progressive citizen, his aid and influence being given on the side of advance-
ment and improvement. He began the building of the branch railway from Olympia
to Tenino and he had the Piute ditch dug on the Indian reservation, this being
one of the first irrigation projects of the Yakima valley. He was the first person
who started the allotment of lands in severalty to the Indians, which course he
pursued in the '70s before any legislation to that effect had been enacted. He
was one of the first to advocate taking the Indian children and educating them in
order to civilize them and he assisted in establishing the Forest Grove Indian
school, later called the Chemawa School. He believed that the Indians should own
62 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
their land and have educational privileges. He was a very close student of the
problems of the red men and did all in his power to secure justice to them in their
treatment by the government. He passed away at Olympia, March 30, 1890, the city
thus losing one of its most eminent residents, one whose career had not only
reflected credit and honor upon the state in which he made his home, but upon
the whole nation. His contribution to the world's work had been most valuable
and his ability was attested by distinguished men throughout the country.
The name of Robert Bruce Milroy is also interwoven with the history of the
Yakima valley. He acquired his early education in the public schools of Indiana and,
in the west, at Olympia. He afterward became a student in the Territorial Uni-
versity of Washington at Seattle and then entered the United States Naval Academy
at Annapolis. He next became a student at Hanover College of Indiana and pursued
his law course in the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. In 1884 he came to
Yakima to visit his father and in March, 1885, he opened a law office in North
Yakima in connection with his brother, W. J. Milroy, theirs being the first law
firm of the city. Later they built the first two-story building on Yakima avenue
and in it maintained their law office. They were accorded a liberal clientage and
Robert B. Milroy remained an able and prominent member of the Yakima bar
until 1897, when he went to Alaska, where he resided for twelve years. He was
engaged in mining for two years at Dawson and later he opened a law office in
Nome, where he continued in the active and successful practice of his profession
until 1901. In 1902 he again took up mining and afterward divided his time be-
tween mining and law practice until 1908, when he returned to the United States,
and in 1909 once more became a resident of Yakima. Here he has practiced con-
tinuously since and is now occupying the office of police judge. He was also assist-
ant attorney general of Washington under the first attorney general, W. C. Jones,
in 1892. He is a lawyer of marked ability and comprehensive knowledge and has
left the impress of his individuality and professional powers upon the legal history
of the state.
On the 28th of May, 1889, Mr. Milroy was united in marriage to Miss Pauline
Whitson, a daughter of Judge Curtis W. Whitson, who was a member of the
supreme court of Idaho.
In politics Mr. Milroy has ever been a stalwart republican and for sixteen
years in all has served as chairman of the county central republican committee,
.^side from the offices which he has held in the strict line of his profession, he was
a member of the state legislature in 1894. Fraternally he is connected with the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows. There is perhaps no man who has a more
intimate or accurate knowledge concerning the history of this section of the state
and he is one of the best known citizens of the Yakima valley, enjoying the good-
will, confidence, honor and trust of all with whom he has been brought in contact.
FIDELIO KING HISCOCK.
Fidelio King Hiscock, who departed this life in 1917, was closely associated with
the agricultural development of the Yakima valley and his worth as a man and citi-
zen was widely acknowledged. He was born in Syracuse, New York, April 15, 1869,
a son of Senator Frank and Cornelia (King) Hiscock, who were representatives of
prominent old New York families. The father became an attorney who exercised
marked influence over public thought and action. He not only attained prominence
at the bar but also was called upon to represent his district in congress and in the
United States senate. He was born at Pompey. New York. September 6. 1834, a son
of Richard and Cynthia (Harris) Hiscock. His education was acquired at Pompey
Academy and in 1855 he was admitted to the bar. He served as district attorney of
Onondaga county. New York, from 1860 until 1863, and in 1867 was made a member
of the state constitutional convention of New York. His fellow townsmen apprecia-
tive of his able powers and marked ability, called upon him to act as their repre-
sentative in congress from 1877 until 1887, so that he sat in the forty-fifth to the
forty-ninth congresses. In 1887 he was elected a member of the United States senate
FIDELIO K. HISCOCK
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 65
for New York and remained a member of the upper house for six years. His politi-
cal allegiance was always given to the republican party. After his retirement from
office he practiced as senior member of the law firm of Hiscock, Doheny, Williams
& Cowic, and he was also a director of the Bank of Syracuse and the Syracuse Savings
Bank. He belonged to the Union League Club and to the Republican Club of New
York. He married Cornelia King, of Tully, New York, on the 22d of November,
1859, and passed away June 18, 1914.
His son, F. K. Hiscock of this review, accorded liberal educational advantages,
was graduated from Cornell University in 1891 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts.
In the same year he determined to try his fortune in the west, thinking that better
opportunities were here ofifered for the development of enterprise and ambition.
-Accordingly he arrived in Tacoma in that year and soon afterward made his way to
the Yakima valley, where he purchased an interest in a ranch in connection with
R. L. McCook. They had one hundred and sixty acres of land and he later purchased
one hundred and twenty acres individually. He utilized his land in the production of
large crops of hops and hay, having extensive hop vineyards, and the careful man-
agement of his interests brought to him a very substantial measure of success.
On the 22d of October, 1910, Mr. Hiscock was married to Miss Anne Randolph
Scudder, a daughter of H. B. Scudder, mentioned elsewhere in this work. The death
of Mr. Hiscock occurred January 29, 1917. He had made for himself a most credit-
able and enviable position in the public regard of his community. He was a member
of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, also of the Commercial Club and of the
Country Club. His political allegiance was given to the republican party, in which
he was an active worker but not an office seeker. His religious faith was that of the
Episcopal church. His life was one of intense and well directed activity, which made
him widely known, and his record at all times measured up to the highest standards.
The worth of his work was widely acknowledged and it seemed that he should have
been spared for many more years of usefulness, for he was in the prime of life when
called to the home beyond.
STANLEY E. GOODWIN.
Among the native sons of Kittitas county still living within its borders, identi-
fied actively with its farming interests, is numbered Stanley E. Goodwin, who is
today a well known and highly respected resident of the district in which he makes
his home. He was born January 17, 1881, in Kittitas county, a son of Thomas B.
and Sarah (Cumberland) Goodwin, who were natives of Indiana. They became
pioneer settlers of California and upon leaving that state removed to Oregon. It
was during the 70s that they arrived in Kittitas county, casting in their lot with
the pioneer settlers who were braving the hardships and privations of frontier life
in order to reclaim this region, rich in its natural resources, for the purposes of
civilization. The father purchased land and also took up government land ten miles
north of Ellcnsburg, adding to his possessions until his holdings aggregated one
thousand acres, of which over five hundred acres are under cultivation. He at
once began the development and imjirovement of the farm and his labors were
most resultant in transforming the place into rich and productive fields, from
which he annually gathered good harvests. He erected thereon a fine residence,
also built large and substantial barns, secured the latest improved machinery to
facilitate the work of the fields and in every way carried on his farming interests
along most progressive lines. In 1894 he was called upon to mourn the loss of his
first wife, after which he later married Jennie Cumberland, a sister of his first
wife, who still survives him, his death having occurred on the 15th of April, 1917.
A more complete sketch and portrait of Thomas B. Goodwin is to be found else-
where in this work.
Stanley E. Goodwin acquired a pulilic school education and when not busy with
his textbooks assisted his father in the work of the home ranch until he reached the
age of twenty-two years. He then rented his father's place in connection with his
brother Aubrey and later Stanley E. Goodwin rented it alone. ,'\t a subsequent
66 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
period he purchased a ranch and is now the owner of one hundred and forty acres
of land, which he acquired in 1915. His place is devoted to the raising of grain and
hay and is an excellent ranch property, well equipped and improved. He employs
modern scientific methods in the further development of the farm and that his
lahors are of practical character is indicated in the excellent harvests which he
annually gathers.
On the 18th of February, 1904, Mr. Goodwin was married to Miss Edna Dun-
can, a daughter of James F. Duncan, of Thorp, Washington, where he located at
an early period in its development. Mr. and Mrs. Goodwin have a son, Marshall
Clay, born April 24, 1905.
In politics Mr. Goodwin maintains an indepnedent course, voting for men
and measures rather than for party. His father was quite active and prominent in
political affairs and at one time served as a representative in the state legislature.
Stanley E. Goodwin, however, prefers to concentrate his efforts and attention upon
his business interests and is today numbered among the bore progressive of the
young farmers of Kittitas county who are numbered among its native sons.
LINDEN McCULLOUGH.
Linden McCullough, superintendent of schools at Ellensburg, in which con-
nection he is introducing many improved methods of education, was born in Lexing-
ton, Illinois, May 30, 1881, a son of James Vance and Mary (Power) McCullough,
both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. They removed westward to Illi-
nois about 1858 and there the father followed the occupation of farming. The
mother has now passed away, while Mr. McCullough is at the present time living
retired from active business life.
Linden McCullough acquired a public school education, completed by a high
school course in Illinois, after which he entered the Lake Forest University of
that state, finishing his course there by graduation with the class of 1904. Since
then he has taken summer work at the University of Chicago, at the University of
Washington and at the University of Oregon. Throughout his entire life he has
remained a close and discriminating student, reading broadly, thinking deeply and
at all times progressing along educational lines. He engaged in clerical work from
1904 until 1909 in Chicago and then, leaving the metropolis of the middle west,
made his way to New Bridge, Oregon, where he took up the profession of teach-
ing. He afterward went to Baker City, Oregon, where for two years he occupied
the position of teacher of history in the high school. He then became superintend-
ent of the schools at Roslyn, Washington, in which position he continued from
1912 until 1916, and through the succeeding scholastic year he was superintendent
of the schools at Lagrande, Washington. In 1917 he accepted the superintendency
of the schools at Ellensburg, where he has since remained, and his labors here
have been most effective, far-reaching and beneficial. He established a special
night school for instruction in commercial branches at the high school building of the
city. This was in 1917 and in 1918 his night school was broadened in its scope
until it covers all the studies of the high school course for those who have had to
be absent. Instruction is also given in radio buzzer work, in automobile repairing
and machine shop work, together with other courses. Among the students are
fifteen boys who are working part of the time, under the provision of the Smith-
Hughes bill that provides for regular studies part of the time and work during
the remainder of the time. The same plan will be worked out in connection with
the Northern Pacific Railway machine shop and the car repair department. The
school formulates the plan for the evening work, which is in many respects different
than any in the state and indicates a decided improvement upon methods followed
elsewhere.
On the 12th of June, 1911, Mr. McCullough was married to Miss Mildred
Hazeltine, of Canyon City, Oregon, a daughter of G. S. and Emma (McCollom)
Hazeltine. Mr. and Mrs. McCullough have four children: Robert, Mabel, Ruth
and Marjorie.
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 67
In his fraternal connections Mr. McCuUough is a Mason, belonging to the
blue lodge at Lexington, and he is also identified with the Elks lodge at Baker City,
Oregon. His political endorsement is given to the democratic party and his religious
faith is that of the Presbyterian church. A broad-minded man, recognizing the
opportunities of his profession, he is constantly putting forth effective effort to
advance the interests of the young and make education a thorough and practical
training for life's responsible duties.
JAMES J. WILEY.
One of the foremost ranchers of Yakima county is James J. Wiley, who repre-
sents very important interests in that line, his property being located at what
is now Wiley City. This town, natned in honor of the family, was founded in
1910 on part of his land. James J. Wiley was born in Wabasha county, Minne-
sota, September Zl, 1863, a son of Hugh and Mary Ann (Tufft) Wiley, the father
a native of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and the mother of Quebec, Canada.
The grandfather was James Wiley, of Pennsylvania, and his son, Hugh' Wiley,
father of our subject, became one of the pioneers of Minnesota, where he took up a
homestead on the present site of the city of Plainview. It seems, however, that
conditions in that state did not meet up with their expectations and in October,
1866, Mr. and Mrs. Wiley arrived in Oregon, having made the trip via New York
and the isthmus of Panama. In 1868 they came by team to Yakima county and
here the father took up a homestead on the Ahtanum upon which James J. Wiley
now lives. The Wileys were among the first few white families to settle in this
valley. Hugh Wiley was thus closely connected W'ith the history of the white
race in this county from its beginning. He assisted in building the first school-
house and in order to assure the children of the settlers of some kind of an educa-
tion paid two-thirds of the teacher's salary. He also assisted in organizing the
first church in Yakima county. He was a strict member of the Presbyterian church,
to" which faith he was deeply devoted. Throughout the remainder of his life he
gave his attention to ranching and to the live stock business and passed away
January 1, 1884, being survived by his widow, who lives in Wiley City. It was
Hugh Wiley who opened the first canon road to The Dalles, Oregon, and his name
is in other connections identified with pioneer movements. Mr. and Mrs. Hugh
Wiley were the parents of nine children: W'illiam, who is engaged in ranching on
the Ahtanum; Wallace, who is closely associated with our subject in his ranching
and live stock interests; James J., of this review; John, who also is ranching on
the Ahtanum; Isabel, who married Norman Woodhouse, a retired farmer who now
lives in Wiley City and is connected with the telephone business; Charles, who w'as
married and is now deceased; Martha, who for seventeen years has been a mission-
ary in China; Annie, the wife of W. F. Achelpohl, an attorney of St. Charles, Mis-
souri; and George.
James J. Wiley was reared amid pioneer conditions and after attending the
rural schools took a course at the Columbia Commercial College at Portland in
1884. Having completed his education, he, with his brother Wallace, then gave their
entire attention to the development of the home ranch and so continued until about
1892, when they organized the Wiley Land & Stock Company. I'nder this name
they are now operating seven thousand acres of land, of which one thousand acres
are in hay and grain, a very substantial income being derived tlieretroni. while the
remainder is range land. Their cattle interests are of the greatest importance as
annually a large number of shorthorns are made ready for the market. Moreover,
they are large horse raisers, breeding standard and draft horses. It thus has come
about that in the course of years Mr. Wiley has become one of the largest and
most prosperous ranchers of the west. He and his brother Wallace still conduct
their extensive interests together and their co-operation has proved of the greatest
benefit to them individually. They are business men of rare acumen and, moreover,
close students of local conditions, thus getting the best out of their land. Mr.
Wiley is also thoroughly informed in regard to live stock and keeps in touch with
68 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
the latest discoveries and methods in regard to that Hne. In 1911 he built a handsome
new residence at Wiley City which is now the family home.
On January 17, 1900, Mr. Wiley married Rosalie Ward, a daughter of B. F.
and Eliza J. (Sartan) Ward, the former born near Boston, Massachusetts, and the
latter near St. Louis, Missouri. In 1867 the parents made their way to Wyoming,
of which state they became pioneers. Mrs. Rosalie Wiley was the first white child
born at Lander. Wyoming. Mr. and Mrs. Wiley have five children, Malcolm,
Madeline, Marguerite, Gordon and Clifford.
Mr. and Mrs. Wiley are numbered among the most influential and respected
people of their neighborhood, both taking part in all movements undertaken on
behalf of the general welfare along material as well as moral and intellectual lines.
Mrs. Wiley is a devoted member of the First Presbyterian church, in the work of
which she is deeply interested. Her husband belongs to Yakima Lodge, Xo. 318,
B. P. O. E.. and in politics is a republican but not desirous of holding office, pre-
ferring to give his undivided attention to his large farming interests. Coming of
one of the honored pioneer families of the district, he adds new laurels to a family
name that has long been distinguished here for reliabilitj-. enterprise and loyalty
to state and nation.
ORLA L. FRENCH.
A picture of rare interest and beauty is that presented by the region surround-
ing Yakima in the fruit-bearing season. Hundreds of acres have been transformed
into fine orchards or, brought under the plow, are producing large crops of various
kinds. Actively identified with the work of tilling the soil — a work which must
precede all industrial or commercial activity — Orla L. French has made for himself
an enviable position in business circles. He was born at Flushing, Michigan, Sep-
tember 23. 1861, a son of G. A. and Harriet French. The father was also a native of
Flushing, being the first white child born there, his natal year being 1840. He was a
son of Henry H. French, who settled in Michigan in the '30s. After arriving at
years of maturity G. A. French wedded Harriet Woodruff, a native of Ohio, and as
the years passed he continuously and successfully devoted his attention to general
farming. His death occurred in 1897 and his widow passed away in Yakima in 1906.
After acquiring a high school education in his native state Orla L. French re-
moved to Minnesota when twenty-three years of age and purchased three hundred
and twenty acres of land. There he carried on farming until January 3, 1900, when
he came to the Pacific northwest and for tvyo years rented a stock farm in Yakima
county. Upon his arrival in this state he also purchased sixty-six acres of land on
the .\htanum and has since given his attention to the raising of diversified crops,
also hay, fruit and live stock. He has ten acres in orchards two miles southwest
of Yakima, raising thereon fine apples, pears, peaches and grapes. The fruit pro-
duced is not only of splendid size but is equally fine in flavor and commands the
highest market prices. The progressiveness of his methods, the systematic manner
in which his work is carried on and the unfaltering industry and enterprise which
he displays in the operation of his farm have made him one of the leading agri-
culturists and fruit growers of this section of the state.
On the 2d of March, 1888, Mr. French was married to Miss Millie A. Lyman,
a daughter of O. G. and Katherine (Wheeler) Lyman. They have become the
parents of five children: Goldie, the wife of Charles Woerner, of Granger, Wash-
ington, by whom she has six children; Lera, who is the wife of Charles Peterson,
of Yakima, and the mother of three children; Harold, a rancher on tlie Tieton;
Esther, at home; and Milo, who is fourteen years of fage.
Mr. French is well known in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, being a
past noble grand of Yakima Lodge No. 22, of which he is now serving as a trustee.
He is also overseer of the Grange and he is a loyal member of the Methodist church.
In politics he is a republican where national questions and issues are involved,
but at local elections casts an independent ballot. He served as township treasurer
while in Minnesota but has never been a politician in the sense of office seeking,
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 69
preferring to concentrate his efforts and attention upon his business affairs and
thus provide a comfortable living for his family. He is a member of the Yakima
County Horticultural Union and during the period of his residence in the north-
west he has won an enviable place among the successful farmers and fruit raisers
of his section. He has upon his place a plant for packing his fruit and his farm is
thoroughly modern in its equipment in every respect.
E. W. R. TAYLOR.
Among the pioneers of Prosser is numbered E. W. R. Taylor, who is half
owner of a large flour mill in this city which he has now operated for nearly a
third of a century. From a small beginning it has become one of the large industrial
enterprises of the neighborhood and he derives therefrom a gratifying income, so
that today he is numbered among the prosperous men of the valley. He was born
in Lucas county, Iowa, May 12, 1859, a son of George S. and Nancy Rebecca
(.McLaughlin) Taylor, both natives of Indiana. They removed from their native
state of Iowa at an early day in the development of that state. Thence they crossed
the plains in the primitive style of the pioneer in 1866, making their way to Washing-
ton, and remained in Walla Walla for a few months, whence they removed to
Seattle, which remained their home for a year. The year 1867 found them in Selah,
Washington, and at the time of their arrival only eight families were located in the
valley. George S. Taylor took up land here and gave his continued attention to
agricultural pursuits and live stock dealing with good results until death claimed
him, his demise occurring as the result of an accident. His widow survived until
1916. Mr. Taylor, Sr., took a very prominent part in the public life of the valley,
being an ardent exponent of democratic principles. For one term he represented
Yakima, Klickitat and Kittitas counties in the state legislature, and his word and
opinions were of great weight with his confreres. In his position he was able to do
much good for his constituency and many measures which were passed through
the legislature on account of his arduous representation have brought such good
results that the benefit from them is apparent to this day.
E. W. R. Taylor removed with his parents to Washington when but seven
years of age and is therefore numbered among the early and honored pioneers of
this state. Amid the new surroundings of residence he received his education in the
schools of the neighborhood and after putting aside his textbooks began to assist
his father in the farm work, becoming thoroughly acquainted with agricultural
methods and values. He was then engaged in the live stock business with his
father until the age of twenty-four, when he struck out for himself and proved up
on a homestead claim. In 1888 he came to Prosser and bought a primitive little
flour mill there which under his able management has grown until it is today an
industrial enterprise of vast importance to all the surrounding farmers. For thirty
years Mr. Taylor has been a resident of Prosser and during that period has built
up a reputation in private and commercial life which stands second to none, his
word being as good as his bond. Mr. Taylor also conducted a general store in his
city, where he carried well assorted lines of goods, his fair dealing and honorable
methods securing to him a large custom. This business he owned for over twenty
years. It was established in 1890, but in 1910, on account of his other interests, he
sold out. He also had a store of the same kind in Yakima which he owned for
two years, from 1895 until 1897. The mill, to the operation of which he now gives
his whole attention, is one of the oldest in the valley and was built in 1887, just
a year before he became the proprietor. It has a capacity of two hundred barrels
per day, and is therefore one of the largest of its kind in this part of the state. A
very high grade of flour is turned out and the farmers of the neighborhood who have
dealings with Mr. Taylor are as one in their agreement as to his fair treatment
of all.
E. W. R. Taylor has been married twice. His first union was with Miss "Annie
Sutton, of Yakima, and to them were born six children, namely: Pearl, who mar-
ried Harry Forsyth and is now residing in California; Arthur, who has the active
70 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
management of the mill; Roy, who is also associated with his father in business,
acting in the capacity of miller; Claude, who is serving his country in the United
States army: Edna, the wife of Fred McNeil, of Prosser; and George, who is a
member of the United States Ambulance Corps, No. 570, and is now doing duty in
Italy. The death of Mrs. Taylor caused deep sorrow not only to her immediate
family but also to the many friends whom she had made in Prosser and the neigh-
borhood. Mr. Taylor later contracted a second union with Miss Mae Widby, of
Prosser, and both are popular members of the social set of their town.
Mr. Taylor has always taken a deep and lasting interests in the upbuilding
of his community, of which he is one of the honored pioneers, and this interest finds
documentary evidence in the fact that he is serving at present as president of the
Prosser Commercial Club, whose projects for expansion and growth in industrial
and agricultural ways he largely promotes. In politics he is a democrat but with-
out desire for office, preferring to do his duty as a citizen at the ballot box. The
religious faith of the family is that of the Baptist church and fraternally Mr. Tay-
lor is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in which organization
he has many friends. He is a man of sterling character who by his honorable
dealings has reached a state of prosperity to which he is fully entitled and none
can grudge him his labor's fruits which he has so honorably attained.
JAMES A. KARR.
While several years have been added to the cycle of the centuries since James
A. Karr passed from this life, his influence is yet felt and his memory cherished by
all who knew him. He was for many years a most prominent citizen of Washington,
contributing in marked measure to the development and upbuilding of the state. He
became an investor in lands in the Yakima valley which are still being further devel-
oped and improved through the efforts of his son, Arthur T. Karr, who is now the
manager of the Karr estate.
A contemporary writer has said of James A. Karr: "The history of Hoquiam
and of the Grays Harbor country cannot be better told than by detailing many of
the incidents of the life of James A. Karr, who lived until November, 1914, to te.l
the tale of the wonderful development of this section of the country, his memory
forming a connecting link between the primitive past and the progressive present.
Fifty-seven years have come and gone since he filed upon a claim in Chehalis, now
Grays Harbor, county, in 1860, being then a young man of twenty-six years. Until
that district emerged from pioneer conditions much of his life had been spent upon
the frontier, for Indiana had taken on statehood only eighteen years before he was
born on Little Indian creek, not far from Martinsville, Indiana, on the 18th of
September, 1834. His earliest recollections are of playing on the sand on the bank
of that creek with his little sister, who died after he left home. He has no memory
of his father, save as he saw iiim in death, the grief of his mother impressing this
sight indelibly upon the mind of the three-year-old boy. However, he remembers
his grandfather Karr, a fine type of the Irish gentleman, dressed like a squire in
leggings and hunting coat. After the death of the father the family removed from
place to place and was subjected to many hardships. Later the mother married
a Mr. Storick and again the family moved, settling on a good farm in St. Clair
county, Illinois, not far from St. Louis. There was much hard work to be done
in the further clearing and cultivating of the land and the Karr brothers did their
full share. Mr. Karr, however, recognized that as stepsons they had little chance
in life because of a lack of education and that they would always have to depend
upon severe manual labor. He often expressed a desire to attend school but re-
ceived no assistance from Mr. Storick, although his mother encouraged the idea.
At length, feeling that if he obtained an education it must be through his own
efforts, he left home at the age of fourteen years and hired out for the summer at
a wage of five dollars per month. At harvest time a man who could swing a
cradle or who could bind after the cradle was paid a much better wage than the
regular farm hand, and Mr. Karr proved that he could bind as well as men of twice
A.MES A. KARR
MRS. ABKiAIL KARR
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 75
or thrice his years. Accordingly he_ did work of that character, earning at first a
dollar and afterward a dollar and a quarter per day, and the money thus gained
was used in buying books and clothing, while by working on Saturdays and morn-
ing and night to pay for his board, he was able to attend school for several months
that winter. He afterward entered upon an apprenticeship to the brickniakers' trade
and the money which he earned through the summer months in that way enabled him
to again attend school in the winter. One of his teachers, John Leeper, a graduate
of McKendree College of Illinois, proved an inspiration to him and assisted him
in every possible way in his studies. For six years Mr. Karr continued working
in the summer and attending school in the winter, and finally, with a partner, he
established and operated a brickyard, in which he won a measure of success that
enabled him to pay his board and devote an entire year to study, in which time he
acquired a knowledge of algebra, natural philosophy and astronomy. He was par-
ticularly interested in the first named and his fellow students often called upon
him to assist in solving their problems. After that year he taught school for a
term and then, inclined to the study of medicine, he spent some time in a drug
store. All these experiences not only proved to him a means of earning a living
at that period but gave him a fund of knowledge upon which he called in his later
pioneer experiences in the northwest. He became one of the first school teachers
and one of the first brickmakers of Chehalis county when some years later he es-
tablished his home in the Grays Harbor country.
"In 1852, following the discovery of gold in California, Mr. Karr and his
brother decided to go to the mines, as this would enable them also to see something
of the world. Returning to Indiana, Mr. Karr, who was then twenty-one years
of age, settled his mother's estate, his share thereof being about five hundred dollars,
which furnished the brothers the capital for their trip. Proceeding to New York,
they took passage on a steamer bound for Panama, crossed the Isthmus and thence
proceeded northward to California, where they spent three years in the mines. They
made Nevada City their headquarters but they did not find the expected fortune
and in 1858, attracted by the Fraser river excitement, started north as passengers on
the Anne Perry from San Francisco to Whatcom. There they purchased a small
boat to go from Bellingham Bay to the Gulf of Georgia and thence up the Fraser
river. Point Roberts extended into the gulf in a southeasterly direction for quite
a distance. South of this point the water was quiet but on the river side there was
a strong surf driven on by the northwest wind. However, they decided to land on
the north side in order to be ready to make the start up the river, but while so
doing their boat filled with water and their provisions received a soaking, although
little damage resulted. Proceeding up the river, they stopped at Fort Yale for a
week or more in September, 1858, and there purchased Sockeye salmon from the
Indians, which furnishfed them many an appetizing meal when the fish was fried in
butter.
"As the winter was coming on and there seemed to be no prospect of getting
gold, the brothers returned southward, accompanied by their partner, John C. Gove,
who became one of the pioneer settlers near Seattle. Purchasing their partner's
interest, they started back to the Sound and at Olympia sold their boat, proceeding
on the trail with their packs. They spent the night on Mound Prairie at the home
of a Mr. Goodell, whose son Ed had just been helping to make a survey of the land
at Grays Harbor. He told of the country and of the river called Hoquiam, Mr.
Karr and his brother retaining a distinct remembrance of this. However, the
brothers proceeded to Portland to spend the winter and there entered the employ
of Colonel Frush. who was building streets, for which purpose he hauled gravel
from the Willamette river bars. In securing the gravel the brothers were able to
earn three dollars per day and later they cut Cordwood, for which they were paid
a dollar and a half per cord, and by working steadily they could earn three dollars
per day in that way. In the spring James A. Karr ran the steam ferry across the
Columbia, while his brother drove a team, but they never abandoned the idea of
returning to Grays Harbor and in August made preparations for a trip into the
new country. Returning to Olympia, they purchased cloth from which they made
a tent, and also laid in supplies for the trip. Proceeding on their way, they stopped
for a time at the ranch of 'Blockhouse' Smith at Cedarville and there proceeded
76 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
to make a canoe. The cedar tree which they selected for the purpose split, so they
secured a green cottonwood growing beside the river. They hewed this out and,
wishing to hasten the work, they piled the canoe full of branches of vine maple, to
which they set fire, but found that they had burned a hole in the cottonwood. A
thin board, oakum and pitch repaired the damage, and packing their supplies in
the canoe, they started down the river, after two days reaching Cosmopolis, which
was the metropolis of this country. The district was largely an unsettled and un-
developed region, the Metcalfs living at Montesano and the Scammons at Wyn-
oochee, which was the county seat. From that point they proceeded to Hoquiam,
rounding Cow Point and so coming into the mouth of the river. They landed where
the first schoolhouse was afterward built, near the present site of the Hoquiam sash
and door factory, and proceeding at once to the upland, Mr. Karr found a level
green bench which dropped abruptly into the tidal prairie, where the grass grew
tall among the scattered forest trees and a spring of clear water issued from the
hillside. So attractive was the site that Mr. Karr decided to make it his home,
while his brother chose a site across the river. Then they began building a cabin
of hemlock logs, chinked with dirt and soft sandstone. Inventive ingenuity was
brought into play to protect their cabin and its supplies during their absence. The
usual latchstring hung out, but instead of opening the latch, as was customary, when
it was pulled it only shut the more tightly. But another string with a little block
of wood attached was brought out further on and the end concealed with soft earth.
It was this string that opened the door, but it would not be noticed by anyone who
was not accustomed to such an arrangement. However, one day when the brothers
were absent from home, Captain Winsor, a well known frontiersman, called. Used
to all kinds of pioneer devices, he soon discovered their arrangement and he and
his party entered the house, built a big fire and prepared a meal from supplies which
they found. After they were gone the fire in some way spread to the timber, burn-
ing away the mantel and doing some damage to the interior, but fortunately the
wet hemlock logs of which the cabin had been built proved fireproof, so the Karrs
found their home only somewhat dismantled. They had met Captain Winsor and
his friends, who told them of their visit but little dreamed of the result of their
self-obtained hospitality.
'■.\s time passed on, the brothers continued the work of clearing and develop-
ing their places and in 1860, after making a trip to Olympia accompanied by .'\ustin
Young, James A. Karr established a brickyard at Cosmopolis, hoping thus to obtain
ready money by supplying the commodity which the community greatly needed.
He was not only associated in this undertaking with his brother but was also
joined by Austin Young, Ed. Campbell and David Byles. They furnished brick for
the government barracks at Chehalis Point and when the buildings were abandoned
after the war, Mr. Campbell bought one and moved it to Hoquiam, where it still stands
on the east side of the river. The brick manufacturers furnished brick for many of the
fireplaces in the early homes and the income which they acquired enabled the Karr
brothers to secure many needed supplies.
"Olympia was a small village of about four or five hundred people when in
March, "i860, Mr. Karr went there to enter his claim, which he secured as a pre-
emption, the homestead law having not then been passed. When Chehalis county
was formed James A. Karr was elected its first auditor and filled the office for
twelve years. There was no salary attached to the position but the incumbent was
allowed fees and three dollars per day for full time. In the winter of 1860 Mr.
Karr taught the first school at Cosmopolis in a little building erected from lumber
brought from Cedarville, while his own brickyard supplied the brick for the fire-
place and chimney. He had twelve or fifteen pupils, for several families, including
the Metcalf. Goodell, Smith, Byles and Young families, were then living in the
neighborhood. Christmas of that year was celebrated at the home of Mr. Goodell,
with speaking, singing and a general good time. The families of the neighbor-
hood gathered and the invitation was also extended to the soldiers stationed there.
It was feared that the Indians, knowing that war was in progress among the whites
of the north and the south, might go upon the warpath, so that a garrison was
maintained at Chehalis Point and a blockhouse was erected at Cedarville. In the
winter of 1861-2 Mr. Karr engaged in teaching at Montesano and as there was little
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY n
money in the neighborhood he was largely paid in cattle, so that when he was ready
to develop his farm he had quite a small herd of excellent cattle. In the winter of
1862-3 he taught at Mound Prairie. It was there that he had first heard of Grays
Harbor when stopping at the Goodell home in 1859. One of the sons, Ed Goodell,
had in the meantime married and removed to Forest Grove but Mr. Karr met him
again at the close of the school term in 1863.
"It was an occasion that, seemingly trivial, proved a most momentous one in the
life of Mr. Karr, for Mr. Goodell showed him the picture of an attractive looking
young lady, saying that he would give him the picture if he would take it to the
original. In a spirit of fun Mr. Karr took the picture and about that time, desiring
to see his brother on business matters and thinking that he might find work at
harvesting or masonry and thus bring in money needed for carrrying on the farm
at Hoquiam, he started for the place where his brother was working, not far from
Hillsboro, between Portland and Forest Grove, Oregon. In the course of a con-
versation with a woman with whom his brother boarded Mr. Karr chanced to say
that he had the picture of a very nice looking girl. On seeing it the woman ex-
claimed: 'Why, I know her! That's .^bbie Walker and she is teaching at Hills-
boro, only about a quarter of a mile away.' She proposed that they visit the school-
house about the time the school would be closed. This plan was carried out and
Mr. Karr walked with the young lady to her boarding house, which was some dis-
tance from the school. The old-time pioneer hospitality was extended him by the
people of the house and after remaining there through the night he next day ac-
companied the young lady to school and they planned a ride together to her home
at Forest Grove, where they spent the following Saturday and Sunday. The ac-
quaintance progressed rapidly and when Miss Walker spoke of making a trip east
of the mountains to visit the scenes of her childhood near Spokane, Mr. Karr re-
plied that it would be a long, tedious journey and he wanted her to go to Hoquiam
with him. An immediate marriage was agreed upon and was celebrated at the
Walker home September 14, 1863, the bride's father, the Rev. Elkanah Walker, be-
ing the officiating clergyman, assisted by Rev. Chamberlain, of Portland, who was
then visiting at their home. The wedding trip consisted of a visit to the State Fair
at Salem and a trip to Mound Prairie.
"Mr. Karr was engaged to teach the Little Rock school that winter and in the
spring he went to the farm to start the work, his wife remaining to finish out the
two months of school. In the latter part of March he returned and accompanied
his wife down the river to the homestead which they occupied for forty years. They
earnestly undertook the task of developing the place and the labors of both were
soon evident in its transformation and improved appearance. The first year they
had ten cows and batter constituted their chief export. Mr. Karr remained con-
tinuously upon the farm save for the years 1875, 1882 and 1893, when he repre-
sented his district in the state legislature. As a member of the legislature he care-
fully considered the vital questions which came up for consideration and gave his
support to many measures which have been far-reaching in their beneficial effects.
The journals of the house of the territorial legislature show that Mr. Karr had been
a most active agent in the educational interests of the state, was on the committee
of education and introduced the bill providing for a common school system. He was
one of the leading champions of legislation establishing and supporting the State
University. Chehalis was a republican county, but as it did not contain enough
people to form a district, the legislature resorted to gerrymandering when the demo-
crats were in power and Chehalis was attached at various periods to different dis-
tricts. It was first joined to Pierce, and although a republican stood no chance of
winning, Mr. Karr made speeches throughout Pierce county, which was strongly
democratic. .'\t that time he was defeated, but when Pierce and Chehalis counties
were again joined, Mr. Karr received a large majority in Pierce and said that he
thought the speeches he made several years before must have just begun to take
effect. He always kept in close touch with the questions and issues of the day from
the time when he acted as secretary of the first political meeting held in Grays
Harbor in 1860, on which occasion Governor Stevens was in the midst of his cam-
paign for delegate to congress.
"Mr. Karr actively continued the work of the farm and for ten years the family
(4)
78 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
lived in the original log cabin, although some additions and improvements were
added thereto. In 1874 he planned to build a new home, bringing lumber from
Elma, doors and window sash from Tumwater and brick from a schooner that had
carried its cargo from Portland. Mr. Karr quarried the stone for two fireplaces
from the bluff across the river and secured shingles at Montesano. When ma-
terials were thus assembled a story and a half house was erected, facing the south
and overlooking the waters of the bay. It was a period when the settlers had to
depend upon their own labor for nearly all supplies and Mr. Karr undertook the
task of tanning leather, at first using smartweed and other ingredients from the
east, but he discovered the astringent properties of hemlock and alder bark and
from those made in tanning materials. After producing leather this was cut up and
shaped into boots and shoes for the family, Mr. Karr making the lasts and pegs,
and the shoes, it is said, 'made up in durability for what they lacked in elegance.'
All garments, even those for the boys, were homemade and raincoats were made of
unbleached cotton soaked in linseed oil. Mr. Karr's former experience as a drug
clerk enabled him to provide remedies for his family when there was no physician
near at hand and not infrequently he was called upon to prescribe for his neighbors.
He contributed to the social enjoyment of the community by his violin music, having
studied in Nashville, Illinois, and afterward in Nevada City, California. While
teaching at Cosmopolis he gave instruction in music as well as in the common
branches. It was at Mr. Karr's suggestion that a trail was opened from Elma to
Olympia over which horses and cattle could be driven, and this trail proved the
predecessor of the stage road when a stage line brought the community into seem-
ingly close connection with the capital. Later Mr. Karr and Mr. Campbell were
owners of a big shovel-nosed canoe, with which they took their farm produce up
the river in the fall, finishing the journey by wagon, and on the return they brought
with them provisions to last for a year. They had little trouble with the Indians
in that locality, although when the Modoc war was in progress it seemed that there
might be an uprising at Grays Harbor.
"Mr. and Mrs. Karr became the parents of twelve children: Mary Olive is the
wife of H. L. Gilkey, who was cashier of the First National Bank of Southern
Oregon at Grants Pass, Oregon. Beatrice Abigail gave her hand in marriage to
H. B. McNeill, of Aberdeen. Elkanah Walker has passed away. Cyrus James is
captain of one of the merchant marines on the -Atlantic. Henry Anderson, twin
of Cyrus, died at the age of fourteen years. Phoebe Rose is the wife of John Snow,
manager of ship yard at Vancouver, British Columbia. John Ross, a twin of Phoebe,
is a resident of Yakima. Ruth is now the wife of J. S. McKee, of Hoquiam. She
is the only woman member of the State Council of Defense and is the first woman
regent of the University of Washington. William Hay is deceased. Eunice Viola
resided with her mother in North Yakima until the latter's death. Levi Zebulon,
the next of the family, is a resident of Seattle, .-\rthur Thompson Karr resides at
Yakima. On the 14th of September, 1913, at North Yakima, Mr. and Mrs. Karr
celebrated their golden wedding anniversary.
"Mr. and Mrs. Karr gave their children good educational opportunities. School
was held during the summer months, and when the term was over the big family
living room at home was converted into a schoolroom, with homemade desks, and
the parents acted as instructors to their children until the older sisters were able
to assume the task of teaching. Mr. Karr was advanced in his ideas concerning
education and believed firmly that girls should be given the same chance as boys
and accordingly his daughters received as good educational advantages as his sons.
Three daughters graduated from the University of Washington and Mrs. McKee has
a Master of .^rts degree and is a member of Phi Beta Kappa, admission to which
is gained only by high scholarship. Mr. Karr took a great deal of pride in Mrs.
McKee's fine scholastic record. In winter a society was formed which was prac-
tically a parlimentary law club — the first on the Harbor— and Mr. Karr acted as
president. His children received training therefore along that line and the instruc-
tion has proven valuable in later years. With the passing of pioneer conditions the
Karr farm, owing to the progressive spirit of the owner, took on all of the im-
provements of modern times and through his business ability Mr. Karr won very
substantial success, his estate becoming valuable. In 1904 the family removed to
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 79
Yakima, where his last years were spent and where his widow passed away Novem-
ber 9, 1918. He died of apoplexy on the night of November 4, 1914. He had been
keenly interested in the general election which took place on the preceding day and
particularly in the fate of the prohibition law, had voted and seemed in his usual
health. He was a stanch republican in his political belief and fraternally was a
Mason and a charter member and past master of the Hoquiam lodge of that order.
Although there were many happy memories of early times, he looked back with no
sigh of regret to the past but rejoiced in the progress of the present and kept in
touch with the trend of modern thought. He had passed the eightieth milestone on
life's journey when called bj' death, but old age need not suggest as a matter of
course idleness and want of occupation. There is an old age which grows stronger
and brighter mentally and morally as the years go on and gives out of its rich stores
of wisdom and experience for the benefit of others. Such was the record of James
A. Karr."
MRS. ABIGAIL KARR.
Mrs. .\bigail Karr, wife of James A. Karr, whose record is given above, passed
away on the 9th of November, 1918, at the advanced age of seventy-eight years. She
was the first white girl born within the limits of the present state of Washington,
to survive infancy. Mrs. Karr was the second child of her parents. Rev. and Mrs.
Elkanah Walker, missionaries, who crossed the plains in the second company brought
across by Marcus Whitman in 1838. In the spring of 1839 Rev. Walker and his
associate, the Rev. Gushing Eells, established a mission at Tschimakain meaning
"the place of springs") not far from the present city of Spokane. Here on May
24, 1840, Abigail was born. The place is still known as Walker's Prairie. The chief
anxiety of these pioneer parents was that tlieir children must grow up without
other companionship than that of the Indians. The mothers banded themselves
together in what was known as "The Maternal Association" for the express pur-
pose of keeping fresh in their own minds the ideals and standards of their far away
New England home. This was the more necessary when we reflect that it required
usually a year for mail from the east to reach these far away places. Mrs. Walker
who kept a diary of these days, gives many interesting glimpses of the primitive
methods of living necessitated by pioneer conditions. Here Mrs. Karr spent the
first seven years of her life.
When Dr. Whitman was massacred in November, 1847, the terrible news came
swiftly to the little group of people at Tschimakain. Great anxiety was felt as it
was reported that the Gayuse Indians were coming on to murder the two families
at Tschimakain. The men of the station felt that they must be away at times to
aid in the search for the murderers and to do scout duty. Needless to say these
anxious times made a great impression on the seven-year-old child, to whom thus early
tragedy came close. The Flatheads, who were attached to the Tschimakain mission,
waited upon the people of the mission and told them that the bad Indians could
not reach them except over their dead bodies. In this confidence they rested and
in the end met no harm, though they remained at the station until spring. Then
they went for a time to old Fort Golvillc and still later they were accompanied to
Oregon City, then the metropolis of the west, Ijy a company of soldiers. When a
few years ago the Historical Society of the state unveiled a monument at Walker's
Prairie to Messrs. Eells and Walker, one of the soldiers who formed this escort
was present and gave a vivid description of the party as they started overland for
Oregon City.
"Mrs. Karr spent her girlhood here and at Forest Grove, where she received
her education. Among her earliest teachers was Professor Thomas Gatch, a pioneer
educator of the northwest, who for many years was president of the University
of Washington. Upon reaching young womanhood Mrs. Karr took up the work
of teaching and while acting in that capacity she met James A. Karr, the pioneer
resident of Hoquiam, who sought her hand, in marriage. The wedding was cele-
brated September 14. 1863, and their wedding journey consisted of a trip by team
80 HISTORY OF YAKIMA \ ALLEY
to Olympia. They spent the first winter of their married life at Little Rock, where
Mr. Karr was teaching the village school. In the spring of 1864 they took up their
abode upon the old homestead, which now constitutes the north half of Hoquiam,
and thereon they resided for four decades or until 1904, when they removed to
Yakima. 'There Mr. and Mrs. Karr celebrated their golden wedding in 1913 and a
year later Mr. Karr passed away. By request of the State Historical Society the
special pictures of Mr. and Mrs. Karr taken at that time will be presented to the
society to be placed in the pioneers' corridor.
"While living upon the homestead at Hoquiam the twelve children of Mr. and
Mrs. Karr were born, eleven of whom reached adult age and eight were present at
the fiftieth anniversary of their parents' marriage together with many grandchildren.
Notwithstanding the manifold duties which devolved upon her in the care of her
household and the rearing of her children, Mrs. Karr took the deepest interest in
things intellectual and ever kept in touch with the trend of modern thought and
progress even to the end of her days. She was a broad reader and discussed most
intelligently many questions bearing upon the welfare of community, state and
nation. She belonged to the Congregational church, to the Woman's Christian Tem-
perance Union, to the Order of the Eastern Star and the Daughters of the Amer-
ican Revolution. Her grandfather had been a minute man in the war for inde-
pendence and the same patriotic spirit was ever manifest in Mrs. Karr, who after the
United States entered the great world war devoted long and happy hours to Red
Cross work. She had early become most skillful in knitting and she employed her
time in knitting for the soldiers, shaping many an article of comfort for them. She
lived to know that the signing of the armistice would soon come, recognizing that
the world had thus been saved from the militarism of Prussia to benefit by the
democratic principles that recognize the rights of all mankind. She was a lovable
woman, her life enriched by broad experiences and liberal study and most of all by
that deep human sympathy which was constantly manifest in a hand extended to
assist others. She was ever indeed a helpmate to her husband and an inspiration
to her family and friends, and 'her good works follow her.' "
GEORGE BIEHN.
Substantial equipment for fruit raising, combined with sound judgment and
keen discrimination in the management of his business affairs, has won for George
Biehn a most gratifying measure of success as an orchardist. He was born in
Kenosha county, Wisconsin, November 26, 1856, a son of Henry and Margaret
(Meyers) Biehn, both of whom were natives of Germany but came to the new world
in childhood and were here married. The father was a farmer by occupation and
followed that pursuit for many years in Wisconsin, where his death occurred. The
mother survives and is now living in Racine, Wisconsin.
George Biehn, mastering the branches of study taught in the public schools of
his native state, completed a course in the high school at Kenosha. Wisconsin, after
which he concentrated his efforts and attention upon farming to the age of nineteen
years. He then started out in commercial circles, securing a clerkship in a store, and
afte-ward he engaged in the conduct of a general store and grocery business of his
own at Racine, where he remained until February, 1890. He then removed to the
northwest and for a few years was a resident of Tacoma, Washington, during which
time he was connected with the house of A. S. Johnson & Company, dealers in paints.
In 1894 he removed to Yakima and opened a branch store for A. S. Johnson & Com-
pany. In the same year he purchased ten acres of land in the Selah valley and he
was the first to use water under the Selah-Naches ditch. There were only four or
five houses in the valley at that time. At a subsequent period Mr. Biehn purchased
forty acres additional and later he sold a part of this land but still retains twenty-
eight acres. He took up his abode upon the ranch in 1896 and has nearly the entire
tract planted to orchard, raising apples, pears, peaches and prunes. He built a fine
hop house that is now used for a fruit packing house and everything about his place
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GEOBGE BIEHN
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 83
is indicative of his care and supervision and his progressive spirit. In 1909 he
erected one of the fine homes of the district and is now most pleasantly situated.
In 188.T Mr. Biehn viias married to Miss Mary L. Johnson, a daughter of Samuel
and Amelia Johnson, of Racine, Wisconsin, who were pioneer settlers of the north-
west. Mr. and Mrs. Biehn have the following children; Edward, who is with the
Yakima Valley Fruit Growers Association and makes his home in Yakima; Georgia,
at home; Jerome, who is a member of the United States army; Byron, who is with
the United States navy on the transport Leviathan; Gertrude, at home; Thelma, at
home; and Stanley, thirteen years of age.
Mrs. Biehn is a member of the Episcopal church but Mr. Biehn was reared in
the I,utheran faith. He belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and to
the Woodmen of the World. In politics he maintains an independent course. He
has served as postmaster of Selah for a year and was school clerk for eight years
but has had little time or inclination for public office as his developing business affairs
have made constant demand upon his energy. He has been keenly interested in
everything pertaining to fruit raising interests in this section and for four years he
was a director of the Selah Irrigation District. He was also one of the organizers
of the Yakima County Fruit Growers Association and assisted in organizing the
Selah Fruit Products Company. What he has undertaken he has carried forward to
successful completion and has for more than two decades been numbered among the
representative farmers and orchardists of this part of the state.
WILLIAM L. SHEARER.
With the development and upbuilding of Toppenish, William L. Shearer has been
closely associated. He served for a considerable period as its postmaster, has
been identified with its commercial interests and at all times has worked for general
improvement as well as individual success. Mr. Shearer was born in Monroe county,
Missouri, October 31, 1862, a son of Joseph Mathew and Hester (Kennett) Shearer,
who were natives of Kentucky and pioneer settlers of Missouri. The mother has
now passed away, while the father is living retired, having put aside the active
cares of business life.
William L. Shearer, having acquired a public school education, started in the
business world as a messenger boy for the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad
Company and was thus employed from 1876 until 1890. He then came to Wash-
ington and for fourteen years was in the service of the Northern Pacific Rail-
way Company. In 1896 he arrived in Toppenish, having been appointed to the
position of station agent, in which capacity he continued until 1904, when he left
the railroad employ and in 1905 opened the first drug store of the town. This he
conducted for about a year and then sold out. It was in 1906 that he organized
the Yakima Produce & Trading Company in connection with A. W. McDonald and
George Plank. They began the development of a large farm, having seventeen
hundred acres of land which they have transformed into rich and productive fields,
annually yielding very substantial harvests. This is devoted to diversified farming
and stock raising and both branches of the business are proving profitable. In the
meantime Mr. Shearer had served as postmaster of the city, having been appointed
in 1898 and continuing in the office until Septcmlier, 1913. He took the office when it
paid but seven dollars per month and remained with it until it was paying twenty-
three hundred dollars a year. With the substantial development of the Yakima
Produce & Trading Company, they bought out the Richey & Gilbert hardware
store in 1914 and now conduct an extensive business in the line of shelf and heavy
hardware and implements. Mr. Shearer was one of the pioneer business men of
the town and since his earliest connection with its commercial interests has been
a most active factor in its growth and upbuilding. His activities have been of a
character that have contributed to public progress as well as to individual success
and his worth as a citizen is widely acknowledged.
On the 1st of January, 1890, Mr. Shearer was married to Miss Emma Hoffman,
a native of Eagleville, Missouri, and a daughter of Robert and Rebecca Hoffman,
84 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
of Illinois, who removed to Missouri in pioneer times. Mr. and Mrs. Shearer
have become parents of four children; Paul, who is manager of the implement
business owned by his father; Preston, who is now with the United States army,
having been examined six times in order to get into the- service before he was
accepted; Fred, who is a student in the University of Washington; and Helen, a
little maiden of eleven summers, who completes the family.
Mr. Shearer is an exemplary member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to
Toppenish Lodge, No. 187, A. F. & A. M., and he has also taken the degrees of
the Scottish Rite. He belongs to the Toppenish Commercial Club, of which he
formerly served as president. His political allegiance is given to the republican
party and for three years, from 1914 until 1916 inclusive, he was mayor of Toppen-
ish, giving to the city a businesslike and progressive administration in which he
introduced many improvements and brought about various reforms. He has also
been school director for twenty years. He made the first boundary lines for the
first school district in the Yakima Indian reservation in 1898 and has served on
the school board continuously since save for a period of three years. The cause
of education finds in him indeed a stalwart champion and one whose labors have
been most effective and beneficial. He is constantly reaching out along lines that
look beyond the exigencies of the moment to the further development and upbuild-
ing of this section of the state and he has accomplished much of great worth to
town and community.
MRS. ANN E. SYKES.
Mrs. Ann E. Sykes is the first and only postmaster that Grandview has had.
She was appointed to the position with the founding of the town in 1906 and has
continuously served, making a most creditable record in the office. She is a native
of Keithsburg. Illinois, and a daughter of George and Eliza Jane (Osborn) Pitman,
the latter a daughter of Alexander Osborn, who was the third white settler in
Knox county, Illinois, and the first white man to be married in that county. George
Pitman, the father of Mrs. Sykes, was a native of Indiana and cast in his lot with
the pioneer settlers of Illinois, where he was married. Thus two of the old families
of the state were united. The maternal grandfather served in the Black Hawk
war, which occurred in 1832 and settled the question of Indiana supremacy in that
state. He lived there at the time when deer and other wild animals haunted the
forests and both the Osborn and Pitman families participated in the work of re-
claiming the region for the purposes of civilization. George Pitman was a farmer
and live stock dealer and his daughter Ann was reared under the parental roof upon
the old homestead farm in Illinois.
At Cadillac, Michigan, she became the wife of Noah Sykes, who was a mill-
wright and turner by trade. They removed from the Mississippi valley to Everett,
Washington, where Mr. Sykes operated the Everett Turning Works, continuing
active in the business there until 1904, when he met death by accident. He was a
leading member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and also a prominent
and influential member of the Congregational church, in which he served as deacon
and was also a tenor singer in the choir. He was a man of many admirable traits
of character and his sterling worth endeared him to all with whom he came in
contact. The best traits of his character, however, were reserved for his own
fireside and his loss came as a telling blow to the members of his household.
In 1906 Mrs. Sykes came to Grandview. The town was established in that
year and she became the first postmaster. She had had previous experience along
this line at Coledale, Illinois, where she and her husband conducted a country store
and had the postoffice for five years. She has remained continuously as postmaster
of Grandview, covering a period of more than twelve years, so that her connection
with postofiice affairs has extended over more than seventeen years. She erected
the building which is now occupied by the postofiice and she at first had to carry
the mail from Mabton. In order to supplement the postofiice salary in the early
days she took in roomers. She was supporting her mother, who still lives with
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 85
her at the advanced age of ninety-eight years. Mrs. Sykes conducted the postoffice
for two years before it paid anything and she did not receive a salary for five
years. The business of the office, however, has continually grown with the develop-
ment of the surrounding country. Mrs. Sykes lived at Grandview for a year before
a general store was established. She has therefore witnessed the entire upbuilding
of the town and has been deeply interested in everything pertaining to its progress
and development. She has given her political support to the democratic party and
her religious faith is that of the Congregational church. She has been a brave, self-
reliant woman, capable and resourceful, and is very popular among the people of the
community.
HOWARD GARRISON.
■ Howard Garrison, who after four years' connection with the office of sheriff is
resuming the practice of law in Ellensburg, was born in Centralia, Illinois, January
25, 1875, a son of S. C. and Elizabeth Garrison, the former a farmer by occupa-
tion. The son obtained a public school education and through the period of his
boyhood and youth engaged in farming with his father and continued to assist in
the development of the fields until he had reached the age of twenty-five. He was
desirous, however, to concentrate his efforts and attention upon a professional
career and with that end in view became a law student in uhe Northern Illinois
College, from which he was graduated with the class of 1902. He practiced in
Centralia from 1903 until 1906 and afterward in Springfield, Illinois, from 1906 until
1909. In the latter year he came to the west and after living in several places
removed to Ellensburg, Washington, in August, 1910, and entered upon the practice
of law, in which he continued successfully until 1912. He was then appointed
deputy sherifif and thus served until 1914, when he was elected to the office of
sheriff and again was chosen for that position in 1916, so that he was associated
with the sheriiT's office altogether for six years. With the close of his term in 1918
he is now returning to the practice of law.
On the 14th of February, 1906, Mr. Garrison was united in marriage to Miss
Minnie Levesmeier, of Carbondale, Illinois. Their children are Howard B, and
Mildred May. Mr. Garrison belongs to Elks Lodge No. 1102 of Ellensburg. His
political allegiance is given to the democratic party, which he has always faithfully
supported, being a firm believer in its principles. He has acted as chairman of the
local exemption board and he has been greatly interested in everything that has
had to do with the promotion of war activities and the support of the federal govern-
ment during the great crisis in the world's history.
HERBERT P. PRESTON.
Herbert P. Preston, actively engaged in the milling business at Toppenish, was
born in Waitsburg, Washington, December 21, 1874. His father, William G. Pres-
ton, came to this state in 1861, when it was still a part of the territory of Oregon.
He made his way to Walla Walla and was there engaged in the freighting business
until 1865. He afterward established the first flour mill in the west in Waitsburg,
Washington, in 1866, bringing the machinery around Cape Horn. The new venture
proved a successful one and he continued the operation of the mill until his death,
which occurred February 20, 1916. He was also interested in mercantile business;
was director of the Merchants Bank of Waitsburg and the Schwabacher Company
of Walla Walla; was identified witli the Puget Sound Dressed Meat Company and
was much interested in farming and stock raising. In 1869 he wedded Matilda Cox,
who survives him and now makes her home in Walla Walla.
Herbert P. Preston, spending his youthful days under the parental roof, acquired
a public school education and assisted his father in the mill until he reached the
age of seventeen years, when he entered into connection with the grocery trade as
86 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
an employe of the Schwabacher Company at Walla Walla. He continued there
for many years and afterward went to Baker City, Oregon, where he conducted a
grocery store for four years. He then went upon the road as traveling salesman
for the Cudahy Packing Company, which he represented in Oregon, Washington
and Idaho for five years. On the expiration of that period he turned his atten-
tion to the brokerage business in Seattle, where he remained for six years, and
in 1917 he built a flour mill at Toppenish, which he is now successfully conduct-
ing. This mill has a capacity for one hundred tons of alfalfa chopped for stock
feed, that amount being turned out every twenty-four hours. He also makes other
kinds of stock feed and manufactures rolled oats and barley, together with barley,
oat and corn ilour. The business is one of the substantial productive industries of
the section and employs twenty-five men.
On the 21st of December, 1912, Mr. Preston was married to Miss Corinne C.
Hays, of Baker City, Oregon. He is well known as a member of the Elks lodge
in Walla Walla and he belongs to the Commercial Club of Toppenish and to the
Chamber of Commerce at Seattle. His business activity in various places has made
him widely known and his enterprise has placed him among the leading and repre-
sentative citizens of Washington. His political allegiance is given to the republican
party and he is conversant with all the vital questions and issues of the day, but he
does not seek nor desire office, preferring "to concentrate his eflorts and attention
upon his business affairs. From time to time he has extended his activities, which
have brought him into connection with many important interests. He is now a
director of the American Savings Bank & Trust Company of Seattle and he has large
farming interests at Walla Walla. He is also interested in a number of flour mills,
including such plants at Waitsburg, Washington, and Athena, Oregon, and he is a
stockholder in a number of banks. He has displayed sound judgment in his invest-
ments and in all business transactions has quickly discriminated between the essential
and the non-essential. Fortunate in possessing character and ability that inspire
confidence in others, the simple weight of his character and ability has carried him
into important relations with large commercial and financial enterprises.
JOSEPH THEODORE STEENBERGEN.
Joseph Theodore Steenbergen is the owner of one of the valuable ranch prop-
erties of the Selah valley, having forty-seven acres of rich and productive land,
largely devoted to the raising of apples. He comes to the northwest from Kentucky,
his birth having occurred in Barren county on the 27th of August, 1868, his parents
being William and Elizabeth (Gillock) Steenbergen, both of whom were natives of
the Blue Grass state. The father was a son of Joseph Steenbergen, who was also
born in Kentucky. William Steenbergen followed the occupation of farming for
many years but is now living retired, still makng his home in his native state. His
wife, however, has passed away.
Joseph T. Steenbergen, after mastering the branches of learning taught in the
public schools, took up farming as a young man and later was engaged in the
lumber business in California in 1889. He afterward became identified with the hotel
business in that state and in 1900 went to Alaska, devoting his attentions to mining in
vraious sections of that country. Three times he made and lost a fortune, but
with undaunted courage he persisted and eventually discovered the Engleside mine
at Nome. A month later he was offered seventy-five thousand dollars for this prop-
erty but he worked it out. In 1910 he left Alaska with the money earned in his
mining operations in that country and came to the Yakima valley, where he pur-
chased forty acres of land in the Selah. Subsequently he added seven acres to the
original tract and he has the place all in orchard, largely devoted to apples and
pears. His land is also seeded to alfalfa and an air of neatness and thrift pervades
every part of the ranch and indicates the supervision of a practical and progressive
owner. He has a fine home upon the place, also a large and substantial barn and
every needed facility to promote his fruit raising interests.
On November 27, 1912, Mr. Steenbergen was married to Miss Sue Dobson, who
JOSEPH T. STEENBERGEN
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY &9
was born in Kentucky, a daughter of John Dobson. Their marriage was celebrated
in her native state and they have become parents of two daughters; Helen, born
September 27, 1915, and Ruth, born November 17, 1917.
Mr. Steenbergen is a well known Mason, holding membership in Yakima Lodge,
No. 24, F. & A. M., while in the Scottish Rite he has attained the thirty-second
degree, and he is also a member of the Mystic Shrine of Seattle. His name is like-
wise on the membership roll of Yakima Lodge, No. 318, B. P. O. E., and of the
Yakima Commercial Club. His wife is a member of the Baptist church. His
political endorsement is given to the democratic party but never has he been an
aspirant for office. In matters of citizenship he is not remiss but prefers that his
public service shall be done as a private citizen. His life's experiences have been
broad and varied. He has visited many parts of the globe and many lands. During
1911 he went to South America, spending some time in Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador,
where he engaged in prospecting and also in touring the country generally. He
crossed the Andes to the headwaters of the Amazon, traveling on pack mules for
eight hundred miles. He made the trip over Mount Sarata at an altitude of seven-
teen thousand feet. His extensive travels have convinced him that he prefers the
Yakima valley to any other section that he has visited and, concentrating his efforts
and attention upon the development of his business affairs, he is now engaged
in the raising of very high-grade fruit and is the owner of one of the finest fruit
ranches of the valley, fitted with splendid modern equipments.
CHARLES H. NEWELL.
It is a trite saying that there is always room at the top, yet there are few who
attain leadership. The great majority are content to remain in a mediocre condi-
tion, lacking the ambition or the energy that would bring them to the front. Charles
H. Newell, however, does not belong to that class. He is a man of marked enterprise
and keen sagacity in business affairs and, moreover, his record is that of unwearied
industry. Starting out in life, he has eagerly utilized the opportunities which
others have passed heedlessly by and in the course of years he became the fore-
most dealer in horses in the state of Washington. Eventually he became a resident
of Toppenish and with its upbuilding and development has since been closely asso-
ciated, while at the same time his business interests extend to various other districts.
Mr. Newell was born in Holmesville, Ohio, September 20, 1847, a son of Samuel
and Mary Newell. The father went to California in the year 1849, attracted by the
gold discoveries in that state, and there passed away. In 1859 the family left Ohio
for Lawrence, Kansas, later went to Linn county, that state, and subsequently
crossed the plains by team to Colorado, where Mrs. Newell became the wife of
E. A. Hopkins. In 1864 they resumed their westward journey, traveling across
the country to The Dalles, Oregon. In the same fall they settled in Washington
county, Oregon, where they lived until 1871 and then removed to Klickitat county,
Washington, where they took up a homestead claim which included the present
site of the city of Goldendale. There both Mr. and Mrs. Hopkins passed away,
the former in 1878, while the latter died in 1897.
Charles H. Newell obtained a public school education in Oregon and after-
ward entered the live stock business, in which connection his name has become
widely known throughout the northwest and in other sections of the country. At
times he has owned more horses than any other man in the state of Washington.
He shipped the first train load over the Northern Pacific Railroad and as a member
of the firm of Hoxter & Newell owned an extensive ranch near Goldendale. He has
owned, bought and sold over one hundred thousand head of horses and has been
doing business over the Yakima valley since 1871. He rode the ranges in this district
when there were practically no settlers in this part of the state. He leased land
from the Indians on the Yakima reservation as early as 1879 and has had lands in
the district continuously since. In 1901 he came to Toppenish and built the first
livery barn in the town. In 1902 he built the first hotel here and in 1908 he com-
pleted a modern hotel, which is a fine cement structure containing fifty-five rooms.
90 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
It was erected at a cost of fifty thousand dollars and is one of the best hotels in
the valley. Mr. Newell and his partner. R. J. Davis, of Tacoma, own more than
five hundred acres of land on the Yakima Indian reservation, devoted to general
farming, and also have a large hay ranch. In addition to that property they lease
several hundred acres beside. Their business interests are of a most extensive
and important character and place them among the men of affluence in the district.
In 1876 Mr. Newell was united in marriage to Miss Mary Wren, of Washington
county, Oregon, a daughter of Michael Wren, who settled in that state in the '40s.
To Mr. and Mrs. Newell has been born a son, Harold, who is now on his father's
ranch in the summer seasons, while in the winter months he attends school.
Mr. Newell has been a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows since
attaining his majority and he also has membership with the United .Artisans. His
political endorsement is given to the republican party. He does not seek to figure
in any public light outside of business, concentrating his efforts and attention
thereon, and as the years have passed he has developed his business affairs to
mammoth proportions. Carlyle has said, "The obstacles in the paths of the weak
become stepping stones for the strong," and this has been proven in the case of Mr.
Newell, who has regarded difficulties in his path as an impetus for renewed effort
on his part — effort that has brought him continually nearer and nearer to the goal
of desired success.
ERNEST WOODCOCK.
Ernest Woodcock, who has been prominently identified with land development
in the Yakima valley and is now well known as a leading fruit grower and capital-
ist of the city of Yakima, was born in Williamstown, Massachusetts, October 23,
1871, a son of Fenn B. and Frances (Taylor) Woodcock, who in 1876 removed
westward from New England to Forest Grove, Oregon. They lived on Fuget
Sound for a year and in 1878 came to the Yakima valley, locating seven miles west
of the city of Yakima, the journey being made by wagon. The father purchased
land the following year and a brother of Ernest Woodcock took up a homestead
adjoining that place two years later. The father continued to devote his atten-
tion to agricultural interests upon his claim to the time of his demise, which oc-
curred in 1897, making a specialty through that period of dairying and the cattle
business.
Ernest Woodcock was but five years of age at the time of the removal to the
northwest and in the public schools of this region he pursued his early education,
which was supplemented by a course in Whitman College, from which he was
graduated with the class of 1895. He afterward attended Columbia College for
a year and then returned to Washington. He was married in 1896 to Miss Mary-
Hunt, of Walla Walla, after which he conducted Eeles Academy at Colville, Wash-
ington, for a year. His wife died that year and Mr. Woodcock returned home
after the death of his father and conducted the ranch, also teaching in the Wood-
cock Academy at Ahtanum, a school which had been established by his father. He
afterward became principal of the academy and was thus closely and actively identi-
fied with educational interests for seven years. On the expiration of that period
he turned his attention to the land business in connection with Charles H. Hinman
and organized the Yakima Realty & Inves.tment Company, which is still in existence
and which his been one of the potent forces in the development and improvement
of this section of the state. They planted si.K hundred acres to fruit, after which
they sold some of the tract and kept the remainder. Mr. Woodcock has since
engaged in land development work and has developed a large acreage for various
purposes. The firm established the town of .Ahtanum and has conducted business
under the name of the .Ahtanum Lumber & Produce Company for a time.
In 1896 Mr. Woodcock was married to Miss Mary Hunt, of Walla Walla, who
passed away in March, 1897, and in 1900 he wedded Etha Henderson, who was a
graduate of Woodcock Academy and for one year was a student at Whitman Col-
lege. Her father was James Henderson, of Yakima. By his first marriage Mr.
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 91
Woodcock had a son, Marion, now twenty-one years of age and manager of the
Ahtanum Lumber & Produce Company. He is a graduate of the high school of
North Yakima.
Fraternally Ernest Woodcock is connected with the Benevolent Protective Order
of Elks and in politics he is a progressive republican. His religious faith is indi-
cated by his membership in the Congregational church of Ahtanum, which held
its forty-fifth anniversary on the 29th of April, 1918. His has indeed been an active
and useful life, characterized by laudable ambition and actuated by high and honor-
able purposes, and the worth of his work is acknowledged by all who know aught
of his career.
LEONARD E. SMITH.
Leonard E. Smith is the owner of forty acres of land on the Cowiche. He was
born in Will county, Illinois, January 26, 1872, a son of Joseph and Elizabeth
(Sampson) Smith, both of whom were natives of Nottinghamshire, England. They
came to the United States about 1853 and cast in their lot with the pioneer settlers
of Will county, Illinois, where the father engaged in farming to the time of his
death. The mother afterward made her home with her son Leonard and there
passed away.
In the public schools of his native county Leonard E. Smith pursued his educa-
tion and through vacation periods and after his school days were over assisted
in the work of the home farm until he had reached the age of twenty-four, when
he left Illinois and removed to Iowa. He was then engaged in farming in Winne-
bago county of the latter state, until March, 1902, when the opportunities and ad-
vantages of the northwest attracted him and he made his way to Washington. Ar-
riving in Yakima county, he purchased forty acres of land on the Cowiche and
now has two acres planted to fruit. He conducts a dairy business and is engaged
in the raising of hay and cattle, specializing in graded Jerseys. The various branches
of his business are carefully conducted and his enterprise and energy are bringing
to him merited success.
On the 22d of January, 1896, Mr. Smith was married to Miss Ella Hassell, who
was born in Iowa, a daughter of William and Emily Hassell, who came to Yakima
county in 1903. The father died in 1917, but the mother survives and is still living
in Yakima. They were farming people of this district. Mr. and Mrs. Smith be-
came the parents of three children, but have lost two, Floy, the eldest, and Donald,
the youngest, who died in infancy. The second child, Leonard, is at home. The
family attend the Methodist church and Mr. Smith gives his political support to
the republican party, keeping well informed on the questions and issues of the
day. so that he is able to support his position by intelligent argument. He has
never regretted his determination to come to the northwest, for he here found the
opportunities which he sought and in their utilization has reached a desirable posi-
tion as a business man and rancher. He is energetic and determined, working per-
sistently and diligently as the years go by, and his efforts have brought excellent
results.
RALPH B. WILLIAMSON.
Ralph B. Williamson, a member of the Yakima bar since 1911 and specializing
in his practice in irrigation and water right law, in which he has acquired a more
than state wide reputation, comes to the northwest from Iowa. He was born in
Tama, Iowa, July 31, 1879, a son of Thomas L. and Kate Williamson. The father,
who devoted his life to the banking business, is now deceased.
The son acquired a public school education in his native state and in the pur-
suit of his more specifically literary educationl he attended Cornell College of
Iowa. He next entered Harvard University for a course in law, which he com-
92 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
pleted by graduation with the class of 1905. Removing to the northwest, he
located at Portland, Oregon, where he remained for a short time, and later he
spent five years in the reclamation service of the United States government as a
representative of the legal department. In 1907 he came to Yakima while still
engaged in that work, but in January, 1911, he opened a law office and entered
upon the private practice of his profession. In 1913 the firm of Williamson &
Luhman was organized and has since continued. He has made a specialty of
irrigation law and has been identified with much of the most important of recent
water law litigation.
On the 5th of August, 1908, Mr. Williamson was married to Miss Helen M.
Scott, of Yakima, a daughter of W. H. Scott, and to them have been born two
children: Richard Scott, whose birth occurred November 16, 1909; and Mary Helen,
born August 31, 1914.
Fraternally Mr. Williamson is a Mason. In 1915 he was president of the
Yakima Commercial Club and under his direction many projects of the organization
were satisfactorily completed and new ones incepted. His political allegiance is
that of the republican party and for a number of years he 'was a member of the
water code commission of the state. He assisted in drafting the code adopted by
the legislature of 1917 and was largely instrumental in securing the passage of
this act, generally believed to be one of the most important pieces of economic
legislation passed by the legislature. There are few men who have equaled him
in the extent of his experience and research in connection with questions relative
to water rights and irrigation interests and his knowledge of law relative thereto
enables him to speak with authority upon disputed questions of that kind. He
takes a lively and earnest interest in matters pertaining to the public welfare, and
is a permanent member of the legal advisory board appointed by President Wilson
for Yakima county.
A. B. FOSSEEN.
A. B. Fosseen, familiarly and affectionately known as Ben, is an alert and
energetic business man and one who holds to advanced ideas in the treatment of
employes and of the general public. He is dealing in building supplies at Yakima
and has gained a very substantial trade during the seven years of the existence of
the firm — a trade that has come to him as the merited reward of persistent effort,
earnest desire to please his patrons and straightforward dealing. His career is one
which should certainly receive the thoughtful consideration of young men who start
out empty-handed as Mr. Fosseen has done and who desire to work their way
upward through legitimate business methods.
Mr. Fosseen was born in Leland, Illinois, on the 6th of October, 1876, a son
of Osman and Isabel Fosseen. The father was engaged during his active business
career in various lines, following farming and merchandising at difTerent times, but
eventually he retired and died in the year 1915.
After completing his education in the University of Minnesota and thus becom-
ing well equipped by thorough educational training for life's practical and responsible
duties, A. B. Fosseen entered the lumber business in Minnesota and was there
engaged until 1908, when he removed westward to Washington, making Yakima
his destination. Here he entered the employ of the Hellison Lumber Company,
with which he was connected until the 1st of January, 1911, when he established the
firm of A. B. Fosseen & Company. It had long been his ambition to organize a
company where fair play would be given vnployes and he has taken some of these
in as members of the firm as fast as their ability has been proven. In this way and
by his straightforward treatment of them, his fairness and his justice, he has built
up a wonderful loyalty among the men in his service. He has always believed that
honorable success is founded upon straightforward dealing with debtor and credi-
tor alike, upon fairness to employes and by capable service to customers. When the
bu.siness was organized Mr. Fosseen became president and treasurer, with H. F.
Luhman as secretary, and both continue in office to the present time. W. E. Coleman
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 93
is now vice president, with F. B. Siiicel as treasurer. Neither Mr. Luhman nor
Mr. Sincel are directors of the company, the board consisting of Mr. Fosseen, Mr.
Coleman, A. E. Rassmussen, VV. C. Rider and Eck Baughn. All are active in the
business with the exception of Mr. Luhman, and Thomas S. Smiley and F. B.
Baker are also stockholders in the concern. This company deals in building sup-
plies, irrigation supplies, paints, oils, pumps, motors, coal, brick and cement and
spraying supplies. They were tirst located in the Clcgg building and then on A
and First streets. In 1917 they erected a large building, one hundred by one
hundred feet, at the corner of Yakima and First streets. This is a one-story and
basement structure with cement floor and has beautiful ofiices. The building is
constructed of hollow tile and brick. The company is capitalized for thirty-five
thousand dollars and now employs from twelve to twenty men according to the
season. The prosperity of the undertaking may be attributed to three factors,
namely; low cost of operation, volume of business and best grades of material
obtainable.
On the 22d of January, 1908, Mr. Fosseen was married to Miss Florence Vance
Xeal, of Fargo, North Dakota, and they now have one son, Neal Randolph. Mr.
Fosseen is a prominent representative of Masonry, ever loyal to the teachings and
purposes of the craft. He belongs to the lodge and has attained the thirty-second
degree of the Scottish Rite, while with the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine he has
crossed the sands of the desert. He also is a member of the Benevolent Pro-
tective Order of Elks, of the Commercial Club, the Country Club, the College Club
of Seattle and Beta Theta Pi, a college fraternity. His political alegiance is given
to the republican party and he served as secretary of the district exemption board.
Mr.' Fosseen commands the highest respect of all who know him. He has many
splendid qualities; not the least of which is his quick recognition of worth in others.
He judges men by worth, not by wealth, and sterling traits of character can always
win his regard. His course has never been such as to make him sacrifice his self-
respect but on the contrary has gained for him the loyal friendship and admiration
of all with whom he has been brought in contact.
LEONARD TALBOTT.
Leonard Talbott, who for four years served as postmaster of Toppenish, was
born in Bement, Illinois, March 6, 1867, a son of Jefferson M. and Amanda Tal-
bott, both of whom passed away in Illinois, where the father had devoted his life
to the occupation of farming.
Leonard Talbott acquired a public school education in his native state and after-
ward became a telegraph operator, devoting twenty-five years of his life to service
of that kind. In 1892 he removed to the northwest, making his way first to Montana,
where he was agent for the Northern Pacific Railroad Company for three years
at Billings and seven years at Red Lodge. In 1905 he came to Toppenish, Wash-
ington, and was appointed railway agent for the Northern Pacific Company at this
place. He continued in that position until 1908, when he entered the furniture busi-
ness on his own account, conducting his store for six years. He sold out, however, in
1914 and was appointed postmaster, in which capacity he served until his death
September 20, 1918.
In 1892 Mr. Talbott *was married to Miss Sadie F. Fox, of Mazeppa, Minne-
sota, and to them was born a son, Robert F., whose birth occurred in Montana
in 1896 and who is a graduate of the Toppenish high school, having completed the
course in the first class to graduate therefrom — a class of but two members. He
is now serving with the One Hundred and Sixty-first Infantry of the United States
army and is in active duty in France.
Mr. Talbott belonged to Toppenish Lodge, No. 178, A. F. & A. M., of which he
was a past master at the time of his death, and he was regarded as a most loyal
adherent to the tenets and purposes of the craft. He also belonged to the Knights
of Pythias lodge, of which he was a past chancellor. In the Toppenish Commercial
Club he was an active and earnest member and served as its president in 1910 and
94 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
1911. His political allegiance was given to the democratic party and he was an
earnest worker in its ranks. He served as the first mayor of Toppenish in 1907
and was reelected to that position in 1909. His administration was of a practical
and businesslike character and greatly promoted the interests of the town. When
he came to Toppenish there were only a few houses in the place and its population
was very small, but through the intervening years it had grown rapidly and Mr.
Talbott was closely associated with its development and progress in many ways,
at all times proving himself a loyal and public-spirited citizen.
H. C. DAVIS.
H. C. Davis, of Yakima, is a man of well balanced activities and powers
and his intelligently directed efforts have brought him to a creditable and enviable
position in financial circles of his city, for he is now the president of the Central
Bank & Trust Company. He was born in Bellaire, Ohio, on the 21st of August, 1872,
a son of T. C. and Sarah J. Davis, who in 1884 removed with their family to south-
eastern Kansas, where the father purchased land, but failure overtook them there and
a later removal was made to St. Clair county, Missouri, where the family home was
maintained for twelve and a half years, during which period the father with the as-
sistance of his sons engaged in farming. In 1902 the family came to the Yakima
valley and the father again gave his attention to general agricultural pursuits up to
the time of his retirement from active business life.
H. C. Davis acquired his education in the public schools of Kansas and Missouri
and upon the removal of the family to the northwest began working for wages. He
was ambitious, however, to engage in farming on his own account and as soon as
possible purchased some land. This he later traded and also at different times bought
land until he is today the owner of a very fine ranch near Granger, Washington,
which he has carefully developed and improved. He had thereon a fine herd of
pure blooded Holstein cattle but sold these in 1918. In 1913 he held a sale of fifty-
seven head of cattle, which brought the largest average price of any such sale held in
this section of the country, an average of four hundred and sixty-two dollars per
head. In fact the price was greater than had ever seen paid for any herd of cattle
of that size in the world at the time. Mr. Davis has done much toward improving the
grade of cattle raised in the Yakima valley and has thus contributed materially to the
prosperity of the section. In the east he had largely devoted his time to stock feed-
ing, and although he is no longer engaged in stock raising, he still keeps his land.
At the present time Mr. Davis concentrates his efforts and attention upon the
banking business, having become president of the Central Bank & Trust Company,
which was organized on the 11th of, June, 1910, taking ever the old Farmers & Mer-
chants Bank on the 8th of July of the same year. The latter had been organized
August 12, 1907, by Philip .A.rmbruster, who became president, J. R. Marshall vice-
president, and C. E. Eraser, cashier, while other directors were L. .A. Dash, F. A.
Morgan, Orvis McCullough and Lee C. Delle. The capital stock was thirty thou-
sand dollars, all paid in. The bank was located at the corner of Second avenue and
Yakima street and in 1910 a removal was made to the corner of Fourth avenue and
Yakima. In January, 1917, another removal was made, on which occasion they re-
turned to the old location at Second avenue and Yakima, buying the building, which
is a two-story structure one hundred and forty by fifty feet. The bank is splendidly
equipped with mahogany fixtures and with the latest fireproof and burglar-proof
vaults and safes and everything to protect the interests of depositors and of the bank.
In 1910. upon the reorganization of the business under the name of the Central Bank
& Trust Company, George C. Mitchell became the president, Ernest Woodcock vice-
president, E. A. Beekman temporary secretary, with Charles H. -Mien, S. Grant Smith,
G. H. Grotewohl and William Wiley as directors. R. S. Wickersham afterward
became cashier and secretary but not a director. On the 4th of October, 1915, fol-
lowing the resignation of Mr. Mitchell, W. R. Philips was chosen to the presidency
and on the 4th of October. 1915, A. B. Hood was elected cashier and W. E. Gitchell
became assistant cashier. On the same date G. C. Waller was elected treasurer.
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 97
Another change occurred in the presidency when Mr. Philips resigned and D. L.
Biiren was chosen to fill the vacant position on the 20th of September, 1916, at which
date W. F. Gitchell was elected cashier. In January, 1916, H. C. Davis became one
of the directors of the bank and on the 1st of September, 1917, was elected to the
presidency. Mr. Woodcock has remained as vice-president and on the 1st of Sep-
tember, 1917, E. S. Rowe, of Sandpoint, Idaho, was made cashier. The present
directors are W. E. Coumbe, E. B. Marks. Ernest Woodcock, H. C. Davis and E. S.
Rowe. The Central Bank & Trust Company was organized with a fully paid-up
capital of fifty thousand dollars. The bank's statement of July 7, 1910, showed its
resources to be one hundred and twenty-eight thousand seven hundred and forty-
three dollars and eighty-nine cents, while the statement of December 30. 1916, showed
the resources to be two hundred and six thousand four hundred and thirty-five dol-
lars and that of December 24, 1918, indicates a notable growth, for the resources at
that date amounted to more than five hundred and seven thousand dollars. To
his duties as president Mr. Davis brought keen discernment, sound business judg-
ment and unfaltering energy and he is proving his right to rank with the leading
financiers of the city.
On the 12th of February, 1895, Mr. Davis was married to Miss Sarah J. Baxter,
who was born in Texas but was reared in Missouri, a daughter of Hale Baxter. The
children of this marriage are: Opal J., twenty-one years of age; Elmer B., eleven
year? of age: H. C, Jr.; and Koy. who has passed away.
Fraternally Mr. Davis is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows
and his prominence in the society is indicated in the fact that he has served for four
tertns as noble grand. He is also an active member of the Benevolent Protective
Order of Elks. In politics he is a democrat where national issues and questions are
before the people but at local elections he casts an independent ballot. He has been
a candidate for the state legislature and the state senate and although the district nor-
mally has a republican majority of over six thousand, he ran within one hundred
and sixteen votes of election — a fact indicative of his personal popularity and the
confidence reposed in him by his fellow townsmen. He deserves much credit for
what he has accomplished in a business way, as his entire career has been actuated
by a spirit of progress that has benefited the community as well as promoted his
individual interests.
CHARLES H. HIXMAX.
Charles H. Hinman, a prominent fruit man of Yakima, who is now manager
of the Fruit Growers' Association, was born in Missouri, January 7, 1871, a son of
Henry V. and Jane L. Hinman. His parents removed to Kansas in 1873 and after
twenty years' residence in the Sunflower state came to Washington in 1893, settling
in Kittitas county, while subsequently they came to Yakima county. The father
was register of the land office and passed away in Yakima in 1905, but the mother
still survives.
Charles H. Hinman acquired a public school education in Kansas and supple-
mented it by study in the Kansas State .Agricultural College. He taught school
in Washington for twelve years, becoming one of the successful and able educators
of the state, imparting readily and clearly to others the knowledge that he had ac-
quired. In 1902 he took up his abode in Yakima and became clerk in the land
office. While thus engaged he devoted his leisure to the reading of law and en-
tered the active practice of the profession as a land attorney, in which connection
he remained for several years. He afterward turned his attention to the real
estate business in connection with Ernest Woodcock and has contributed much
to the development of the countryside through the planting of orchards and the
sale of property well adapted to fruit production. He joined the fruit growers'
organization as a charter member and for about two years served as its president,
while in 1917 he became manager for the association and is now filling that re-
sponsible and important position.
In 1911 Mr. Hinman was united in marriage to Mrs. Caroline Satterwhite, of
98 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
Sunnyside, Washington. He has four children, two by a former marriage: Charles
Lee, who is now in the State University; and Lorene. The children of his second
marriage are Carroll and Charlene.
Mr. Hinman is connected with the Woodmen ot the World and the Knights
of Pythias. In politics he is a republican, and while not a politician in the sense of
office seeking, he has served as county superintendent of schools in Kittitas county.
He belongs to the Presbyterian church and to the Commercial Club and his activi-
ties and interests have always been along lines which have been far-reaching in
purpose and result. He stands for public benefit and has done much to bring about
progress and improvement in the Yakima valley.
JOHN M. MEEKHOF.
John M. Meekhof, a substantial and esteemed citizen of Yakima county, owns
and operates a fruit farm two miles west of the city of Yakima. He was born in
Holland on the 3d of April, 1860, a son of Mynerd and Bertha (Tallen) Meekhof
and it was in that country that the father passed away.
John M. Meekhof spent the first twenty years of his life in the land of his nativ-
ity and then emigrated to the United States in 1880. Making his way into the interior
of the country, he located near Cadillac, Michigan, where he began farming and was -
thus actively and successfully engaged for many years. In 1909 he removed to the
northwest and on the 5th of December of that year took up his abode on Whidbey
Island, Washington. Subsequently he located in Everett, this state, and later spent
a short time at Duval, Washington, while for a brief period he resided in Seattle.
He next rented a large farm near Rainier, Washington, the cultivation of which
claimed his time and energies until September, 1914, when he came to Yakima county
and purchased a twenty-acre tract of land near Eugene. Later he purchased eighty
acres of land near Wiley City where he was engaged in general agricultural pursuits
for a year. During these years he was for some time near Snohomish and also in
Tolt, Washington, where he had an hundred acre farm. In February, 1918, he dis-
posed of the property and bought a small fruit farm two miles west of Yakima, where
he now owns an attractive residence and is successfully carrying on his fruit-growing
interests.
In 1890 Mr. Meekhof was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Von der Heide,
of Michigan, by whom he has four children, as follows: Jacob, who follows farming
near Prosser; Bertha, at home; Mynerd, who is also yet under the parental roof but
operates a farm near Prosser in association with his brother, Jacob; and Henrietta,
at home.
In politics Mr. Meekhof is a stanch republican, exercising his right of franchise
in support of the men and measures of that party. He belongs to the Dutch Re-
formed church of Moxee and guides his life by its teachings. Coming to the new
world in early manhood, he eagerly availed himself of the opportunities for advance-
ment offered on this side of the Atlantic and as the years have passed has won well
merited prosperity, at the same time gaining the friendship and high regard of those
with whom he has been brought in contact.
PETER F. BESSESEN.
Peter F. Bessesen, who is filling the position of assistant postmaster at Toppe.n-
ish, was born near Portland, Oregon, on the 9th of September, 1888, a son of Sjur
and Barbara Bessesen, both of whom were natives of Norway. In the year 1884
they became residents of Oregon, and the father, who devoted his early life to sail-
ing, afterward became a farmer of that state. He passed away February 7, 1896.
Peter F. Bessesen acquired a public school education while spending his youth-
ful days in his mother's home. After the death of her first husband she became the
wife of J. M. Hildreth, who died in 1911, and later she married N. G. Van Dusen.
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 99
In 1903 the family went to Yakima, where Peter F. Bessesen attended the high
school. When his school days were over he took up the occupation of farming in
connection with his stepfather and also conducted a large dairy. At a subsequent
period he engaged in the meat business and in other lines and at one time he and his
stepfather. Mr. Hildreth, conducted a butcher shop in the old town of Yakima, which
they opened in 1902. there carrying on business until 1907. In the latter year they
removed to Toppenish and Mr. Bessesen conducted a meat market in this town
until 1912 and at the same time was identified with other business interests. He en-
tered the post office in 1912 in the capacity of letter carrier and later was retained
for inside work, while in 1917 he was appointed to the position of assistant postmas-
ter and is now acting in that capacity.
On the 10th of March. 1910. Mr. Bessesen was united in marriage to Miss Maude
Calkins, of North Yakirna, and to them were born four children: Ivan Sjur and
Pauline Peter, both of whom died of scarlet fever; Jack Peter F. ; and Ralph Alonzo.
Mr. Bessesen is a member of the Loyal Order of Moose and also of the Fores-
ters of America. His political views are in accord with the teachings and principles
of the republican party and his religious faith is that of the Methodist church. He
has spent his entire life in the northwest and has therefore been a witness of its
wonderful growth and development. He has lived to see remarkable changes in the
Yakima valley during his connection therewith and through the conduct of busi-
ness interests has contributed in no small measure to its growth and success.
THOMAS J. DONNELLY.
An up-to-date eighty acre farm, well irrigated and highly productive, stands
as evidence of the industry and foresight of Thomas J. Donnelly, a successful agri-
culturist near Tieton. He was born in St. Louis, Missouri. December 16, 1873, a
son of Patrick and Rose (Parland) Donnelly, natives of Ireland, who as young people
emigrated to New York, where they were married, and thence removed to St. Louis.
In 1874 they went to Klickitat county. Washington, taking up government land near
the old block house, and there the father entered the sheep business. In 1887 they
came to the Cowiche valley, in Yakima county, where Mr. Donnelly bought the
Kelly ranch of one hundred and sixty acres. Closely confining himself to his
farming interests, he derived a good annual return from his labors and was enabled to
add to his holdings from time to time until he had accumulated over thirteen hun-
dred acres of land. He gave up the sheep business in 1886 as the ranges were
gradually taken up, then engaging in the cattle business and also in general farm-
ing. In later life he retired in the enjoyment of a handsome competence and died in
Yakima, being survived by his wife, who later married Benjamin Juru, a resident
of Fruitvale.
Thomas J. Donnelly was reared amid pioneer conditions and early in life be-
came self-reliant. In the acquirement of his education he attended the public schools
and subsequently assisted his father with the ranch work, thus laying a good foun-
dation for his subsequent career. Later he took up an eighty acre homestead and
engaged in dry farming, as the-re was no water. When the Tieton irrigation project
came into being and the land could be supplied with plenty of water his interests
improved wonderfully and he now has his farm nearly all under cultivation. His
fine home, excellent barns, modern machinery and up-to-date equipment bespeak his
prosperity and the progressive methods which he has ever followed. Besides raising
hay and grain he gives close attention to stock, being very successful along this
line.
On the 12th of February, 1899, Mr. Donnelly was united in marriage to Miss
Efific Elliott, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Elliott, well known pioneers of
Cowiche, who are now deceased. To this union have been born two children,
Edwin and Myrtle.
Mr. Donnelly is independent in regard to political affairs, preferring to follow
his own judgment and supporting measures and candidates irrespective of party
issues. Although not an active politician, he is, however, well informed on all
(5) , .
100 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
public questions, especially in regard to his locality, and has ever supported worthy
movements undertaken for the betterment of the community. He is interested in
the moral as well as material development and has done much toward bringing
this about. He enjoys a high reputation among the agriculturists of his district and
has many friends here.
PETER BAGLEY.
More than a quarter of a century has passed since .Peter Bagley became identi-
fied with the mining interests of Kittitas county and in this connection he has made
steady progress until in 1913 he was appointed to his present responsible position
■ — that of general superintendent of the mines of the Northwest Improvement Com-
pany at Cle Elum and Roslyn. He was born in Ireland, December 26, 1863, a son
of James and Katherine Bagley, who came to the United StA-tes in the year of his
birth. They made their way to Illinois and the father was connected with the build-
ing of the Union Pacific Railroad until 1869. He then located in Seattle and through
the intervening period the family has been identified with the northwest. Later he
was at Newcastle, Washington, and while there working in the mines met an acci-
dental death. His widow survived and passed away in Seattle.
When a lad of but twelve years Peter Bagley began working in the mines at New-
castle and later was employed in a similar way at Seattle for three years. He came
to Roslyn in 1891, so that for twenty-eight years he has been a resident of this
locality and throughout the entire period has been identified with its mining inter-
ests. In 1901 he was advanced to the position of foreman of the Dip mine at
Roslyn and in 1910 was made district superintendent, having charge over three
mines. Promotion again came to him in 1913. when he was made genera! superin-
tendent of the Northwest Improvement Company's mines at Cle Elum and at
Roslyn. His work in this connection is of a most important character and his duties
are discharged with thoroughness, system and notable ability.
In 1887 Mr. Bagley was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary Barrett, of Newcastle,
Washington, and their children are as follows: Nellie, the wife of Otto Albers, a
resident of Chehalis, Washington; Margaret, the wife of John Lewis, of Roslyn;
Rose, the wife of Walter Grimm, a resident of Chehalis but now serving in the
United States army; Kate, the wife of Leonard Ackerman, who makes his home
in Tacoma but is now on active duty in France with the United States army; May
and E. J., both at home.
Mr. Bagley exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures
of the republican party but supported Grover Cleveland for the presidency when
elected the second time. He is connected with the Foresters and with the Inde-
pendent Order of Odd Fellows. His has been an active life in which he ha!»
thoroughly mastered every task assigned him and his knowledge of every phase q'
the mining business has brought him prominently to the front in this connection,
for he has been ambitious, energetic and thoroughly reliable and his many substan-
tial qualities have therefore gained for him promotion to his present place of re-
sponsibility.
PRESSON BROTHERS.
The house of Presson Brothers is among the best known mercantile establish-
ments of Yakima county, their store being in Mabton, where they carry a complete
and well assorted line of general merchandise. The store was established in 1910
under the name of King & Presson, the original founders being: Arthur King, presi-
dent, and A. C. Presson, secretary and treasurer. B. F. Presson bought an interest
in 1911, and became secretary and treasurer, and in November, 1916, the interest
of Mr. King was acquired by the Pressons, when A. W. Presson became a member
of the firm and the name was changed to that of Presson Brothers. Their estab-
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 101
lishmcnt has a ground space of fifty by eighty feet and is one of the most modern
in the valley. They carry complete lines of the various articles generally to be found
in larger mercantile establishments and these goods are very carefully selected.
While the highest quality is maintained, the prices are always at a comparatively \ovf
level, the firm contenting itself with a reasonable profit. In their contact with cus-
tomers the greatest politeness is maintained and it is seen to that every patron of
the house goes away satisfied and pleased. The most honorable business standards
maintain in the establishment and their methods are above reproach. They are
modern and progressive young business men of considerable experience and it is
therefore but natural that the name of Presson Brothers has become one of the
best and most favorably known in Mabton and Yakima county.
Their parents, I. N. and L. V. (Johnson) Presson, originally came from Ten-
nessee, whence they removed to Missouri in 1879. There the father was for many
years successfully engaged in farming and the nursery business, but in 1910 he and
his son, A. C. Presson, came to Mabton and this has remained his home ever since.
The wife and mother passed away several years ago in Missouri. In April, 1918,
A. C. Presson enlisted in Company I, Quartermasters Corps, and is at present sta-
tioned at Camp Meigs, Washington. He is to be highly commended for so readily,
responding to the call of his country in order to fight the common enemy in Europe.
Both B. F. and A. W. Presson are married and each has a family of three chil-
dren. Both are democrats and faithfully support the principles and candidates of the
party although neither is desirous of holding office. However, they are always inter-
ested in matters pertaining to the development of this section and are ever ready to
give their support to measures undertaken to promote the interests of Mabton and its
inhabitants along material, moral and intellectual lines.
GEORGE F. McAULAY.
George F. McAulay, who for more than fifteen years has been an active practi-
tioner at the bar of Yakima, was born in Caseville, Michigan. October 9, 1870, a son
of Arthur K. and Nancy T. (Fisher) Mc.A.ulay. In 1895 the family removed to
Baker, Oregon, where the parents resided until 1912 and then became residents of
Yakima, where the father passed away in 1914. The mother, however, is still living.
Mr. McAulay had devoted his life to the occupation of farming.
In the public schools of his native state George F. McAulay pursued his early
education and later attended the Ohio Northern University from which he was grad-
uated in the class of 1895 with the degree of B. A. In preparation for a profes-
sional career he entered the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor and won his
Bachelor of Laws degree upon graduation with the class of 1902. He then prac-
ticed for a short time at Baker. Oregon, but in the fall of that year removed to
North Yakima, where he has since made his home and has continuously followed his
profession, winning a place among the leading lawyers of the valley. He prepares
his cases with great thoroughness and care and his practice is extensive and of an
important character. At no time has his reading ever been confined to the limitations
of the questions at issue; it has gone beyond and compassed every contingency and
provided not alone for the expected but for the unexpected, which happens in the
courts quite as frequently as out of them. His legal learning, his analytical mind,
the readiness with which he grasps the points in an argument, all combine to make
him one of the capable lawyers of the Yakima valley.
In 1897 Mr. McAulay was married to Miss Annie M. Bankerd, of Lewisburg,
Ohio. Their children, five in number, are John H., Annie, Jean, Martha and Agnes.
Fraternally Mr. McAulay is connected with Yakima Lodge No. 24, F. & A. M.,
and with Rose Croix Chapter, in which he has attained the eighteenth degree of the
Scottish Rite. He is an active member of the Methodist Episcopal church and for
many years has served as trustee and also as president of the board of trustees. He
is also a trustee of the Young Men's Christian Association and takes an active inter-
est in all of those uplifting influences which work for the benefit of the individual.
In politics he is a democrat and has served as chairman of the democratic county
102 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
central committee of Yakima county. For three years he served on the Yakima
Board of Education. In June, 1917, he left Yakima for Brazil, South America, in
behalf of a syndicate of local men who hold landed interests in that country, the
immediate purpose for going being the investigation of titles and economic condi-
tions. He traveled in several Brazilian states and came in contact with many of the
representative men of that country. He arrived home in February, 1918. He belongs
to the Washington State Bar Association and to the Yakima County Bar Associa-
tion and his interests and activities are always directed along lines which tend to
advance the material, intellectual, social and moral progress of the community.
MATTHIAS F. STANTON.
Death often removes from our midst those whom we can ill afford to lose —
those whose life activity has been of such worth that it seems they should be spared
for years to come. A deep feeling of regret swept throughout Yakima county when
it was learned that Matthias F. Stanton had been called to the home beyond. He
was a native of Indiana, his birth having occurred near Laporte on the 2d of Febru-
ary. 1837, his parents being William and Anna (Fosher) Stanton. His father was
born near Liberty, Indiana, May 5, 1807, and his mother's birth occurred in the
same locality on the 14th of March, 1803. M. F. Stanton's father belonged to an old
eastern family of English descent.
Having arrived at years of maturity, Matthias F. Stanton married Felicia E.
Whitlock, a native of Oregon and a daughter of Mitchell and Malvina (Engle)
Whitlock, the former a native of Missouri, while the latter was born in Illinois.
Mrs. Whitlock was a daughter of William Engle, who brought his family to the
northwest in 1845, settling in Clackamas county, Oregon, as one of the earliest of its
pioneer residents. In that state he remained till the time of his death, passing
away in Marion county, Oregon. Mitchell Whitlock took up his abode in Marion
county, Oregon, in 1845, having made the long and arduous journey across the
plains, and he and his wife were married in Clackamas county. Their home, how-
ever, was established just across the line in Marion county, and there they continued
to reside until called to the home beyond, his death occurring in 1898, while his
widow survived until 1906.
Matthias F. Stanton and Felicia E. Whitlock were married in Oregon on the
21st of October, 1869, and in the following month removed to Yakima county,
where Mr. Stanton had previously taken up government land on the Ahtanuni in
1868. They were among the first setttlers of the region. The work of development
and improvement had scarcely been begun and there was little to indicate the
rapid changes which were soon to occur and transform this into a populous and
properous district. All mail and supplies had to come from The Dalles, Oregon,
a distance of one hundred miles. Mr. Stanton engaged in freighting and other
lines of work and also gave much time and attention to the development of his
ranch, while later he engaged in the cattle business. His persistency of purpose
and his unfaultering energy constituted the basic elements in his successful busi-
ness career. He continued to reside in the Yakima valley until the time of his death,
which occurred on the 29th of September, 1902. He was active as a supporter of
the republican party in early days but later maintained an independent political
attitude. He was a member of the Christian church, guiding his life according
to its teachings, and his worth was widely acknowledged.
To Mr. and Mrs. Matthias F. Stanton were born five children: Daisy, who
died at the age of sixteen years; Anna M., at home; Matthias, who is a rancher on
the Ahtanum; Percy, who is operating the home farm; and Esther, who became the
wife of Frank W. Brown, a rancher on the Cowiche. Matthias Stanton is a native
son of Yakima county, having been born on the Ahtanum, June 14, 1877. He
married Florence E. Merritt, of Yakima county.
Matthias F. Stanton is survived by his widow, a woman of chirming personality
who has resided in the valley since early pioneer days and has therefore witnessed
MATTHIAS F. STANTON
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 105
the entire growth and development of this region. The name of Stanton has ever
been an honored one in the district and is inseparably interwoven with events and
business interests which have left an unmistakable impress upon the history of
this region.
H. A. BOOSE.
H. A. Boose, cashier of the First National Bank of Sunnyside, was born in Penn-
sylvania, March 6, 1873, a son of John R. and Mary (Turner) Boose, who are still
living in the Keystone state, where the father is engaged in the insurance business.
The son acquired a public school education there and, making good use of his oppor-
tunities, qualified for teaching, which profession he took up in Pennsylvania. He
devoted nine years to teaching, six years of which were passed in his native state
and three in Illinois. He came to Washington in 1900, settling at Sunnyside, and
here purchased wild land. He developed and improved a fine farm of forty acres,
at which time there was no town here. In 1907, however, he became identified with
the banking interests of Sunnyside but still makes his home upon the farm.
The First National Bank of Sunnyside was organized in December, 1906, and
opened the following March. The first officers were: Lee A. Johnson, president;
C. M. Scott, cashier; R. C. McCredie, assistant cashier; and H. M. Lichty, vice
president. In 1914 Mr. Johnson passed away. R. C. McCredie was president from
1913 until 1915, when he was succeeded by F. J. Taylor. Otto K. Strizek was presi-
dent from 1915 until September, 1917, when F. E. Langer succeeded to the position
and served until April, 1918, when A. B. Snider became the president. Mr. Scott
continued to act as cashier until 1911, when R. C. McCredie was elected to the posi-
tion and continued to serve in that capacity until 1913. Mr. Boose then became the
cashier and has since continued in the office, covering a period of five years. His
close application, unflagging enterprise and uniform courtesy have been salient fea-
tures in the continued success of the bank, which is capitalized for fifty thousand
dollars. The company purchased the present corner and the building now occupied.
Today the bank has a surplus of sixty-five hundred dollars, undivided profits of
almost five thousand dollars, and its deposits amount to three hundred and sixty-
eight thousand dollars. Mr. Boose is putting forth every possible efifort to aid in
the upbuilding of the bank and make it what it is today — one of the strong financial
institutions of this part of the state.
On the 20th of October, 1898, Mr. Boose was married to Miss Nora A. Fike, a
native of Illinois, and they have four children, Grace, Earl, Harold and Maurice, the
last named being nine years of age.
Mr. Boose's political allegiance is given to the republican party and while he has
never been an office seeker he has served on the board of education and acted as its
clerk. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Presbyterian church.
He is a man of genuine personal worth as well as business ability, and his many
sterling traits of character and his loyalty in citizenship have gained him an en-
viable place in the regard of his fellow townsmen.
LEON CHARRON.
Leon Charron is the owner if a highly cultivated tract of land of fifty-five acres.
He was one of the pioneers in the district in which he makes his home and originally
had a ninety-five acre tract of land but sold forty acres of this for the townsite of
Moxee, for the town had not yet sprung into existence at the time of his arrival in
that locality. Mr. Charron is a native of Canada. He was born in Montreal, October
5, 1852. a son of Louis and Aurelia Charron, both of whom passed away in Canada.
Through the period of his boyhood and youth Leon Charron remained in his
native country and was twenty-five years of age when in 1877 he took up his abode
at Seattle, Washington. He spent two years on the western coast at that time
106 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
but in 1879 returned to Montreal, where he lived until 1880, when he went to Crook-
ston, Minnesota. For two decades he continued to make his home in that state and
ill 190O he came to Yakima county. In the intervening period of eighteen years he
has been engaged in farming. He located on the Moxee, where he purchased ninety-
five acres of land, but afterward furthered the development and improvement of
the district through the sale of forty acres for the townsite. He still owns town
property and yet retains possession of fifty-five acres of his original tract, which is
devoted to the production of hay, potatoes, sugar beets and other crops. This was
all wild land when it came into his possession and it scarcely seemed that nature
could so quickly respond to the labors of man, but irrigation and efifort have wrought
most wonderful results, making this a highly productive region.
In 1880 Mr. Charron was married to Miss Corinne Brussard, a native of Canada,
who in her girlhood days became a resident of Minnesota, where she passed away
in 1885. The children of that marriage are: Eli, who is engaged in ranching on the
Moxee, where he has one hundred acres of land; Lucien, who is married and has
three children, two daughters and a son, residing with him upon his ranch of forty
acres on the Moxee: Leo, who rents his father's place; and Louis, deceased. In
1889 Mr. Charron was again married, his second union being with Corrine Jubuc,
who is also a native of Canada and went to Minnesota in her girlhood days. The
children of this marriage are: Valentina, the wife of Albert Captistan, a rancher on
the Moxee, by whom she has two daughters; Emma, the wife of Arthur Stmars, a
ranchman, by whom she has one son; Maria, Ida and Rose, all at home; and Louis,
who is in college.
The parents are members of the Holy Rosary CathoHc church. Mr. Charron was
one of its founders and has been most active in its work and generous in its support.
Mr. Charron has long been closely identified with the development and progress of
his section of the state and has made valuable contribution to the work of upbuild-
ing and improvement. He is now the owner of one of the excellent ranch properties
of the district, upon which he has a fine artesian well eight feet in diameter and
thirteen hundred feet in depth, from which comes a flow of water yielding thirty-
five hundred gallons per minute. This well furnishes Moxee with its water supply.
The water is of the purest quality and the well is the finest in the valley. Mr. Charron
has always displayed the most progressive spirit in the development of his property
and at the same time has cooperated heartily in all plans and movements for the
general good.
ELLIOTT M. SLY.
The Kennewick Produce Company's report for 1917, published in 1918, shows
that this remarkable cooperant enterprise closed the year's business with over a half
million dollars transactions. Its wonderful success must be ascribed in large measure
to the business foresight, ability and experience of Elliott M. Sly, the manager. Mr.
Sly is a native of Illinois, his birth having occurred in Lockport, September 3. 1869,
and he is a son of Eugene R. and Emma J. (Spicer) Sly, the former a well known
manufacturer. The parents now make their home in Michigan. In April. 1908,
Elliott M. Sly came to Kennewick, where he followed farming for a year and then
was elected to the position of manager of The Produce Company, which he has ever
since ably filled.
In June, 1896, Mr. Sly was united in marriage to Miss Ethelyn V. Seegmiller, of
Michigan, and to them have been born three children: William, aged twenty-one,
who is now serving his country in the United States marines; Randolph, aged sev-
enteen; and Eugene, aged eleven.
In his political aftiliations Mr. Sly is a republican, but the enormous amount of
work which he does in connection with The Produce Company prevents him from
taking an active part in political affairs although he is always interested in public
matters, especially those pertaining to the growth and development of the great
commercial institution of which he is executive.
The Produce Company of Kennewick, Washington, was established in 1905
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 107
by a number of agriculturists as the Kennewick Fruit Growers Association in order
to facilitate the selling of fruit. The first officers were: O. L. Hanson, president; and
\Y. E. Cruikshank, secretary and treasurer. In their business they specialized in
the handling of strawberries and so continued for four years. In 1909 Elliott M. Sly
was elected manager of the organization and they then began to handle all kinds of
fruit and also started selling feed and poultry supplies. In April, 1910, the name was
changed to the Kennewick Fruit & Produce Company and they built a warehouse in
Kennewick having a floor space of seventy by one hundred feet. A great many of
these improvements and expansions must be attributed to the unabating energy and
executive ability of Mr. Sly. In 1912 they moved into the building which they now
occupy and which they erected. It is well constructed and fully adapted to the
purpose for which it was intended. At the end of 1910 the organization discontinued
the fruit business and became entirely a mercantile institution and in 1915 the name
was changed to The Produce Company. The main building of the company is fifty
by one hundred and twenty feet and comprises a basement and two stories. There
is also a warehouse seventy by one hundred feet, a machinery building fifty by one
hundred and twenty-five feet and several other structures. Branches are maintained
at Prosser, White BlufTs, Finley and Pasco. To further indicate the scope of their
activities it may be mentioned that they are interested in the grocery, feed, seed,
poultry supply, fruit growers supply, farm implement and a number of other lines of
business. Between 1917 and 1918 the gross merchandise sales of the four coopera-
tive stores amounted to five hundred and eleven thousand dollars, while the total for
the year 1918, reached six hundred and forty thousand dollars. It may be of interest
to many to here note that during this year the war tax item alone amounted to six
thousand, six hundred dollars. Among the interesting items are the sums which
the company paid the farmers for eggs, butter and other farm produce. These
amounted to sixty-three thousand three hundred and sixty-two dollars and fifty-nine
cents, not including hay in carload lots, which brings the total to seventy-five thous-
and five hundred and sixty-two dollars and ten cents. One item among the farm
produce is especially notable and should therefore be mentioned — that of eggs,
which amounted to tWenty-nine thousand five hundred sixty-three dollars and six
cents. In addition the company paid forty-four thousand and forty-one dollars and
forty-two cents to local business firms for merchandise and equipment.
The Produce Company publishes an interesting paper under the name of The
Produce Company News, which is issued monthly and has a circulation of over three
thousand. It is not only filled with news items of direct interest to the farmers in a
vocational way but has many other interesting articles in its columns. The president
of the company is C. C. Williams. F. H. Lincoln is treasurer and assistant manager,
while E. M. Sly acts as secretary and manager, he being at the head of all the various
departments of the organization. The continuous prosperity of the company is
due to cooperation and Mr. Sly has been a great factor in keeping together the many
heads who belong to the organization and coordinating influences and forces seem-
ingly representing opposing points. Great credit is therefore due him and his un-
tiring efforts are appreciated by all who know aught of his work.
L. H. KUHN.
L. H. Kuhn, cashier of the First National Bank of Zillah, was born in Shelby,
Iowa, January I, 1883. His parents, Robert E. and Emma V. (Williams) Kuhn.
removed to Emerson in 1883 and there the father organized the Emerson State Bank
and also laid out the town. He continued to reside at that place until 1900, when
he established his home at Lincoln, Nebraska, where his remaining days were passed
and where his widow still resides.
L. H. Kuhn completed his education at the Western Reserve Academy at Hud-
son. Ohio, and for a few years was a resident of Lincoln, Nebraska. In 1905 he came
to Tacoma and entered into active association with the National Bank of Com-
merce, in which he spent two years in a clerical capacity. Subsequently he was with
the Northwest Trust & Savings Bank of Seattle for a year and a half and in 1909
108 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
he came to Zillah, where he has since been identified with the First National Bank,
which was established in December. 1909. with J. D. Cornett as president, R. D.
Herod as vice-president. J. H. Bartley, cashier, and L. H. Kuhn, assistant cashier.
The last named succeeded to the cashiership on the 9th of January, 1910, and has
since acted in that capacity, while H. H. Green has been vice president since 1911. The
bank is capitalized for twenty-five thousand dollars. It has had a successful exist-
ence, the business steadily growing. The building occupied was built especially for
the purpose used, the bank occupying the first floor, with office rooms above.
In October. 1913, Mr. Kuhn was married to Miss Eva Munson, of Tacoma, and
they have one child. Robert Munson. In his fraternal relations Mr. Kuhn is a Mason
and an Elk. He belongs to Yakima Lodge No. 318, B. P. O. E., to Meridian Lodge
No. 196, A. F. & A. M.. of Zillah, of which he is a past master, and that he has at-
tained high rank in the order is indicated in the fact that he is one of the Nobles of
Afifi Temple of the Mystic Shrine at Tacoma. His political endorsement is given to
the republican party and his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the
Presbyterian church. He is actuated in all that he does by high principles and his
many sterling traits of character have gained him the warm regard of all with whom
he has been associated. Prompted by a progressive spirit, he gives earnest aid and
support to all measures for the general good and his work for the city has been
efficiently resultant.
LORENZO D. ALLEN.
Lorenzo D. Allen not only has valuable farming interests near Granger which
require his constant attention but he has also served as supervisor of drainage dis-
trict No. 27 since it was organized. A native of Marion county, Iowa, he was born
July 19, 1871, and is a son of L. D. and Eliza (Mills) Allen, the former a native of
Wales and the latter of Williams county. Ohio. When quite a young man the father
arrived in New York but did not long remain in the eastern metropolis, removing to
Iowa, of which state he became a pioneer farmer. There he devoted his efforts to
agricultural pursuits until death claimed him. His wife passed away in Minnesota.
Lorenzo D. Allen was reared in Marion county, Iowa, early becoming acquainted
with agricultural labors and methods, and in the acquirement of his education he
attended the schools near his father's farm. He remained at home until he was
twenty-seven years of age, largely operating the farm, but at that time started out
for himself as his mother had died. His enterprising spirit is evident from the
fact that from the early age of seventeen he had been buying land, but he always
made his home with his mother, his father having died when he was only twelve
years of age. In the meantime the family had removed to Morrison county, Minne-
sota, where Mr. ./Mien of this review became a successful farmer. Having heard
many favorable reports in regard to the advantages which awaited one in the Yakima
valley, he in 1902 decided to make the change and came to Yakima county, where he
at first rented land for five years. He then was enabled to acquire title to forty acres
of raw land, which was covered with sagebrush and located a mile north of Granger.
I->om this wild tract he has developed a fine ranch which now yields him a comfort-
able annual income. In 1906 he built a fine brick residence, the first in his part fii the
county, which has since remained the family home. He has ever used progressive
methods and new ideas in raising his produce, which largely consists of hay and
corn, and he also operates a dairy and thus augments his income. He has specialized
in corn for the last sixteen years, developing ".Mien's Pride," which is in great
demand throughout the valley, and he has sold nine tons for seed.
On the 17th of June. 1898, Mr. Allen was united in marriage to Mary Backosky,
a native of Wisconsin, and a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Vensel Backosky, who re-
moved to Minnesota in the '90s. To this union were born five children: George, Eva.
Hazel. Mary and Henry.
Mr. and Mrs. Allen are highly respected in their neighborhood and they have
mar;y friends in and near Granger. In his political affiliation Mr. Allen is a repub-
lican and the confidence and trust reposed in him by the public have found expres-
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 111
sion in his election to the position of supervisor of drainage district No. 27, in
which official position he has served since the district was organized. There is
great credit due him for what he has achieved in life, as he began his business
career empty-handed and is now numbered among the prosperous agriculturists
of Yakima county.
EMIL MEESKE.
Emil Meeske is a well known and prosperous orchardist of the Yakima valley,
residing two and one-half miles west of the city of Yakima, where he owns a valu-
able tract of land comprising ten acres. His birth occurred in Germany on the 30th
of August, 1865, his parents being Louis and Lottie Meeske, who emigrated to the
United States in 1880 and took up their abode in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where they
remained for three years. On the expiration of that period they removed to Sauk
Rapids, Minnesota, where the father passed away. The mother accompanied her son
Emil on his removal to the northwest in 1901 and continued a resident of Yakima
until called to her final rest.
Emil Meeske spent the first fifteen years of his life in his native country and de-
voted his youthful days to the acquirement of an education. In 1880 he came with
his parents to America and preparatory to entering the business world he learned
the carpenter's trade, which for many years he successfully followed in Minnesota.
It was in 1901 that he decided to come to Washington, arriving in Yakima on the
20th of June of that year, while in 1902 he purchased ten acres of land on Summit
View which he planted to apples, pears and peaches. He conducted the orchard most
successfully until disposing of it in 1912, and two years later he bought his present
place of ten acres situated two and one-half miles west of Yakima, nine acres thereof
being now planted to apples, pears, peaches and plums. Prosperity has attended his
undertakings as a horticulturist and the value of his property is considerably en-
hanced by a handsome new residence which he erected thereon.
In 1897 Mr. Meeske was united in marriage to Miss Clara Wischnefski, of Minne-
sota, by whom he has four children, namely: Marie. Louis, Lillie and Carl. All are
still under the parental roof. Mr. Meeske gives his political allegiance to the demo-
cratic party, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Lutheran
church. His life has at all times been governed by high and honorable principles
and his many friends recognize in him a man of genuine personal worth and many
excellent traits of heart and mind.
SIMON W. SHAFER.
Simon W. Shafer, who since the fall of 1917 has cultivated forty acres of land
four miles northwest of Sunnyside, was born in McLean countv, Illinois. June 12,
1893, a son of W. I. and Betty (Thomas) Shafer. The maternal' grandfather of Mr.
Shafer was Samuel Thomas, a veteran of the Civil war. The father is a native of
Eureka, Illinois, and a son of Simon Shafer, who was born in Pennsylvania and re-
moved to Illinois during the pioneer epoch in its history. In 1905 he came to the
northwest, settling in Yakim^ county, after which he lived retired in Sunnyside until
his demise. His son, W. I. Shafer, became a farmer in Illinois and there followed
agricultural pursuits until the spring of 1908. when he brought his family to Yakima
county and purchased forty acres of land three and a half miles northwest of Sunny-
side, whereon he resided until 1916. He then sold that property and bought forty
acres under the Outlook pumping plant. It was then a tract of wild land but he has
brought it all under a high state of cultivation, has built a good home thereon and
added many other modern improvements, together with all the equipment of the
model farm of the twentieth century. His wife was born in Indiana and they are
numbered among the highly esteemed residents of the community in which they
make their home.
112 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
Their son, Simon \\". Shafer. acquired a public school education and farmed with
his father until he reached the age of twenty years, when he started out upon his
business career by renting land, which he continued to cultivate for two years. Dur-
ing that period he carefully saved his earnings until his industry and economy had
brought him sufficient capital to enable him to purchase forty acres four miles north-
west of Sunnyside, of which he became the owner in the fall of 1917. During the
intervening period of two years he has engaged in the raising of hay, corn, potatoes
and wheat upon his place and also conducts a dairy business.
On the 10th of January, 1917, Mr. Shafer was married to Miss Joyce Clapsaddle,
who was born in LaSalle county,' Illinois, a daughter of Frank J. and Etta (Car-
penter) Clapsaddle, the former a native of Dekalb county, Illinois, while the latter
was born in LaSalle county. Her father was a son of Andrew Clapsaddle, a native of
Herkimer county, Xew York, who became a resident of Illinois when it was a frontier
state, there taking up government land upon which not a furrow had been turned
nor an improvement made. He at once began to develop the property and thus con-
tributed to the progress of the section of the state in which he lived. The maternal
grandfather of Mrs. Shafer was Ethan Carpenter, who was born in Westchester
county, New York, and also became a resident of Illinois in pioneer times. The
parents of Mrs. Shafer came to Yakima county in 1910 and purchased sixty acres of
land four and a half miles northwest of Sunnyside. There the father carried on
farming until the spring of 1918 but now makes his home in the city. He made a
specialty of raising fine seed corn in addition to carrying on the work of general
farming. Mr. and Mrs. Shafer have become parents of a daughter, Barbara Delle,
born December 2, 1917. Both are members of the Christian church and are highly
esteemed in the community where they make their home. They are young people
of sterling worth and well merit the high regard which is uniformly accorded them.
HEXRY HUNTINGTON LOMBARD.
Henry Huntington Lombard is a well known real estate dealer and capitalist of
Yakima. Real estate activty in the west has not only included the purchase and
sale of property and the promotion of realty transfers for others but has included
as well the development of large tracts of land, adding greatly to the prosperity of
various regions. Henry Huntington Lombard is the senior partner in the firm of
Lombard & Horsley, a firm that was established in 1889 and which has developed
its interests until it has won a place among the foremost real estate dealers of the
Yakima valley. The width of the continent separates Mr. Lombard from his birth-
place, for he is a native of New Bedford, Massachusetts. He was born February 2,
1865, a son of Henry H. and Eunice K. Lombard. The ancestral line is traced back
to Thomas Lombard, who arrived at Cape Cod. Massachusetts, in 1623. At the time
of the Revolutionary war I Colonel Richard Lombard responded to the cause of the
colonists and aided in winning American independence. Rev. Solomon Lombard, a
Congregational minister, removed to Gorham, Maine, and became the first repre-
sentative of the ministry in that state. He was the founder of the branch of the
family from which Henry Huntington Lombard is descended. Solomon Lombard
became a prominent judge in the colony. For generations the family was repre-
sented in New England, but in 1869 Henry H. and Eunice K. Lombard removed to
Iowa and it was in the public schools of that state their son, Henry H., acquired his
education. He was a lad of but four years at the time of the removal to the west
and his boyhood and youth were therefore largely passed in Iowa. In 1887, when
twenty-two years of age, he went to Topeka, Kansas, and for two years was em-
ployed by the Santa Fe Railroad Company. In March, 1889, he arrived in Yakima
and it was in the same year that he entered into partnership with 'Frank Horsley,
organizing the firm of Lombard & Horsley. They engaged in the furniture business,
buying out the establishment of A. H. Reynolds & Company, and were active in that
line until 1909, when they sold out. In 1904 they became actively interested in de-
velopment work in the construction of the Union Gap ditch and organized the Union
Gap Irrigation Company, which purchased the Fowler ditch and developed the
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 113
Parker Heights district, which they sold in 1909 after expending two hundred and
fifty thousand dollars on improvements. They developed over five hundred acres of
fruit land and still farm more than four hundred acres of this. They have since
sold and developed large tracts of land throughout the district and now have the
Beulah tract. They are conducting a general investment and developing business
and the interests of Mr. Lombard have reached extensive and gratifying proportions.
He has seen the possibility for work along this line and has put forth every effort
in his power to promote the growth and settlement of the state through the utiliza-
tion of its natural resources. Energetic and far-sighted in business, he has carried
forward his interests to successful completion and though he started out in life
empty-handed, he has made for himself a place among the capitalists of the Yakima
valley.
On the 26th of June, 1906. Mr. Lombard was married to Miss Aimee Porter, of
Roseland, Washington, and their children are George Porter, Henry H., Creede
Wilson, Eunice, Janet and Richard.
Fraternally Mr. Lombard is connected with the Benevolent Protective Order
of Elks and he has membership in the Commercial Club. In politics he is a repub-
lican and in 1908 he served as mayor of Yakima, giving to the city a businesslike and
progressive administration, and at all times he has stood for progress, development
and improvement in this section of the state and has contributed much to its growth.
E. W. AND H. C. CRANDALL.
E. W. and H. C. Crandall are owners of twenty acres on Naches Heights which
they are carefully cultivating and bringing to a high state of fertility. The brothers
are representatives of old New England families. E. W. Crandall was born in Dane
county, Wisconsin, November 28, 1863, a son of Silas H. and Harriett N. (Stillman)
Crandall. The father's birth occurred in Montville, Connecticut, while the mother
was born in Allegany county, New York. The former was a son of H. B. Crandall,
who was born at Waterford, Connecticut, in 1798, and in 1838 removed to Rock
county. Wisconsin. There he took up government land where Milton Junction now
stands and continued to reside thereon to the time of his death. The house which
stood upon the old homestead is still owned by his daughter. The maternal grand-
father of the Crandall brothers was John C. Stillman, of New York, who went to
Rock county, Wisconsin, in the fall of 1839 and he, too, cast in his lot with the ear-
liest settlers, aiding in reclaiming a wild and undeveloped region for the purposes of
civilization. The parents of E. W. and H. C. Crandall were married in Wisconsin and
began their domestic life upon a farm in that state, where they continued to reside
until called to their final rest, occupying the old homestead property throughout the
entire period. They were among the highly respected residents of that community,
closely associated with its agricultural development.
E. W. Crandall. spending his youthful days under the parental roof, acquired a
public school education and was early trained to the work of the fields, becoming
familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops. He pur-
chased land in North Dakota but never removed to that state and continued in active
identification with the farming interests of Wisconsin until 1908, when he came to
Yakima county, where he rented land for seven years. Subsequently he spent one
year on the Parker Bottoms and for six years was in the employ of L. O. Meigs. In
the fall of 1917 he purchased twenty acres of land on Naches Heights and now has
nine acres in apples, while the balance is plow land. He has built a house upon this
place and is rapidly transforming it into one of the most valuable and highly produc-
tive ranch properties of the district.
H. C. Crandall, the younger brother, was born in Rock county. Wisconsin, May
20. 1868. The brothers have always been associated in their farming interests and
have won a very creditable position among the representative agriculturists of the
region in which they live. They have never married and they always looked after
their mother, who for twenty years was an invalid. Their sister Minnie acts as their
housekeeper, managing household affairs while the brothers concentrate their efforts
114 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
and attention upon the development of the farm. In their political views they are
republicans and their aid and influence is given to all plans and measures for the
general good. They have reached a very creditable position as ranchmen of the dis-
trict and what they have undertaken they have accomplished. They follow progres-
sive methods in their farm work and their energy and enterprise are producing re-
sults greatly to be desired.
WILLIAM J. TAYLOR.
No history of the Kittitas valley would be complete without extended reference
to William J. Taylor, who has lived in this section from pioneer times and whose
rame is connected with many of the early events which have shaped the annals of
this region. Mr. Taylor was born in Marion county, Oregon, September 28, 1852, a
son of Melville and Cyrena (McDonald) Taylor, both of whom were natives of Mis-
souri. The father was a son of John Taylor, a cousin of Zachary Taylor, at one time
president of the United States. The grandfather was born in Kentucky and became
a pioneer settler of Indiana, whence he afterward removed to Missouri. In 1847 he
crossed the plains, making his way to Marion county, Oregon. He traveled with
wagon and ox team, following the old-time trail and meeting with many hardships
and difficult experiences while en route. His son William had crossed the plains in
1845 with Dan Waldo and they took up government land side by side in Marion
county. The grandfather secured a donation claim and at once began the develop-
ment and improvement of the place, which he continued to successfully farm to the
time of his death. He had a family of six sons and one daughter, all of w^hom be-
came residents of Oregon.
Melville Taylor, father of William J. Taylor, was a charter member of the
Marion county lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, He, too, was asso-
ciated with the early pioneer development and progress of Marion county and in
later life he removed to Lane county, Oregon, where he continued to devote his at-
tention to general agricultural pursuits until he passed away in .^.ugust. 1914, when he
had reached the venerable age of eighty-six years. His wife started across the
plains from Missouri with her parents, who were accompanied by their seven chil-
dren, and all died while en route save two of the daughters and one son, being vic-
tims of the cholera. This was in the year 1849. Mrs. Taylor and the other two chil-
dren continued on their way to Oregon, where the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Taylor
was afterward celebrated. Mrs. Taylor passed away on the 8th of November, 1894,
at the age of sixty-one years, ten months and twenty-five days. To Mr. and Mrs.
Melville Taylor were born seven children, of whom William J. is the eldest. The
others are: James Sylvester, who is engaged in ranching on the Hood river in Ore-
gon; Cordelia, the widow of James Gore and a resident of Vancouver, B. C; Joseph,
a dentist who practices his profession in Vancouver, Washington: Clarence, who is
ranching in Lane county, Oregon: Frank, who owns and operates a ranch near
Corvallis, Oregon; and Elvin, who is living on the old homestead.
William J. Taylor acquired a public school education in one of the little pioneer
temples of learning on the western frontier. The building was constructed of logs
and was furnished after the primitive manner of the times. He had to walk three
miles to this school. He was fourteen years of age when he started out in the busi-
ness world on his own account, going to Seattle, Washington, which at that time
contained only two stores. In the fall of 1870 he made his way to Yakima county,
traveling on horseback from Seattle and bringing with him the first negro that was
ever seen in Yakima county. He bore the name of Johnson and he took up a ranch
near where Ellensburg now stands.
At the time of his arrival here William J. Taylor had a cash capital of but twenty
dollars. With all of the early events which have left their impress upon the history
of Ellensburg and the Kittitas valley he was closely associated, either as a witness
or as an active participant therein. He assisted in building the second store in El-
lensburg in the spring of 1872. He also aided in building the first house in the Kitti-
tas valley constructed of lumber, it standing on the old Smith ranch. He assisted in
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 115
whipsawing the lumber for the first lumber floor in the valley. It was rough lumber
and they had a dance upon it and danced it smooth. After coming to this district
Mr. Taylor worked lor three years on the Bull ranch and for three years on the
Smith ranch. He then succeeded in getting some horses and cattle of his own and
through all the intervening period has been connected with the live stock business.
He purchased his first ranch in 1877 but afterward traded the property for a horse
and saddle. About the same time he bought the right to another tract of one hun-
dred and sixty acres four and a half miles northeast of Ellensburg, which he owned
until the '90s and then sold.
On the 16th of January, 1877, Mr. Taylor was united in marriage to Mary Grewell,
a native of Chariton, Iowa, and a daughter of Thomas and Melinda (Dixon) Grewell,
the former a native of Ohio, while the latter was born in Illinois. They became pio-
neer settlers of Iowa and after living there for some time removed to the northwest
in 1863, making the journey with ox teams across the country to Vancouver, Wash-
ington. The father, however, died while en route. The mother afterward married
again and in 1873 accompanied her second husband to Ellensburg, where they en-
gaged in ranching southeast of the city. To Mr. and Mrs. Taylor have been born
three children: Archie, who died at the age of three years; Minnie, the wife of Pete
Mitchell, residing in Ellensburg; and Frank, who is filling the office of deputy sheriff
of Kittitas county. He married Emma Abraham and has three children. Mrs. Taylor
taught the first school in Denmark, then Yakima, now Kittitas county, in 1876-77.
In his political views Mr. Taylor has always been a stalwart democrat but not
an office seeker. He has done much active work in behalf of the welfare and pro-
gress of the county, however, as a private citizen and has contributed in substantial
measure to the upbuilding of the section in which he lives. He took the first bunch
of horses across the Cascades to Seattle for sale and from early days to the present
time has been a prominent figure in connection with the stock raising interests of the
Kittitas valley. His business afTairs have been wisely and carefully conducted and
his sound judgment is manifest in the success which has come to him. He has indeed
witnessed many changes during the period of his residence here. The district was
wild and undeveloped at the time of his arrival. The trees stood in their primeval
strength and the open lands were covered with the native grasses and brush. There
was little to indicate that a wonderful transformation would soon be wrought. Mr.
Taylor and other pioneer settlers, however, recognized the advantages of the region
and. acting upon the dictates of their faith and judgment, they settled here and have
lived to see this district take its place with the most populous and prosperous dis-
tricts of the state. They certainly deserve much credit for what they have accom-
plished in the way of general improvement and development and the names of Mr.
and Mrs. William J. Taylor are written high on the list of honored pioneers.
THOMAS H. HOWAY.
Thomas H. Howay, successfully conducting a hardware and furniture business
in Grandview, was born in St. Clair county, Michigan, June 26, 1868, a son of Henry
and Elizabeth Howay, who were natives of Canada. They became pioneer settlers
of Michigan, where the father engaged in business as a contractor and builder. Both
he and his wife have passed away.
Thomas H. Howay pursued a high school education at Yale, Michigan, and
started in the business world as a clerk in a hardware store before his schooldays
were over. He continued to clerk and work for others for some time and later con-
ducted business on his own account at Memphis, Michigan. Subsequently he spent
two years in the employ of T. B. Rail Company at Detroit, Michigan, and in 1897
he came to Washington, making his way to Seattle, where he secured a position with
the Seattle Hardware Company." After clerking there for two years he represented
the house upon the road as a traveling salesman throughout the northwest for a
period of eleven years and for six years more was manager of the sporting goods
department. In May, 1910, he came to Grandview, where he bought out A. G. Holli-
day, the first hardware merchant of the town. He now occupies a building fifty by
one hundred and fifty feet and carries an extensive line of shelf and heavy hardware,
116 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
furniture and implements. The business has reached substantial proportions, due to
the enterprising methods and thorough reliability of the owner.
In 1900 Mr. Howay was married to Miss Margaret Cavan, who was born in Paris,
Ontario, a daughter of Michael and Agnes (Torrance) Cavan, both of whom have
now passed away. The children of this marriage are: Thomas Cavan, who is at-
tending the Moran School for Boys; Dorothy, a high school pupil; and John Henry,
eleven years of age, who is a most enterprising and energetic boy. He has earned the
money to buy four fifty-dollar Liberty Bonds and has thirty dollars in War Savings
Stamps. In order to do this he worked in a printing office, picked apples, turned off
the lights in the town and in fact did anything that would enable him to turn an
honest penny. It is certainly a splendid record for a boy of his years.
Mr. Howay belongs to the United Commercial Travelers and is a member of the
Presbyterian church. In politics he is a Roosevelt republican and is a public-spirited
and progressive citizen, interested in all that has to do with the welfare, upbuilding
and progress of community, commonwealth and country. In business he is a self-
made man and a successful merchant, one who is contributing in substantial meas-
ure to the commercial development of his adopted town.
REV. CONRAD BRUSTEN.
Conrad Brusten, S. J., pastor of St. Joseph's Catholic church of Yakima, was
born in Germany in 1863 and came to the United States in 1889, when a young man
of twenty-six years. He afterward attended St. Louis University and was or-
dained to the priesthood in St. Louis, Missouri, on the 27th of June, 1900. He sub-
sequently taught philosophy in Spokane for a year and in 1902 and 1903 was super-
ior at St. Regis Mission, at Colville, Washington. In 1903 and 1904 he was again
in St. Louis, where he pursued postgraduate studies, and from August until De-
cember, 1904, he was located in Seattle. On the 11th of the latter montli he came
to Yakima, being assigned to the pastorate of St. Joseph's church, of which he
has since had charge.
This church grew out of the Old Mission. It was established on the Ahtanum
in 1871. but a new church was organized in Yakima City in 1878 and in 1885 was
removed to North Yakima. It is today the oldest church of the Yakima valley.
The present house of worship was completed in December, 1905, and in 1910 the
school building was erected. The boys' school gives instruction from the fifth
grade work up to the high school and has an attendance of eighty-five. St. Joseph's
Academy was established as an Indian school in 1887, but now has all white pupils
to the number of three hundred. St. Elizabeth's Hospital, also an auxiliary of the
church, was established in 1889 and in 1913 a splendid new hospital building was
erected, equipped with everything necessary for the conduct of the most advanced
surgical work. St. Joseph's parish numbers fourteen hundred communicants. The
work of the church has been thoroughly organized and under the direction of
Father Brusten has been carried steadily forward. His labors have indeed proven a
power in the development of Catholic interests in the Yakima valley.
FRANK HORSLEY.
Frank Horsley is a member of the firm of Lombard & Horsley, in which con-
nection he has taken most active and helpful part in promoting development work in
the Yakima valley. He was born in Muscatine county, Iowa, April 16. 1856, and is
a son of William and Laura (McGill) Horsley. The mother died in Iowa and the
father afterward came to Yakima, while his last days were spent in California, where
he passed away at the age of ninety-five years. He was born in England and came
to the United States when a youth of eleven. His life was devoted to farming and
thus he provided for his family.
Frank Horsley is indebted to the public school system of Iowa for the educa-
REV. COXRAD BRUSTEN
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY lig^
tional opportunities which he enjoyed, and in his youth and young manhood he gave
his attention to farm work, while later he took up the fruit and produce commission
business in Des Moines, Iowa, gaining considerable knowledge of horticultural inter-
ests in this way. In July, 1889, he arrived in Yakima and entered into partnership
with H. H. Lombard in organizing the firm of Lombard & Horsley. They purchased
an established furniture business and continued active in that line for a number of
years but before closing out their interests in that connection they turned their
attention to the real estate business and development work. Through all the inter-
vening period they have been active in that field and have developed a large tract
of fruit land and have thus contributed in great degree to the material growth and
improvement of the valley. Their efforts have been conducted along most progres-
sive lines and scientific methods have been employed in the cultivation and propaga-
tion of their orchards. Their work has been a strong element in promoting the value
of properties in this locality and as the result of their labors they have won a sub-
stantial measure of success.
In 1887 Mr. Horsley was united in marriage to Miss Angenette Lombard, a sis-
ter of his partner, H. H. Lombard. She died on the 27th of June, 1915, and Mr.
Horsley afterward wedded her sister, Sue M. Lombard, on the 25th of October, 1917.
The children of the first marriage are; William H., now residing in Seattle; and
Frank Sears, sixteen years of age.
Mr. Horsley is identified with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and also
with the Knights of Pythias lodge, in which he has filled all of the chairs. His
political allegiance is given to the republican party and he served for four years as
county commissioner, making an excellent record in the office. He is now a member
of the school board and he stands at all times for progress and improvement in pub-
lic affairs, to which end he is a member of the Commercial Club, actively cooperating
in all well defined plans and measures for the general good. He has gained a wide
acquaintance during the long period of his residence in Yakima, covering almost
thirty years, and throughout the entire period the integrity of his business methods
has never been questioned, while his enterprise and insight are recognized as salient
features in the growth and upbuilding of this section of the state. All who know
him speak of him in terms of warm regard both as a business man and citizen and his
record at all times measures up to high standards.
FRANK J. TAYLOR.
Frank J. Taylor, of Sunnyside, Washington, is one of those men who by their
labors have greatly contributed toward the development of the Yakima valley along
various lines. He still owns a fine farm, which is run by his son, and also is prom-
inently connected with banking interests, but most of his time is devoted to the man-
«^ement of the local telephone company. A native of Iowa, he was born in Fayette,
October 5, 1866, a son of Milton M. and Hessie M. (Crawford) Taylor, both of whom
have passed away, the former in Iowa, while the latter's death occurred in Sunnyside,
Washington. They were among the honored pioneer people of their neighborhood
in Iowa and the father filled a pulpit of the United Brethren church.
Frank J. Taylor was reared amid the influences of a refined home and under
the guidance of good Christian parents. After having absorbed an ordinary school
education he attended a business college in Des Moines, Iowa, and then took up the
occupation of farming, in which he was successfully engaged in his native state
"until 1904. The far west, however, had attractions for him and he therefore in 1904,
severed home ties and removed to the Yakima valley, buying sixty acres of land
i:ear Sunnyside, which under his direction has been brought to a high state of cul-
tivation. The property is now very valuable, as all modern improvements have been
instituted and the latest facilities in machinery have been installed thereon. The
buildings are in excellent condition and everything about the place shows the pro-
gressive methods which Mr. Taylor has always followed. The farm is devoted to
various lines of agriculture and is now under the management of his son, Fred'
Dewey.
120 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
For many years Frank J. Taylor has been connected with the local banking busi-
ness, being a director of the First National Bank of Sunnyside. He served as presi-
dent for one year and is now holding the position of vice-president, his business
ability and sound judgment having been of great importance in the growth of the
institution. In 1905 he was one of the main factors in the organization of the Farm-
ers Independent Telephone Company, which in 1907 was incorporated as the Sunny-
side Telephone Company. On July 1, 1917, the City Telephone Company was or-
ganized, which is owned by the Valley Telephone Company and the Sunnyside Tele-
phone Company. Mr. Taylor is manager of both the Sunnyside Telephone Company
and the City Telephone Company and the excellent service which is furnished by
these institutions is largely due to the unremitting attention which he gives to these
business interests. His entire time is taken up with his duties in this connection and
he has received the warm commendation of the people of the neighborhood on ac-
count of the excellent service furnished.
On the 2d of April, 1890, Mr. Taylor was united in marriage to Miss Addie
Wilbur, also a native of Iowa, and to this union two children were born: Blanche,
now the wife of Harold Elliott and they reside on their ranch near Sunnyside; and
Fred Dewey, born in 1898, who is now in full charge of his father's farm.
Mr. Taylor has always taken a most laudable part in all movements undertaken
in the interests of his community as a member of the Sunnyside Commercial Club.
Fraternally he belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America and his religious be-
lief is that of the Methodist church. In his political views he is independent, giving
his support to those candidates whom he regards most worthy of office regardless
of party affiliation. He has many friends in the valley, all of whom speak of him in
terms of the highest admiration and respect, recognizing in him a successful business
man of the highest qualities of character.
WILLIAM THRUSH.
The efiforts of William Thrush along orcharding and general agriculture in the
Yakima valley have been exceedingly satisfactory and he now owns valuable prop-
erty near Granger, six acres of whicl^ are in orchard, while the rest is devoted to
hay, corn and potatoes. He also conducts a small dairy and derives from this a
gratifying addition to his income. A native of Nebraska, he was born in Dodge
county, June 8, 1861, and is a son of Charles and Martha (Reese) Thrush, the former
a native' of England and the latter of Wales. Shortly after their marriage which
was performed in England, they Came to the United States and a few years later,
in 18.S6, went to Omaha, Nebraska, which city at that time consisted of two log
shanties. For one year they remained in the wilderness on the Missouri but subse-
quently they removed to Florence, Nebraska, where Charles Thrush built the first
house. In 1858 they proceeded on their westward course, starting for Salt Lake City,
Utah, but stopped at Genoa, Nebraska, where they remained for a short time. They
then went to Dodge county of which they became pioneers, as in those days Indians
and buffaloes were still plentiful. There the father not only became a promment
rancher but also prospered in the freighting business. He took up a homestead and
in addition bought land from the Union Pacific Railway Company, to the cultiva-
tion of which property he devoted the remainder of his days, both he and his wife
dying in that county. Mr. Thrush was a minister in the Church of Latter-day Saints
but never devoted his whole time to that work.
William Thrush of this review grew up on his father's place in Dodge county,
Nebraska, amid the conditions of the western frontier. Many were the privations
which the family underwent but in the school of hardship he developed a strong and
good character. He early became acquainted with agricultural methods and in the
acquirement of his education attended the public schools of his neighborhood, con-
tinuing with his father until he was twenty-five years of age. At that time he
rented land and engaged in its cultivation until he came to the Yakima valley in
1903, having heard manv favorable reports in regard to this district. He acquired
title to twenty acres of land two miles north of Granger, which was seeded to alfalfa.
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 121
He has since greatly developed this property, has erected thereon a comfortable resi-
dence and has given considerable attention to fruit raising, now having a profitable
orchard of six acres, while the remainder of his land is devoted to hay, corn and
potatoes. Live stock interests are also represented in his interests, as he conducts
a small dairy.
On the 26th of March, 1902, Mr. Thrush was married to Miss Harriet Moore, a
native of Nebraska and a daughter of J. P. and Ida L. (Fox) Moore, natives of
Indiana, who during pioneer days settled in Nebraska. Mrs. Moore has passed away
but her husband survives and is still a resident of that state. To Mr. and Mrs. Trush
have been born a son and a daughter: William P., and Hazel June, who are attending
high school. The latter is quite proficient in music and with her talent often delights
the friends of the family.
Mr. and Mrs. Thrush have made many friends since coming to Granger and all
who know them speak highly of them. He has given his aid and co-operation to
measures of public importance which he considers worth while and is in every way
a public-spirited citizen and a valuable addition to his district. In politics he is in-
dependent, following his own judgment rather than party lines. He is a valued mem-
ber of the Modern Woodmen of America.
L. O. MEIGS.
L. O. Meigs, a well known attorney of Yakima, was born on Grand Manan
island. Canada. April 28, 1879, a son of Lorenzo E. and Mary E. (Wormell) Meigs.
The father was a millwright and shipbuilder, who in the '60s removed to California
but afterward returned to Canada, although he later again became a resident of Cali-
fornia and once more went to Canada. In 1890 he made his way to the Palouse coun-
try of Washington.
L. O. Meigs acquired a public school education in Canada and in Washington
and afterward attended the State College of Washington, while in 1902 he completed
a law cpurse in the L^niversity of Michigan at Ann Arbor. He then located in Yakima
in the same year and has since followed .his profession in this city. For a time he
practiced as a member of the firm of McAulay & Meigs. They have been joined by a
third partner, forming the present firm of Preble, McAulay & Meigs.
In 1902 Mr. Meigs was married to Miss Laura M. Crawford, a daughter of P. L.
Crawford, of Oakesdale, Washington. The children of this marriage are: Doris,
eleven years of age: and Robert C, aged Five.
Fraternally Mr. Meigs is widely known as an exemplary representative of Ma-
sonry. He has attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite and he is now
venerable master of Yakima Lodge of Perfection No. 11, and is orator of the Rose
Croix. He is also a past exalted ruler and life member of Elks Lodge No. SIS, and '
is very prominent in both organizations. He also belongs to the Modern Woodmen
of America. In politics he is a recognized leader in the ranks of the republican party
and was speaker of the house of representatives in the regular and special sessions
of 1909, having been elected to represent his district in the general assembly. He has
served for a term as a member of the city council of Yakima and has occupied the
position of city attorney for three years. While the practice of law has been his
real life work, he has become heavily interested in fruit lands and has given much
attention in recent years to the propagation of apple orchards, realizing the possi-
bilities for the cultivation of that fruit in this state.
LE ROY W. TAYLOR.
Le Roy W. Taylor, who since 1910 has been the cashier of the First National
Bank of Wapato, was born in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, on the 6th of December, 1872,
a son of M. M. and Ella H. (Hare) Taylor, who were pioneer settlers of that state.
The father engaged in the milling business and in 1884 left Iowa for the northwest,
(6)
122 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
making Tacoma, Washington, his destination. In later years he became prominently
identified with financial interests in this state and was president of the Washington
National Bank of Tacoma. In 1898 the family went to Alaska and the father con-
ducted a store in the Atlin district, there remaining until 1903. In that year lemoval
was made to Connell, Washington, where M. M. Taylor opened the Franklin County
Bank. He was president of this institution, which was later called the Connell Na-
tional Bank, and after some^ time was sold to the Union Securities Company. Mr.
Taylor figured prominently for many years as a banker of the northwest but is now
living retired in Yakima. His wife passed away in December, 1916.
L. W. Taylor supplemented his public school education, acquired in Tacoma, by
further study in Washington College. He was with his father in ."Maska and after-
ward in the bank at Tacoma and thus received thorough business training and ex-
perience. He afterward became cashier of the Connell National Bank. His father
owned the townsite of Connell and established the town. It was in October, 1909,
that Mr. Taylor of this review came to Wapato as assistant cashier of the Firsts
National Bank and served in that capacity until 1910, when he was elected to his pres-
ent position. As the bank's cashier he has proved a most capable, courteous and
obliging official. He is always ready to extend credit whenever it will not endanger
the interests of depositors, for he has recognized that the bank is the most worthy of
credit which most carefully safeguards the interests of its depositors.
On the 28th of June, 1905, Mr. Taylor was married to Miss May Inman, of Con-
nell, Washington, and they have made many friends during the period of their resi-
dence in Wapato. Mr. Taylor is a member of Wapato Lodge No. 171, A. F. & A. M.,
of which he is a past master. He also belongs to Yakima Lodge No. 318, B. P. O. E.
and is treasurer of the Wapato Commercial Club. His political endorsement is
given to the republican party and he is a recognized leader in its local ranks. He is
now serving for the second term as mayor of Wapato and for several years was a
member of the city council, having at all times exercised his official prerogatives
in support of valuable plans and measures for the general good. His religious faith
is that of the Episcopal church. He is widely and favorably known both as a busi-
ness man and citizen, and his cooperation has been of the greatest value and worth
in the upbuilding of the city along financial and civic lines. In addition to his other
interests he has a fine fruit and stock farm on the Columbia river and his invest-
ments have been most judiciously and profitably made.
FRED T. HOFMANN.
Fred T. Hofmann, who is filling the position of county clerk of Kittitas county
and makes his home in EUensburg, has long been identified with public service here
and his record is one over which there falls no shadow of wrong or suspicion of evil,
for he has always been most loyal to the interests entrusted to his care. He was born
in Portage, Columbia county, Wisconsin, January 15, 1881, a son of Fred F. and
Bertha Frieda Hofmann, both of whom were natives of Columbia county, where they
were reared and married. The father is now engaged in the hotel business at Wa-
basha, Minnesota, where he has resided for some time.
Fred T. Hofmann pursued his early education in the public schools of La Crosse,
Wisconsin, and was afterward graduated from the high school at Wabasha, Minne-
sota. He then entered the hotel business there and was actively engaged along that
line until July, 1905. Subsequently he became connected with the National Cash
Register Company as salesman, traveling in Washington, and he thus represented
that corporation until 1907. He came to EUensburg in .August, 1908, and was em-
ployed by the dining car department of the Northern Pacific Railroad Company as
manager of the eating house at this place for a year. In 1909 he was appointed to
the position of deputy county auditor and acted in that capacity for two terms. He
was next elected city clerk of EUensburg and occupied the office from January, 1913,
until January, 1915, or for two terms, and later was elected county clerk, in which
position he is now serving for the second term. His record in office is a most cred-
itable one and his loyalty to duty is one of his marked characteristics.
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 123
On the 23d of April, 1908, Mr. Hofmann was united in marriage to Miss May-
belle A. Dorrance, of Swanville, Minnesota, a daughter of John A. and Cynthia E.
Dorrance. The children of this marriage are Helen Marion, Dorothy Blanche and
Elsbeth Maybelle.
Mr. Hofmann is well known in fraternal circles. He belongs to the Elks lodge
No. 1102 at Ellensburg, also to Wapahasa Lodge, No. 14. A. F. & A. M., and to the
Royal Arch Chapter. Both he and his wife are members of the Congregational
church of Lake City. Minnesota, and both are stanch supporters of the republican
party. Mr. Hofmann served as county clerk and ex-officio clerk of the superior
court. At the beginning of the war he volunteered for service in France, but was
rejected on account of defective hearing. He was afterward accepted by the Y. M.
C. A., but was not called for active service. As her husband had enlisted, and having
three children to take care of, Mrs. Hofmann then made the run for county clerk,
and was elected by the largest majority of any candidate having opposition.
Both are very prominent in musical circles and are deeply interested in the art.
Mr. Hofmann has conducted what is known as Hofniann's Orchestra for several
years and in which he plays the violin. His wife is a fine pianist and also a vocal-
ist of more than ordinary ability. They are very protninently and favorably known
in Ellensburg, occupying an enviable position in social circles.
EDWIN H. KIELSMEIER.
Comparatively speaking Edwin H. Kielsmeier is yet a young man, but has
already become one of the prosperous horticulturists of the Zillah district in the
Yakima valley. He was born in Manitowoc. Wisconsin, January 5, 1883, and is a
son of Henry and Anna (Gaterman) Kielsmeier, pioneer farmers of Wisconsin.
In 1890 the family removed to Denver, Colorado, and there they remained for ten
years, the father being connected with railroad work as car inspector. In 1901 he
removed to Hancock county, Iowa, but in December of the same year the family
came to Yakima county, where he bought forty acres of land three and a half miles
southeast of Zillah. which at that time was all sagebrush. He immediately set him-
self to the task of clearing the land and bringing the same under cultivation, trans-
forming the raw land into fertile fields. In 1905 he built a fine residence and made
other valuable improvements upon his property. In 1910. he and his wife removed
to Los Angeles. California, where they now live retired. In their family were two
children, Edwin H. and Ruben, the later being engaged in business in Los Angeles.
He married and has two children.
Edwin H. Kielsmeier was but a young boy when the family removed to Denver
and in that city he received his public school education. He subsequently assisted
his father in farming and remained with him until twenty-four years of age. He then
bought sixteen and a half acres adjoining his father's farm, seven acres of which he
planted to orchard, while the balance is plow land. He now has a substantial farm-
house and barns upon his place and in addition to operating his own land rents
his father's ranch, which has an orchard of twenty-two acres upon it, the remainder
also being plow land. The orchards are devoted to apples, peaches and pears, while
four acres are in grapes. Mr. Kielsmeier has thoroughly studied the subject of
orcharding and applies the latest methods and ideas to his labors with surprisingly
satisfactory results. He has instituted up-to-date equipment to facilitate the work
and in every way handles the property in a businesslike manner. He now resides
on his father's farm.
On December 22, 1905, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Kielsmeier and
Miss Ida Durham, a native of Faribault, Minnesota, and a daughter of Isaac W.
and Mary (Gutcheff) Durham, who in March, 1902. came to the Yakima valley.
Mr. Durham acquired ten acres of land near our subject's place, which is devoted
to fruit raising.
Mr. and Mrs. Kielsmeier are members of the Christian church, to which faith
they are devotedly attached. He is a member of the Grange, and his political affili-
ation is with the republican party. He is one of the foremost fruit raisers and
124 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
packers of his section of the valley and upon his place there are two packing houses,
which are thoroughly equipped in order to facilitate the disposition of the fruit. In
every way Mr. Kielsmeier is an up-to-date and energetic business man who ever
follows honorable methods and in the course of years he has made many friends in
business as well as in private life.
REUBEN A. AND ARCHIE E. HAYS.
The Hays brothers, composed of Reuben A. and Archie E.. are actively identi-
fied with the farming and fruit raising interests of Selah The former was born in
Champaign county. Illinois, October 21, 1870, and the latter was born in Montgomery
county, Indiana. February 24, 1875. Their parents were George W. and Martha Jane
(Burns) Hays, who in 1876 removed from Indiana to Mattoon, Illinois, where they
resided for a quarter of a century. In 1901 the family came to the northwest with the
Yakima valley as their destination. They purchased thirty-five acres of land in the
Selah valley and in 1908 added to this a tract of fifteen acres, making fifty acres in all.
Of this place forty-five acres is planted to orchard, the family specializing in the
production of apples, pears and cherries, of which they annually harvest good crops
and make extensive shipments.
To Mr. and Mrs. George W. Hays were born nine children: Herman, who is
a rancher living near Zillah. Washington; Reuben A. and Archie who run the old
home place: Alva, who is engaged in ranching near Zillah and has a wife and one
child: Lawrence., who is engaged in the fruit business in Yakima and has a wife
and two children; Syvflla, the wife of Harry Morgan, a rancher living on Nob hill;
Stella, the wife of Foster Barnsley, a rancher of Valley, Washington; Fay, at home;
and Emma, who died at the age of two years. The mother is a member of the
Seventh Day Adventist church. The family is one of prominence in the community,
where for eighteen years they have made their home. Throughout this entire
period the Hays brothers have been identified with the development and progress
of this region along horticultural lines. They were young men at the time of their
arrival and at once became active factors in the development of the home place, which
they are still operating. They have developed one of the leading ranches of the
county, devoted to orcharding. Their land and their trees are always kept in excellent
condition, scientific methods being manifest in the care of both, and the crops
produced are therefore most gratifying.
Fraternally Archie E. Hays is connected with the Knights of Pythias. Both
brothers vote the republican ticket but have never sought office, although in matters
of citizenship they manifest a public-spirited devotion to the general good.
AUSTIN MIRES.
There are names that cannot be effaced from the pages of history; work that
has left an ineradicable impress upon modern progress and future development;
activity that has directed the trend of events and shaped the standards of present
day life in the Yakima valley, and such has been the record of Austin Mires, lawyer
and statesman, of EUensburg. He was born in Parrish, Des Moines county, Iowa,
February 11. 1852, a son of John Harris and Anna (Deardorff) Mires. The father's
family comes of French ancestry and the line is traced back to Peter and Catherine
(Cought) Mires, who \yere the parents of Andrew Mires, born March 16, 1766. He
married Susanah Livingston, whose birth occurred March 10, 1769, and was a
representative of one of the old colonial families. Their son, Solomon C. Mires,
grandfather of Austin Mires of this review, was born in Morgantown, Virginia.
April 30, 1788, and in young manhood went to Ohio, casting in his lot with the
pioneer settlers in the vicinity of Zanesville. He served as a soldier in the War
of 1812, participating in the battle of Tippecanoe. In his later life he removed to
California, where his remaining days were passed. He wedded Mary Bates, a rela-
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HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 127
live of Edward Bates, of Missouri, who was a member of President Lincoln's
cabinet, and they had a family of nine children. After the death of his wife, Solomon
Mires wedded a Mrs. Slaughter and they had three children. For over a third of
a century he was a member of the Methodist church.
John Harris Mires, father of Austin Mires, was born in Licking county, Ohio,
near Newark, January 8, 1823. At an early day he went to Iowa and after having
worked on the Mississippi river for a short time as pilot on a steamboat, settled in
Des Moines county, that state, whore he engaged in farming until 1853. He then
crossed the plains to Oregon, settling in what is now Douglas county, where he
carried on general agricultural pursuits until his death in the year 1886. He married
Mrs. Anna (Deardorff) Byars, widow of Flemming Byars and a daughter of John
and Catherine ( Harshbarger) Deardorff, while the latter was a daughter of Christley
and Barbary (Ammcn) Harshbarger. John Deardorff. whose name was originally
Dierdorff, was born in Bedford county, Virginia, April 26, 1779, and his wife was born
in Virginia on the 6th of October, 1781. They were married in the Old Dominion in
1804 and afterward removed to Ohio, while subsequently they became residents of
Indiana and afterward of Iowa, making their home on a farm at the Parrish post-
office near Burlington, in Des Moines county, where their remaining days were
passed. There Mrs. DeardorfT died in 1871. By her marriage she liad become the
mother of twelve children, of whom Anna, who was born in Ohio, September 18,
1817, became the wife of J. H. Mires. It is of interest to know that the ancestry of
the Harshbarger family can be traced back four hundred years to Switzerland.
Mr. and Mrs. John H. Mires began their domestic life upon a farm in Des Moines
county, Iowa, ten miles west of Burlington and a half mile from her father's place.
In 1853, however, they made the long journey across the plains w-ith ox teams, leav-
ing their old Iowa home on the 30th of March and arriving at Milwaukee, Oregon, in
September. At that time Austin Mires was a little more than a year old. In June,
1854, the parents removed with their family to the I'mpqua valley and settled on a
farm eight miles west of Oakland, in what is now Douu;las county, the father pur-
chasing the possessory right from Bob Stewart, giving him two yoke of oxen and a
wagon in payment. The parents remained upon that place until called to their final
rest. Mr. Mires passing away on the 3d of .April. 1888, while his wife died January
IS, 1894. She had been married prior to her marriage to John Harris Mires, her first
husband having been Flemming Byars, to w-hom she gave her hand in marriage Sep-
tember 13, 1838. They had five children: William Henry, born July 7, 1839; Rebecca
Frances, born November 29, 1840: Mary Katherine, born October 3, 1842: Elizabeth
Barton, born January 14, 1845; and David Nathan, who was born January 13. 1847.
and died April 8, 1848. The husband and father passed away March 30, 1848, and it
was on the 27th of March, 1851. that Mrs. Byar? became the wife of J. H. Mires.
This marriage was blessed with six children: Austin, born February 11, 1852; Benton,
born September 26, 1853; Anna, born July 11. 1855; Margaret, born September 23,
1857; Addie, June 15. 1859; and John Solomon, February 20, 1863.
Austin Mires acquired his early education in the L^mpqua Academy at Wilbur,
Oregon, from which he was graduated with the class of 1876. He also attended
Christian College at Monmouth. Oregon, when that institution was under the super-
vision of T. F. Campbell, and later he engaged in teaching for several years in Doug-
las county, Oregon. For about a year he was employed in a printing office at Rose-
burg, Oregon, and for three years was United States railway mail agent on the route
from Portland to Roseburg, Oregon, when the latter was the terminus of the Oregon
& California Railroad, now the Southern Pacific. Resigning that position in Sep-
tember, 1880, he went immediately to Ann Arbor, Michigan, where he pursued a full
law course in the Michigan State LTniversity, winning the LL. B. degree on March
29, 1882. While pursuing his studies there he served as private secretary to Thomas
M. Cooley, then dean of the law department of the university and chief justice of the
supreme court of Michigan.
In .\pril. 1882, Mr. Mires returned to his old home in Oregon and immediately
entered into partnership with W. R. Willis at Roseburg in the practice of law. On
the meeting of the state legislature in the fall of 1882 he was elected chief clerk of
the state senate of Oregon and served in that capacity through the term. In the
following spring he removed to Ellensburg, Washington, where he has since engaged
128 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
in the practice of his profession. Throughout the intervening period Mr. Mires
has been active in promoting the interests and shaping the policy of Ellensburg and
of the valley. When the city was incorporated in 1886 he was chosen its first mayor
and his service in behalf of the municipality was so satisfactory to the general public
that he was reelected for a second term. When the Northern Pacific Railroad was
being built through the county in 1885 and 1886 he acted as local attorney and as-
sisted in securing the right of way through Kittitas county. When the Ellensburg
National Bank was organized he was chosen its vice-president and attorney and
served in those positions for six years. He was again called to public ofifice when on
the 14th of May, 1889, he was elected a delegate to the constitutional convention that
met at Olympia on the 4th of July of that year and framed the present constitution
of the state. He was made chairman of the committee on water and water rights
and served also as a member of the committee on judicial article, of which Hon.
George Turner, afterward United States senator, was chairman. On the 22d of
July, 1890, he was appointed by Governor E. P. Ferry, a member of the board of
equalization and appeal for the state of Washington and continued in the ofifice for
three terms. This board was created by legislative act and constituted a special
court, having to do with all applications for the purchase of state tide lands and also
heard and determined all contests and controversies pertaining thereto. This board
was abrogated by the legislature of 1894.
From President McKinley, in the fall of 1899, Mr. Mires received appointment to
the position of supervisor of census for the second district of the state of Washing-
ton and continued to act in that capacity while the census was being taken in 19(_K).
Governor McBride appointed him in February, 1904, a member of the commission
to draft an irrigation code for the state. He was appointed in 1904 to fill out the
unexpired term of prosecuting attorney of Kittitas county to succeed his law part-
ner, C. V. Warner, and at the regular election in November. 1904, was chosen to that
office for the full term of two years as the candidate of the republican party. Re-
fusing to again become a candidate, he retired from the position in January, 1907.
For six successive years he was connected with the office of prosecuting attorney for
Kittitas county. During seven terms he has served as city attorney of Ellensburg,
has been city treasurer three terms and school director for one term. His ofificial
activities have covered a broad scope and at all points he has proven his loyalty to
his country and her best welfare. Mr. Mires has ever been a stalwart champion of
the republican party and was a warm admirer of Theodore Roosevelt and the policies
which he advocated.
During all these years Mr. Mires has continued in the private practice of law and
his clientage has been large and distinctively representative in character. He has
followed his profession in both the superior and supreme courts of his state and has
become the possessor of a law library of over a thousand volumes, with the contents
of which he is thoroughly familiar. He also has in his home an extensive general
library. His real estate and mining interests are valued at about twenty-five thou-
sand dollars. In 1912 he served as a presidential elector, supporting Roosevelt and
aiding in carrying the state for that year. His life has indeed been one of great ac-
tivity and usefulness. In the constitutional convention he was responsible for article
17. section 1, Declaration of State Ownership. "The state of Washington asserts its
ownership to the beds and shores of all navigable waters in the state up to and
including the line of ordinary high tide in waters where the tide ebbs and flows; and
up to and including the line of ordinary high water within the banks of all navigable
rivers and lakes." In 1918 Mr. Mires became a candidate for the republican nomina-
tion for congress but was defeated.
On the Sth of March, 1884, Mr. Mires was married to Mary L. Rowland, who
was born in McMinnville, Oregon, May 24, 1862, a daughter of Jere T. and Hester
E. (Simmons) Rowland. On the 8th of August, 1871, they arrived in the Naches
valley of Washington and took up their abode on a squatter's claim. Mrs. Mires
attended school in Oswego, Oregon, in 1872 and 1873. In 1874 the family home was
established near the town of Robbers Roost, now Ellensburg, where Mr. H. H.
Davies, her stepfather, took up a homestead. In 1877 Mrs. Mires made a trip ori
horseback over the Cascade mountains requiring seven days and forded the Yakima
river three times within that period and also forded the Snoqualmie river thirty-three
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 129
times. On her return trip she took a steamer from Seattle to Tacoma, then pro-
ceeded by train to Kalama and by steamer of Portland, Oregon, from which city she
proceeded by steamer to The Dalles. From that point she traveled by freighting
wagon to Ellensburg, being twelve and a half days in completing the trip. In 1880
she made another trip over the Cascade mountains on horseback, but the trails were
better then and the time required was but three and a half days. Thus both Mr. and
Mrs. Mires have been closely identified with the pioneer development of the north-
west and have witnessed almost the entire growth and progress of this section. To
them have been born three children: Anna Wanda, who was born October 14, 1885,
and is the wife of Edward George, living at Olympia, Washington; John Rowland,
who was born October 14, 1885, and is a graduate of the Oregon Agricultural Col-
lege, while at present he is practicing the profession of civil engineering at Astoria,
Oregon; and Eve Helen, who was born June 2, 1893. She is a graduate of the State
Normal School at Ellensburg, Washington, and is now successfully teaching in
Ellensburg.
Fraternally Mr. Mires is connected with the Masons, which order he joined at
Ann Arbor, Michigan, and he also has membership with the Benevolent Protective
Order of Elks, the Fraternal Order of Eagles and with the Red Men. Such in brief
is the life history of Austin Mires. Those who read between the lines, however,
will glimpse the picture of pioneer life and conditions in Washington that existed
during his boyhood days. He worked on the farms in the Umpqua valley, attended
the rural schools, chopped wood, broke horses, hunted deer, taught school, worked
in a printing office in Roseburg, cooked for the United States surveyors and served
for three years as United States railway mail agent. Such experiences brought him
up to the point where he entered upon the study of law and made his initial step in
the practice of his profession, since which time his advancement has been continuous.
Not only has he acted as an interpreter of the law in the application of legal prin-
ciples to points in litigation in the courts but has aided in framing the organic law
of the state and in many ways has left the impress of his ability and his individuality
upon the history of Washington. He is honored wherever known and most of all
where he is best known and in the community where he lives he enjoys in an unusual
degree the respect, confidence and esteem of those amid whom he has lived for
many years and who have been daily witnesses of his career — a career that has
brought him out of humble surroundings to a place of prominence as one of the
honored and representative men of the state.
E. WILBUR HEDDEN.
E. Wilbur Hedden is the owner of a pleasant home, situated in the midst of a
five-acre orchard, which he also owns, and in connection with the cultivation of his
property he is manager of a ten-acre orchard belonging to W. D. Cammack. Mr.
Hedden was born in Orange. New Jersey, on the 27th of February, 1858, a son of
Morris and Martha (Norman) Hedden. The father was a contractor and both he
and his wife have passed away.
The son acquired a public school education and made his initial step in the
business world by becoming actively connected with the lumber trade in New York
city, where he remained for ten years. He afterward devoted three years to news-
paper work in New York and subsequently spent a decade in the life insurance
business in the eastern metropolis. His identification with the Yakima valley dates
from 1910, at which time he made his way to the coast on a visit. He was so well
pleased with the country, its opportunities and its prospects, that he purchased five
acres of orchard, upon which he erected a modern residence. He has since given
his attention to the further development and improvement of his place and has also
acted as manager for the W. D. Cammack orchard of ten acres. He is raising apples
and pears and produces fine varieties of both. He is a man of ready adaptability,
which has enabled him to turn from urban interests and become a successful fruit
raiser. He is now a member of the Yakima Valley Fruit Growers' Association,
130 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
which he joined upon its organization, and he has several times served as president
of his local district.
In 1882 Mr. Hedden was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary M. Crane, who passed
away in 1913, leaving a son, Morris, who is a chemist with the Crown Willamette
Paper Company. On the 24th of January, 1917, Mr. Hedden was again married his
second union being with Miss Alice M. Young, of Minneapolis. They are consis-
tent members of the Presbyterian church, doing all in their power to promote the
growth of the church and extend its influence. Mr. Hedden gives his political
endorsement to the republican party, being a firm believer in its principles as
factors in good government. There have been no spectacular phases in his career,
but he has worked earnestly and persistently since starting out in the business world,
and as there has been no waste of time or opportunity in his career he has made
steady and substantial progress.
JULIUS T. HARRAH.
Actuated by a spirit of enterprise in all that he has undertaken, quick to rec-
ognize and utilize opportunities, Julius T. Harrah has become one of the capitalists of
the northwest. His investments in this section of the country are large and promi-
nent among his holdings is the Commercial Hotel in Yakima. The story of his life
is the story of earnest endeavor intelligently directed and the steps in his orderly
progression are easily discernible. Mr. Harrah is of South American birth. He was
born in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on the 8th of June, 1884, a son of George and Thamazinha
(Messiter) Harrah, the latter a daughter of the British ambassador to Brazil. The
former was a civil engineer who went to Brazil at the age of nineteen years. He was
born in Philadelphia, in 1840 and was a son of Charles J. Harrah, a prominent
banker, who was the organizer of the Midvale Steel Company, was president of the
Philadelphia Rapid Transit Company, controlling the street car system of that city,
and otherwise prominently connected with the business interests and development
of Philadelphia. The Metropolitan Opera House of that city now stands on the
site of the old family homestead.' His son, George Harrah, made the trip from
Philadelphia to South America on a sailing vessel. He became a civil engineer and
built the first tunnel in Brazil. He was also the builder of several railroads and
erected depots at various large towns of that country. In later life he went to
Havana, Cuba, where he erected a palatial residence containing fifty-seven rooms
and there his remaining days were passed, his death occurring in 1908. He became
the second largest stockholder of the two leading railways of Brazil and was other-
wise prominently identified with the development and upbuilding of that country.
His family numbered four children who are yet living, two sons and two daughters.
Mr. Harrah, whose name introduces this review, acquired his education largely
through twelve years' study in Europe — in London, Paris, Heidelberg and other
points of the old world. On coming to the United States it was with the expecta-
tion of settling at Detroit, but in 1909 he made his way westward to visit the Seattle
exposition. He became interested in the northwest and decided it was the best
place in the world. He then began investing in this section of the country, puchas-
ing orchard land, and he built a beautiful summer home with swimming pools and
everything necessary for the promotion of comfort and happiness. In fact this is
one of the finest summer homes of the United States. In familiarizing himself with
conditions in the northwest, Mr. Harrah recognized the fact that Yakima needed
better hotels. He was charged five dollars for a beefsteak at one of the hotels and
he decided that this section of the country needed a better deal in hotel management
and conduct if visitors were to be drawn to the city. He therefore purchased a half
interest in the Commercial Hotel in 1911, the year in which it was started, and he
later bought out the interest of the others and is now sole proprietor. The building
was completed in that year and contains one hundred and sixty rooms, of which
sixty-five are with bath. The dining room will seat five hundred and thirty-five
people at one time. There is a large banquet room and fine ballroom which will
JULIUS T. HAERAH
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 133
accommodate seventy-five couples, and there are seven excellent sample rooms. One
of the interesting features of the hotel is the handsome bridal chamber. Moreover,
the hotel is noted for its splendid cuisine, u-hich makes it very popular with travel-
ing men and automobile parties. Mr. Harrah is now remodeling and refurnishing
this splendid hotel. In connection therewith is operated the best equipped laundry
of the city and the hotel furnishes employment to about seventy-five people.
Mr. Harrah's investments in the northwest amount to over five hundred thou-
sand dollars and he has extensive interests elsewhere. The town of Harrah was
named in his honor and its growth as a market place is indicated in the fact that
in the past year it shipped more freight than Kennewick. Mr. Harrah has developed
over two hundred acres of fine land in the vicinity of Yakima and is also prominently
known as a breeder of fine Holstein cattle and fine Morgan horses. The fruit pro-
duced in his orchards is unsurpassed throughout the valley, seventy-six per cent of
it being of extra fancy variety. His orchards are largely devoted to the raising of
winesap apples.
On the 7th of June, 1906, Mr. Harrah was married to Miss Constance Raymond,
of Xew Jersey, who was born in Massachusetts and is a daughter of Charles Henry
Raymond, of New York. The children of this marriage are: George, who was born
in Havana, Cuba, February 27, 1907; June, born December 9, 1910, on the ranch in
Yakima county, and Jule, born June 22, 1915.
Mr. Harrah is a member of Yakima Lodge, No. 24, .A. F. & A. M., and has
attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite in Tacoma Consistory, No.
3. He is also a Shriner of Afifi Temple. He is a life member of the Benevolent
Protective Order of Elks and is one of the largest stockholders in the Masonic
Temple Association Building. He is the president of the Automobile Club and
president of the Country Club and is one of the trustees of the Commercial Club.
He also belongs to The Willows, a hunting club with grounds twenty miles south of
Yakima. His political allegiance is given to the republican party. He is an en-
thusiastic motorist and has driven his cars over eight hundred thousand miles. Dur-
ing the period of his residence in the northwest he has become thoroughly familiar
with every phase of the development of the Yakima valley and has made valuable
contribution to the work that has been done.
GUY O. SHUMATE.
Guy O. Shumate, a well known member of the Yakima bar, was the first city
attorney under the commission form of government and is a recognized leader in
democratic circles in his county. He was born in Sioux City, Iowa, on the 1st of
July, 1877, and is a son of Edgar H. and Nora J. (Andrew) Shumate. The father,
who devoted his life to the occupation of farming and to the profession of school
teaching, has now passed away, but the mother survives and makes her home in
Oklahoma City.
Guy O. Shumate was a young lad when his parents removed from Iowa to
Ohio and in the public school of the latter state he pursued his elementary educa-
tion, while later he became a student in the Lebanon (Ohio) Normal school. He
afterward attended the State University of Oklahoma, where he pursued a law
course and was then admitted to the bar in Oklahoma City on the lOth of February,
1908. For a year thereafter he practiced there but was attracted by the opportuni-
ties of the northwest and in 1909 came to Yakima, where has since maintained
his office. He continues in the general practice of law and he is most thorough in
the preparation of his cases and clear and strong in their presentation. He has
been connected with much important litigation and the court records bear testimony
to his ability in the number of favorable verdicts which he has won.
On the 30th of September, 1903, Mr. Shumate was married to Miss Annie J.
Brooks, of Yakima, and they have become the parents of an interesting little family
of three children: Mildred, Lorraine and Irene. Mr. and Mrs. Shumate are well
known socially and the hospitality of the best homes is freely accorded them. Mr.
134 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
Shumate belongs to the Masonic fraternity and is also an active member of the
Elks lodge. His political allegiance is given to the democratic party and he served
as city attorney of North Yakima for three and half years, being the first one to
hold that office under the commission form of government. He is now chairman
of the democratic county central committee and does everything in his power to
promote the success of his party. He belongs to the Commercial Club and his
aid and cooperation can always be counted upon to further any of its progressive
projects.
W. O. SANDERS.
When the well developed home property of W. O. Sanders came into his posses-
sion it was covered with sagebrush. With determined purpose and characteristic
energy he began its development and the transformation which he has wrought is
notable, for he today has a valuable and well improved property that annually pro-
duces large crops. Mr. Sanders was born in Greene county, Pennsylvania, October
14, 1872, a son of Madison and Amy (Mitchell) Sanders, both of whom were natives
of Pennsylvania and have passed away. The father devoted his life to the occupation
of farming and in following that pursuit provided for his family.
W. O. Sanders obtained a public school education and in 1888 took up the
printing business. Later he became agent for the Adams Express Company and oc-
cupied that position for si.x years. At a subsequent period he spent two years as as-
sistant cashier of the Citizens National Bank of Waynesburg, Pennsylvania, and then
again gave his attention to the printing business. The year 1905 witnessed his arrival
in Yakima, at which time he entered the employ of the Yakima Daily Republic and
was associated with that paper until 1912. He was next with the Yakima Bindery
for three years, in charge of the printing department, but wishing to benefit by the
opportunities offered in connection with the productivity of the soil in this region,
he purchased twenty acres of land on Naches Heights in 1912 and planted six acres
to apples, while the remainder is plow land, devoted largely to the raising of hay
and grain. He took up his abode upon this ranch in 1915 and has since built an
attractive home thereon. The place today bears no resemblance whatever to the
tract of land which came into his possession and which at that time was all covered
with sagebrush. In 1918 he bought ten acres adjoining his original purchase. He has
been very successful in the development and improvement of his place and his labors
have been productive of excellent results.
On the 15th of October, 1895. Mr. Sanders was united in marriage to Miss Ger-
trude Clutter, who was born in Greene county, Pennsylvania. Mrs. Sanders is a
member of the Baptist church. Mr. Sanders gives his political allegiance to the
republican party and is prominent in community affairs, serving at the present time
as president of the Naches Heights Commercial Association. He is interested in
all that has to do with the welfare and progress of the community in which he lives
and cooperates heartily in any well devised plan for the general good.
AUBREY CHESTER GOODWIN.
Aubrey Chester Goodwin, who follows farming near Thorp, is one of the native
sons of Kittitas county. He was born upon the old Goodwin homestead May 20,
1884, a son of Thomas B. and Sarah (Cumberland) Goodwin, who are mentioned
elsewhere in this work. He acquired a public school education and in his youthful
days engaged in ranching with his father. He afterward rented his father's farm in
connection with his brother Stanley and subsequently they purchased farm land,
which they cultivated together for a time, but eventually Aubrey C. Goodwin sold
his interest to his brother. He afterward leased the old home place, which he con-
tinued to cultivate for two and a half years. He next conducted a livery stable in
Ellensburg, where he lived for two years, and later he was engaged along various
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY t35
lines for a few years. He afterward again took charge of the home farm, which he
then conducted for two years, and in 1918 he purchased fifty-eight acres of land a
mile west of Thorp. Upon this place he has a fine house and large, substantial barns
and in fact his is one of the well improved properties of the neighborhood. He is
engaged in raising grain and hay and his business affairs are wisely and systemati-
cally conducted, bringing him substantial success.
On the 1st of May, 1907, Mr. Goodwin was married to Miss Ethel McMillan, of
Ellensburg, and they are widely and favorably known in the section of the county
in which they make their home. In politics Mr. Goodwin is a democrat where
national questions and issues are involved but at local elections casts an independent
ballot. He has always preferred to concentrate his efforts and attention upon his
business affairs and he is a representative of a family that has always been identi-
fied with progressive farming. His father brought the first car load of farm machin-
ery into the Kittitas valley, shippinR it to The Dalles, Oregon, and hauling it by
team the rest of the way. His stock included the first headers and binders ever
used in the district. Throughout all the intervening years the Goodwin family have
stood in the vanguard of progressiveness along' all those lines which have to do with
agricultural development and their worth as citizens is widely acknowledged.
ED J. AUMILLER.
For a quarter of a century Ed J. Aumiller has lived in the Yakima valley, where
fie is successfully engaged in farming, his attention being divided between the
production of fruit and the raising of alfalfa and corn. He was born in LaSalle
county, Illinois, on the 28th of April, 1872, a son of William and Anna (Markell)
Aumiller. The father was a carpenter, came to Yakima in the year 1894 and now
follows farming near the city. His wife passed away in 1912.
After completing a high school education in Illinois, Ed J. Aumiller learned the
carpenter's trade and was employed along that line in connection with the buildings
of the World's Columbian Exposition at Chicago in 1893. In the latter part of that
year he made his way to Yakima and has since been identified with the northwest.
In 1896 he purchased twenty acres of land three miles southwest of the city of
Yakima and at once began its improvement. In the intervening years he has steadily
carried forward the work of development, but after a time he sold ten acres of his
land. He now has five acres planted to apples, pears and cherries and" his orchards
are in excellent bearing condition. The remainder of his land is devoted to the
raising of alfalfa and corn.
On the 2Sth of December, 1900, Mr. Aumiller was married to Miss Laura Wright,
a native of London, England, and a daughter of Mathew and Emily Wright, who
crossed the Atlantic to Canada during the girlhood days of Mrs. Aumiller, who some
years afterward came to Washington, To this marriage have been born seven chil-
dren, Mabel, Esther. Florence, Clarence, Lucille, Grace and Robert. Mrs. .Aumiller
is a member of the Presbyterian church.
Mr. Aumiller votes with the republican party but has never been an aspirant for
office. During the twenty-five years of his residence in the Yakima valley he has
witnessed much of its development, growth and progress. He has seen its arid lands,
on which nothing grew but sagebrush, transformed into rich fields and productive
orchards and has long borne his share in the agricultural development of the district.
MICHAEL SCHULLER.
A valuable property of eighty acres on the Tieton stands as a monument to the
life activities of Michael SchuUer, who was one of the progressive and enterprising
agriculturists of his neighborhood. .\ native of Wisconsin, he was born in March,
1862, and was a son of Michael and Mary Schuller, pioneers of that state. There he
was reared and received his education, early in life becoming acquainted with agri-
136 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
cultural methods. In 1888, at the age of twenty-six years, he decided to move west-
ward in order to profit by the opportunities presented in a newer country and came
to Yakima county, Washington, where he worked for wages. Saving his earnings,
he began operating rented land and in 1898 he and his wife bought eighty acres and
also homesteaded eighty acres on the Tieton. To the cultivation of this property Mr.
SchuUer devoted himself industriously, ever following progressive methods until he
made this one of the valuable farms of the neighborhood. He built a handsome resi-
dence, erected suitable barns, instituted modern machinery, and added other neces-
sary equipment. After his death Mrs. Schuller sold half of the property but still
retains eighty acres.
On June- 4. 1891, Mr. Schuller was united in marriage to Ann Sleavin, a native of
New York, and a daughter of Andrew and .A.nn Sleavin, who in 1863 removed from
the Empire state to Minnesota, locating in Winona county, where Mr. Sleavin took
up agricultural pursuits, there passing away. His widow and the rest of the family
subsequently came to Yakima county in 1888, and in this district she resided for many
years. She died October 1, 1916. To Mr. and Mrs. Schuller were born six children:
Mary, deceased; .Angela; at home; Edward, who is now serving in the United States
army; Nicholas Joseph, at home; Francis, deceased; and Theresa, at home.
Mr. Schuller was a devoted member of St. Joseph's Catholic church, which his
widow and the remaining members of the family now attend. He was much inter-
ested in the higher things in life, particularly in educational progress, serving as
school director in his district and thus instituting a number of improvements which
have been of great benefit to the community. In his political affiliation he was a
democrat and ever true to the principles of that party although he was not a politi-
cian in the commonly accepted sense of the word, preferring to devote himself to
his farming and his family. In his death the family lost a beloved husband and
father and many lost a sincere and faithful friend. He was ever moved by the most
honorable principles and his word was as good as his bond. There was nothing in
his life of which he might ever need be ashamed, but on the contrary there were
many acts which could be cited as being of great credit to him. However, Mr.
Schuller was a modest man and was content in his own assurance of having pursued
a righteous course in life. It is therefore but natural that he is greatly missed by
those who knew him and who venerate his memory. As a pioneer he contributed
toward material upbuilding along agricultural lines and thus made possible the pros-
perous conditions that now maintain in the Yakima valley, while as a citizen he was
ever loyal to American ideals and American standards.
THOMAS E. GRADY.
Thomas E. Grady, a member of the Yakima bar, who since December, 1917, has
filled the office of city attorney, was born in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, November
19, 1880, a son of Thomas and Eliza Grady. The father has devoted his life to the
occupation of farming but since 1907 has lived retired in Yakima, enjoying a well-
earned rest.
Thomas E. Grady, spending his youthful days under the parental roof near
Chippewa Falls, acquired a public school education, passing through consecutive
grades to the high school. He also attended business college and later entered the
University of Minnesota for the study of law, as he had determined to make the
practice of the profession his life work. He completed the course there and was
graduated with the class of 1904. In looking about for a favorable field of labor he
decided upon the northwest and in June, 1905, arrived in Yakima and was appointed
deputy prosecuting attorney. After serving for a brief period as court reporter he
took up private law work and has been engaged in general practice, although he has
held several other offices in the strict path of his profession. In March, 1911, he was
appointed judge of the superior court and was elected to the office in 1912, serving
continuously until 1917. He made a most excellent record upon the bench by the
fairness and impartiality of his decisions and his course was at all times character-
ized by a masterful grasp of the problems presented for solution. In December,.
HISTORY OF YAKIMxA. VALLEY 137
1917, he was appointed city attorney and is now acting in that capacity. No one
better realizes the necessity for thorough preparation of cases, and his legal learn-
ing, liis analytical mind and the readiness with which he yrasps the points in an argu-
ment all combine to make him one of the able lawyers practicing at the Yakima bar.
On the 3d of June. 1908, Mr. Grady was united in marriage to Miss Alice M.
Beane, of Spokane, and to them have been born three children: Thomas E., who was
born July 22, 1911; James E., born December 11, 1916; and Howard M., born Febru-
ary 12, 1918.
Mr. Grady is a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and is a
past exalted ruler. He was also district deputy of the Grand Lodge for eastern
Washington. He likewise has membership in the Commercial Club and is thoroughly
in sympathy with its purposes concerning the upbuilding of Yakima and the develop-
ment of its civic welfare. His political allegiance has always been given to the re-
publican party and aside from the offices already mentioned that he has filled he has
served as a member of the city council of Yakima. He belongs to that class of
young men who are upbuilding the west and whose labors have been of far-reaching
and beneficial effect.
A. C. WALLIN.
A. C. Wallin now lives largely retired upon a valuable farm property of twenty
acres in the upper Naches valley which he bought in 1909, ten acres of which are
devoted to orcharding, but he is still active in the affairs of this world, appearing to
be much younger than his age would indicate. Although past seventy-for years of
age he still retains his mental and physical vigor to a remarkable degree. He is an
honored veteran of the Civil war, having served in that memorable conflict from
August, 1862, until its close. He participated in a number of the most noted engage-
ments of the war and the loyalty which he gave to hist country in times of stress has
remained with him throughout his life. Outside of his agricultural interests Mr.
Wallin has also been quite successful as a teacher, thus contributing to educational
development in the district in which he lived.
-A native of Brooklyn. New York, he was born August 14. 1844, and is a son of
Richard and Harriet (Gale) Wallin, natives of Kidderminster, England, the father
born May 11. 1819, and the mother on the l7th of February of the same year. When
nineteen years of age they were married and subsequently came to the United States.
The father was a carpenter by trade. Perceiving greater opportunities in the then un-
developed middle west, he removed in 1857 to Crawford county, Wisconsin, taking
with him his nine children. There he took up one hundred and sixty acres of gov-
ernment land and this tract he farmed until death claimed him. Four of his sons,
including our subject, voluntarily served in the Civil war.
A. C. Wallin was reared under the parental roof in Brooklyn and in that city
largely received his education, removing with the family to Wisconsin when thir-
teen years of age. After laying aside his textbooks he assisted his father but on
the 11th of August, 1862, enlisted in Company A, Thirty-first Wisconsin Infantry,
and he still has in his possession his original enlistment papers. Through the suc-
ceeding years until the close of the war he served bravely and unflinchingly, stoutly
performing his duties. He went through the siege of Atlanta, was at Sandysville
when that engagement was fought and participated in Sherman's march to the sea
and in the battle of Bentonville, North Carolina. After the close of the war he re-
turned to Wisconsin, where he took up farm work during the summer season and
attended normal school at Whitewater, Wisconsin, during the winter months. He
also went to Chicago, where he took a commercial course. Being thus well prepared
for teaching, he turned his attention to that profession and for twenty years acted
as principal and superintendent of schools at Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin. He then
became connected with railroad work, acting in the capacity of accountant for the
Wisconsin Western Railway for eleven years. He was next for two years engaged
in the abstract business on his own account but at the end of that time came to
Yakima county, taking up his home on the farm which was cultivated by his sons
138 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
and which he had acquired in 1909. This property comprises twenty acres on the
upper Naches, ten acres of which are devoted to orchard. The residence on the place
has been remodeled and modern improvements have been installed throughout, so
that the property is now considered one of the most valuable of the district.
On the Sth of September, 1883, Mr. Wallin was united in marriage to Miss Mary
E. King, a native of Mansfield, Ohio, and a daughter of L. O. and Sarah (Beldon)
King, the family being numbered among the pioneers of that state. The Kings are
of Revolutionary stock and long occupied a prominent position in the city of Cleve-
land. To Mr. and Mrs. Wallin were born four children: Oscar K., who follows agri-
cultural pursuit-6 on the upper Naches and is married: Jennie B., who married E. W.
Bailey, an agriculturist, also located in the upper Naches valley; Mary E., a resident
of Seattle; and Helen H., a trained nurse, being a graduate of the Deaconess Hospital
of Spokane.
Oscar K. Wallin, who was born November 30,. 1884, is one of the leading and
most successful orchardists of his section, having devoted much study to that line
of business. He received an excellent education, rounding out his ordinary school
course by two years' attendance at the University of Wisconsin. Being impressed
with the great opportunities offered in the Pacific coast country, he then made an
extensive trip over the west, in the course of which he came to the Yakima valley.
Here he selected a ranch which his father bought and which under his able man-
agement has become a valuable property. He married Aline Ross, of Delavan, Wis-
consin, a highly cultured lady, who was at the time of her marriage a teacher in the
schools of Sioux City, Iowa, in which position she was employed for two years.
Oscar K. Wallin shipped the first carload of seed corn ever sent out from Yakima
county in 1917, most of which he raised on his own land. This statement indicates
along which line of agricultural endeavor he gives his closest attention. He received
for this carload twenty-eight hundred dollars.
A. C. Wallin is a charter member of P. W. Plummer Post No. 37, G. A. R., in
which he has held all the chairs. Since 1870 he has been a member of the Independ-
ent Order of Odd Fellows, belonging to Crawford Lodge No. 98, of Wisconsin, and
also having held all of the offices in that organization. He is very prominent in the
Masonic fraternity, belonging to Lodge No. 106, A. F. & A. M., of Prairie du Chien,
W'isconsin, and also to the chapter. He is a past master of the lodge, having held
the office of master for five years, and he has ever been very active in Masonic work,
the principles underlying that organization guiding him in his conduct toward his
fellowmen. Along political lines Mr. Wallin votes independently, giving his support
to the candidates whom he considers best qualified irrespective of party issues, in
fact Mr. Wallin has not voted a straight ticket for years. In 1918, however, he voted
the straight republican ticket, being largely inflcnced in his action by the seemingly
uncalled-for pressure exerted upon the public in favor of the democratic organization
from administrative headquarters. To all worthy movements which have been under-
taken in any of the districts in which Mr. Wallin has lived he has ever given his
unqualified support, readily supplying means and effort in order to bring about mate-
rial and mental growth. He has not only become a substantial citizen who now en-
joys life in rest and comfort, but has also rendered service to his county in times
of peace as well as in times of war. His son now ably represents the interests of the
family, his name standing high among the successful men of the Naches valley, where
many of those who know him are proud to call him friend.
WILLIAM H. HARRISON.
One of the foremost factors in promoting the interests of a community is real
estate dealing and William H. Harrison, president and manager of the Sunnyside
Land & Investment Company, is therefore one who has greatly contributed toward
the upbuilding of his district. The business was organized by C. E. Woods and
Elza Dean, who later sold out to A. G. Flemming and E. B. Jones. Subsequently it
was acquired by M. G. Duncan and Oliver Dean, after which George Irish purchased
it. In September, 1908, William H. Harrison became president and manager; A. G.
WILLIAII H. HARRISON
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 141
Flemming, vice-president, and H. L. Miller secretary and treasurer, the latter buying
into the business in April, 1909. The Sunnyside Land & Investment Company, as its
name indicates, buys and sells land, including not only farming properties but also
city plats, and is largely engaged in loaning money, mostly upon real estate security.
This part of the business is very important and in this way the company has assisted
many agriculturists of the neighborhood to successfully tide over hard times. Its
principles are of the highest and its methods are exemplary.
William H. Harrison was born in Marion, Iowa, in 1878, his parents being
Thomas and Sarah (Waters) Harrison. The family removed to Sunnyside, Wash-
ington, in March. 1900, buying wild land and also taking up a homestead claim near
Sunnyside. This property the father developed and there continued to make his
home until he passed away.
Mr. Harrison of this review had a public school and business college education
and in the fall of 1899 came to Sunnyside, preceding the family and taking up a home-
stead on the 30th of October, 1899. He greatly improved this place, which he sold
in 1908, at which time he became head of the Sunnyside Land & Investment Com-
pany, but also continued in farming until 1917, in which year he sold his ranch.
On the 14th of August, 1912, Mr. Harrison was united in marriage to Miss
Genevieve Persis Searle, of Minnesota, and to this union has been born a son,
William H., Jr. In his political views Mr. Harrison is a republican, while fraternally
he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. In the financial life of
the town he also has a part, being a director of the Sunnyside Bank. He also belongs
to the Sunnyside Commercial Club, in whose progressive movements he takes an
active part. All projects, for the upbuilding of his locality and the welfare of the
public receive his heart}' support and he is ever ready to aid in furthering the ma-
terial, moral and intellectual development of the district.
LOUIS H. DESMARAIS.
Louis H. Desmarais, now identified with the farming interests at Moxee City,
was born on the St. Lawrence river sixty miles east of Montreal, Canada, February
2, 1871, a son of Israel and Sophia (Desmarais) Desmarais. His parents removed to
Crookston, Minnesota, in 1881, when he was a lad of ten years, and there the father
engaged in farming until November, 1900, when he came to the Yakima valley and
took up his abode on the Moxee river. He bought fifty acres of land but afterward
sold that property and purchased ten acres on Nob Hill. This he planted to fruit
and successfully developed his orchard but afterward sold out. His last days were
spent in the home of his son, Louis H., and there he passed away in August, 1917.
His widow survives and is yet living with her son.
Louis H. Desmarais, a lad of ten years at the time the family home was estab-
lished in Minnesota, acquired his education in the public schools of Canada and of the
United States. He assisted his father from early boyhood in the work of the farm
and afterward became actively engaged in ranching. While still living in Minnesota
he purchased land and there carried on agricultural pursuits until 1900, when he came
to Washington. Reaching the Yakima valley he purchased thirty acres of land and
afterward disposed of that property. In 1901 he bought sixty acres east of Moxee
City and has extended the boundaries of the farm until it now embraces one hundred
acres. He had the entire place planted to hops at one time, becoming one of the
most extensive hop raisers of the Yakima valley, and in the cultivation of that crop
he met with substantial success. He is now engaged in raising corn and other cereals
in addition to hops and has a splendidly improved ranch property, equipped with sub-
stantial buildings and well kept fences and the best farm machinery.
On the 27th of November, 1899, Mr. Desmarais was united in marriage to Miss
Regina Crevier, a native of Canada, and to them have been born seven children:
Beatrice, Henry, Maurice, Rachel, Irene, Phillip and Andrew. The parents and
children are all members of the Holy Rosary Catholic church, in which they have
taken an active part while generously contributing to its support..
In his political views Mr. Desmarais is a republican but not an office seeker. He
142 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
has always preferred to concentrate his efforts and attention upon his business affairs
and aside from ranching he assisted in organizing the Moxee State Bank in 1914
and has since been its president.
HOWARD LLOYD MILLER.
Among the successful real estate men of the Yakima valley is Howard Lloyd
Miller, who was born in Lanark, Illinois, July 7, 1883, and is a son of Joseph E. and
Emma B. (Harrington) Miller, both of whom are still residents of that state. The
father has been engaged in the implement and coal business for the past twenty-
eight years at Milledgeville.
H. Lloyd Miller received his education in the public schools of his native city
and was graduated from the high school there in 1901. At the age of eighteen he
began his business career, becoming connected with a dry goods store at Milledge-
ville, where he conducted business on his own account. In 1906 he disposed of his
interests in that city and removed to Pendleton, Oregon, in the following year, but
as he did not find the prospects of that town favorable he did not locate there and
came to Sunnyside in the same year. In April, 1909. he bought an interest in the
Sunnyside Land & Investment Company, of which he has since been secretary and
treasurer. This enterprise, which is largely engaged in the buying and selling of farm
properties but also deals in city land, has greatly prospered through his business
ability, foresight and advanced methods. Another department of the business is
their large loan agency.
On the 15th of August, 1906, Mr. Miller was united in marriage to Ruth A.
Deets and to this union has been born a son, Howard Lloyd, Jr., who is now six
years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Miller are popular among the younger social sets of
the valley and their hospitable home is ever open to their many friends, who find
much pleasure in gathering at their fireside.
Outside of his connection with the Sunnyside Land & Investment Company
Mr. Miller has other interests which prove him to be one of the foremost business
men of his section of the state. As vice president of the North Coast Lumber Com-
pany his ability is of great importance to the successful direction of this enterprise
and he is also secretary of the Hillcrest Improvement Company. He is a republican
and steadfastly supports that party, in whose principles he thoroughly believes, but
has never had the time nor felt the inclination for public office, preferring to do his
duty as a citizen at the ballot box. Fraternally he is a member of the Yakima
lodge of Elks No. 318. He has always taken a deep interest in the development of
his section and is a valued member of the Sunnyside Commercial Club. Moreover,
the affairs of his state and nation are dear to his heart and he now plays an im-
portant part as chairman of the Community Council of Defense, giving much of his
time to all efforts made for winning the great World war.
MISS KATHRYN SEVERYNS.
Among the prominent citizens of Prosser who are efficiently serving in an
official capacity is Miss Kathryn Severyns, who now holds the important position of
county auditor of Benton county, the duties of which office she assumed on the
1st of January, 1919. She is a daughter of J. H. and Mary (Francois)
Severyns, both of whom were natives of Belgium and came to the United States in
early life. They located in Custer county, Nebraska, where Mr. Severyns took up a
homestead in the early '80s and he continued to devote his attention to the develop-
ment of the same until 1893, when the family removed to California, where he passed
away. In 1901 Mrs. Severyns with her four sons and her daughter Kathryn came to
Prosser, which has remained their home ever since. The sons are: Andrew, an
attorney at Port Angeles, Washington; Joseph, who is serving in the United States
navy; William, a well known attorney of Seattle; and John, who is engaged in the
hay and grain business at Sunnyside.
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 143
Miss Severyns was graduated from the high school at Prosser with the class of
1910 and subsequently took a commercial course in Spokane in order to thoroughly
fit herself for a career as a business woman. After completing her education she
returned to Prosser and became a member of the stafi of the county auditor. In
due course of time she was made deputy auditor and so faithfully and ably did she
discharge her duties that she was elected auditor in the fall of 1918. She had prev-
iously become thoroughly acquainted with every detail of the office, so that she is
now abundantly able to handle the business affairs of that position independently.
She is very popular with the public: has always proved obliging and helpful; and
is fully entitled to the confidence reposed in her. In the social circles of her city
Miss Severyns is well known and well liked and wherever she goes she makes friends
who thoroughly appreciate her ability. She is a pleasant, entertaining .young lady
of social graces, who never fails to enliven any society.
HOWARD F. BLEDSOE.
Howard F. Bledsoe has long been identified with commercial interests in Ellens-
burg, where he is now conducting a grocery store and also dealing in automobile
supplies and accessories. He was born in Colorado, Texas, October 27, 1883, a son
of Henry and Mary Bledsoe. The father died at Fort Worth, Texas, in the year 1888
and the mother now lives with her daughter, Mrs. A. B Dunning, in Kittitas county,
Washington.
Howard F. Bledsoe pursued his education in the public schools and afterward
took a complete commercial course with the International Correspondence Schools.
He started upon his business career as clerk in a dry goods store at Alvarado, Texas,
and afterward went to St. Louis, Missouri, where he was associated with the Ely-
Walker Dry Goods Company. Later he located at Las Vegas, New Mexico, where
he again engaged in clerking, and subsequently he settled at Seattle. In October,
1907, he arrived in Ellensburg, where for a year he occupied a position as clerk in
the store of C. L. Collins. He also spent a similar period with the Hub Clothing
Company and in September, 1909, he purchased a grocery store in connection with
George Pearson, with whom he was thus identified until November. 1910, when Mr.
Pearson sold out. Mr. Bledsoe was then alone in business until March, 1913, when
he admitted Lenox Wilson to a partnership and the association has since been
maintained. They are proprietors of a well appointed grocery store, carrying a large
and carefully selected line of staple and fancy groceries, for which they find a ready
sale by reason of their fair prices, their honorable dealing and their earnest efforts
to please their patrons. They also carry a line of automobile supplies and accessor-
ies and their trade in that connection is gratifying.
On the 22d of .\ugust. 1909, Mr. Bledsoe was united in marriage to Miss Vera
De Weese, of Ellensburg, a daughter of the Rev. William De Weese, and their chil-
dren are four in number: Esther, Charles, Keith ^nd Helen.
The religious faith of the family is that of the Methodist church, and both Mr.
and Mrs. Bledsoe are highly esteemed as people of sterling worth, while the hos-
pitality of the best homes of the locality is freely accorded them. Mr. Bledsoe votes
with the democratic party and his interest in community affairs is manifest in his
membership in the Chamber of Commerce. He stands for all that is progressive in
relation to the public welfare and cooperates heartily in all those plans and meas-
ures which are a matter of civic virtue and of civic pride.
GEORGE E. GIFFIN.
George E. Giffin, who since 1910 has been identified with the drug trade in
Grandview and is now owner of a well appointed store, was born in Covington,
Ohio, July 25, 1874, a son of John V. and .-Knna (Young) Giffin, the former a native
of Hamilton county, Ohio, while the latter was born in Van Wert county, that state.
(7)
144 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
The paternal grandfather, Samuel B. Giffin, was a native of Pennsylvania but became
a pioneer settler of Ohio, where he followed the occupation of farming. His son, John
V. Giffin, was a carriage manufacturer, and both he and his wife are now deceased.
George E. Giffin, after acquiring a public school education, attended the Ohio
Normal University at Ada, Ohio, from which he was graduated with the class of
1893. He started upon his business career by serving a two years' apprenticeship at
the drug trade in Columbus, Ohio, after which he engaged in clerking until 1897, when
he purchased a drug store in that city. The following year he entered the United
States army, in the hospital service, and was on active duty in that connection for
three years, spending two years of the time in the Philippines and witnessing the
entire struggle that has become known as the Spanish-American war. He was
made acting .hospital steward.
Following his return to his native land Mr. Giffin in 1901 opened a drug store
in Columbus, Ohio, where he conducted business until 1907, when he came to Wash-
ington and for eight months was located at Chesaw. In February, 1908, he pur-
chased a ranch near Grandview and resided thereon for a year. He afterward spent
three months in Reno, Nevada, and subsequently six months in Columbus, Ohio. He
then went to Pasco, Washington, where he lived for a few months, after which he
purchased a drug store at Spirit Lake, Idaho, where he remained for nearly a year.
He next resided at Medford, Oregon, for three months, after which he returned to
Grandview in 1910 and engaged in clerking in a drug store until March, 1911, when
he purchased the store of which he has since been proprietor. He has also retained
the ownership of the ranch and has five acres planted to orchard, while the re-
mainder is devoted to diversified farming. This place he rents and from it obtains a
substantial income.
On the 9th of June, 1903. Mr. Giffin was married to Miss Xellie Burris, who was
born in Columbus, Ohio, a daughter of L. T. and Sadie (Shull) Burris, the former
now a retired railway conductor formerly connected with the Pennsylvania Railroad
Company.
Fraternally Mr. Giffin is a blue lodge and chapter Mason and is a past master
of Grandview Lodge No. 191. His religious faith is that of the Methodist church and
in these associations are found the rules which govern his actions and control his
attitude toward his fellowmen. In politics he is a republican and in 1916-17 he served
as mayor of Grandview and for several terms has been on the board of aldermen.
.■\s a public official he has exercised his prerogatives in support of many plans and
measures for the general good and at all times is actuated by a public-spirited devo-
tion to the best interests of his community. He is highly esteemed as a merchant,
as a citizen and as a man, having a wide circle of friends in this community.
GEORGE MILLDRUM.
George Milldrum, a citizen of worth living near Yakima, was born on the 24th
of February. 1842, in England, a son of Thomas and Jane (Richards) Milldrum, both
of whom have passed away. Mr. Milldrum was engaged in mining and engineering
in his native country. In 1882 he came to the United States and took up his abode in
Miner county. South Dakota, where he secured government land and developed and
improved a farm. He resided thereon until 1915, when he came to Yakima county,
but he still owns his South Dakota farm. Seven times since making his initial trip
to the new world he has crossed the .\tlantic, visiting his old home in England and
renewing his acquaintance with the friends of his youth and early manhood. In
his home place Mr. Milldrum has seven and a half acres and he also owns two and
four-fifths acres on Orchard avenue. His land is planted to orchard and he raises a
variety of fruit, all of excellent size and flavor, readily finding a profitable market.
His land is highly cultivated and therefore very valuable.
Mr. Milldrum was united in marriage to Miss Mary .\nn Odgers, a native of
England, and they became the parents of ten children. The mother passed away and
later Mr. Milldrum wedded Jean Richards, who was also born in England. There
was one child by that marriage. The children of Mr. Milldrum are as follows:
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 145
George, who is living in Alberta, Canada, northwest of Edmonton; Thomas, who is
a clerk, living in Alabama; Mary Annie, living in California; Richard, deceased, and
Joseph, who follows farming on the Tieton, in Yakima county. The others have
passed away.
Mr. Milldrum is a member of the Christadelphian church, which was founded by
Doctor Thomas soon after the Civil war. He has always been a great student of the
Scriptures, reading the Bible many times, and his entire life has been guided by its
teachings, while at all times he has endeavored to closely follow the Golden Rule.
JAMES HENDERSON.
James Henderson, who makes his residence in Sunnyside, is one of the success-
ful business men of Mabton, where he conducts a profitable drug store. Moreover,
he has been engaged in agricultural and horticulural pursuits and in that manner
has contributed toward development in those two industries. He was born at Fox
Lake, Wisconsin, January 10, 1868, of the marriage of John and Isabel (Sanderson)
Henderson. When our subject was two years old they removed to Minnesota, taking
up their home near Willmar, where the father successfully followed agricultural pur-
suits until his death. His wife has also passed away.
James Henderson spent his boyhood days in Minnesota under the parental roof
and received his first lessons in an old-fashoned log schoolhouse near his father's
home. Subsequently he improved his education by a high school course. He then
served an apprenticeship in Minnesota as a druggist and successfully passed the
examination before the state board in January, 1894, taking active charge of a drug
store at Paynesville which he had owned for some months previous. He came to
Sunnyside in March, 1894, and here established the first drug store in February, 1895,
in the conduct of which he was very successful until disposing of the same in 1906.
He then retired from active business afifairs for about two years, devoting his time
to the management of his property, but in October, 1908, returned to his old occu-
pation and acquired the drug store owned by .-Mexander & King at Mabton and has
conducted the same ever since with growing success. He carries a complete line
of the best drugs and also has a stock of such sundries as are usually carried in
stores of this kind. His prescription trade is large and the public appreciates the
fact that prescriptions filled at his store are always carefully compounded. Although
Mr. Henderson is counted among the business men of Mabton he still maintains his
residence in Sunnyside, the latter town having now been his home ofr over twenty-
three years.
On -August 27, 1892, Mr. Henderson married Miss Isabel Brown, of Paynesville,
Minnesota, and to this union were born the following children: Marion, who is with
the First National Bank of Yakima; Blanche, at home; Bernice, now in Ellensburg;
.\my, who is attending high school; and Ruby, who assists her father in his busi-
ness. Mr. and Mrs. Henderson are well known in Sunnyside and Mabton and their
hospitable home is always open to their many friends.
Mr. Henderson has always taken a very laudable part in all affairs pertaining
to public improvement and the cause of education has been especially dear to his
heart, he having served as a member of the school board for many years. He was
the first mayor of Sunnyside, giving the city a beneficial administration out of which
has grown much good. At present he is serving as game commissioner of Yakima
county. He is a large landowner but does not farm his property, confining himself
to a general supervision thereof. He it was who in 1894 planted one of the first
orchards in the Sunnyside country and in fact he is numbered among the honored
pioneers of his section. He is very fond of hunting and his reputation as a sportsman
and taxidermist among his neighbors is the highest and he has the largest private
collection of mounted birds and other animals in the state of Washington. It is of
the greatest interest to all who arc students of outdoor life and is greatly admired
by his many friends and those who come from afar to view it. Fraternally Mr. Hen-
derson is a member of the Elks Lodge No." 318, of Yakima, and the Modern Wood-
men of -America, while his political allegiance is given to the democratic party. The
146 HISTORY OF YAKIMA \"ALLEY
family attend the Episcopal church, in the work of which they take an active and
helpful interest. As one of the honored pioneers of Yakima county Mr. Henderson
has many friends among its population and all who know him speak of him in terms
of high regard and deep respect, conceding his superior qualities as a man and a
citizen.
FRED E. THOMPSON.
One of the important business enterprises of Yakima is the Thompson Ftuit
Company, of which Fred E. Thompson is the president. Actuated in all that he
does by a progressive spirit, he is constantly reaching out along broadening lines
that result to the benefit and upbuilding of the community as well as to the advance-
ment of his individual success. Mr. Thompson is a western man by birth, training
and preference and in his life displays the enterprising spirit which has been the
dominant factor in the upbuilding of this section of the country. He was born near
Tacoma, Washington, on the 29th of May, 1863, a son of L. F. and Susanna (Kin-
caide) Thompson. The father was born in Jamestown, New York, while the mother
was a native of Hannibal, Missouri, and they were married in Steilacoom, Washing-
Ion, in 1857, having become pioneers upon the Pacific coast. The father made his
way to California in the year 1849, attracted by the gold discoveries on the Pacific
coast. The mother was a daughter of William Kincaide, who arrived in Washington
with his family in 1853, when his daughter was about fifteen years of age, having
made the journey across the plains from Hannibal, Missouri. In the year 1852 L. Y.
Thompson had removed from California to Washington and became the owner of
one of the first and probably the first sawmill on the Puget Sound. This was de-
stroyed during the Indian war of 1855. Later he became the pioneer hop grower
ot the Sound country turning his attention to that industry in 1863, when he planted
five acres to hops. He became a large hop grower and dealer and very successfully
conducted his business along that line. Later he turned his attention to real estate
and banking and became one of the prominent factors in financial circles in the state.
He was a member of the first legislature of Washington territory and was the young-
est representative in that body. Later he served as a member of the state legislature
at the first session after the admission of Washington to the Union, at which time he
was the oldest member. He was born in 1827 and passed away in 1905, while his
w-idow survived until 1916. He had always given his political allegiance to the
repiiblican party and was a very prominent factor in its ranks in the early days.
In fact he left the impress of his individuality upon the history of the state in
connection with its development along many lines.
Fred E. Thompson pursued his education on the coast and attended a business
college in San Francisco. Like his father, he became interested in the hop business,
taking up the work in the spring of 1884 and continuing therein until 1891. In No-
vember, 1888. he purchased farm property in the Yakima valley and in 1891 established
his home in North Yakima. Becoming interested in the question of fruit raising, he
started an orchard and was one of the first commercial orchardists of the Yakima
valley. Mr. Bicknell having planted two acres to peaches the previous year. Mr.
Thompson, however, planted ten acres to peaches and apples and planted the first
Elberta peach tree and the first D'Anjou pear tree. He also set out the first Rome
Beauty apple tree, all these being planted in 1889. He has constantly enlarged his
orchards since that time and when he sold, his original place in 1904 he had devel-
oped one hundred and ten acres in fruit growing. In 1906 he organized the Thomp-
son Fruit Company, which now owns one hundred and sixty acres in fruit in the
Parker bottoms. They are the largest fruit growers in the northwest, having extensive
orchards of peaches, pears and prunes. Mr. Thompson is also interested in the
Cascade Orchard Company, which was organized in 1910 and has three hundred and
twenty acres of land. He is likewise connected with the Sunset Orchard Company,
which was organized in 1912 and_ cultivates eighty acres planted to apples, pears and
crabapples. He does an extensive business in marketing fruit as well as in raising.
He shipped the first carload of fruit ever sent from the Yakima valley across the
FRED E. THOMPSON
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 149
Mississippi river, this being about 1893 or 1894. The company employs twenty-five
men throughout the entire year and two hundred and twenty-five people in the har-
vest season. In 1917 they produced over one hundred and fifty-five carloads of
fruit or about two thousand tons. The work of Mr. Thompson has been of the
greatest possible benefit to this section of the state, showing what can be accom-
plised through the utilization of the natural resources of the state when scientific
methods of orcharding are employed. He closely studies every phase of the busi-
ness, knovv's the nature of the soil, the needs of the trees and the best methods of
spraying and caring for the fruit in every possible way.
In 1893 Mr. Thompson was married to Miss Veola Kirkman, of San Francisco,
and they have one daughter, Hazel, who is a graduate of the Berkeley university
and is now assistant superintendent of schools in Yakima. Mr. Thompson belongs
to the Masonic Fraternity and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and he
gives his political allegiance to the republican party. His position of leadership as
a fruit grower of Yakima valley has made him widely known throughout this and
other sections of the state and his e.xample has been followed by many to the profit
of the individual and the benefit of the commonwealth.
DAVID C. REED.
David C. Reed, manager of and one of the partners of the Yakima Title Guaranty
& Abstract Company of Yakima, is also prominently known as one of the chief pro-
moters of the splendid public school system of the city. In fact, no history of Yakima
would be complete without e-xtended reference to him, so important a part has he
played in relation to the development of the educational system. He arrived in this
city in 1906. although he has been a resident of the Pacific coast from 1879, having
been a youth of eighteen years when he removed westward to California.
Mr. Reed was born in Homewood, Pennsylvania, on the 6th of January, 1861, a
son of John and Isabella (Craig) Reid, who were natives of Scotland and came to
the United States in 1852. The father spelled his name Reid, but his son adopted the
orthography which he now uses. The father was a soldier of Company C, of the One
Hundred and First Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and died in .An-
dersonville prison. He had a family of ten children and two of his sons were also
soldiers of the Civil war, Walter J. serving as orderly sergeant with General Kearney
and later with General Meade. He was wounded at the battle of Gettysburg. He
became a prominent resident of the northwest, arriving in Yakima in 1878, taking
up a claim from the government near what are now the fair grounds of the city.
As the years passed he played a very prominent and important part in shaping public
thought and action and his influence was ever on the side of progress and improve-
ment. He served as mayor of Yakima and gave to the city a businesslike and pro-
i>ressive administration. Later his fellow townsmen, appreciative of his worth,
ability and public spirit, called upon him to represent the district in the state senate
and he was a member of the upper house of the general assembly when death called
him in 1908. The otlier brother who was a soldier of the Civil war was James C.
Reid. who died in the prison at Salisbury, North Carolina, ere the war was brought
to a successful close. Another son of the family, John Reid, came to the Yakima
valley with his brother Walter in the year 1878. He, too, became a prominent factor
in the public life of the community, serving as secretary of the State Fair .Associa-
tion and at one time as mayor of the city, so that the name of Reid is most honorably
interwoven with the history of Yakima. The mother died in Pennsylvania.
David C. Reed was but four years old at the time of his father's demise and his
early education was acquired in the Soldiers' Orphans' School at Lniontown. He
afterward worked his way through Duflf's College and through the University of
California, and throughout his entire life he has remained a man of studious habits,
constantly promoting his knowledge through reading and research. It was in the
year 1879 that he made his way westward to California, where his sister Isabel, lived,
and there he took up the profession of teaching, which he followed in that state for
twenty-seven years, becoming recognized as one of its most eminent and able educa-
ISO HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
tors. It was in California that he attended the Los Angeles Xormal School and he
also became a student in the Throop Polytechnic Institute at Pasadena, from which
he was graduated in 1898, in order that he might know the real value of manual
training. He also pursued a course in kindergarten work and he was thus able to
speak with authority on these questions when later he became a prominent factor in
connection with the public schools of Yakima. While still a resident of California he
served as principal of the schools 6f Redding and of Yreka and later became super-
intendent of public schools at Eureka, California, and county superintendent of
schools in Plumas county. For ten years he occupied the responsible position of
superintendent of schools at Redlands, California, and thus made valuable contribu-
tion to the educational development of that state during the twenty-seven years of
his connection with its public school system. In 1906 he arrived in Yakima to accept
the superintendency of the schools of this city, in which capacity he continued until
1911, and during his connection with the ofifice various school buildings were erected,
including the high school, the Lincoln, Garfield, McKinley, Fairview and Summit View
schools. Practically all of this work was done under the immediate direction of
Mr. Reed and during his superintendency the attendance of the high school increased
from one hundred and fifty to five hundred, while the number of teachers was in-
creased from forty-eight to ninety. It was Mr. Reed who was instrumental in intro-
ducing the commercial course, also domestic science, manual training, the agricuIturaJ
course and the arts course, thus making the high school most efficient in its scope
and purposes. The graded schools also more than doubled in attendance during his
superintendency and he ever had the ability to inspire teachers and pupils under him
with much of his own zeal and interest in the work. While in California he organized
many of the manual training schools of the southern part of that state and all
acknowledge that he laid the foundation for the present splendid school system of
Yakima of which every citizen is justly proud. He was also a member of the library
board of Yakima when the public library Was built.
In 1911 Mr. Reed gave up school work to enter into active connection with the
Yakima Title Guaranty & Abstract Company, which had been organized in 1906 by
J. O. Cornett. George S. Rankin, W. J. Reed, Sylvester Peterson, E. G. Peck. H.
Stanley Coffin, H. M. Helliesen and W. L. Lemon. Of these Mr. Peck became the
president, Mr. Peterson the vice-president, secretary and manager, and Mr. Lemon
the treasurer. They first had their offices at No. 7 North First street but in 1908
the company erected a building at the corner of A and Second streets and has since
occupied it. In 1910 H. H. Lombard was elected to the presidency and so continues.
David C. Reed became the secretary in 1911 and in 1917 was made both secretary
and manager, so that he is the active executive officer of the business. In 1912 W. J.
Aumiller became treasurer and in 1912 I. H. Dills was elected vice-president. The
corporation is capitalized for one hundred thousand dollars. It guarantees titles to
real estate and has very complete records of Yakima county property. The business
has been developed to extensive proportions and the company has today over fifty
leading citizens of Yakima among its stockholders.
In 1897 Mr. Reed was married to Miss Jean MacMillan, of Carnegie, Pennsyl-
vania, and their children were: Emily Judson, now a student at Smith College in
Massachusetts; and Jeannette, deceased.
The family attend the Presbyterian church and Mr. Reed also belongs to the
Masonic fraternity, the Knights of Pythias, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows
and the Commercial Club. In the Masonic order he is well known as a member of
lodge, chapter, commandery and Mystic Shrine and he is a past master of the lodge
with which he held membership in California. His political endorsement is given
to the republican party but the honors and emoluments of political office have had no
attraction for him. Outside of his professional duties and his business he has pre-
ferred to choose the point at which he would render service to the public. He has
taken an active part in promoting moral as well as intellectual progress in the com-
munity and has been most active in bringing about the erection of the Young Men's
Christian Association building at Yakima. His life has ever been characterized and
actuated by the highest principles and ideals. He is continually extending a helping
hand, not in that indiscriminate giving which fosters vagrancy and idleness, but in
intelligently directed eflfort to assist his fellowmen. He gives liberally when material
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY ISI
aid is needed, but he also makes it his purpose to stimulate the pride, ambition and
self-reliance of the individual by speaking an encouraging word. He is known as
one of the best loved men of Yakima.
EUGENE R. CRAVEN.
Eugene R. Craven is the owner of a valuable farm property of one hundred and
eighty-three acres, in the midst of which stand a fine residence and substantial barns,
while all of the equipment of the farm is thoroughly modern and indicates his pro-
gressive spirit. Mr. Craven is a native of Curtis, Nebraska. He was born April 4,
1888, of the marriage of Sylvester and Emma Alice (Jessup) Craven, who were na-
tives of Indiana but went to Iowa at an early day and afterward became pioneer set-
tlers of Nebraska. In 1889 they removed to Puyallup, Washington, where the father
engaged in the butchering business. He afterward went to EUensburg and he now
makes his home on the Columbia river. His wife, however, passed away in 1901.
In the same year Eugene R. Craven made his way by train to Toppenish, Wash-
ington, and then walked a distance of sixteen miles to Outlook. He worked for
wages for six years and then, feeling that his experience was sufficient to justify him
in engaging in business on his own account, he rented land and at a later period he
also rented land on the Yakima Indian reservation. In 1913 he went to British Colum-
bia but later returned and it was then that he took up his abode on the reservation.
In this way he gained his start. In 1918 he bought two hundred acres of land four
and a half miles northwest of Sunnyside but has since sold seventeen acres, so that
he now has one hundred and eighty-three acres, constituting one of the valuable
farm properties of that section. He is now most pleasantly and attractively located,
having a beautiful home and a splendidly developed farm and is successfully engaged
in the cultivation of hay, grain, corn and alfalfa and also raises stock.
On the 27th of February, 1909, Mr. Craven was united in marriage to Miss Lillian
M. Burlingame, a daughter of E. H. and Louisa C. (Smith) Burlingame, the former
a native of Minneapolis, while the latter was born in California. The paternal grand-
father, Hiram Burlingame, in pioneer times took up a homestead covering what is
now the center of Minneapolis. In 1862 he removed to California, where his last
days were spent. It was in the Golden state that the parents of Mrs. Craven were
married and about 1892 they made their way to the Palouse country of Washington
and about 1895 came to Yakima county. The father engaged in farming here for
two years and then returned to California but after a short time again came to
Yakima county and purchased the ranch now owned and occupied by Mr. Craven.
It was then a tract of wild land, which he developed and improved, converting it
in,to one of the best ranches in the valley. He is now engaged in farming near Top-
penish and makes his home in that city. To Mr. and Mrs. Craven have been born
three children: Carol, Donald and Gordon.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Craven give their political allegiance to the democratic party.
He is recognized as one of the successful and prominent young ranchers in his sec-
tion of the county, carefully and intelligently directing his interests so that sub-
stantial results accrue.
CHESTER C. CHURCHILL.
Chester C. Churchill, president of the EUensburg Telephone Company, with four-
teen hundred subscribers over the Kittitas valley, was born in Harrisburg, Oregon,
July 18, 1871, a son of George Henry and Sarah C. (Reed) Churchill, who were na-
tives of Illinois and of Indiana respectively. Coming to the west in early life, how-
ever, they were married in Oregon. The father was a son of Willoughby Churchill.
who brought his family to the northwest in 1851, crossing the country by wagon and
ox team to Oregon. His wife died at The Dalles, Oregon, ere they reached their
destination. Mr. Churchill took up government land and began the development of
152 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
a farm, whereon he continued to reside until his death. His son, George Henry
Churchill, passed away in eastern Oregon in 1885. He had followed stock raising
in that section of the state for a number of years and was a representative business
man of the locality. His wife was a daughter of Eli A. Reed, who brought his fam-
ily across the plains to Oregon about 1855 and in later life removed to EUensburg,
where his death occurred.
Chester C. Churchill in young manhood became actively identified with the
live stock business. In 1887 his mother brought the family to the Kittitas valley
and they became identified with the live stock industry in this region. Chester C.
Churchill afterward obtained a farm of his own and continued the possessor thereof
until 1916, when he sold the property. He is still, however, engaged in buying and
selling stock and has long been recognized as one of the prominent live stock dealers
of this section of the state. In 1908, however, he was associated with John N. Faust
in the purchase of the plant of the Pacific Telephone Company at EUensburg and
reorganized the business under the name of the EUensburg Telephone Company.
.'\t the time of the purchase there were only five hundred subscribers but today there
are more than fourteen hundred, located throughout the Kittitas valley. The pres-
ent officers of the company are: C. C. Churchill, president and manager: and Mr.
Faust, secretary and treasurer. They liave rebuilt the entire system, making it
thoroughly modern in every respect, and they give excellent service to their patrons.
In 1896 Mr. Churchill was united in marriage to Miss Amelia Hauser, a daughter
of Tillman Hauser, one of the early pioneers of Washington. Their children are
Eunice, Doris, Lois and George, all at home.
Mr. Churchill is a prominent Mason, belonging to EUensburg Lodge No. 39,
A. F. & A. M., also to the Royal Arch Chapter and to Temple Commandery No. 5,
K. T., of which he is now the eminent commander. He is also identified with the
Mystic Shrine and is a most loyal follower of the craft, believing firmly in its teach-
ings. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and he is one of the
active workers in its local ranks, his opinions carrying weight in its councils. His
business affairs have been wisely and carefully managed and as president of the
EUensburg Telephone Company he has made for himself a creditable place in con-
nection with one of the public utilities, the value of which is most widely recognized.
WILLIAM T. CARPENTER, M. D.
Dr. William T, Carpenter, who engages in the general practice of medicine in
Toppenish but specializes in surgery and the treatment of diseases of the eye, ear,
nose and throat, was born in North Carolina in 1868, a son of George and D. D.
(Woodward) Carpenter. The father devoted his life to the occupation of farming in
order to provide for his family and was thus engaged to the time of his demise. His
widow still resides in North Carolina.
Doctor Carpenter acquired his early education in the schools of his native state
and supplemented the public school course by study in Albemarle Academy. He
afterward entered the Southern College of Pharmacy, at Atlanta, Georgia, from
which he was graduated with the class of 1897, and he is also a graduate of the South-
ern College of Medicine and Surgery of the class of 1898. Having thus qualified for
onerous professional duties, he located for practice in South Carolina but afterward
gave up professional labor and traveled over the west. He located ultimately at San
Francisco, California, but did not practice there. In 1907 he entered the College of
Physicians and Surgeons of Chicago for a further course in medicine and was gradu-
ated with the class of 1910 from this institution, which is the medical department of
the University of Illinois. Doctor Carpenter in 1908-9 was assistant in the medical
department of the University of Chicago under Professor Santee in histological work
in neurology. For two years he was assistant to Professor H. O. White in anatomy
in the University of Illinois, and also for two years assisted John M. Lang, M. D.,
in his clinic in the University of Illinois in gynecology and also assisted Walter C.
Jones, professor of surgical pathology in the University of Illinois, for two years.
Following his graduation in 1910, he removed to the northwest, settling at Spokane.
DR. WILLIAM T. CARPENTER
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 155
Later lie was located for a time at Ellensburg. Washington, and he afterward pur-
sued post-graduate work in the Chicago Eye, Ear, Xosc and Throat Hospital in 1917.
In the same year he opened an office in Toppenish, where he has since remained, and
although he continues in the general practice of medicine, he specializes in surgical
cases and in the treatment of diseases of the eye, ear, nose and throat. He is splen-
didly qualified along these lines and his efforts are productive of excellent results.
Doctor Carpenter has complete, and in every way, up-to-date equipment, including
an X-ray machine to facilitate his professional labors. His ability is acknowledged
by his colleagues and contemporaries in the profession and he is at all times keenly
interested in everj'thing that tends to bring to man the key to the complex mystery
which we call life.
In 1903 Dr. Carpenter was married to Miss Mary F. Heaton, of Spangle, Wash-
ington, and they now have an interesting little daughter, Vivian Flavilla. Doctor
Carpenter belongs to the Masonic fraternity, also to Elks Lodge Xo. 1102, at Ellens-
burg, Washington, to the Woodmen of the World and the Modern Woodmen of
.America. He has membership in the Toppenish Commercial Club and is interested
in everything pertaining to the welfare and progress of his community. Along
strictly professional lines his connections are with the Yakima County Medical So-
ciety, the Washington State Medical Society and the American Medical .-Kssociation
and thus he keeps in close touch with the trend of modern professional thought and
progress. He reads broadly, thinks deeply and is constantly promoting his ability
through study and today occupies a creditable position among the medical practi-
tioners of his section of the state.
JOHN B. WILLARD.
For more than three decades John B. Willard has been a resident of the Yakima
valley and is devoting his time and energies to the further development and im-
provment of a forty-acre homestead on the north fork of the Cowiche. The excellent
condition of the place indicates his enterprise, industry and determination. He was a
young man of about twenty-seven years when he removed to the northwest, his birth
having occurred in Marshal! county, Indiana, January 21, 1861, his parents being
James Edward and Ann Eliza (Lewis) Willard, the former a native of Xevv York,
while the latter was born in Indiana. James E. Willard was a son of Ezra Willard.
who was born in Xew York and who took his family to Indiana at an early day.
Farming has been the occupation of the family for many generations. In 1872 the
parents of John B. Willard removed to Kansas, taking up a homestead claim in Rice
county, and subsequently they went to Oklahoma, becoming pioneer residents of
(jrant county, where both now reside.
John B. Willard acquired a public school education and in 1881 went to Colorado
where he engaged in prospecting, working in the mines through three summers, the
winter months during that period being spent at home. Later he took up farming
on liis own account in Kansas and in 1888 he came to Yakima county, where he
entered government land on the Cowiche. He then turned his attention to stock
raising and the dairying business and later he rented two different farms. Subse-
quently he purchased a forty-acre homestead on the north fork of the Cowiche,
whereon he now resides, and his attention is given to the raising of wheat, oats, corn,
potatoes and hay. He annually harvests excellent crops, having a fine ranch. He
has built a good home and large barns upon the place and everything in his sur-
roundings indicates his progressive spirit, his keen business sagacity and his un-
faltering enterprise.
On the 21st of March. 1887, Mr. Willard was married to Miss Addie Davis, who
was born in Hardin county, Illinois, a daughter of Isaac and Catherine (Hufford)
Davis, who in 1874 removed to Kansas but in 1888 came to Yakima county, where
the father purchased land and also took up a homestead on the Cowiche. He has
now passed away, but the mother survives and resides in Yakima. To Mr. and Mrs.
Willard have been born eleven children: Laura, the wife of Bert Daggett, a rancher
on the Cowiche, by whom she has one child; Floyd, who is a member of the United
1S6 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
States army; Ellis, who married Verna Van Hoy and is a rancher on the Cowiche;
Stella, deceased; Guy, a rancher on the Cowiche, who married Nellie Thompson and
has one child; Grace, who is the wife of Richard Roley, a rancher on the Cowiche,
and has one child; Helen, James, Claude, Ruth and Emard, all at home.
In his political views Mr. Willard is a republican and he has served as road
supervisor. He has also been a member of the school board and the cause of educa-
tion finds in him a stalwart champion, as he believes that every opportunity should
be accorded the young to acquire a good education and thus provide for life's prac-
tical and responsible duties. As a business man he has proven his right to be classed
with the representative ranchers of his section of the state, for his carefully directed
labors have brought to him substantial success.
ERWIN S. SIMON.
Erwin S. Simon, identified with the horticultural interests of Yakima county, was
born in Renville county, Minnesota, August 17, 1879, a son of John B. and Mary L.
(Linse) Simon, who were early settlers of Minnesota. In the year 1915 they came
to Yakima county, Washington, and began ranching on the Tieton.
Spending his youthful days under the parental roof, Erwin S. Simon acquired a
high school education, supplemented by further study in a normal school. At the
outbreak of the Spanish-American war he enlisted for active service as a member
of Company C, Twelfth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, in 1898 and was mustered out
in 1899. He afterward learned the machinist's trade, which he continued to follow
for fourteen years at Brainerd. Minnesota, but attracted by the opportunities of the
rapidly developing northwest, he made his way to this section of the country and
purchased four acres of land two and a half miles from the city of Yakima. Upon
this place he is engaged in raising apples, peaches, pears and cherries and is meeting
with good success in his undertakings.
In 1902 Mr. Simon was married to Miss Elizabeth Fisher, of Minnesota, a
daughter of C. M. B. Fisher, and she passed away in 1910, leaving three children:
Clifford, Russell and Dorothy. In June, 1915, Mr. Simon was again married, his
second union being with Miss Luella A. Reeck, of Minnesota, daughter of Rev. A.
Reeck, and they have one child, Marcelle Gladys.
Mr. Simon is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, also of the
Brotherhood of American Yeomen and the International Association of Machinists.
The family attend the German Evangelical church. Politically Mr. Simon casts an
independent ballot, not caring to ally himself wth any party or to subject himself
to the dictates of party leaders. He has worked diligently for the attainment of his
success and is now the owner of a valuable property devoted to horticulture.
ZENAS Y. COLEMAN.
Commercial enterprise in Toppenish finds a worthy representative in Zenas V.
Coleman, who comes to the LTnited States from across the border, his birth having
occurred in Scotstown, Canada, on the 12th of August, 1872. His parents were
William and Flavilla (Knapp) Coleman, the former a native of Canada, while the
latter was born in Maine. Mr. Coleman had lived in the United States for about
twelve years prior to his marriage. Subsequently he returned to Canada, where the
birth of his son Zenas occurred, but when the boy was only about a year old the
parents once more came to tlie United States and settled upon a farm in New Hamp-
shire. At a subsequent date they again went to Canada, where they lived for two
years and then became residents of Michigan about 1883. They continued to make
their home in that state until 1891, w^hen they started for the far west with Seattle,
Washington, as their destination. The father was a farmer by occupation and fol-
lowed that pursuit in the various localities in which he made his home. His death
occurred in Seattle and his widow is still living.
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 157
Zenas Y. Coleman obtained a high school education in Michigan and when his
textbooks were put aside secured a clerkship in a store. In fact he began clerking
while still in high school, being thus employed at Stanton, Michigan, where he re-
mained in clerical work until 1896. He afterward spent two years as a clerk in
Chicago and in 1898 he came to Washington, making his Way to Yakima, where for
three years he was in the employ of the Henry H. Schott Company. He next took
charge of the business of the Moore Clothing Company, remaining as manager for
three years, and subsequently he was half owner of a shoe store in Yakima. There
he remained until 1908, when he sold his interest in that business and removed to
Toppenish. In the meantime or in December, 190S, he had been appointed register
of the United States land office by President Roosevelt and served in that connection
until 1908, when he resigned.
With his removal to Toppenish, Mr. Coleman purchased an interest in the Top-
penish Trading Company and became vice president and general manager, in which
connection he has since continued. The firm has built up a business of large pro-
portions and Mr. Coleman has been most active in producing this result. He applies
himself with thoroughness and earnestness to the work and puts forth every effort
to please his patrons, while his reliable business methods as well as his progressive-
ness have constituted an important force in the development of the business.
On the 16th of August. 1899, Mr. Coleman was married to Miss Edith M. Moore,
who had been a schoolmate in Stanton, Michigan. They became the parents of five
children but three of the number died in infancy, those still living being: Zenas Y.,
Jr., now twelve years of age; and Katherine, a little maiden of eight summers.
Mr. Coleman is well known in fraternal connections. He belongs to Yakima
Lodge No. 318, B. P. O. E., of which he is a past exalted ruler, is a member of Toppen-
ish Lodge No. 178, A. F. & A. M., of which he is now serving as master and he
has also taken the degrees of the Scottish Rite of Masonry in Yakima. He likewise
belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Yakima and to the Toppenish
Commercial Club, of which he served as president in 1915 and 1916. His political
endorsement is given to the republican party. He has been a member of the school
board of Toppenish and has served as a member of the state fair board by appoint-
ment of Governor Meade. At all times he manifests a public-spirited devotion to the
general welfare and has cooperated in large and active measure with movements
and projects put forth to benefit community and commonwealth. In public life, as in
business affairs, he is actuated by a progressivencss that knows no bounds and he
attacks everything with a contagious enthusiasm that easily wins the cooperation
and support of others.
EDMUND G. TENNANT.
Edmund G. Tennant, who has made valuable contribution to the development
and improvement of Yakima through his extensive real estate operations, was born
in Canada on the 24th of May, 1865, a son of Wesley and Sarah (Glasford) Tennant.
The father has now passed away but the mother is living, making her home with her
daughter at Des Moines, Iowa, at the age of eighty-four years. The father was en-
gaged in the investment business for a long time. In 1870 he removed with his
family to Des Moines, Iowa, and subsequently took up his abode in Guthrie Center,
Iowa, in later life, there passing away in 1913.
Edmund G. Tennant was but a little lad of five years when the family home
was established in Iowa and to the public school system of that state he is indebted
for the educational opportunities which he enjoyed. In his early boyhood he began
selling papers and thus earned his first money. He was also employed as an office
boy in Des Moines and afterward as delivery boy in connection with a grocery store
of that city. On attaining his majority he left home and went to North Dakota,
where he took up a homestead claim, to the development and improvement of which
he devoted his energies until 1889, when he sold that property and sought the oppor-
tunities of the northwest. Making his way to Washington, he was for a time identi-
fied with the lumber business on the coast but returned to Iowa in 1890 and entered
158 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
mercantile business at Anthon, where he remained for four years. He later removed
to Hartley. Iowa, where he carried on meichandising for three years, but eventually
sold out there and went to Alaska in the spring of 1897. He continued in th?.t coun-
try for five years, actively engaged in mining and in the lumber business. He estab-
lished the first sawmill in the Atlia mining district in British Columbia and he was
the owner of mines in the Forty Mile district on Jack Wade creek. He carried on
merchandising on the Yukon river and was the builder of a hotel at Skagway,
Alaska. He took the first linen, china and silver into a hotel at that point, Skagway,
and thus he was closely identified with the development of Alaska along many lines.
At length, however, he disposed of his interests in that country and in 1901 came
to Yakima, where he continued in the hotel business, leasing the Bartholet hotel,
which he conducted for three years. He also purchased much property here and in
1904 sold the hotel in order to concentrate his efforts and attention upon the real
estate business, buying a large amount of property and putting many additions upon
the market. He developed the Modern addition of sixty acres, which he divided into
lots and on which he erected medium priced residences. He later improved the New
Modern addition of twenty acres, upon which moderate priced homes were built.
He also built houses on the West and North Modern addition, covering twenty
acres. He developed the South Park addition of twenty acres, putting in improve-
ments on all of these and erecting buildings, and he likewise developed the Highland
additon of ten acres, the Richland addition of ten acres and a one-hundred-acre tract
devoted to suburban homes, each with one acre of ground. He was likewise one
of the partners in the firm of Tennant & Miles, having an eighty acre tract divided
into acre lots and the Fairview tract of twenty acres. Still another phase of the
real estate business claimed his attention, for he developed the Selah ten-acre tracts
in the Selah. covering several hundred acres. This is all now fine orchard. Mr. Ten-
nant has platted and sold several thousand acres of land and has become one of the
largest real estate operators in the valley. His labors have resulted in bringing
many thousands of people into the country, thus greatly advancing its upbuilding
and prosperity. Moreover, he is farming today over twelve hundred acres of irri-
gated land himself and he is now selling the Elliott Heights addition of twenty acres
and building thereon modern bungalows. He is the president of the Louden Land
Company that owns the bungalow addition to Yakima.
In November, 1890. Mr. Tennant was married to Miss Maude E. Thompson, of
Ithaca, Michigan, and they have an adopted son, Edmund G. Mr. Tennant votes
with the democratic party and he has membership with the Commercial Club of
Yakima. He also belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Benevolent
Protective Order of Elks and is a charter member of the Arctic Brotherhood. His
activities have taken him into various sections of the .'\merican continent and have
been wide in scope, useful in purpose and most resultant. His labors have been of
the greatest value in promoting the development and progress of this section ot the
state. Possessing broad, enlightened and libera! minded views, faith in himself and
in the vast potentialities for development inherent in his country's wide domain and
specific needs along the distinctive lines chosen for his life work, his has been an
active career in which he has accomplished important and far-reaching results, con-
tributing in no small degree to the expansion and material growth of the Yakima
valley and from which he himself has derived substantial benefit.
REUBEN J. HICKOK. *
.\ tine tract of thirty-five acres one mile east of Zillah bespeaks the prosperity of
Reuben J. Hickok, who now has twenty-four acres of this land in apples. He is not
only prominent in fruit raising, along which line he has been very successful, but
he also runs his own packing house and thus derives an extra profit from his under-
taking. A native of Clay county, Nebraska, he was born February 1, 1880, and is a
son of John G. and Bertha (Olson) Hickok, the former a native of Ohio and the latter
of Norway. They were early settlers of Nebraska but in 1888 made their way to
Washington, going to Snohomish. Seven years later, in 1895, the family arrived in
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 159
YakimcL county and here the father .-ngagtcl in draying at Zillah. which city is still
his home. He also has a small orchard there.
Mr. Hickok of this review in the acquirement of his education attended the pub-
lic schools and subsequently assisted his father until he reached his majority, when,
in 1901, he took up a homestead claim one mile east of Zillah, comprising one hun-
dred and sixty acres. All of this was sagebrush. He made a number of valuable im-
provements here and also instituted modern equipment, thus demonstrating his ideas
in regard to farming. Later, however, he sold all but thirty-five acres and twenty-
four acres of this tract is now in apples and he derives a very gratifying income from
his orcharding. He has not only built a substantial and handsome home but also has
its own packing house, thus facilitating the shipment of fruit and a storage cellar
with a capacity of six thousand boxes.
On September 9, 1900, Mr. Hickok was united in marriage to Miss Leona D.
Dunham, a daughter of George B. Dunham, the Dunhams being numbered among
the pioneer families of Yakima county, located on the .\htanum. To Mr. and Mrs.
Hickok were born three children: Lloyd, Ralph and Wilda.
The family is highly esteemed by all who know them as they are people of genu-
ine worth who are ever ready to give their aid to worthy measures undertaken on
behalf of the general public. Fraternally Mr. Hickok is a member of the Independ-
ent Order of Odd Fellows and has held all the chairs in the subordinate lodge and is
a member of the Grand Lodge. Politically he is a republican but has never found
time, nor has he the inclination to participate in public afTairs, preferring to do his
duties as a citizen in his private capacity of voter. There is great credit due him for
what he has achieved, as he has transformed a tract of wild land into a productive
orchard which is today one of the valuable estates of Yakima county.
ALFRED R. GARDNER.
The Courier-Reporter of Kennewick is one of the foremost newspapers of the
Yakima valley, having a circulation exceeding eleven hundred, largely in the eastern
part of Benton county. Its continued growth must be largely ascribed to .Alfred
R. Gardner, one of the best known and most successful newspaper men and editors
of this part of the state. A native of Oregon, he was born in Wallowa county,
January 31, 1884, and is a son of James P. and Mattie J. (Shaver) Gardner. His
parents were among the pioneers of Oregon, having removed to that state about
1878 from Kansas by the overland route and having also been among the pioneer
farming people of the Sunflower state. The father was a native of Wisconsin and
the mother was born in Kentucky. James P. Gardner died in 1905, but his widow
survives and makes her home in Walla Walla, Washington. He followed agricul-
tural pursuits throughout most of his life but in his later years, while at Enter-
prise, Oregon, he established a private investment and loan business, from which
he derived a gratifying income.
.A.lfred R. Gardner was reared under the parental roof and in the acquirement of
his education attended the public schools of his neighborhood and was graduated in
such good standing that he received a free scholarship to Whitman Academy, from
which he was graduated in the class of 1905. The printing and publishing business
having always held attractions for him, he then began work for the Walla Walla
Union as a proofreader in 1906 and there remained for four years. In .April, 1909,
he came to Kennewick and acquired an interest in the Kennewick Reporter, of
which he became editor. He formerly had been news editor of the L'nion and the
Statesman of Walla Walla. The Reporter had been founded by Scott Z. Hender-
son, who is now an attorney of Tacoma, and Mr. Gardner acquired an interest in
the paper in June, 1909, later buying it outright. On April 1, 1914, he joined the
publishers of the Kennewick Courier and incorporated the two papers under the
name of the Kennewick Printing Company, E. C. Tripp acting as president and
having charge of the printing department. R. E. Reed is vice-president and has
charge of the linotype department, while A. R. Gardner is secretary and treasurer,
in charge of the editorial department. The Kennewick Courier was established
100 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
March 21 , 1902, and the Reporter, January 24, 1904, the founder of the Courier being
E. P. Greene. It was first called the Columbia Courier. Since the consolidation
the Courier-Reporter has had a very successful career, its circulation increasing
from year to year. It is an eight page, six column weekly, all home print, and has
a circulation of eleven hundred, which largely covers the eastern part of Benton
county. In its editorial policy it has always stood for progress and development
and its editorials have ever excited favorable comment because of their trenchant,
forceful style and have done much good in bringing about improvements. The
news columns are lively and interesting and there is seldom an item of interest
that is overlooked by the editorial department. It is a readable home paper, which
fact is evident in that it finds its way to eleven hundred families. The equipment
of the Courier-Reporter is thoroughly modern and up-to-date, including the most
improved linotypes and presses and other appurtenances pertaining to the modern
printing and publishing establishment.
On May 24, 1908, Mr. Gardner was united in marriage to Miss Mabel Kirkland,
of Enterprise, Oregon, a daughter of A. P. and Louise (Clarke) Kirkland, both
Oregon pioneers, the latter a native of that state, while the former removed there
while yet a boy. To Mr. and Mrs. Gardner has been born one child, Jean, three
years of age.
Mr. Gardner is always interested in progress and development, which he not
only promotes through his newspaper, but he also serves as secretary of the Com-
mercial Club of Kennewick, of which he is an ex-president. In his political affilia-
tions he is a republican, steadfastly standing for the principles of the party but
without ambition for office. Fraternally he is a member of the Knights of Pythias
and the principles of brotherhood underlying this organization guide him in his
conduct toward his fellowmen. Mr. Gardner must be considered one of the most
valuable citizens of his part of the state, doing much toward making it a better
place in which to live.
WLLIAM H. REDMAN.
William H. Redman is now living retired in Yakima but for many years was
active and prominent in business and through intelligently directed effort won the
success that now enables him to rest from further labors. He was born in New-
bern, Indiana, on the 6th of December, 1848, a son of Lucian G. and Mary (Adams)
Redman. The mother was a native of Maryland, but her mother with two brothers
and a sister located in Indiana in pioneer times and in the '30's went to Iowa, casting
in their lot with the pioneer settlers of that state, which had not yet been organized
as a territory. Later they returned to Indiana and it was in the Hoosier state thai
Mary .\dams became the wife of Lucian G. Redman. The latter was a son ol
Reuben Redman, a native of Kentucky, who in 1832 removed to Columbus, Indiana.
Lucian G. Redman learned the business of cutting and tailoring, devoting his
early manhood to that trade, but afterward he purchased a farm five miles east o
Columbus, Indiana, taking up his abode thereon in 1850. For many years he con
tinned to cultivate and develop the property, remaining there until his later life, when
he retired from active farm work, enjoying a well earned rest to the time of his
death.
William H. Redman acquired a public school education and then attended
Hartsville College, of Indiana. He taught school as a young man and thus provided
for his college course. He also worked on farms through the summer seasons and
after completing his college training he became a civil engineer, having studied
surveying at Hartsville College and also further augmenting his ability in that
direction by private study. He became city and county engineer at Columbus, Indi-
ana, and later was engaged in railway engineering work. He was advanced until he
had served as chief engineer of three different railroads. He served as division
engineer of the Nickle Plate Railroad on thirty-six miles of double track and has
done engineering work on eleven different railway Hues. In 1888 he came to Wash-
ington, making his way first to Tacoma and later in the same year arrived in Yakima.
WILLIAM H. REDMAN
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 163
After taking up is abode in this city he was chief engineer of the Toppenisli, Sim-
coe & Western Railway. The road was built over a route to which Mr. Redman
had very serious objections, feeling that conditions existed that were not at all
favorable for the selection of that route. He built seventeen miles of the railway,
however, as the choice of route did not lay with him. Mr. Redman was also for
twelve years in charge of Indian irrigation projects on the Yakima Indian reserva-
tion and was in charge of the construction of the reservation canal. His engineering
work has been of a most important character, contributing much to the development
and upbuilding of this section of the country, and he deserves great credit for what
he has accomplished.
Mr. Redman has also done important work in other connections. He was elected
and served for five terms as mayor of Yakima. In politics he is a stalwart republi-
can and was nominated by that party for the office of mayor. At the first election
it was conceded that he received a majority of two, but on a recount the result was
declared a tie. This was for a short six weeks' term, at the end of which Mr. Redman
was formally elected mayor and continued in the office for four terms in all. giving
to the city a most progressive administration. He closely studied municipal needs
and opportunities and his labors were productive of most beneficial and gratifying
results. He studied the problems of the city with the same thoroughness that he
gave to engineering problems and his labors wroughts for results that were of great
value to Yakima. He was a member of the first city cominission, when the city
had adopted the commission form of government. In connection with his other
work Mr. Redman assisted in the construction of the Selah ditch. Mr. Redman has
also been very successful at orcharding. At the Louisiana Purchase Exposition at
St. Louis he exhibited an apple grown in his orchard weighing forty-eight ounces.
This was the largest apple ever exhibited and he was awarded a gold medal for it.
Unfortunately the medal was later stolen from Mr. Redman.
It was on the 4th of July, 1882, that Mr. Redman was married to Miss Carrie
Kinsley, of Angola, New York, who passed away in Yakima, May 29, 1889. In 1892
he wedded Carrie Bickroy, of Macon, Missouri. There is one son of the first mar-
riage, Dwight Raymond, who is now a designing engineer in the United States In-
dian irrigation service. By the second marriage there were two children but the
younger died in infancy, the surviving one being Ralph Harrison.
Fraternally Mr. Redman is a Mason, belonging to Yakima Lodge, Xo. 24, F.
cS: A. M. He was forinerly a member of the Commercial Club. He has been widely
known and prominent in this section of the country for many years and was very
active in business and professional circles but is now living retired, enjoying a rest
which he has truly earned and richly merits. His course has at. all times marked him
as a progressive and valued citizen and his personal characteristics have brought him
the friendship and high regard of many.
ARCHIE B. MARSHALL.
Archie B. Marshall, actively engaged in the grocery business in Grandview since
1916, has built up a trade of large and gratifying proportions and is accounted one
of the most enterprising and progressive merchants of the town. He comes to the
west from Pennsylvania, his birth having occurred in Indiana county, that state, on
the 27th of June, 1858, a son of Archibald and Mary A. (Wadding) Marshall, both
of whom were natives of Indiana county. The father devoted his life to the occu-
pation of farming until his labors were stayed by the hand of death. His widow
survives and is yet living in the Keystone state.
Archie B. Marshall completed his education in the Glade Run Academy of
Pennsylvania and in early life became familiar with the occupaton of farming, but
desirous of entering commercial circles, he established a grocery store at Punxsu-
tawney, Pennsylvania, and afterward was proprietor of a store at Indiana, Penn-
sylvania. The year 1906 witnessed his removal to the northwest. He made his way
first to Oregon and in 1907 came to Grandview, Washington, where he purchased
164 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
twenty acres of orchard land, thirteen acres of which had been planted to fruit.
Later he sold this place, disposing of it about 1908. He afterward spent another
year in the east, but the lure of the west was upon him and he returned to Grand-
view, where he had his home. He bought seven and a half acres of orchard land
near Grandview and later he spent the year 1915 in the grocery business in Yakima.
-\gain he returned to Grandview, where he has since been engaged in the grocery
trade and has the largest store of the town. He also purchased another grocery
store in Grandview and conducts both establishments under the name of ."V. B.
Marshall & Son. He is liberally patronized and is regarded as a forceful and
resourceful business man whose progressive spirit is manifest in the gratifying
success which has attended him.
In 1887 Mr. Marshall was united in marriage to Miss Emma Diven, who was
born in Indiana county, Pennsylvania, a daughter of Frank Diven, a farmer. Mr.
and Mrs. Marshall are the parents of two children: Earl, who died at the age of
two years: and Fred D., who married Gladys Evans and is in business with his father.
Mr. and Mrs. Marshall are members of the Presbyterian church and he gives
his political allegiance to the Republican party. He was active in township affairs
in Pennsylvania, filling a number of offices, and has served as a member of the
town council of Grandview. He belongs to the Business Men's .Association and is
a most alert and energetic man who has been very active as an orchardist, con-
ducting other orchards besides his own. He has become expert in that line and
his experience and knowledge enable him to speak with authority upon the subject
of fruit raising in the Yakima valley. He established the grocery store for his
son and in both branches of business he is meeting with well merited and well
deserved success.
ROY P. BULLAN.
Roy P. BuUan is actively identified with farming interests in Yakima county
as manager of the Bullan estate. He was born in Crookston, Minnesota, on the
26th of April, 1885, a son of Jesse P. and Maria A. (Tubbs) Bullan, who were natives
of Michigan and of New York respectively. They removed to Minnesota in 1882
and the father was there engaged in farming until 1901, when he made his way to
the Pacific northwest, settling in Yakima county, where he purchased twenty-five
acres of land two miles west of the city of Y^akima on Nob Hill. He planted his
land to fruit trees and after a time sold thirteen acres of his property. In his
fruit-raising interests he met with success, having been very careful in the selection
of his nursery stock and in the care of his trees and the preparation of the soil.
He was a man of excellent business ability and of unfaltering energy. At the time
of the Civil war, however, he put aside all business and personal considerations and
responded to the country's call for troops. He was living at that time in Wisconsin'
and he joined Company A of the Third Wisconsin Cavalry, with which he served
from 1861 until 1865, participating in a number of hotly contested engagements
and proving his loyalty and valor on various southern battlefields. He died on the
19th of September. 1917, having for a number of years survived his wife, who passed
away on the 21st of July, 1904. Both were consistent members of the Methodist
church and their sterling worth gained for them the high regard, confidence and
good will of all with whom they were brought in contact.
To Mr. and Mrs. Bullan were born seven children: Edith, who died at the age
of two years; Eva M., the wife of E. B. Himmelsbach, of Yakima county; Clara E.,
the wife of E. E. Hanna, deceased; Mamie A., living on Nob Hill, who became the
wife of A. W. Brewer, who was killed in a street car accident; Russell J.; Ruby E.,
at home; and Roy P., of this review.
The last named acquired a public school education and became an active assis-
tant of his father in the work of the ranch. He soon familiarized himself with the
best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the trees as well as the harvesting of
the crop and placing it upon the market and since his father's death he has acted
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 165
as executor of the estate. He is an alert, energetic and progressive young business
man and his labors have brought him substantial success.
Mr. Bullan is a member of the Grange and is interested in the work of that
organization for the dissemination of knowledge that is of benefit in promoting the
agricultural and horticultural development of the state. His political views are in
accord with the principlss of the republican party and his religious faith is that of
the Methodist church.
FRANK D. CLEMMER.
Frank D. Clemmer. filling the position of county clerk, and ex-officio clerk of
the superior court, of Yakima county, where he has made his home since December,
1891, was born in Berks county, Pennsylvania, on the 31st of May. 1868, a son of
Abraham G. and Elizabeth Clemmer. The mother died about 1876, when thirty-five
years of age, and the father afterward married and removed to the west in 1897,
taking up his abode in Yakima. His last days were spent in retirement from busi-
ness in the home of his son, Frank D., with whom he continued until called to his
final rest.
Frank D. Clemmer, following the completion of his public school education,
entered the creamery business in Pennsylvania and was connected therewith for
two years. He then turned his attention to harboring, which business he followed
for twenty years. In December, 1891, he arrived in Yakima and became identified
with a barber shop, purchasing an interest in the business of Pat Jordan in 1896.
He carried on the business until 1910, when he sold his interests. He was then
called to public office, being elected constable, and he served in that position for
six years or until 1916, when he was elected county clerk and ex-ofificio clerk of the
superior court. He took the office in January, 1917, for a two years' term.
On the 2d of November, 1899, Mr. Clemmer was united in marriage with Miss
Minnie I. Sherwood, of Yakima, who was born in Minnesota and is a daughter of
C. A. Sherwood, who came to Yakima in 1892. They have three children; Lenore,
Ruth and Frances.
Mr. Clemmer belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and to the
encampment and in the subordinate lodge has filled all of the chairs. He was a
delegate to the state convention of the order at Bellingham in 1902. He likewise
has membership with the Woodmen of the World and was a delegate to its national
convention in Denver in 1902 and in Los -Angeles in 1905. For eight years he served
as secretary of the local camp of Woodmen and he also occupied the poaiton of
secretary of the Barbers' LTnion of Yakima for several years. In 1896 he went to
San Francisco, where he pursued a course in Hcald's Business College, from which
he was graduated in 1897, thus further qualifying for life's practical and responsible
duties. For the past twenty years he has been a member of the Commercial Club
of Yakima and is interested in all of its well defined plans and projects for the
upbuilding of the city and its improvement along all those lines which are a matter
of civic virtue and civic pride. He votes with the republican party and his religious
faith is that of the First Church of Christ. He is well known as a substantial and
representative citizen of Yakima and enjoys the high respect, confidence and good
will of all with whom he has been brought in contact.
CHARLES WILEY.
Agricultural interests of more than ordinary importance were for years repre-
sented by Charles Wiley, a member of the famous pioneer family which has been
most helpfully and intimately connected with the history of development in Yakima
county. Mr. Wiley was born March 7, 1873. He was a native of Yakima county
and a son of Hugh and Mary Ann (TufFt) Wiley, natives of Westmoreland county,
Pennsylvania, and Quebec, Canada, respectively, who are mentioned more exten-
(8)
166 HISTORY OF YA'KIMA VALLEY
sively in connection with the sketch of James J. Wiley, a brother of our subject.
Charles Wiley was carefully reared by his parents for life's arduous duties. In
his youth he became thoroughly acquainted with pioneer conditions, which then
maintained in Yakima county, and thus his life's work was closely connected with
the early history of the county to its present state of wonderful development. In
the acquirement of his education he attended Woodcock Academy and subsequently
ranched in the Ahtanum district until his death. In 1904 he acquired one hundred
and forty-five and a half acres on the Ahtanum which were partially improved and
to the cultivation of which he gave his further attention, becoming prominent in the
stock and dairy business. He closely studied along this line and became in fact
a leader of dairy interests in his section of the state, also being very progressive in
general farming. He instituted many new methods which set an example to other
agriculturists and thus not only attained individual prosperity but greatly con-
tributed toward making this one of the richest sections of the state.
On the 22d of February, 1905, Mr. Wiley was united in marriage to Miss Ellen
M. Fear, a native of England, who with her parents came to the United States in
1889 when she was but a child. The family located on the .\htanum, in Yakima
county, and Mrs. Fear passed away in Yakima on December 4, 1890. Mr. Fear
has successfully followed agricultural lines and is now a resident of Yakima. To
Mr. and Mrs. Wiley were born two children: Cecil Albert, whose birth occurred
on the 20th of February, 1906; and Stanley Charles, born March 7, 1908.
Mrs. Wiley is a member of the Congregational church and interested not only
in church work but also in all movements undertaken on behalf of the uplift of the
human race. She is charitably inclined and ever ready to extend a helping hand to
those whose life's course is not made easy and thus she is greatly beloved because
of her qualities of heart and mind.
Mr. Wiley was a republican and ever stood up for the principles of that party,
steadfastly supporting its candidates. In his passing on November 15, 1916, when
but forty-three years of age, Yakima county lost one of its most enterprising agri-
culturists and a man who was ready to give his aid to every movement that was
worth while. His death was not only a great blow to his immediate family, who
lost in him a devoted husband and father, but also to many friends, all of whom
had come to appreciate his highmindedness and loyal character. His memory will
live as a benediction to all who knew him and his work along agricultural lines
stands as a monument to his enterprise and industry, being a part of the prosperity-
creating development in Yakima county that in turn makes for better and higher
and more perfect conditions for the enjoyment of life here.
FRANK CARPENTER.
Frank Carpenter, -president of the Cle Elum State Bank, was born upon a tarm
near Girard, Illinois, June 5, 1871, a son of Charles and Lottie (Peak) Carpenter.
The father, a native of Iowa, was a son of a pioneer settler of that state. He
crossed the plains to California in 1864 and spent three years in that state and in
Oregon, after which he returned to Illinois by way of the Isthmus of Panama. He
then settled near Girard, Illinois, where he resided until 1906, when he came to Cle
Elum, Washington, where he is now living retired. He assisted in opening the first
coal mine at Girard, Illinois, and was there engaged in merchandising as well as
being a mine owner and operator. His wife was born in Illinois.
Frank Carpenter acquired a public school education in his native state and in
September, 1888, became connected with the United States land office at Lamar,
Colorado, where he remained for five months. He then went to Pueblo, Colorado,
where he was with an abstract firm for two months, and on the 30th of April, 1889,
he arrived in Tacoma, Washington. On the 9th of May of the same year he became
messenger boy in the Merchants National Bank of Tacoma and remained with that
institution until 1893. He was afterward employed along various lines of business
until 1896, when he went to Spokane, Washington, and was connected with W. H.
Adams & Company, commission merchants, for a period of two years. In 1898 he
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 167
became a resident of Libby, Montana, where he took a position as accountant with
the Northwest Mining Corporation of London, having charge of the business in his
line in connection with the Snowshoe mine of Libby, Montana. There he continued
until 190L In 1902 he again became connected with the banking busiess as cashier
of the Bank of Edwall in Washington, with which he was associated until October
31, 1904, when he came to Cle Elum and organized the Cle Elum State Bank. This
was the first banking institution to become a permanent factor in the business life
of the town. The Cle Elum State Bank was opened November 2. 1904, the first
officers being: Frank Carpenter, president; Thomas L. Gamble, vice-president; and
R. R. Short, cashier. The bank had an authorized capital stock of twenty-five thou-
sand dollars, with fifteen thousand dollars paid in, and at the end of the first
year they had only twenty-nine thousand dollars on deposit. From that time for-
ward, however, the business steadily grew and at the end of the second year they
had eighty-five thousand dollars on deposit. In 1906 they erected a substantial brick
building, in which the bank w^as soon comfortably housed. In 1908 Mr. Gamble
passed away and the following year Henry Smith was elected to the vice-presidency
of the bank, continuing in the office until his death in 1915. In 1916 he was succeeded
by William Rees, who is still in that position. Walter J^ Reed was elected a director
in 190,T but has also departed this life. The other directors aside from the president
and vice-president are M. C. Miller. Joseph Smith and Charles Carpenter. Today
the Cle Elum State Bank has a paid in capital stock of fifty thousand dollars, with
a surplus of ten thousand dollars and undivided profits of about five thousand dollars,
while its deposits amount to almost eight hundred thousand dollars. The capital
stock was increased in 1909 and was all paid in at that time. Mr. Short retired as
cashier in March, 1905, and L. R. Nelson succeeded him. In 1906 the bank estab-
lished a branch, known as the Roslyn Branch of the Cle Elum State Bank, with
D. G. Bing as its first cashier. He was sujcceeded by L. R. Nelson as cashier and
in July, 1918, Joseph Smith was appointed to the position. A modern brick bank build-
ing was erected at Roslyn in 1908.
On the 3d of June, 1908, Mr. Carpenter was married to Miss Norah Carr, a
native of Girard, Illinois, and a daughter of Harmen and Margaret (Bowersox)
Carr, natives of Miami county, Ohio. The father opened the first exclusive clothing
and men's furnishing goods store in Girard, Illinois, in 1868, in which business he
remained until he passed away in 1897. Mr. and Mrs. Carpenter were schoolmates,
so that their acquaintance dated from early life. They have one daughter, Margaret.
Fraternally Mr. Carpenter is a Mason, belonging to Cle Elum Lodge No. 139,
A. F. & A. M., and he also has membership with the Benevolent Protective Order
of Elks, while his wife is a member of the Universalis! church. In politics he is a
republican and he served as mayor of Cle Elum. for a year. He has been chairman
of the Liberty Loan drives here, doing splendid work in that connection, raising
the quota for the town during the honor week. He is interested in the promotion
of every public enterprise that has for its motive the upbuilding of the community
and the betterment of humanity. This characteristic with marked patriotism entitles
him to stand in the class of the highest type of .American manhood.
W. N. Ll'BY.
W. N. Luby, a horticulturist and a merchant of Wapato, whose business inter-
ests are wisely, carefully and successfully directed, was born in Oconto, W'isconsin,
on the 29th of January, 1873, a son of William and Mary Luby, who in the year 1904
became residents of Seattle, Washington, where the father passed away, while the
mother still lives there. Mr. Luby was a real estate dealer and land operator and
was recognized as a representative business man of his community.
After mastering the branches of learning taught in the public schools W. N.
Luby entered the employ of the Bank of Ironwood at Ironwood, Michigan, where
he served as assistant cashier. Later he was with Armour & Company for ten
years as traveling auditor, traveling out of Chicago, and in 1905 he arrived in
Wapato, where he erected the first building on the new townsite. He afterward
168 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
organized the Wapato Trading Company and built a one-storj- frame building thirty
by eighty feet. This has twice been rebuilt in the intervening period and the busi-
ness block is now fifty-five by one hundred and twenty-five feet, one storj' and
basement. It is utilized as a department store, Mr. Luby handling a large and
attractive line of ladies' and men's ready-to-wear clothing, dry goods, hardware and
groceries. Something of the volume of his business is indicated in the fact that
he now employs from eight to ten people. In 1913 he was joined by his brother,
C. J. Luby, who is now a partner in the business, and they rank with the leading
and representative merchants of this part of the state, characterized in all that they
do by a spirit of enterprise and progressiveness. Mr. Luby is also the owner of a
fine fruit ranch of eighty acres, devoted to the raising of apples, pears, peaches and
apricots.
Mr. Luby is a member of the Elks lodge. No. 318, of Yakima, also of the Wapato
Commercial Club, of which he served as president for two terms, covering 1916 and
1917. His political alegiance is given to the republican party, of which he has ever
been a stanch advocate. He is recognized as a man of genuine worth, standing for
all that is progressive in citizenship and also for all projects and interests which have
to do with civic progress and improvement. As a citizen he has co-operated in many
plans that have been directly beneficial to Wapato.
PHIL A. DITTER.
Phil A. Ditter has throughout his entire business career, which began when he
was but thirteen years of age, been identified with mercantile interests and is today
at the head of the oldest retail business of Yakima. The story of his thrift and enter-
prise is an inspiring one and should serve to encourage others. He was born in
Shakopee, Minnesota, May 11, 1868, a son of Henry and Katherine (Mechtel) Ditter,
who were pioneer residents of Yakima, where they arrived on the 23d of July, 1884.
The father was a native of Baden, Germany, but was a lad of onh- fifteen j-ears when
he came to America, making his way at once to Fond du Lac. Wisconsin, where he
was reared to manhood. After attaining his majority he removed to Minnesota and
was there united in marriage, in 1867, to Miss Katherine Mechtel. Before North
Yakima had been founded Mr. Ditter removed to the west, traveling by stage from
The Dalles to Yakima City and later removing to North Yakima when the latter
place was founded. There he remained to the time of his death and was ever one of
its most loyal and progressive citizens. He was engaged in merchandising from an
early age, although about sixteen years before his demise he turned his interests over
to his sons and retired from active business. Subsequent to his arrival in the north-
west he joined the firm of Hoscheid & Bartholet, proprietors of a general store in
Yakima city. It was the first dry goods establishment of Yakima and had been
founded several years before by Peter T. Gervais. After a year's connection with the
business Mr. Ditter purchased the interests of his first partners and remained for
two and a half years at Yakima City. He removed the business to North Yakima
in the fall of 1888 and opened a store in the west half of the First National Bank
building, for which he paid a rental of fifty dollars per month. He began dealing in
dry goods, men's furnishings and shoes, in a building twenty-five by eighty-two feet.
He remained in active connection with the business until January, 1893, and then
turned it over to his two sons, Phil A. and Joseph E. Retiring from active life, he
then spent his remaining days in the enjoyment of a well earned rest until called to
his final home on the 29th of November, 1908. He had for about three years sur-
vived his first wife, who died in 1905. He was highly esteemed as a most enter-
prising and progressive citizen as well as a merchant and was an active democrat
but did not seek or desire office. His religious faith was that of the Catholic church
and he was an active member and communicant of St. Joseph's church and also an
interested member of the Knights of Columbus. His family numbered three chil-
dren, the two brothers previously mentioned and a sister, Anna, who became the
wife of Charles R. Donovan, cashier of the First National Bank. He belonged also to
the Catholic Knights of Wisconsin and to St. Joseph's Central Verein. After losing
HENRY DITTER
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 171
his first wife he was married at Port Townscnd to Miss Bessie March, who survives
him. Those who knew him entertained for him the warmest regard for he had
proven himself a man of genuine worth in business, in citizenship and in the relations
of private life.
Phil A. Ditter acquired his education in public schools and also in a Sisters'
school of Minnesota. He started work when a boy of thirteen years in his father's
store and has been identified with mercantile interests since that time. Prior to 1893
the firm of which he is now a member conducted business under the name of Henry
Ditter but since that date has been carried on under the style of Ditter Brothers.
In 1901 they erected their new store building between Second and Third streets, on
East Yakima avenue. It is a two-story and basement structure fifty by one hundred
and thirty feet and they also own a fifty-foot frontage lot east of the store and ex-
pect to enlarge their building after the war. They now carry an extensive line of
dry goods and ladies' ready-to-wear clothing and their stock includes all that the
latest market affords. Theirs is the oldest retail business in Yakima, having been
in existence for a Q.uarter of a century. Ditter Brothers employ the most progres-
sive methods in the conduct and management of their business and have thus fol-
lowed in the footsteps of their father, who was so long an honored and respected
merchant of the city.
Phil A. Ditter was married on the 13th of June, 1894, to Miss Mary A. Duffey,
of Minnesota, and their children are: Henry J., twenty-one years of age, residing in
Seattle; -Amor P.. who is a student in Gonzaga University of Spokane: and Berna-
dine A., at home. Two other children died in infancy.
Mr. Ditter has membership with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and,
like his father, is identified with the Knights of Columbus, having held all of the
chairs in the local organization. He has likewise filled all of the offices in the
Catholic Order of Foresters and again Hkc his father is a communicant of St. Joseph's
Catholic church. He has been active in associated charity work and was one of
the organizers of the Associated Charities of Yakima, and has served as president
for five years. In politics he is an independent republican and he belongs to the
Commercial Club, in which he has served on the governing board. He is actuated in
all that he does by a spirit of enterprise and progress that falters not in the face of
obstacles and difficulties but is constantly seeking out new, improved and progres-
sive methods whereby he may reach the desired goal. His establishment is an im-
portant factor in the commercial circles of Yakima, where the name of Ditter has
long been an honored one.
JOSEPH E. DITTER.
The name of Ditter has long been an honored one in commercial circles in
Yakima and for a quarter of a century Joseph E. Ditter has been associated with
his brother in the ownership and conduct of a business with which their father had
previously been long connected. Joseph E. Ditter was born in St. James, Minnesota.
December 6, 1871, a son of Henry Ditter, who is mentioned at length in connection
with the sketch of Phil A. Ditter on another page of this work.
Spending his youthful days under the parental roof, Joseph E. Ditter acquired
a public and parochial school education and received his initial business training
in his father's store and under the father's direction. He thoroughly mastered busi-
ness principles and in 1893 took over the business, the father in that year turning
over his interests to his sons. Henry Ditter had long been a most active and prom-
inent figure in commercial circles and the splendid qualities which he displayed
throughout his entire mercantile career seem to have descended to his sons, who
have been his most worthy successors. They are both men of marked business en-
terprise, keen discernment and indefatigable energy and these qualities are com-
bined with straightforward dealing. They have always followed constructive meas-
ures in the conduct of their business and have built up their interests according to
the most advanced commercial standards.
In April, 1901, Joseph E. Ditter was united in marriage to Miss Alma L. Schanno,
172 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
a native of The Dalles, .Oregon, and to them have been born four children: Harold,
Florence, Edward and Joseph.
Fraternally Mr. Ditter is connected with the Benevolent Protective Order of
Elks and also with the Knights of Columbus and in the latter organization has filled
all of the chairs. He likewise has membership with the Catholic Order of Foresters
and is a member of St. Joseph's Catholic church. His political allegiance is given to
the republican party and he keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the
day, diligently and earnestly supporting every measure or movement that he believes
will prove of public benefit. He is a member of the Country Club and has a wide
acquaintance in Yakima, where he has made his home for so many years and where
his course at all times has measured up to the highest standards.
■ CHARLES H. FORBES.
Charles H. Forbes dates his residence in Yakima county from 1905 and is
identified with its horticultural interests and development. He was born in Ver-
ona township, Faribault county, Minnesota, August 22, 1858, a son of Benjman F.
and Sophronia Forbes, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of New
York. They were married, however, in Wisconsin and in the year 1857 removed
westward to Minnesota, casting in their lot among the pioneer settlers of that
state. The father devoted his attention to farming there until the outbreak of the
Civil war, when he responded to the country's call for troops, enlisting in Company
D, Ninth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry Regiment, with which he served until the
close of the war. He continued to make his home in Verona township to the
time of his death, which occurred in 1902. •
Charles H. Forbes was still comparatively young when he took charge of the
home farm and his early training and experience were along' that line, for when
but a boy in years he became familiar with the work of the fields. He continued to
follow farming in the middle west until 1905, when he sold his property, embrac-
ing two hundred and forty acres of land. He then made his way to Yakima, Wash-
ington, and purchased a house and lot at No. 116 South Tenth avenue. For two
years he continued to reside in the city and during that period was engaged in
the hay trade. In 1907 he purchased ten acres of land two and one half miles south-
west of Yakima and has since replanted a considerable portion of this. He has
six acres in apples, pears, peaches, plums and cherries and his orchards are in ex-
cellent bearing condition. He built the barn upon his place and has in other ways
greatly improved the property. His mother now lives with him and has reached
the age of eighty-two years.
In politics Mr. Forbes is a prohibitionist, having long been a stanch supporter
of the prohibition cause. His religious faith is that of the Baptist church and his
sterling worth of character has gained for him the high esteem and warm regard of
all with whom he has been brought in contact throughout the period of his residence
in this section of the country.
WILLIAM M. McGOWAN.
William M. McGowan, the secretary and treasurer of the Toppenish Trading
Company and an active factor in the continued development of its business, was
born in Huron county, Ontario, Canada, in 1871, a son of Robert and Isabella (Cum-
mings) McGowan, who in the year 1889 came to the northwest, settling at Salem,
Oregon. The father was a farmer by occupation.
Public school opportunities qualified William M. McGowan for the practical
duties of life. In his youthful days he was employed in various ways and in 1889
accepted a position with the Wells Fargo Express Company at Salem, Oregon.
In 1891 he removed to Portland, Oregon, and afterward was with the banking depart-
ment of the express company, remaining in that connection until the company sold
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 173
out to the United States Bank in 1905. Mr. McGowan was afterward identified with
the United States National Bank of Portland until the fall of 1906, when he removed
lo Everett, Washington, where he embarked in business on his own account as a
dealer in mens' and women's clothing and furnishings. In June, 1907, he came to
Toppenish, where he entered into active connection with the Toppenish Trading
Company, which was incorporated in 1908. He was elected its secretary and treas-
urer and has since served in this dual position, covering the period of a decade.
Through the intervening years he has bent his energies to administrative direction
and executive control and in all things he has advised a constructive policy in busi-
ness, ever recognizing the fact that satisfied patrons arc the best advertisement. He
has not feared competition because of the reliable business- methods of the company,
displayed in the conduct of the business, and the growth of the trade has been
most substantial. Mr. McGowan has also been vice president and one of the direc-
tors of the Traders Bank since its organization in 1908 and is likewise a director of
the First Xational Bank..
On the 1st of November, 1899, Mr. McGowan was married to Miss Ella Pohle,
a native of Salem, Oregon. He belongs to the Toppenish Commercial Club and gives
hearty endorsement to all of its well defined plans for the advancement of the city's
business interests and for the promotion of its civic welfare. In politics he is a
republican, and while he has never sought for desired political office he has served
for six years on the school board and has done everything in his power to further
the interests of the schools in this locality. His religious faith is that of the Meth-
odist Episcopal church and he has been a devoted follower of its teachings, doing
all in his power to promote the moral progress as well as the material development
of the community in which he makes his home.
CLARENCE S. PALMER.
Clarence S. Palmer has been identified with the livery business in EUensburg
for a third of a century and throughout the entire period has enjoyed a large patron-
age which was a profitable one until the automobile cut in on the business. He was
born near Norwich, Connecticut, March 26, 1856, a son of Stephen R. and Emeline
(Vanote) Palmer. The parents, removing westward in 1857, settled in Illinois,
where they lived for a decade, and in 1867 removed to Menomonie, Wisconsin.
There the father followed the occupation of farming throughout his remaining
days, both he and his wife passing away in that state. At the time of the Civil
war, he put aside all business and personal considerations and responded to the
country's call for troops, valiantly aiding the Union cause on various southern
battlefields.
On the 16th of April, 1877, Clarence S. Palmer, then a young man of twenty-one
years, left home and started for the Black Hills, where he spent four months. He
afterward went to Cheyenne, Wyoming, and was engaged in railway construction
work in that locality for a few months. He then devoted two years to freighting
between Colorado Springs and Leadville, driving an eight-mule team. The year
1879 witnessed his arrival in New Mexico, where he was employed on construction
work on the Sante Fe Railroad. He subsequently returned to Colorado Springs
and rode the range as a cowboy for one summer. On the expiration of that period
he returned to Leadville, where he engaged in hauling ores through the winter, and
then again made his way to New Mexico, where he remained for a year, devoting
his attention to railway work. He afterward spent a winter in the vicinity of Den-
ver and subsequently made his way to Pocatello, Idaho, where he arrived about
1881. He was again engaged in railway construction work in that locality until
he went to Pendleton, Oregon, where he lived for a short time. Making his way
northward, he settled at Ainsworth, Washington, where he was employed on the
construction of the Northern Pacific Railroad, taking contract work in connection
with the building of the road through the Yakima valley. In February, 1886, he
established his home in EUensburg, where he embarked in the livery business, in
which he has since been engaged. In April, 1890, he built a fine big barn, which
174 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
he is still conducting. This is the joint property of himself and his brother, Arthur
V. They have been continuously associated in business since the spring of 1880
and is all of their travels, the closest connection existing between them in all of
their interests.
On the 20th of March. 1888, Mr. Palmer was married to Miss Lulu H. Simon,
who was born in Menomonie, Wisconsin, a daughter of Andrew Simon, who removed
with his family to Seattle in 1884. Mrs. Palmer became a resident of Yakima City
in that year and became a teacher in the public schools in 1883, being employed as
one of the first teachers of the city. In 1886 she taught school in Kittitas county,
making the journey hither by stage. She became the wife of Mr. Palmer in Seattle
and to them have been born three children. George S., a draftsman living in Seattle,
is married and has one child. Emeline is the wife of H. R. Bartlett, who is a lieuten-
and in the United States navy, doing geodetic survey work. Mrs. Bartlett resides in
New York. Clarice L., also a resident of New York, married Fred Zeusler, who
is a senior lieutenant in the United States navy, and they have a baby girl.
Mr. Palmer is a democrat in his political views, and fraternally is connected with
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Elks lodge No. 1102 of Ellensburg.
He attends the Unitarian church and is interested in all those forces which make
for the material, intellectual, social, political and moral welfare of his community.
.\s the years have passed on and he has prospered in his undertakings he has ac-
cumulated considerable property, which places him now in comfortable financial
circumstances. He is a well known pioneer settler, thirty-three years having been
added to the cycle of the centuries since he took up his abode in Ellensburg, while
tor a much longer period he has been connected with the northwest. He has wit-
nessed much of its growth and progress as the years have passed and at all times
has co-operated heartily in plans and measures to promote the public good.
GEORGE I. CLITHERO.
George I. Clithero acquired a public school education and subsequently attended
was born in Cloud county, Kansas, May 8, 1873, a son of James and Xancy (Mc-
Eckron) ■ Clithero, the former a native of England, while the latter was born in
Xew York. The year 1869 witnessed their arrival in Kansas, where the father took
up the occupation of farming. Later in life, however, he turned his attention to
merchandising, but both he and his wife have now passed away.
George I. Clithero. a well known representative of hotel interests in Yakima,
Campbell University at Holton, Kansas. In e:(rly manhood he took up the pro-
fession of teaching, whicli he followed in the Sunflower state with marked success
for seven years, but believing that broader opportunities were furnished in other
lines of business, he then left the schoolroom to enter the mercantile field and carried
on commercial pursuits in Kansas until March, 1908, when he removed to Yakima.
Here he purchased the Cadwell Hotel, now known as the Merit Hotel, and con-
ducted it for seven years. In 1911 he opened the Warfield Hotel of twenty-four
rooms and also the Butler Hotel, containing twenty-eight rooms, but in 1917 he sold
the Warfield. In January, 1914, he purchased the Rinkcr Hotel of twenty-six rooms,
and of this is still proprietor. In January, 1917, he purchased the Lessard Hotel,
of twenty-six rooms, in July, 1917, the Empire Hotel of eighty-five rooms, and on
October 1, 1918, the Pacific Hotel of sixty rooms, which latter is now connected with the
Empire Hotel by a ten-foot bridge. They are all outside rooms and the two hotels
are thoroughly modern in construction, equipment and appointments. Formerly Mr.
Clithero was proprietor of six hotels and is now conducting five, which, together,
contain two hundred and twenty rooms. He is well known as a progressive hotel
man, actuated by a spirit of enterprise in all that he undertakes.
On the 26th of May. 1898. Mr. Clithero was united in marriage to Miss Myrtle
Linville. a native of Missouri and a daughter of Augustus J. Linville, who was in turn
a descendant of Beniamin Linville, one of the pioneers of Pennsylvania. To Mr. and
Mrs. Clithero have been born eleven children. Russell L. Clithero, eighteen years of
GEORGE I. CLITHERO
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 177
age, was first with Company B of the Thirtieth Engineers of the United States army,
and is now in France. At the time of signing the armistice he had been a member
lor two months of Company B, F'irst Regiment, Gas Infantry, and he was at the
front lor a period of ten months. He is a graduate of the high school, and, although
so young, is actuated by a spirit of loyalty so sincere that it prompted him to join
the colors. Raymond is now a high school student. Margaret, Laura, Dorothy,
Kuth, Irving, i-ois, i-lorence, James and Albert are all at home. Irving and Lois are
twins.
Mr. Clithero and his wife are members of the First Pre-sbyterian church and he
Holds membership also with the Knights and Ladies of Security and with the Com-
mercial Llub. In politics he is a republican and he is a very active temperance man.
No bars have been conducted in connection with his hotels and he holds to the high-
est standards as to the patronage which he accepts and the service which he renders
in connection with hotel management. His home is a fine modern residence of eleven
rooms on North Third street and its hospitality is enjoyed by many friends of the
family, for the Clitheros are well known and highly respected in Yakima.
Mrs. Clithero's father was one of the pioneers of the northwest, having crossed
the plains in 1852, at which time he took up a homestead where Olympia, Washington,
novv stands. He was a personal friend of Isaac I. Stevens, the first territorial governor
of Washington. Mr. Linville returned to Ohio in 1857 and there resided for some
years but again made his way to Washington and settled in Yakima, where he passed
away in 1911. His widow is still living in Yakima at the age of eighty years.
Mr. Clithero came to Yakima without capital, hi fact he borrowed the money
with which he embarked in the hotel business and since that time he has won success.
He has reason to be proud of the fact that he has ever conducted clean, moral hotels
and Yakima is to be congratulated that such a man has cast in his lot with hers and
is seeking thus to elevate the interests of the city. His prosperity has been honorably
won and his record proves that enterprise and progressiveness are yet dominant
elements in the attainment of success.
SAMUEL D. LIXSE.
Many have been the contributions which Samuel D. Linse has made toward
agricultural development in the Tieton district of Yakima county through the de-
velopment of an agricultural property comprising forty-four acres, which is largely
devoted to fruit raising. He has introduced efficient horticultural methods and
thereby has not only attained prosperity for himself but has given to many an
example that may be profitably followed. A native of Minnesota, he was born in
McLeod county on the 2Sth of July, 1870, and is a son of Fred and Anna (Berg)
Linse, Minnesota pioneers. In that state the father engaged in agricultural pursuits
until the family removed to Day county. South Dakota, in 1881 and there he con-
tinued along the same line until 1899. After spending three years in North Dakota
he brought his family to Yakima county, where he now owns ten acres on Nob
Hill, making this place his home. His wife has passed away.
Samuel D. Linse was but eleven years of age when the family made their way
to South Dakota and received his education in the schools of Minnesota and the
Dakotas. He early became thoroughly acquainted with agricultural methods under
the able guidance of his father and accompanied the family on their removal to
Yakima county, where he bought twenty acres of land on Nob Hill, ten of which
he devoted to orchard. When he acquired the property five acres were already
planted to orchard. He paid one hundred and fifty dollars per acre for this property
and sold the same for one thousand dollars per acre. In 1908 Mr. Linse bought
a third interest in six hundred and twelve acres on the Tieton but he has now sold
all of his land except forty-four acres. He bestowed great care upon his land, built
suitable barns and erected a fine residence, thus in every way enhancing its value.
Twenty-four acres of his tract is devoted to apples and he derives a most gratify-
ing annual income from this. His is considered one of the finest ranches on the
178 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
Tieton. The remainder of the land, comprising t\vent\- acres, is under the plow or
in hay.
In 1896 Mr. Linse was united in marriage to Miss Emma Altman, a native of
Wisconsin and a daughter of J. and Louise Altman. Her father is now a success-
ful agriculturist of North Dakota, but her mother has passed away. To Mr. and
Mrs. Linse were born six children: Edward, residing in Seattle; George and Esther,
at home; and Gertrude, Charles and Clarence, all of whom are deceased.
The parents take an active and helpful part in the growth and development of
their section of the county along material as well as moral lines and both are
devoted members of the Evangelical Association, the services of which they regularly
attend. In politics Mr. Linse is a republican, steadfastly supporting the principles
of that party. There is great credit due him for what he has achieved and he is
honored for the qualities which have made that achievement possible, for
he is an industrious, progressive, reliable agriculturist and business man who
has been especially successful as an orchardist. He is very fond of hunting and
when the season draws near goes deer shooting, deriving from this healthful and
noble sport recreation and diversion which permit him to take up with renewed
vigor his duties and labors along his chosen occupation. He is a true sportsman,
being a sincere lover of nature and all things that live in the open. All movements
undertaken on behalf of the general public find in him a warm champion and he has
made many friends in Yakima county, being ever ready to extend a helping hand
to those whom he may aid by advice, encouragement or through more substantial
succor.
WILLIAM S. CLARK.
Many are tlie successful ranchers and cattle raisers of the Pacific west who
have come to this prosperous section from the state of Missouri, where William S.
Clark was born in Livingston county, June 16, 1858, a son of John H. and Mary
Jane (Moore) Clark. The father, a native of Ohio, removed to Missouri in 1844,
when the seeds of civilization had hardly been planted in that then new "western"
state. A loyal son of his country, he served in the Mexican war, turning his attention
to agricultural pursuits after the conflict was ended. Mrs. Clark was born in Ten-
nessee and it was in Missouri that she was married to John H. Clark. In 1859 the
family removed to Kansas and for seventeen years that state remained their home.
In 1876 the spirit of western enterprise prompted them to seek the far-oflf lands
of the state of Washington and they made the overland trip to Walla Walla. Four
years later, or in 1880, Yakima county became their residence and here John H.
Clark bought a. relinquishment on eighty acres of land on the upper Naches, to the
cultivation of which he devoted his remaining days, passing away in 1894. His
widow survived him but a year, her demise occurring in 1895. Both were numbered
among the honored pioneers of this state.
William S. Clark was but a year old when the family removed to Kansas and in
that state he received a public school education. Upon removing with the family
to Walla Walla he there continued to assist his father and in 1880 came with the
family to Yakima county. He took up a homestead adjoining his father's property
and has since added eighty acres to his holdings, so that he now owns two hundred
and forty acres of valuable land, giving considerable attention to cattle raising,
having an excellent herd of two hundred head of shorthorns and Herefords upon
his place. He also raises hay and produce and as the years have passed has be-
come one of the leading agriculturists of his district. He has erected a modern
and most comfortable home upon his place and there Mr. and Mrs. Clark often
entertain their many friends.
On November 7, 1882, Mr. Clark was united in marriage to Elizabeth Kincaid,
a native of Oregon and a daughter of J. M. and Martha Ann Kincaid, who came
to Washington in 1878, taking up their abode in Yakima county, where the father
was successful as an agriculturist but has now passed away. To Mr. and Mrs. Clark
were born seven children. Charles, who is successfully engaged in the sheep busi-
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 179
ness in Yakima county, is married and has five children. Clarence is married and
assists his father in the management of his large stock interests. Winfield also
resides upon the home place and assists in looking after his father's cattle busi-
ness. Jessie married Charles Rennie, a sheep raiser of Yakima county, and they
have two children. Clara is the wife of Jackson Rader, who served with the Amer-
ican Expeditionary Forces in France, was severely wounded, supposedly at Chateau
Thierry, and she and her three children are now residing with her father. John
has also joined the United States army, and Marion, the youngest member of the
family, is at home w'ith her parents.
Mr. and Mrs. Clark are among the honored pioneer couples of their district
and on many occasions the respect and esteem in which they are held is expressed.
They have richly earned the high regard in which they are held, as both are
possessed of fine qualities of character. Deeply interested in his business affairs,
Mr. Clark has not only become individually one of the most prosperous stock
raisers of his neighborhood but has contributed toward the growth and upbuild-
ing of the cattle industry in the Yakima valley. Along political lines he is not
active although he is well informed on the issues of the day and votes independently,
taking into consideration only the qualifications of a candidate for the oflice to
which he aspires. Fraternally he is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America,
having many friends in the organization.
MRS. LOWA M. CRAWFORD.
The educational afifairs of Benton county and its school system are in the able
hands of Mrs. Lowa M. Crawford, county school superintendent. She was born in
Missouri and is a daughter of Dr. L. W. and Mary R. (Gill) Miller. The father,
who had quite a reputation as a physician in his neighborhood, has now passed
away but is survived by his widow, who makes her home in Creston, Iowa.
Mr. and Mrs. Crawford spent the first half of their married life in Missouri,
but in 1905 decided to move westward and came to Prosser, Washington, where
he is now engaged in the music business, having built up a profitable establish-
ment, from which he derives a gratifying income. He is a musician whose knowledge
of things musical makes him an authority in that line, so that he is not only well
fitted to sell and handle musical instruments but is able to advise his customers and
to select for them and guide them in their purchases. Mrs. Crawford was a school
teacher in the Prosser schools for about six years and for two years taught in the
county schools. She was elected to the office of superintendent in September, 1917,
and has served ever since. She possesses talent for organizing and has brought
about a co-operation among the teachers that has resulted greatly to the benefit of
the pupils. Moreover, she has introduced a number of new systems in regard to the
improvement of the schools and their equipment and has in many other ways pro-
moted the cause of education in Benton county. Mr. and Mrs. Crawford have a
daughter, Lucille, who is now six years of age. Both are highly esteemed members
of the social set of their city, in the intellectual gatherings of which they play
an important part.
ALEXANDER MILLER.
Alexander Miller, who has contributed much to the development of industrial
activity and in later years to the development of real estate interests in Yakima and
occupies a prominent position in commercial and financial circles, vv-as born in Sweden
in 1856 and his life illustrates the possibilities for the attainment of success when
one must start out empty-handed. He pursued his education in his native land and
was a young man of twenty-five years when he crossed the Atlantic and became a
resident of Minnesota. He was a practical miller, having learned the trade in Sweden,
and after reaching his destination he entered the milling business. He continued
180 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
his residence in Minnesota until 1882, when he made his way to the northwest with
Oregon as his destination. There he took up work in the line of his trade and re-
built flour mills for W. L. Ladd, of Portland, and also operated along the same
line in Washington. Watchful of opportunities that would enable him to take a
forward step in his business career, he came to Yakima and in 1887 purchased an
interest in the Xorth Yakima Milling Company, of which he is now a director and
the president. During his connection therewith they were three times obliged to
enlarge their capacity to meet the growing demands of trade. The increased facili-
ties made it possible for the company to manufacture four hundred barrels of flour
daily. That mill, however, was destroyed by fire in 1914. It was the first roller
mill in the Yakima valley. Since the destruction of the mill the company continues
to conduct a very extensive grain business and their interests constitute a splendid
market for the grain raisers of this section. Mr. Miller also invested largely in
land and is now engaged in the development of several tracts in the valley. His
operations include the erection of the Miller building in 1907 and an addition in
1911. This is a six-story office building, one hundred by one hundred and ten
feet. It was the first large, modern office building in the city and in its construc-
tion Mr. Miller displayed the spirit of enterprise and progress which has actuated
him at every step in his career. In addition to his other activities he has become
the vice president and one of the directors of the First National Bank of Yakima.
Mr. Miller was one of seven who organized and constructed the first three miles of
the present Yakima Valley Transportation Company electric city and suburban
system, and of which he was a member of the board of directors. In fact his labors
have been a most important element in advancing the material, social and moral
progress of the community.
In 1883 Mr. Miller was united in marriage to Miss Esther Andrews, of Pennsyl-
vania, who died in the year 1903. In 1907 he was married again, his second union
being with Mrs. Anna (Philips) Adams, a daughter of M. W. Philips, of Yakima.
She passed away in 1913.
Fraternally Mr. Miller is connected with the Masons, taking the degrees of lodge
and chapter, and is also a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. He
is likewise identified with the Commercial Club and with the Country Club, with the
Young Men's Christian Association, with the Episcopal church and with the republi-
can party — associations that indicate much of the nature of his interests and the
rules that govern his conduct. He has served for two years as a meinber of the
city council of Yakima and also as a private citizen has contributed in marked
measure to public improvement and to the upbuilding and further development of
city and district. His plans have always been well defined and promptly executed and
his energy has carried him into most important relations.
SERGEANT FRANK ALVIN WOODIN.
On the roll of those who have been engaged in active military duty in France in
the great world war is Sergeant Frank Alvin Woodin, who on the 5th of July, 1918,
enlisted as a member of Company K, Battery 4, Twenty-second Engineers. As the
year 1918 closes he is still in France, although the world is once more enjoying
peace. Washington may proudly claim him as a native son. He was born in Seattle,
January 14, 1878, a son of Ira R. and Susan (CampbelH Woodin. The father was
born in New York and was a son of Daniel Woodin, also a native of the Empire
state, who came to Washington in 1854, crossing the plains with team and wagon.
He had the first tannery on the coast and he homesteaded where the city of Seattle
now stands, there residing to the time of his demise. His son, Ira R. Woodin. was
but a boy when the family home was established in Seattle. He served in the Indian
wars of 1855 and 1856 and in young manhood he, too, engaged in the tanning busi-
ness. He afterward took up a homestead on what is now a part of Seattle and
subsequently he removed to Woodinville. ten miles from Seattle, a place that was
named in honor of the family. There he engaged in farming to the time ot his
death, which occurred November 27, 1908. In politics he was an active republican
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 181
and fraternally he was connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His
wife was born in Marion county, Oregon, a daughter of James Canipliell, who
crossed the plains in 1846. On that trip the wife of James Campbell and a daughter
died while the family were en route and were buried on the plains. On reaching
his destination Mr. Campbell located in the Waldo Hills near Salem. He after-
ward married again in Oregon and following the death of his second wife he re-
turned to the east and wedded Nancy Taylor. He then again crossed the plains
in 1852 and in 1859 removed from Oregon to Washington, where he remained until
1864. He then returned to Salem, Oregon, where he passed away.
Frank Alvin Woodin acquired a public school education in Woodinville and
afterward went with his father to Alaska, where he remained for eighteen months.
He then engaged in the logging business on the Sound until 1915, when he removed
to Yakima county and purchased eighty acres on the Cowiche. He also has an
interest in a stock ranch in Pleasant Valley, whereon they engage in the raising
of hay and wheat. He also devoted considerable time to stock raising, having a
fine full-blooded herd of Holstein cattle until 1918, when he sold his stock.
On the 13th of February, 1901, Mr. Woodin was married to Miss Anna J. Peter-
son, a daughter of M. I. and Anna Mary (Bartleson) Peterson, both of whom are
natives of Denmark. They came to the United States as children, however, and
were married in San Francisco. The father afterward took up a homestead at
Bothell, Washington, and is now engaged in the lumber business on the Sound, with
office at Seattle. Mr. and Mrs. Woodin have become the parents of four children:
Clara. Lillie, Helen and Ira.
Mr. Woodin belongs to the Masonic fraternity, to the Independent Order of
Odd Fellows and to the Knights of Pythias. In politics he is a republican but not
an aspirant for office. He has become a leading rancher of the district in which
he resides, but feeling that his duty was to his country, he enlisted on the Sth of
July, 1918, as a member of Company K of the Fourth Battery of the Twenty-second
Regiment of Engineers and is now in France with the American Expeditionary
Force, serving as sergeant. It is characteristic of Mr. Woodin that he never slights
any duty that devolves upon him, however arduous, and his enlistment was the
logical expression of this characteristic. It is. moreover, a matter of satisfaction
that such a man has been spared to return to his home and resume the duties of
civic life, for his aid and influence will be given here on the side of right and prog-
ress, just as they have been given to further the interests of democracy when
fighting on the soil of France.
WARREX L. FLAGG.
Warren L. Flagg is a well known and successful orchardist of Yakima county,
owning fifteen acres of land planted to various kinds of fruit, and has thus been
identified with horticultural interests here for the past decade. His birth occurred
in Plainfield, Illinois, on the 10th of October, 1875, his parents being William H.
and Margaret (Van Horn) Flagg, who resided on a farm in the Prairie state until
their removal to Yakima county, Washington, where both passed away.
Warren L. Flagg supplemented his early educational training by a high school
course and after putting aside his textbooks followed farming in association with
his father until 19<)2. In that year he removed to Calhoun county, Iowa, where
he carried on general agricultural pursuits until 1908, when he disposed of his
interests there and came to the northwest, settling in Yakima county. He purchased
fifteen acres of orchard land near Yakima and planted the entire tract to apples,
pears, peaches and cherries. His undertakings in this connection have since been
attended with a measure of success which places him among the substantial and
representative orchardists of the community.
On the ilth of June, 1902, Mr. Flagg was united in marriage to Miss Lulu
Stewart, a native of Illinois and a daughter of John Stewart of that state. They
have two adopted children, Clarence and Veda, who are seven and eight years
of age respectively. In his political views Mr. Flagg is an independent democrat,
182 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
supporting the party where national questions and issues are involved but at local
elections casting his ballot according to the dictates of his judgment. His re-
ligious faith is indicated by his membership in the Congregational church. His
life has ever been guided by high and honorable principles and his genuine personal
worth has commended him to the confidence and goodwill of all who know him.
JOSEPH ROBEL.
Joseph Robel is a successful representative of horticultural interests in the Selah
valley, where he has made his home for the past ten years and where he owns thirty-
five acres of valuable land. He is a native of Germany, where his birth occurred on
the 15th of July, 1849, his parents being Gottfried and Elizabeth (Busch) Robel. In
1854 the family emigrated to the L^nited States, first taking up their abode near St.
Louis, Missouri, and two years later in Minnesota, where the father secured a tract
of government land which he cultivated successfully to the time of his demise. Both
he and his wife passed away in Minnesota.
Joseph Rohcl, who was but five years of age when brought by his parents to the
new world, obtained his education in the public schools and after putting aside his
textbooks was for manj' years engaged in farming near Mankato, Minnesota, on until
the time of his removal to Washington in 1909. Making his way to Yakima county,
he purchased thirty-five acres of land in the Selah valley and has since followed
horticultural pursuits here, devoting thirty acres of this place to the growing of
apples, peaches, pears, grapes, etc. His undertakings in this connection have been
attended with a gratifying measure of prosperity and he has made splendid improve-
ments on his property, remodeling the residence and also erecting a fine barn and
warehouse.
On the 17th of November, 1874, Mr. Robel was united in marriage to Miss Mag-
dalena Oberle. who was born in Germany but came to the United States in her girl-
hood days. They became the parents of ten children, namely: Anna, who is the wife
of George Scheurer, of Eagle Lake Minnesota; Rosa, the wife of Adam Scheurer,
who resides on the old home farm in Minnesota; Francisco, deceased; Josephine, a
resident of California; Theressa, who married Edward Xuebel and lives in St. Paul,
Minnesota; Joseph, who is engaged in merchandising in that state; John, a rancher
residing in the Selah valley; Gregor, who is in the L'nited States army; Lydia, the
wife of Captain Hubert Jennings, who is in the LInited States navy as captain of a
war vessel; and Bernard, at home.
In politics Mr. Robel is independent, supporting men and measures rather than
party. His religious faith is indicated by his mcmbeiship in St. Joseph's Catholic
church, of which his wife is also a devout communicant. His interests have become
thoroughly identified with those of the northwest and he has won an extensive circle
of warm friends during the period of his residence in Yakima county.
JAMES \V. BLACKBUR.V.
It was but a few years ago that the fruit raising possibilities of the Yakima
valley became recognized and one of those who has made good use of the oppor-
tunities presented here along that line is James W. Blackburn, a native of the
Blue Grass state, who now owns twenty acres of valuable land one mile east of
Zillah. Of this tract fourteen acres are dvoted to apples, while the rest is in
alfalfa and under the plow. Mr. Blackburn was born in Caldwell county. Ken-
tuck}-, March 5, 1868, his parents being William and Elizabeth (Stevenson) Black-
burn, natives of Virginia and Kentucky respectively. Throughout his life the father
followed agricultural pursuits and was quite successful in his undertakings. Both
he and his wife have now passed away, their demise occurring in Kentucky.
James W. Blackburn was reared amid farm surroundings and in the acquire-
ment of an education attended the public schools. His father died when he was
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 185
but fifteen years old and he then laid aside his textbooks and assisted in looking
after the farm. At the age of twenty he was married and then began farming
independently, renting land. Having heard many favorable reports in regard to
the opportunities presented in the northwest, he left Kentucky, April 26, 1904, and on
th first of May of that year arrived in Yakima county, Washington, where for the
first two years he worked for wages. Ever keeping his eyes open for an oppor-
tunity to make himself independent and carefully husbanding his resources, he was
then enabled to rent land for one year. He operated this to such good purpose that
on March 10, 1907. he was able to acquire title to twenty acres one mile east of
Zillah which was partly improved. This tract is now in a high state of cultivation,
fourteen acres being planted to apples, while the remainder is in alfalfa and under
the plow. Mr. Blackburn has now resided here for eleven years and today receives
a most gratifying income from his land. He has ever followed progressive methods
and has made many improvements and instituted modern equipment, so that his
place is considered a model one.
On October 13, 1887, Mr. Blackburn was united in marriage to Miss Ida Brown,
a native of Kentucky, and a daughter of P. H. C. and Nancy J. (Guess) Brown.
To this union were born seven children: Nora, who married Reed White, a rancher
on the .Ahtanum, and has had three children, one of whom is deceased; Shelley J.,
who is now serving his country in the United States army in France; Chester. .'Klvin
and Leah, all at home; and Raymond and William Henry, both deceased.
The family are devoted adherents of the Christian church and are ever help-
fully interested in measures which have for their purpose the moral or intellectual
upbuilding of the people. Politically Mr. Blackburn is a republican but has never
desired office, preferring to give his whole attention to his business afifairs and
his family. Here he has found the opportunities which he sought and is today one
of the most enthusiastic fruit raisers of the Yakima valley who has not only made
good use of the chances here presented but has improved upon his opportunities and
through energy and industry has attained a position which places him among the
substantial residents of Zillah and vicinity.
HON. JULIUS CAESAR HUBBELL.
Hon. Julius Caesar Hubbell, capitalist and statesman, has been identified with
the interests of Ellensburg and of Washington ^ince 1893. In his business career
he has been active in the development of water power and of irrigation projects
and has also figured prominently in financial circles as a banker. Honored and re-
spected by all, there is no man who occupies a more enviable position in public
regard, not alone by reason of the success which he has achieved, but also owing
to the straightforward business policy which he has ever followed. His personal
qualities, his reliability in all business transactions and his progressiveness in mat-
ters of citizenship have led to his selection for high political honors and he is now
representing his district in the state legislature. Mr. Hubbell is a native of Chazy,
New York. He was born on the 4th of June, 1863, and is a son of John Wolcott and
Margaret ( Beckwith) Hubbell, who are also natives of the Empire state, where they
still reside.
Julius C. Hubbell was provided with liberal educational advantages. He was
graduated from Williams College in 1885. He specialized in the study of chemistry
and after leaving college became identified with leading steel companies of the
east. For a time he was connected with the Crown Point Iron Company and later
with the Chateaugay Ore & Iron Company. He assisted in developing the first
malleable iron and also aided in developing Bessemer steel. His broad experience
made him thoroughly familiar with the utilization of the iron interests of the east,
but the opportunities of the west attracted him and he made his way to this great
and growing section of the country, arriving in Tacoma. Washington, in the fall
of 1893.
In the following year Mr. Hubbell removed to Ellensburg, whither he came to
develop a large water power. He then took charge of the interests of the Ellens-
186 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
burg Water & Supply Company and remained as manager until 1911. He is now
the president of the Cascade Irrigation District and was one of the builders of the
irrigation system. He has made a close study of problems of this character and his
engineering skill, his scientific and practical experience have enabled him to do
valuable work in this connection. He has also become the owner of and has de-
veloped several fine ranches in western Washington and he has likewise been
prominent in banking circles. He has never been afraid to venture where favor-
ing opportunity has led the way and his even-paced energy has carried him into im-
portant relations.
On the 11th of June, 1889. Mr. Hubbell was united in marriage to Miss Carrie
Looniis, who was born in Springfield, Massachusetts, a daughter of Calvin Loomis.
She passed away December 21, 1909, and in 1912 Mr. Hubbell was again married,
his second union being with Josephine Holgate, of Tacoma, who was the assistant
state librarian. She is a daughter of John Holgate. By his first marriage Mr.
Hubbell had several children, namely: Wolcott, who is now a sergeant of Company
A of the One Hundred and Sixteenth Engineers, and is now in France: Frances,
the wife of Dr. Taylor, of Ellensburg; Beckwith, who is married and has one child
and who is a member of the National Guard; and Ruth, the wife of George Heron,
now serving with the United States army.
Mr. Hubbell is widely known through various connections. He belongs to the
Elks Lodge No. 1102 of Ellensburg and also to the Grange, to the Congregational
church, and to the Y. M. C. A. .iMl of these indicate the nature of his interests and
the rules which govern his conduct. His political endorsement is given to the
republican party and he has been a close student of the vital questions and problems
of the day. In 1909 he was elected to represent his district in the state legislature
and has been reelected at every ensuing election since that time with the exception
of the year 1913. He was chairman of the committee on roads and bridges in 1917
and 1919 and is a very active working member of *he house, his opinions carrying
wei,ght in the councils of his party, while at all times his devotion to the public good
is widely recognized. His public service has included duty as receiver of the Ellens-
burg National Bank, as a member of the State Fair Board for ten years and also
active work in behalf of many other projects which tend to promote public im-
provement and stimulate action of worth to the community. He likewise has a
military record, for he served as a first lieutenant of the First Battalion of Washing-
ton in 1897 and he is now corporal of the Machine Gun Company of the Third
Washington Infantry, being the oldest man in his regiment. His spirit of patriotism
has ever been one of the dominant factors in his career. While holding to high
ideals he has ever utilized the most practical methods in their achievement. His
service in the state legislature covers an extended period and the record of none
other' has been more fearless in conduct and stainless in reputation than his.
ARCHIE G. FLEMING.
As vice president of the Sunnyside Land & Investment Company Archie G.
Fleming represents important real estate interests of the Y'akima valley. He is
an energetic young business man, gifted with ability and discretion and always
following the highest commercial standards. He has been connected with the in-
stitution of which he is vice president for about ten years, having been largely
instrumental in making it what it is today. The company deals in city and farm lands
and also maintains a loan department, all of its branches securing a gratifying in-
come to its owners.
Mr. Fleming was born in Mound City, Missouri, in 1878 and is a son of G. W.
and Emma (Bobletts) Fleming, who in 1883, when our subject was five years of
age, removed to Tacoma, Washington, where the father was for many years suc-
cessfully engaged as a contractor but is now retired. His wife has passed away.
Archie G. Fleming was reared under the parental roof and received a thorough
public school education, upon the completion of which he entered mercantile lines,
with which he was connected until 1908. In 1899 he had removed to Sunnyside, at
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 187
first holding clerical positions in some of the local stores but later engaging in the
drug business on his own account until 1908, when he and William H. Harrison
acquired the Sunnyside Land & Investment Company, of which he has been vice
president ever since. There are, however, numerous other business organizations
with which Mr. Fleming has been identified, among them the Fidelity Abstract
Company, which he founded and of which he remained a director until he sold out
his interest. For several years he was also president of the North Coast Lumber
Company. Moreover, he has large farming interests throughout the county and de-
rives a gratifying addition to his income from this source.
In 1904, at the age of twenty-six years, Mr. Fleming was united in marriage to
Miss Mary Alice Williams, a daughter of T. C. and M. C. Williams, of Sunnyside,
and to this union has been born a son, Harold W. In his political views Mr. Flem-
ing is a republican but has never cared for office. Fraternally he is a member of
the Elks Lodge, No. 318, of Yakima and is very prominent in the Masonic order,
not only belonging to the blue lodge but also to the Royal Arch chapter. He is
connected with the Commercial Club of Sunnyside and is thoroughly in accord
with its purposes and activities. He is very patriotic and has done valuable field
work in promoting war activities, serving as local chairman of the Red Cross. Since
the 26th of October, 1918, he has been assistant regional athletic director of the
Y. M. C. A. stationed at Bordeaux, France.
CHARLES C. McCOWN, M. D.
Dr. Charles C. McCown, engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery at
Grandview, has devoted his attention to the profession for more than a third of a
century and constant reading, investigation and experience have continually broad-
ened his knowledge and promoted his efficiency. That he is an able representative
of the profession is indicated in the liberal patronage accorded him.
Dr. McCown is a native of Harrison county, Indiana. He was born on the 23d
of August, 1856, of the marriage of John Nelson and Ruth (Miller') McCown, -who
were also natives of that state. The father was a son of Edward McCown, whose
birth occurred in Virginia, whence he removed to Kentucky and afterward became
a pioneer settler of Indiana, where he followed the occupation of farming. His son,
John Nelson McCown, also devoted his life to farming and both he and his wife
have now passed away.
Dr. McCown supplemented a public school education by study in the Paoli
(Ind.) Preparatory School and subsequently he took up the profession of teach-
ing, which he followed for four years, but regarded this merely as an initial step to
other professional labor, as it was his desire to become a medical practitioner. In
1882 he completed a course in the Louisville Medical College and following his
graduation practiced at Ireland, Indiana. He was afterward located at Washington,
Indiana, for fifteen years and in 1902 he made his way to the northwest, settling
at Prosser, Washington, where he practiced until 1908. He then went to Vancouver,
Washington, where he remained until 1916, when he removed to Grandview, where
he has since followed his profession and during the intervening period he has been
accorded a liberal patronage by his fellow townsmen, who recognize his worth and
efficiency.
In March, 1883, Dr. McCown was married to Miss Elizabeth Harris, a daughter
of John A. and Mary (McMahan) Harris, of Indiana. Her father was born, how-
ever, in Kentucky but her mother's birth occurred in Indiana, and both have now
passed away. The children of Dr. and Mrs. McCown are five in number. Ruth is
the wife of William Kinnally, residing in Boise, Idaho. Lieutenant Arthur C. is
a physician and surgeon with base hospital 46 in France. He has a wife and child.
Sergeant Ernest K. is connected with the Red Cross service in France. Helen
is at home, and Robert in school.
Dr. McCown is an exemplary representative of the Masonic fraternity and a
past master of Euclid Lodge, A. F. & A. M., of Prosser, Washington, while his mem-
bership is now with the lodge at Grandview. He belongs to the Methodist church
(9)
188 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
and his political faith is that of the republican party. He served for six years as
coroner in Washington, Daviess county, Indiana, but otherwise has not been active
as an office seeker. He is a well known physician, highly esteemed for his pro-
fessional and for his personal worth, and Grandview numbers him among her rep-
resentative citizens.
DAVID ADAMS RAY.
The beautiful home of David Adams Ray, situated on Nob Hill, just outside
of Yakima, is one of the most attractive in the valley and the most progressive
and scientific methods are utilized by him in the conduct of his horticultural inter-
ests. Mr. Ray comes to the northwest from Scotland. He was born in the land
of hills and heather on the 22d of September, 1855, a son of Robert and Deborah
(Barnes) Ray, who spent their entire lives in Scotland, where the father was a
landowner and farmer.
David A. Ray, bidding adieu to friends and native country when fifteen years
of age, crossed the Atlantic to the new world and made his way into the interior
of the country, settling near Monmouth, Illinois. Later he removed to North
Dakota, where he lived with a brother for a time and then located near Crookston,
Minnesota. He became a prominent merchant and banker there and won a position
among the capitalists of that section of the country. Throughout his business career
he has ever been watchful of opportunities pointing to success and has never
hesitated to take a forward step. Moreover, he has readily discriminated between
the essential and non-essential in all business transactions and his investments have
been wisely placed and his interests most carefully and judiciously managed. In
1910 he came to Yakima county but has not disposed of his valuable property
holdings in Minnesota, where he still has fifteen hundred acres of fine land. On
reaching the northwest he purchased a beautiful mansion on Nob Hill, for which
he paid thirty thousand dollars. It stands in the midst of five acres of land set
out in orchards and his is one of the finest homes in the valley. He raises apples,
pears and cherries and he is greatly interested in all that pertains to the further
development and progress of the section in which he lives.
In early manhood Mr. Ray was united in marriage to Miss Elsie Weslie, of
Minnesota, by whom he had eight children, as follows: Esther, at home; Elizabeth,
who is also at home and is a teacher by profession; Emily, who passed away at the
age of twenty-five years; Henry, who died in infancy; Robert, who resides in Yakima
and who is married and has one child; Crawford, who owns a fruit ranch and who
is also married and has one child; Francis, who is in the United States army; and
Dora, a student in the LTniversity of Washington.
Mr. Ray and his family attend the Presbyterian church and are loyal adherents
of its teachings. In politics Mr. Ray maintains an independent course, voting accord-
ing to the dictates of his judgment without regard to party ties. He has ever been
actuated by a spirit of progress and improvement and his life has at all times
measured up to high standards. His course has been such as would bear the closest
investigation and scrutiny and his sterling traits of character are such as commend
him to the confidence and high regard of all.
THOMAS S. COOPER.
Thomas S. Cooper has since 1892 resided upon his present farm not far from
Outlook and is the oldest settler of that portion of the county. He was born in
California, January 8, 1848, a son of James and Sarah (Bigelow) Cooper, who were
natives of Scotland and of Nova Scotia respectively. They were married, however,
in California, to which state they had gone in 1845. The father was a ship carpen-
ter and both he and his wife remained residents of California to the time of their
death.
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 189
Thomas S. Cooper obtained a public school education in California and there
followed farming until 1884, when he came to Yakima county and took up a desert
claim and timber culture of six hundred and forty acres, the place being located four
and a half miles northwest of what is now Sunnyside. He left that district but re-
turned in 1892 and homesteaded a part of the land which he had secured, chang-
ing one hundred and sixty acres of the tract from a desert claim to a homestead.
He settled upon this property and has since occupied it. He has one hundred and
twenty-five acres under cultivation, producing large crops of corn, potatoes and
alfalfa, and conducts his farming interests along progressive lines.
Mr. Cooper has two children: Raymond, twenty-eight years of age, now in
the United States hospital service in Scotland; and Edna, a teacher in California.
Mr. Cooper is a member of the Native Sons of California. His political endorse-
ment is given to the republican party but he has never been a politician in the
sense of office seeking, always preferring to concentrate his efforts upon his busi-
ness affairs. As the years have passed, covering more than a quarter of a century
in which he has lived upon his present ranch, he has wrought a marked transfor-
mation in the appearance of the place and it is today one of the valuable farm
properties of tlie district.
JOHN MILES NEWMAN.
John Miles Newman has taken many progressive steps leading to the develop-
ment of the section of Kittitas county in which he makes his home. He was one
of the founders and promoters of the town of Thorp, has been actively identified
with ranching interests and also with industrial activity as a blacksmith. He has
prospered in his undertakings and his progressiveness has placed him with the
leading business men of his section. He was born in Sullivan county, Missouri,
August 10, 1851, a son of Michael P. and Olive (Thurlow) Newman, who in 1859
removed from Missouri to Texas, where the death of the mother occurred. The
fa'ther, who was a blacksmith by trade, afterward took the family back to Missouri
and in 1864 he crossed the plains with ox teams and established his home in LInion
county, Oregon. In 1865 he removed to Silverton, Oregon, where he resided until
1870 and then became a resident of Benton county, that state, remaining within its
borders to the time of his demise.
In the public schools John Miles Newman acquired Kis education and in 1878
he came to the Kittitas valley and purchased a ranch two miles south of Thorp.
In 1882 he bought ranch property adjoining Thorp, comprising one hundred and
sixty acres of land, and in 1896 he took up his abode in the suburbs of Thorp, where
he has since resided. He was one of those who laid out the town of Thorp, the
town site covering a part of land owned by Mr. Newman and by Frank Martin
and Milford Thorp. All of the land was deeded to Mr. Newman, who then dcecied
it to the purchasers. Tlie town was named in honor of Mortimer F. Thorp, who
was one of the first settlers of the locality. A postoffice had previously been estab-
lished that was called Thorp, and when the town was laid out, Mr. Newman called
it Thorp in honor of this early pioneer. Mr. Newman was also the first man to
advocate the raising of grain without water in this part of the country and inter-
ested other people in trying the experiment, which was profitably followed. He
was also for a long period identified with blacksmithing, conducting a shop at Thorp
until 1905.
In January, 1873. Mr. Newman was united in marriage to Miss Isabel Forgey, a
daughter of John and Matilda Forgey, who crossed the plains in 1852 and settled in
Oregon. Mrs. Newman passed away in June, 1896, and in 1903 Mr. Newman was
again married, his second union being with Mrs. Edna (Hay) Hulbert. of Iowa,
who was born in Wisconsin. The children of the first marriage were ten in num-
ber: Olive, the wife of J. A. Wilcox, a rancher of Kittitas county; Lillie, the wife
of John Marshall, an electrician now at Camp Lewis in government employ; Otis,
who makes his home at Alderton, Washington; Minnie, the wife of Charles Shull,
living at Ellensburg; Fred P.. a rancher of Kittitas county; Jacob, at home; John
190 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
A., who also follows ranching in Kittitas county; Jesse R., who is with a machine
gun company in the United States army; and two children who died in infancy.
By the second marriage there has also been one child, Esther, now fifteen years
of age, at home.
Mr. Newman is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, belonging
to Tanum Lodge, No. 155, at Thorp. His political allegiance is given to the demo-
cratic party and he served for four years as county comissioner and also as justice
of the peace. He has likewise been a member of the school board and he is inter-
ested in everything that has to do with the progress and welfare of the community
in which he makes his home. He is a well known pioneer who from early days has
resided in this section of Kittitas county, where he has a wide acquaintance. He
enjoys the high regard of all with whom he has been associated, for his qualities
measure up to high standards of manhood and citizenship. In business, too, his
course has been most conimendable and his energy has brought to him a very
desirable measure of success.
ELLIS RAGAN.
With one hundred and twenty-two thousand acres of land under lease and run-
ning eighteen thousand head of sheep, Ellis Ragan ranks with the most prominent
and prosperous sheepmen of the northwest. The story of his life is the record of
earnest endeavor crowned with successful achievement. He was born in Kentucky,
October 5, 1872, a son of Shelby and Lucetta (Shearer) Ragan. The father is a
farmer and stock raiser and both parents were early settlers of Wayne county. Ken-
tucky, where they still make their home.
Ellis Ragan acquired a public school education in his native state and was a
young man of twenty years when in 1892 he came to the northwest, settling at
Pendleton, Oregon. He was there employed in connection with the sheep industry
and in the fall of 1897 he removed to Prosser, Washington, where he continued in
active business as a sheepman. In 1900 he came to Yakima and worked with sheep
until 1904. He next entered the employ of C. H. Frye & Company of Seattle, whom
he represented as a sheep buyer all over the west. He thus continued until the fall
of 1914. In 1913. however, he purchased an interest in a band of sheep and in the
spring of the following year, in connection with .Alexander Dunnett, bought a band
of sheep and has since been actively and successfully engaged in sheep raising. He
now runs eighteen thousand head of sheep and has sixty-six hundred ewes. He
ranges part of these on the reservation and a part at Cle Elum and employs about
twenty-three men. He has one hundred and twenty-two thousand acres of land
r.r.der lease and is today regarded as one of the representative, pi-ogressive and suc-
cessful sheepmen of this section of the country.
On the 18th of June, 1908, Mr. Ragan was married to Miss Lillian Palmer, of
Yakima, and they have two children, Gladys and Lois. His political endorsement is
given to the republican party and he stands for progressiveness in public affairs as
he does in business life.
JOHN H. LYNCH.
While John H. Lynch is known as an able member of the Yakima bar, his
connection with the city covers a still broader scope, for he has contributed to its
material and moral development in many ways during the long period of his resi-
dence here and is today an honored member of the Pioneers Association. He is
a native son of Washington, his birth having occurred at Chehalis on the 6th of
October, 1876, his parents being Timothy J. and Julia (McCarthy) Lynch, who were
natives of Ireland and came to the United States in early life. They were married
in 1862 and lived for some time in New York and in Boston. The father was en-
gaged in shipbuilding for the government during the period of the Civil war and
ELLIS KAGAN
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 193
was stationed at San Francisco and at Xew Orleans. He removed his family to
San Francisco after the cessation of hostilities between the north and the south
and continued to follow the shipbuilding trade there until 1870, when he made his
way northward to Washington, taking up his abode on the Newaukum river, near
what is now Chehalis. There he entered government land and began the develop-
ment of his claim, upon which not a furrow had been turned nor an improvement
made. He resided upon that property for eight years and then became a resident
of Yakima county, where he took up government land in the Ahtanum valley, where
he continued to reside until 1896. At that date he established his home in the city
of Yakima, where his remaining days were passed, his death occurring in 1910. He is
survived by his widow, who now makes her home in Yakima.
John H. Lynch has spent the greater part of his life in the city which is still
his place of residence and he supplemented his early education, acquired in the
public schools, by study in the Washington State Normal School at Ellensburg.
Still later he became a student in the School of Expression in Boston, Massachusetts,
and in preparation for the bar pursued a course in law in the University of Michi-
gan at Ann Arbor, where he was graduated with the class of 1903. Returning to
Yakima, he opened an office and has since engaged in practice. His increasing
ability has brought to him a liberal clientage that has connected him with much
important litigation heard in the courts of the district. His success in a profes-
sional way afTords the best evidence of his capabilities in this line. He is a strong
advocate with the jury and concise in his appeals before the court, and his present
prominence has come to him as the reward of earnest endeavor and fidelity to
trust, for his devotion to his clients' interests has become proverbial.
In 190B Mr. Lynch was united in marrage to Miss Rosalia McNamara, who
died July 6, 1910. In 1914 he was again married, his second union being with
Grace McCafiferty, a native of Yakiina and a daughter of J. P. McCafferty. His
children are two in number, John Robert and Eleanor, the former two years of
age. The parents are members of St. Paul's Catholic church and Mr. Lynch is much
interested in the Catholic history of the valley. He belongs to the Knights of
Columbus, in which he has filled all of the offices, and he is also connected with the
Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. His political allegiance is given to the re-
publican party. He belongs to the County and State Bar Associations and to the
Pioneers Association and the Yakima Columbian Association, serving as secretary
of the last two. Forty-two years' connection with the state has made him largely
familiar with its history and his mind bears the impress of many of its most im-
portant historical events.
FRANK G. PARK.
Frank G. Park, who is engaged in ranching on the Cowiche, was born at St.
Paul, Minnesota, September 1, 1885, a son of Frank L. and Amanda (Ayers) Park,
who were natives of the Empire state and became pioneer residents of Minnesota.
The father was a son of Charles Park, who was also born in New York and who re-
moved with his fami!}' to Minnesota in 1851. After losing his first wife, who
passed away in 1889, Frank L. Park married again, his second union being with
Elizabeth Hill. He followed farming and stock raising as a life work, residing for
many years in Minnesota, but in 1906 he removed to the northwest and purchased a
ranch on Nob Hill in Yakima county, .^fter cultivating that place for several years
he sold the property and removed to Fruitvale in 1914.
In the public schools of his native state Frank G. Park pursued his education
and in 1900 went to Montana, where he engaged in ranching. He was engaged in
cattle raising with his brother, C. J. Park, and in 1907 he removed to Yakima county
and made purchase of one hundred and sixty acres of land on the Cowiche. He
has since engaged in raising sheep and hogs and he also annually produces large
crops of wheat, corn and hay. He has sold part of his original holdings, retaining
only seventy acres. Upon this place he has built a nice residence and has put up all
the barns and sheds necessary for the shelter of grain and stock. The place was
194 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
covered with sagebrush when it came into his possession and his labors have con-
verted it into rich and productive fields, from which he annually gathers excellent
crops. The attractive appearance of the place is due entirely to his efforts and
labors and his work has brought splendid results.
On Christmas day of 19()8 Mr. Park was united in marriage to Miss Grace
Simmons, who was born in Custer county, Montana, a daughter of John and Mar-
garet Simmons, who were early settlers of Montana, removing to that state from
Missouri. Mr. and Mrs. Park have become parents of four children: Gertrude,
Hazel, Alvin and Doris. Fraternally Mr. Park is connected with the Modern Wood-
men of America and his political belief is that of the republican party. His wife is a
member of the Baptist church and they are highly esteemed people of the commu-
nity. Mr. Park has served as a member of the school board and is interested in all
plans and projects for the general good. The comfortable competence which he has
acquired is the direct result of his industry. He has worked his way steadily up-
ward and his property interests now return to him a gratifying annual income.
DANIEL McKIE.
Daniel McKie, living in Yakima, has long been numbered among the prominent
s'-.cepmcn of the valley and his flocks today number over fifty-five hundred head.
He is leaving the active management of his interests to others but still gives general
supervision to his important business affairs. He was born in Scotland, July 9, 1873,
a son of John and Jane (Bell) McKie, both of whom have passed away. He ac-
quired a public school education and the year 1899 witnessed his arrival in Yakima,
at which time he entered the employ of John Clemmens, a sheepman, with whom he
remained for eight years, gaining valuable knowledge and experience concerning the
business. During that period he carefully saved his earnings until his economy and
industry had brought him sufficient capital to purchase property. He then bought a
farm and continued its cultivation for four years, giving his time to the general de-
velopment of crops. In 1912, however, he turned his attention to the sheep business,
purchasing a considerable number of sheep, and has since continued along this line.
He has over fifty-five hundred head of sheep and his ranges are near White Bluffs
and Selah Springs. He has closely studied all questions bearing upon sheep-raising
and the care of the sheep and his progressive methods and advanced ideas are prov-
ing an important element in the attainment of his success.
On the 29th of April. 1906, Mr, McKie was married to Miss Sarah Rennie, a
native of Scotland and a schoolmate of his boyhood days. They have become parents
of four children; Robert, Mary, John and Rachel.
Mr. McKie belongs to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and his religious
faith is indicated in his membership in the Presbyterian church. His political sup-
port is given to the republican party and he keeps well informed on the questions
and issues of the day. He is a loyal adopted son of America, true to high principles
of citizenship and high standards of business, and through his enterprise and close
application he has won the creditable position which he now occupies as one of the
leading sheepmen of the northwest.
EMUEL B. HIMMELSBACH.
Emuel B. Himmelsbach, who is extensively and successfully engaged in fruit
raising and general farming not far from Yakima, was born in Wabasha county, Min-
nesota. December 15, 1859. a son of Bernard and Mary Himmelsbach, both of whom
have departed this life. They were pioneer settlers of Minnesota and the father there
followed the occupation of farming for many years.
Emuel B. Himmelsbach was reared to agricultural life, early becoming familiar
with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops. He continued to
assist his father until 1878, when he and his father removed to Polk county, Minne-
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 195
sota, where for many years he was actively engaged in the cultivation of a section
and a half of land. Subsequently he became owner of four hundred and eighty
acres of land, which he developed and improved, residing thereon until he sold that
property in order to become a resident of the northwest in 1906. In that year he
made his way to Yakima county, having purchased fifteen acres of land in 1902. He
planted this to orchards and afterward sold ten acres of it. More recently he pur-
chased other property and now has twenty-five acres planted to fruit and ten acres
of hay land. He is e.xtensively engaged in raising apples, pears, peaches and cherries
as well as other fruits and his orchards are in splendid bearing condition. Every-
thing about the place is neat and thrifty in appearance and indicates his careful super-
vision and unfaltering energy.
In 1891 Mr. Himmelsbach was united in marriage to Miss Eva M. BuUan, a native
of Wisconsin and a daughter of Jesse P. and Maria A. (Tubbs) BuUan, of whom
more extended mention is made on another page of this work in connection with the
sketch of Roy P. Bullan. a brother of Mrs. Himmelsbach. To Mr. and Mrs. Him-
melsbach have been born two children, namely: Jesse, who is a graduate of the
University of Washington and a member of the Aviation Corps of the United States
army; and Dora, a high school graduate, now attending the Washington State Col-
lege at Pullman.
Mr. Himmelsbach built his home upon his ranch and has found his greatest de-
light in providing the comforts of life for his family. In politics he maintains an in-
dependent course nor has he ever been ambitious to hold office, preferring to con-
centrate his efforts and attention upon his business aflfairs, which, wisely directed,
have brought to him gratifying prosperity.
GEORGE E. TWEEDT.
Among the younger business men of Kcnnewick who have been quite success-
ful is George E. Tweedt, who is engaged in the insurance business. He was born in
Ge_nessee. Idaho, in 1887 and is a son of H. C. and S. E. (Nelson) Tweedt, who in
1877 settled in Idaho, whence in 1904 they removed to Kennewick, where the father
followed agricultural pursuits until he removed to Honolulu in 1912, where he is now
residing.
George E. Tweedt attended the common schools in the pursuit of his primary
education, subsequently rounding out his learning by attending a business college
at Spokane. He then became connected with banking and was assistant cashier in
the Bank of Kennewick until 1914, when he entered the insurance and real estate
business under the firm name of Trenbath & Tweedt, which has ever since had a con-
tinuous and prosperous existence. In his transactions he has strictly adhered to the
highest principles and it is therefore but natural that a large clientage has been
gained by the firm and their business is now an extensive one.
On June 11, 1913, Mr. Tweedt was united in marriage to Miss May E. Holloway,
of Kennewick, and they have a daughter. Eleanor. The young couple are popular
in the social circles of their city, where they have many friends. They are members
of the Congregational church and politically Mr. Tweedt is , a republican, faithfully
supporting the principles of the party. In 1918 he was elected mayor of Kennewick
and is now acceptably filling that oflice. His fraternal associations are with the
Knights of Pythias, in which organization he has many friends.
JAMES L. SEARLES.
For sixteen years James L. Searles has been a resident of Mabton, where he is
now successfully engaged in the real estate business. He was born in Greenwich, Con-
necticut. October 25, 1860, a son of Merritt and Mary Elizabeth Searles. the former
of whom followed agricultural pursuits. Both died in Connecticut.
James L. Searles received his education in the public schools of that state and
196 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
after having completed his education in 1878 removed to Miles City, Montana, where
he was connected with a railroad crew as a cook and also took part in the roundups
for several years. He came to Washington in 1883 and located in Ellensburg, where
he remained until 1890, when he removed to Centralia. This city remained his home
until 1902, which year witnessed his arrival in Mabton. There his brother-in-law,
Tilton Phillips, was the owner of the first store and Mr. Phillips and our subject
conducted the store together until 1906, when Mr. Searles sold his interest to his
brother-in-law and engaged in the real estate business. He has since been interested
along this line and is considered a good judge of local properties, his advice being
often sought in regard to real estate values. He has earned a reputation for the
strictest principles of honesty and his clients are sure to receive fair dealing at his
hands. It is therefore but natural that he has built up a very substantial business.
He owns a fine farm of one hundred and forty acres, from which he derives a grati-
fying income. This property is in a high state of cultivation and its improvements
are modern and in every way up-to-date.
On the 3d of August, 1889. Mr. Searles was married to Miss Ella F. Begg, of
Ellensburg. this state, and to this union two daughters have been born: Dora, who
married Fred Story, an agriculturist living near Mabton; and Laura, at home.
Mr. Searles is independent in his political views, giving his support to those
candidates whom he regards as most worthy of office. He is a member of the Inde-
pendent Order of Odd Fellows and for the last seven years has been secretary of
Lodge No. 238. He also has membership witn the Knights of Pythias. As a busi-
ness man as well as a citizen, Mr. Searles is a valuable component part of the com-
munity of Mabton, where he has many friends, all of whom admire him because of
his straightforward dealing, his kindness of heart and his genial, cordial manner.
WALTER ARNOLD.
Among the leading orchardists of Washington is Walter Arnold, who is not
only widely known as an able business man in this state but has extensive interests
in South America. A far-seeing, energetic man, he has used his qualities toward
building up a career which lifts him out of the ordinary and places him among those
who are not only considered as substantial citizens but who have contributed toward
development wherever their activities have led them. A native of London, England,
Mr. Arnold was born August 9. 1855. and is a son of John and Esther (Jones) Arnold,
both deceased. The father throughout his life followed contracting and was quite
successful along that line.
Walter Arnold was reared amid the refining influences of an English home
and received his education in the public schools, but when thirteen years of age
joined the British navy, serving for one year. He made his advent into the L^nited
States in 1870 and his first place of residence was North Adams, Massachusetts,
where he spent a year, after which a short stay was made in New York. In 1873
we find him in Chicago, where he entered the stone-cutting trade. Three years later,
in 1876, Mr. Arnold removed to Toronto, Canada, and for five years he made that
city his home, going from there again to New York and later to Chicago and thence
to Minneapolis, Minnesota. During this time he was a stone contractor and as such
located at St. Cloud, Minnesota, doing contracting and railroad work all over the
northwest, with that city as his headquarters. Among the prominent enterprises of
that period with which he was connected was the building of the Milwaukee Rail-
road. In 1909 Mr. Arnold organized the Yakima Orchard Development Company,
of which for three years he was president, having over six hundred acres of orchard.
The extent of their operations may be inferred from the fact that during one spring
ninety-seven thousand trees were planted. This property is located at Parker
Heights but in 1911 he sold his interest in the company. In 1909 he also bought
eighty acres on the upper Naches, which he has since retained, and of this forty-
seven acres are in apples, pears and peaches. He has built a shelte_ring building and
barns in order to house his orchard interests and also has erected a fine residence,
his property now being one of the most valuable in the valley. Recently Mr. Arnold
WALTER ARNOLD
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 199
has organized a syndicate which purchased a tract of a half million acres, all in one
body, in Brazil, the organization being known as The American Brazilian Company,
our subject being the secretary.
On the 14th of May, 1878, Mr. Arnold was united in marriage to Miss Eliza J.
Jones, a native of Canada and a daughter of Lewis and Maria (Richmond) Jones.
To this union the following children have been born: Walter, a ranches of Yakima
county; Lillian, the wife of A. L. Knouse, of Seattle, by whom she has two children;
Edward, who has mercantile interests at Xaches, where he resides with his wife and
three children; Zella, the wife of Grover Hines, of Baker City, Oregon; Alma, who
married E. G. Johnson, foreman of Mr. Arnold's ranch; Ruth, attending the State
LTnivcrsity; Esther, who married C. Philip Shank, of Seattle, now a lieutenant with
the United States army in France; and Mildred, who is also attending the State Uni-
versity.
Mr. and Mrs. Arnold are welcome additions to the social life of their neighbor-
hood and have made many friends since coming here. Both have agreeable qualities
v>"hich make them very popular and they often entertain at their home. As a busi-
ness man and orchardist the reputation of Mr. Arnold is of the highest. He has
not only acquired an individual fortune but has introduced valuable methods in fruit
raising thus contributing to local development. His religious faith is that of the
Baptist church, while fraternally he belongs to the blue lodge of Masons, the prin-
ciples of that organization guiding him in his relations with his fellowmen. His po-
litical affiliation is that of the republican party but although well informed upon all
questions of the day in regard to local, state and national politics he has never de-
sired public honors for himself, preferring to concentrate his efforts upon his busi-
ness affairs.
JOHN WELLARD STEVENSON.
John Wellard Stevenson has the distinction of being the first native son living
on the Cowiche and is a representative of one of the eldest pioneer families of that
section. He was born in the Cowiche valley of Yakima county on the 16th of June,
1873, a son of John Wellard and Hannah (Lewis) Stevenson. The father was born
in 1835. in Edwards county, Illinois, and was a son of John W'ellard Stevenson, a
native of England, who came to the United States about 1830. He cast in his lot
with the pioneer settlers of Illinois, taking up his abode in that state prior to the
time of the Black Hawk war, whereby the question of Indian supremacy was for-
ever settled in that state. After residing there for almost a quarter of a century
he made the overland trip to Oregon in 1853 and in 1854 established the family
home near Vancouver, Washington. He took up a government donation claim and
resided thereon to the time of his death. His son, John Wellard Stevenson, the
"lather of John Wellard Stevenson of this review, took up government land at Cape
Horn, Washington, in 1857 and is now residing thereon, although his residence there
has not been continuous. In the year 1870 he came to Yakima county and bought
the improvements on a squatter's claim on the Cowiche. being the first white settler
along that stream. He was married in this locality and resided here until 1890, since
which time he has made his home at Cape Horn, Washington. His wife, who was
a native of Indiana, passed away in 1913.
Their son, John Wellard Stevenson, acquired a public school education and
through vacation periods and after his school days were over engaged in ranch-
ing with his father, who afterward gave him a part of the ranch on the Cowiche. He
now has sixty acres in all and devotes his place to the raising of hay and to the
conduct of a dairy business.
On the 3d of October, 1912. Mr. Stevenson was married to Miss Cora L. Wixom,
a native of Arkansas, and to them have been born two children, John Wellard and
Ethel Eliazbeth.
In politics Mr. Stevenson maintains an independent course nor does he seek for
nor desire public office. He prefers to concentrate his energies and attention upon
his ranching interests and is meeting with good success in his undertakings. He is
200 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
one of the oldest settlers of Yakima county and the first native son on the Cowiche
and throughout all the intervening period he has been closely identified with the
development and progress of the region in which he lives. He has indeed witnessed
many notable changes as the work of improvement has been carried forward and
at all times he has borne his part in the general advancement which has brought
about modern-day prosperity.
W. S. DORAN.
The name of W. S. Doran is closely associated with financial interests in Top-
penish and on the Yakima reservation. He was born in Sidney, Cheyenne county,
Nebraska, on the 28th of October, 1879, his parents being Edmund and Catherine
(Behan) Doran. who were pioneer settlers of Nebraska, having removed to that state
from northern New York. The father afterward returned to the Empire state, where
his death occurred but the mother is still living. Mr. Doran had given his time and
attention to ranching while in the west.
W. S. Doran, after acquiring a high school education, made his initial start in
the business world. He was employed in various ways, including railroad work,
and also served as deputy county treasurer of Cheyenne county, Nebraska. In
April, 1906. he arrived in Toppenish and accepted a clerkship in the First National
Bank. He bent every energy to the mastery of the business and afterward was made
cashier of the Traders Bank upon its organization. The Traders Bank was opened
on the 15th of September, 1908. with J. D. Cornett as president, William M. McGowan
as vice president, and W. S. Doran, cashier. The bank was capitalized for twenty-five
thousand dollars and its deposits have exceeded four hundred and fifty thousand
dollars. There is now a surplus of ten thousand dollars. The bank owns a site
upon which it expects to erect a new building when the World war is over. The
business of the bank has grown steadily under the guidance of efficient officers and
not a little of the success of the institution may be attributed to Mr. Doran, the
efficient, courteous and obliging cashier.
In 1914 Mr. Doran was married to Miss Etha M. Hills, a native of Michigan,
and they reside upon a fine ranch of eighty acres four miles from Toppenish which
is owned by them. It is a valuable property, highly improved, and every comfort
and convenience is there found. Mr. Doran gives his political endorsement to the
republican party and is a recognized leader in its ranks. In 1913 he was elected on
that ticket to the office of mayor, after having just served for three years in the posi-
tion of city treasurer. He belongs to the Elks Lodge No. 318. of Yakima, and also
to the Brotherhood of Railway Trainmen of North Platte, Nebraska. In Toppenish
he has membership in the Commercial Club and he is interested in everything that
has to do with the welfare and progress of the city and in office and out of it has
labored effectively and earnestly to advance the best interests of the community.
L. A. DASH.
L. A. Dash, a well known figure in real estate circles in Yakima, conducting im-
portant business interests of that character as a partner of E. G. Tennant, was born
in Merrimack, Wisconsin, in 1877, and acquired a public school education in Baraboo,
Wisconsin. He afterward took up the study of telegraphy and became an operator
on the Chicago & Northwestern Railway, in which connection he continued for sev-
eral years.
It was the year 1906 that witnessed the arrival of Mr. Dash in the northwest.
He made Yakima his destination and became manager of an abstract office, while
later he turned his attention to the insurance and collection business. At a subse-
quent date he became secretary of the Business Men's .\ssociation of Yakrma and
occupied that position for three years. He then turned his attention to the real
•estate business, in which he also engaged for about three years, and in June, 1915,
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 201
he entered into partnership with E. G. Tennant, an association that still maintains.
Prior to that date he had put several subdivisions upon the market, including Grand-
view and the Victoria additions. The firm of Tennant & Dash is now largely en-
gaged in the development and sale of acre tracts and is doing a very extensive busi-
ness.
On the 22d of June, 1898, Mr. Dash was united in marriage to Miss Ruby A.
Peck, of Baraboo, Wisconsin, a daughter of F. N. Peck, who became one of the
pioneer settlers of that state. Mr. and Mrs. Dash now have two children, Mary
Jeanette and Lawrence Peck.
Mr. Dash is connected with the Knights of Pythias and is a past chancellor in the
order. He also has membership with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and
in the Commercial Club, and is in hearty sympathy with the plans and purposes of
tliat organization to upbuild the city, to extend its trade relations and uphold those
interests which are a matter of civic virtue and civic pride. He votes with the
republican party .but has never been an aspirant for office, preferring to concentrate
his efforts and attention upon his private interests, and today he is a well known
and successful business man of Yakima, having made for himself a most creditable
position in real estate circles.
MRS. ANNA R. NICHOLS.
Mrs. Anna R. Nichols, who is filling the position of county superintendent of
schools of Yakima county, is a native of Michigan and was educated in the Michigan
State Normal College of Ypsilanti, after which she took up the profession of teach-
ing, which she followed in her native state for five years.
In young womanhood she became the wife of John D. Nichols, of Michigan, and
in 1902 they sought the opportunities of the west, removing to Yakima county, Wash-
ington. Following their arrival they purchased an orchard in the Parker Bottom and
afterward sold that property but later again invested in land in the same locality.
Mr. Nichols concentrates his efforts and atention upon the development of the farm,
which has been brought under a high state of cultivation.
To Mr. and Mrs. Nichols have been born three children, a son and two daughters:
Jack, Catherine and Margaret. After removing to the west, Mrs. Nichols resumed
teaching, which she followed for five years in the country schools, and in 1917 her
capability won recognition in election to the office of county superintendent of
schools for a two years' term. She has done excellent work in this connection and
has again been made the candidate of the republican party for the position. Her
work has largely received public endorsement and the schools have been greatly ben-
efitted by her service.
JOSEPH E. McGRATH.
Joseph E. McGrath, the efficient cashier of the Moxee State Bank, which was
opened on the 13th of June, 1914, was born in Tama, Iowa, August 5, 1886, a son
of Hugh J. and Martha (Bingham) McGrath, the former a native of New York,
while the latter was born in Vermont. They removed westward to Iowa in the
'SOs, settling in Clinton county, while subsequently they established their home in
Tama county. There they resided until 1908, when they made their way to the
Pacific northwest, settling at Waterville, Washington, where the father died and
where the mother still makes her home.
Joseph E. McGrath supplemented his public school training by a course in a
business college and was thus well qualified for active work along the line in which
he is now engaged. He started out in the business world as a clerk in a store in
Waterville, Washington, and afterward accepted a position in the Farmers Bank
at Krupp, where he remained for five years. He was later connected with the Ruflf
State Bank at Ruff, Washington, in the position of cashier for three years and on
202 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
the expiration of that period became one of the organizers of the Moxee State Bank,
of which he has continuously served as cashier. His associates in this undertaking
are L. H. Desmarais, who is the president, and G. E. McGrath, the vice president.
The bank is capitalized for ten thousand dollars and the company owns a bank build-
ing of brick with oak fixtures, which was built in 1914. The deposits amounted to
more than ninety thousand dollars in November, 1917, with a surplus of fifteen hun-
dred dollars and eight hundred dollars in undivided profits. The bank paid ten per
cent on its stock in 1917 and is doing an excellent business under the careful guid-
ance and management of Mr. McGrath.
On the 20th of January, 1915, Mr. McGrath was married to Miss Grace E. Kelly,
of Addy, Washington, a daughter of James Kelly. They are now parents of two
children, Evaline and Maxine. Mrs. McGrath is a member of the Congregational
church and a lady of many attractive social qualities. In politics Mr. McGrath is a
republican, and fraternally he is identified with Yakima Lodge No. 318, B. P. O. E.
Wideawake and alert, he loses no opportunity to take a forward step in the busi-
ness world and has made for himself a creditable position in the financial circles of
Moxee.
STEPHEN J. HARRISON.
Stephen J. Harrison has pursued so many different lines of activity that he may
be considered one of the best known men within the state. He is not only one of
the foremost citizens of the Yakima valley, to which he was instrumental in bring-
ing many people, but has been one of the prime factors in the development of Sun-
nyside and still owns a part of the townsite. Moreover, he has been noted as a
preacher, founding the largest congregation of Brethren in the state, and has also
been one of the bankers of his section.
A native of Pennsylvania, Mr. Harrison was born near Johnstown, September
24, 1855, a son of Thomas and Sarah (Waters) Harrison, who located in Sunnyside
in March, 190O, the father taking up a homestead claim, to which he devoted his
time and labors until his death in 1905, his widow surviving until 1917. The family
removed from their Pennsylvania home to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in 1868, when Stephen
J. Harrison was thirteen years of age, so that his public school education was largely
received in his native state. He attended school in Iowa after the removal of the
family there and later was a student in Cornell College of that state. He rounded
out his education by attending the National Normal School at Lebanon, Ohio, and
then taught in the Coe Collegiate Institute at Cedar Rapids, Iowa, for one year.
In 1876 Mr. Harrison and W. E. Lockhard founded the Cedar Rapids Business Col-
lege, an institution which has been of untold value to that city, but our subject sold
his interest in that institution shortly after its organization. He then became con-
nected with a publishing company of the Brethren church at Lanark, Illinois, being
joint owner and also acting as editor. In January, 1881, he entered the employ of
the Exchange Bank at that place, remaining in that connection for two years, and
then devoted his attention to the development of a farm property which his wife had
inherited, continuing in agricultural pursuits from 1882 until 1892. The farm was
largely devoted to dairy purposes and he there had a large creamery and conducted
a wholesale butter and egg business. Mr. Harrison had been an active member of
the old Dunkard church but later became connected with the Brethren and was
pastor of the church of that denomination at Waterloo, Iowa, for two years. In
1895 he became editor of the Brethren Evangelist, the church organ, which he re-
moved to Ashland, Ohio.
About this time his son Homer was afflicted with a tumor of the abdomen and
the anxious father took him to Chicago, where, despite the best care and attention,
the son died. While in that city Mr. Harrison became interested in .Alexander Dovvie,
whose acquaintance he soon made, and, each finding an interest in the other, he
became connected with the great prophet and healer. It was he and Mr. Dowie who
founded the paper. Leaves of Healing, of which Mr. Harrison became the manager.
During this period he converted Mr. Dowie to the Dunkard mode of baptism and
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 203
Mr. Harrison himself baptized Mr. Dowie according to this mode in Lake Michigan.
Later Mr. Harrison went to California in search of a location for a colony, but in-
stead of realizing his purpose acted as pastor of several Brethren churches in that
state, remaining about one year, after which he returned to Lanark, Illinois. He
there engaged in the stock, grain and implement business for two years but in 1898
made his eventful entry into the state of Washington to look for a location for a
colony. At that time he secured the sale of the land along the Sunnyside canal, a
tract comprising sixty-four thousand acres, under W. H. Phipps, land commissioner
of the Northern Pacific Railroad. From March, 1898, to March, 1899, Mr. Harrison
was pastor of the church at Falls City, Nebraska, but in the latter year he and
Harvey M. Lichty, of Carleton, Nebraska, removed to Sunnyside, Mr. Harrison
taking charge of the land development. In 1902 he organized the Sunnyside Bank
and served as president of the institution for seven years, or until 1909. In 1900 he
bought the unsold portion of the townsite. Through his efforts many people have
taken up their homes in the Yakima valley.
Mr. Harrison never lost sight of church work and during 1901 he combined six
Protestant churches in Sunn3side into the Federated church, which had an existence
of six years. At one time it had a Sunday school enrollment of six hundred and
twenty-five. To this Federated church belonged the following organizations: Baptist,
Brethren, Christian, Congregational, Methodist and Presbyterion, all holding their
services under one roof and being known as the Federated church. Later, however,
each denomination withdrew and holds its own exclusive service. His paramount
interest in the valley has ever been evident, for Mr. Harrison was one of four to
assume the responsibility of getting the right of way for the Northern Pacific Rail-
road through Sunnyside. He has also served as the first president of the Sunny-
side Water Users Association, which took over the Sunnyside canal. In 1905 he
organized the Mabton Bank and for seven years served as president of that institu-
tion.
In 1880 Mr. Harrison was united in marriage to Miss Loretta Rowland, of
Lanark, Illinois, a daughter of Isaac and Mary (Stitzel) Rowland, both of whom
have passed away. To this union were born two children: Homer, deceased; and
Frank, whose sketch follows this.
Mr. Harrison is liberal in his views regarding religious denominations and is a
member of the Brethren church. In his fraternal affiliations he is a member of the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows and belongs to the Elks Lodge No. 92 of
Seattle. He is also a member of the Royal Arcanum and the Arctic Club of Seattle.
In his political views he is a republican and in 1917 was a candidate for the nomina-
tion to congress but failed of success. He now gives his time to the management
of his properties. His achievements in Sunnyside stand as monuments to his vision
and high purpose in life.
FRANK HARRISON.
Frank Harrison, who on the 24th of March, 1919, was assigned for duty as
assistant personnel adjutant for Camp Zachariah Taylor, Kentucky, and whose con-
nection with the army covers the entire period since America's entrance into the
great World's war, was born at Lanark. Carroll county, Illinois, January 27, 1S9S,
a son of Stephen J. and Loretta (Rowland) Harrison. In March, 1899, his parents
removed to Sunnyside, Washington, which place was his home until 1910, when he
removed to Seattle, Washington. He had previously been a pupil in the public
schools of Sunnyside and afterward continued his education at Seattle until gradu-
ated from the Lincoln high school of that city with the class of 1911. In the mean-
time he had been a member of two interscholastic debating teams and one of six
to contest for high school oratorical championship of the city. In the summer of
1907 he attended the Acme Business College of Seattle, studying stenography and
typewriting. In 1911 he entered the University of Washington and pursued the lib-
eral arts course, being graduated cum laude in 1915, winning the Bachelor of Arts'
degree. While in the university he was a member of the intercollegiate debating
204 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
team, the winner of the Philo Sherman Bennett Essay contest and was president of
the Badger Debating Club. He was also made a member of the Delta L'psilon fra-
ternity and of the Phi Beta Kappa, the Phi Delta Kappa, the Phi Alpha Delta and
the Tau Kappa Alpha honor societies. His early military training was also there
received, for in 1915 he became major of cadets. He was a member of the Young
Men's Christian Association cabinet in 1913 and 1914.
Frank Harrison studied law at the University of Washington and was graduate
assistant instructor in political science in 1916 and 1917. In June, 1916, he became
associated with his father and L. L. Todd in the development of a farm at Benton
City, giving considerable attention to that project until August, 1917. During the
legislative session of 1917 he acted as clerk of the roads and bridges committee in
the house of representatives at Washington. He was an enlisted man of the Wash-
ington National Guard. Coast Artillery Corps, from May, 1916. until April, 1917. On
the 13th of August. 1917, he enlisted in the Washington Field Artillery, National
Guard, and in September was commissioned lieutenant with rank from August 5th.
He served with the One Hundred and Forty-sixth Field Artillery, of which the Wash-
ington National Guard was a part, from October 9, 1917, until July 29, 1918. being
executive officer of Battery E during the advance at Chateau-Thierry. He was
detached from the One Hundred and Forty-sixth Field Artillery from May 21 to
June 30, 1918, as instructor in artillery for the Fifty-sixth Artillery, C. A. C. On the
29th of July he was ordered to the United States to be artillery instructor; was pro-
moted to first lieutenant August 11, 1918; w-as assigned to the Fifty-first Field Ar-
tillery at Camp Bowie, Texas, as instructor and in addition from October 23, 1918,
to February 8, 1919, commanded Headquarters Company and from December 13,
1918, to February 8, 1919, was acting regimental adjutant. On the 8th of February,
1919, he was assigned as student to the Field Artillery Officers School. Camp Zach-
ariah Taylor, Kentucky, and on the 24th of March, 1919, was assigned as assistant
personnel adjutant Jor Camp Zachariah Taylor.
Mr. Harrison had a short experience during various summer vacation periods
of high school and college years as bank clerk with the Mabton Bank at Mabton,
Washington; as mechanics' helper with the Ford Motor Company of Seattle; as office
clerk with the Essenkay Sales Company of Seattle; as district circulation manager
of the Seattle Sun; and was in charge of hearings of the United States commissions
and industrial relations at Seattle, Washington, in Auguft, 1914. His record as a stu-
dent, in business circles and in military circles has been marked by steady progress.
It must ever be a matter of gratification to him and a source of pride to his parents
that he participated in the battle of Chateau-Thierry, which proved the turning point
in the great World's war, the entrance of the Americans at that time checking the
advance of the Germans, lending courage and hope to the French and, moreover,
proving the worth of the American arms and the American spirit.
MARTIN V. JACKSON.
In the lamentable and tragic death of Martin V. Jackson, Yakima county lost
not only a foremost agriculturist and the community a loyal and public-spirited citi-
zen, but there were also many who mourned him as a steadfast friend, while to his
imr^ediate family he was ever deeply devoted. While he attained individual pros-
perity and occupied a substantial position among the people of his neighborhood, he
also made valuable contributions to the general good and the sum total of his whole
career must be counted of the greatest value to the state. Whatever he undertook
he prosecuted with steadfast purpose and his energy and industry won for him the
day. He had the intelligence of original thought and the audacity of new action and
thus he became a leader in his particular vocation, setting a good example for present
and future generations.
Mr. Jackson came of most distinguished ancestry. He was born in Hinchin-
brooke, Ontaria, Canada, May 12, 1864, a son of John Cogswell Jackson, who was
born in New York and was a son of Jethro Jackson, the latter a nephew of Presi-
dent Andrew Jackson. Mrs. Jackson, the mother of our subject, before her marriage
MARTIN Y. JACKSON
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 207
was Elizabeth Jane Cronk, a native of New York and a daughter of John Cronk, Jr.,
of New York, and a niece of John Cronk, Sr., who voluntarily served in the War
of mil. He was the last survivor of that conflict and in 1905 died at Albany, New
York, at the age of one hundred and five years. On account of his distinguished con-
nection with the War of 1812 and being the last survivor he was given a public
funeral. John C. Jackson, father of our subject, was a farmer by occupation, and as
a pioneer made his way overland to Clear Lake, Iowa. Later he was located at
Tarkio, Missouri, where he passed away. The family had returned from Canada
when our subject was but a child.
Martin V. Jackson, having removed with the family to Iowa, received his public
school education in that state and after laying aside his textbooks at the age of
seventeen left home and became connected with a surveying gang of the Great
Northern Railroad. He was among the early residents of Washington, arriving in
Kittitas county in the early '80s, and shortly thereafter he came to Yakima county,
where he took up a timber claim on the Wenas. Later, in 1891, he took up a home-
stead of one hundred and sixty acres, upon which he proved up in 1896, and the
certificate from the government with the signature of Grover Cleveland is still in the
possession of his widow. The ranch is located five and a half miles southwest of
Sunnyside. In October, 1904, Mr. Jackson brought his wife here. Their first home
was a two-room cabin but the family residence is now one of the finest in the neigh-
borhood. Mr. Jackson began work by clearing away the sagebrush and as the years
passed gradually brought his acres under cultivation. In 1903 he sold eighty acres of
the homestead, retaining the remaining eighty acres, and this he cultivated until
death claimed him. In 1911 he erected a handsome residence and in the course of
time also built substantial barns. Modern machinery, in which he was ever inter-
ested, facilitated the work of the fields, and thus he became a leader in the develop-
ment and upbuilding of his region.
On the 17th of February, 1904, Mr, Jackson was united in marriage to Miss Cora
May Brussman, a native of Covington, Kentucky, and a daughter of Augustus F.
and Eliza Ann (Linville) Brussman, who were born in Kentucky and Ohio respec-
tively. The father was a son of Augustus F. and Margaret (Seidel) Brussman, both
of whom were members of the Austrian aristocracy. They were given permission by
the government to leave the country on account of the political troubles of 1849
and after arriving in this country Augustus F. Brussman, Sr., located in Cincinnati.
Ohio. Later removal was made to Covington, Kentucky, where he passed away.
His son. the father of Mrs. Jackson now resides near Leasburg, Missouri, being a
retired cigar manufacturer. Mrs. Brussman was a daughter of Kingston and Zer-
elda (Steers) Linville. the former born in Linville, Virginia, of an old southern
family. Colonel Lewis, of Revolutionary War fame, was a great uncle of Mrs.
Zerelda Linville, while Mrs. Jackson is also descended from General Van Wyck,
aid-de-camp of General George Washington. To Mr. and Mrs. Jackson were born
five children: Nettie Rosalind, Elizabeth Jane, Martin Henry, Stella May and John
Cogswell.
Mr. Jackson died August 19, 1911, being killed by falling from the roof of his
house while he was engaged in shingling. The news of his death spread far and wide
throughout the neighborhood and was received everywhere with the most sincere
expressions of grief and sorrow. Many were the friends who mourned in him an
honorable and upright man, while to his family his loss appeared irreparable. He
was ever devoted to their care and welfare, being a most loving husband and father.
In his home centered his greatest interest and all of his thoughts were given to
making that home more pleasant for his loved ones. In fact, he was an ideal family
man and yet he found time to make friends outside the home circle. These friends he
retained because of his high character, being ever ready to extend a cheering word
of sound advice or a helpful action to those whose pathways were beset by difficul-
ties and obstacles.
Mrs. Jackson has taken over the business affairs since the death of her husband
and has proven eminently successful in the management of the property. She is
giving great care to the rearing of her family in order to make them useful members
208 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
of society and yet she finds time to do a man's work in looking after the interests of
the place. She raises largely alfalfa and potatoes and has continued to improve the
property, which is now one of the most valuable in the neighborhood and is widely
known as the Fairview Ranch. The prominence of the family is indicated in the
fact that she is mentioned in the famous Who's Who in America, a place in that
volume being conceded to her on account of the many distinguished members of her
family. She is an ex-president of the Riverside Woman's Club and has ever been
socially active. She gives her allegiance to the Christian church, of which she is a
faithful member.
Mr. Jackson was also a devoted and helpful member of the Christian church,
which he regularly attended and in which faith he passed away. He belonged to the
Knights of Pythias and also to the Grange, of which he was a charter member, and
was always concerned in all public improvements, many of which he brought about
through his active help and cooperation. His political support was given to the
democratic party but he was never an office seeker although he was thoroughly in-
formed on the questions and issues of the day not only regarding local affairs but
also in regard to state and national problems. In fact he was one of the best in-
formed men in his district, whose advice was often sought and whose opinions
carried weight. His memory lives as a benediction to all who knevi' aught of him and
his name will ever stand in the history of the district as one of the sturdy pioneers
who here assisted in laying deep the seeds of civilization.
FRED PARKER.
Fred Parker is an attorney-at-law devoting the major part of his attention to his
profession, and yet there have been few important business projects of the Yakima
valley with which he has not been more or less closely associated and his efforts
and activities have therefore contributed in substantial measure to the growth and
upbuilding of the district. He has played so important a part in the history of this
section of the state that his life record can not fail to prove of interest to many of
the readers of this volume.
Mr. Parker is a native of Kentucky, his birth having occurred in London, that
state, on the 8th of December, 1861, his parents being Felix and Eliza ("Lincks)
Parker. The father was a farmer by occupation and spent his entire life in Ken-
tucky, which was also the native state of the mother. His ancestry was traced back
to the old Parker family >that was founded in America by one of the passengers on
the Mayflower.
Fred Parker, whose name introduces this review, acquired a public school educa-
tion in Kentucky, where he spent the period of his minority, and in 1883, when about
twenty-two years of age. he sought the opportunities of the northwest, making
Yakima his destination. In fact he aided in laying out the town and from that time
to the present has been closely associated wth ts growth and improvement. In ISS.^i
he began reading law with Judge Edward Whitson, now deceased, and after thorough
preliminary training was admitted to the bar in 1888. That he had proven his worth
during his student days is indicated by the fact that Judge Whitson then admitted
him to partnership and the association was maintaned for a quarter of a century
or until the judge was elevated to the federal bench, and the closest friendship was
theirs until Judge Whitson was called from this life on the 15th of October, 1915.
The zeal with which Mr. Parker has devoted his energies to the profession, the care-
ful regard evinced for the interests of his clients and an assiduous and unrelaxing at-
tention to all the details of his cases, have brought him a large business and made
him very successful in its conduct. His arguments have elicited warm commendation
not only from his associates at the bar but also from the bench. He is a very able
writer: his briefs always show wide research, careful thought and the best and
strongest reasons which can be urged for his contention, presented in cogent and
logical form and illustrated by a style unusually lucid and clear. His clientage has
long been a very extensive one and his devotion thereto has become proverbial.
Moreover, Mr. Parker is a farsighted, sagacious and enterprising business man who
has been identified with most of the important projects of the valley.
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 209
On the 10th of March, 1891, Mr. Parker was married to Miss Louise Irene
Learning, of Kansas, who came to Washington in her girlhood days with her father,
Edmond R. Learning, a pioneer settler of Yakima, who established the first nursery
in the Yakima valley. Mr. and Mrs. Parker have become the parents of two sons and
a daughter: William Edward, who was graduated from the Washington State Uni-
versity and entered upon the practice of law in connection with his father, but is now
a member of the L^nited States army; and Clarence L. and Harriett P., both at home.
Mr. Parker is an exemplary representative of the Masonic fraternity, having
taken the degrees of lodge and chapter, and is a life member of the Benevolent Pro-
tctive Order of Elks. He gives his political allegiance to the republican party but
has never become an active party worker, preferring to concentrate his undivided
attention upon his profession and his business interests, and today he is a director in
several corporations, ranking him with the most valued citizens of this section of
the state.
SAMUEL R. McCAW.
Samuel R. McCaw, a well known representative of the banking fraternity in
the Yakima valley, was the organizer and is now cashier of the American Commer-
cial Bank of Wapato. He was born in Steilacoom, Washington, August 2, 1868, a
son of Samuel and Mary McCaw. The father was of Scotch-Irish descent and in
1849 crossed the continent to California and later made his way up the Eraser river,
while subsequently he established his home at Steilacoom, where he engaged in busi-
ness as a stock trader. He died in May, 1882. while his wife, surviving him for about
sixteen years, passed away in 1898.
Samuel R. McCaw attended the Indian school at Forest Grove, Oregon, now
known as the Chemawa Indian School and was a member of the first class to gradu-
ate from that institution. For three years he was a student in the Earlham College
of Indiana and started out in the business world as an employe of the Crane Com-
pany of Chicago, for whom he served as discount clerk. In 1894 he accepted a posi-
tion in the L^nited States government service at Fort Simcoe and was afterward at
Colville. Washington, as chief clerk of the Indian agency there. In the meantime,
however, he had gone to Yakima in 1893 and was for a year connected with the
Yakima National Bank. It was in 1894 that he entered the government service. In
1895 he returned to the Yakima National Bank, where he was employed for twenty-
two years, becoming general teller of that institution. He then decided to engage in
the banking business on his own account and became the organizer of the American
Commercial Bahk, which was established on the 2d of January, 1918. This was the
first bank in the LTnited States to be owned entirely by Indians. It is a state bank,
capitalized for twenty-five thousand dollars, and now has a surplus of twenty-five
hundred dollars, while its deposits already amount to one hundred thousand dollars.
The bank has entered upon a very prosperous career under capable and efficient man-
agement, for progressive business men stand at its head. The first officers were:
P. A. Olney. a stock raiser, who became the president; S. R. McCaw, vice-president
and cashier; and Nealy N. Olney, assistant cashier, while the other directors were
C. C. Olney, a sheep and cattle raiser and farmer, and George W. Olney, also prom-
inent as a stock raiser and farmer. Mr. McCaw has been the active head of the bank
from the beginning. The company purchased and remodeled the building which
they occupy, a modern fireproof and burglar proof structure, equipped with a splendid
vault, safe and other devices found in every modern banking institution. Mr. McCaw
was well qualified by previous training and experience for the duties which he
assumed and which he is now most capably discharging. The success of the bank
seems assured and his business career, judged by what he has accomplished in the
past, will be well worth watching.
On the 6th of June, 1903, Mr. McCaw was married to Miss Alice K. Wallace, of
Lucasville. Ohio, and they have one son, Samuel Robert, Jr., while by a former mar-
riage Mr. McCaw- had two children, Winona and Myrtle Ramona.
Mr. McCaw owns some fine farm land on the reservation and is meeting with
(10)
210 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
substantial success in his undertakings. He is the president of the Yakima Indian
Commercial Club, of which he became a charter member, and his efforts are
proving an important element in promoting business conditions among the Indian
residents of this section of the state. His political allegiance is given to the repub-
lican party and he stands for progress and improvement along all lines.
MISS MAUD GILMOUR.
Miss Maud Gilmour, who is filling the office of county treasurer of Kittitas
county, is a native of Lebanon, Oregon, and a daughter of John L. and Virginia
(Linbarger) Gilmour. Her father was born in Illinois and in early life crossed the
plains to Oregon, making the hard trip across the sands and over the mountain
passes at a day when there were no railroads to shorten time and distance. It was
after his arrivalin that state that he was married to Miss Virginia Linbarger, who
was born in Oregon, her parents having been pioneer settlers of that state. Mr.
Gilmour was a blacksmith by trade and followed that pursuit in Oregon until 1881,
when he romoved to Ellensburg, where he took up his abode on the 13th of October.
He had one of the first blacksmith shops of this section of the state. He was one
of the early settlers of Ellensburg, taking up his abode there when the town con-
tained only a very sparse population. With its industrial interests he was closely
identified to the time of his death, which occurred in January, 1904. His widow sur-
vived him for more than a decade, passing away in 1914. In the meantime the father,
as he prospered in his undertakings, made judicious investments in property and
became the owner of several ranches. To him and his wife were born eleven chil-
dren, six of whom are still living.
Miss Gilmour, whose name introduces this review, pursued a public school edu-
cation in Ellensburg and afterward continued her studies in the State Normal School
of this place. Later she engaged in office work and in 1911 was appointed to the po-
sition of deputy county treasurer, in which capacity she served for four years, or
until 1915. She was then elected county treasurer and her previous experience was
of great value to her in assuming the duties of the office. She served her second term
in that position and is now chief deputy under W. G. Damerow, the present county
treasurer. Her record is one which has gained for her high credit and admiration,
for she is most systematic, thorough and accurate in all that she does. She was
elected to the office on the democratic ticket and she has been a stalwart supporter
of the party. Her religious faith is that of the Presbyterian church. She represents
two of the old pioneer families of the northwest. Both her grandfathers on the
paternal and maternal sides were pioneer Indian fighters and from that early day her
people have taken an active part in the development and progress of the northwest
and in tlie utiliation of its resources for the purposes of civilization. Miss Gilmour
is widely known in Washington, where she has many friends, her attractive social
qualities making for her popularity wherever she is known.
GEORGE F. HEYDUCK.
George F. Heyduck ranks with the leading fruit growers in the vicinity of
Yakima and his life is. illustrative of the fact that opportunity is open to all in the new
world. Starting out in life empty-handed, he has steadily advanced and each forward
step has brought him a broader outlook and wider opportunities. He is today con-
ducting important fruit raising interests upon an excellent property of thirty-nine
acres in the vicinity of Yakima. He was born in Centralia, Illinois, March 23, 1866,
a son of John G. and Caroline (Cretzmeyer) Heyduck. The mother passed away
in 1887, but the father long survived and died in Illinois, July 24, 1918, at the age of
seventy-seven years. He was a farmer by occupation, following that pursuit through-
out the greater part of his active life, but in his later years he enjoyed a well-earned
rest.
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 211
When his school daj'S were over, George F. Heyduck started out in the business
world. In 1892 he became a railroad employe and working his way steadily upward
in that connection, became an engineer on the lUnois Central Railroad in 1897. He
occupied that position until October, 1913, when he came to the Yakima valley. He
had previously visited this section of the state, in 1908. and had invested in twenty
acres of land, one-half of which was planted to fruit. He now has thirty-nine acres,
of which twenty-seven acres is in fruit, while twelve acres is plow land and pasture
land. He directs his interests wisely and systematically and has won a place amon.y
the foremost fruit growers of this section of the state. His orchards when in blossom
are a scene of rare beauty that is only equalled when the fruit turns to gold and red
upon the trees. He is thoroughly familiar with the most modern scientific methods of
caring for and spraying the trees and study has made him also familiar with the
kinds of fruit that can best be raised in this locality. In addition to his horticul-
tural interests he keeps a number of fine cows and is also successfully engaged in
raising corn, having eight acres planted to that crop.
On the 24th of February, 1892, Mr. Heyduck was married to Miss Cordelia
Crawford, of Centralia, Illinois. They had been schoolmates in the district school
in childhood days and the acquaintance then formed ripened into love, which was
consummated in marriage. They are now rearing an adopted daughter, Pearl. Fra-
ternally Mr. Heyduck is connected with the Masons as a member of the lodge and
chapter. He took an active part in the work of railway orders while engaged in that
line of business. In politics he maintains an independent course, voting for men
and measures rather than party. His religious faith is that of the Methodist church
and to its principles he loyally adheres, while high principles guide him in every rela-
tion of life. He is a member of the Yakima County Horticultural Union and his
all times commends him to the confidence and goodwill of his associates
acquaintances throughout the valley.
JOHN L. WILLETT.
John L. Willett has the reputation of being a successful educator and an equally
successful hortoculturist. The qualities which make for advancement in both lines
are his and, actuated by a laudable ambition, he has steadily progressed. A native
of Appanoose county, Iowa, he was born near Centerville on the 7th of September,
1877, a son of James M. and Mary A. (Roundy) Willett. The father, a native of Vir-
ginia, was a son of William Willett, who became a pioneer settler of Iowa. The
mother of John L. Willett was born in Illinois, being a daughter of John Roiindy,
who took up his abode in that state when it was upon the western frontier and after-
ward removed to Iowa when it was still a pioneer district. The parents of John L.
Willett were married in Iowa and the mother is living at Moulton, that state, but the
father has passed away.
In the year 1902 John L. Willett came to Washington. He had previously taught
school for two years in Iowa and after reaching this state he attended a normal
school and subsequently taught for five years. He was at one time principal of the
Summit View school of Yakima and did splendid work in the educational field. For
a few years thereafter he gave his attention to ranching and subsequently was called
to the position of deputy sheriff, in which capacity he served for two years. He
then returned to the ranch and is today the owner of twenty acres located three
miles west of Yakima. Of this five acres is in orchard, producing as fine apples as
can be raised in this section of the country. He has fifteen acres of his land in
corn and alfalfa. He took the first prize in corn sweepstakes at the county fair in
1917, also the third prize and won honorable mention. His eflforts along horticul-
tural lines have been further extended in that he rents ten acres of orchard land
devoted to pears and apples. Thoroughly familiar with all that has to do with the
propagation of fruit in this locality, his labors have produced excellent results and
he is now conducting a profitable business.
On the 21st of June, 1905, Mr. Willett was married to Miss Carrie E. Morgan,
a daughter of Robert S. Morgan, and they have one child, James Hamilton, who
212 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
was born July 27, 1915. In his political views Mr. Willett is a democrat. He and
• his wife are members of the Methodist church and take an active interest in its
work and in all that pertains to. the upbuilding and progress of the community in
which they make their home. They have gained many warm friends during the
period of their residence in the northwest and Mr. Willett has won a most creditable
position in the regard of his fellow townsmen by reason of the ability he has dis-
played in educational lines and as an agriculturist and horticulturist.
JOHN B. FREDRICKSON.
John B. Fredrickson, proprietor of a well appointed drug store in Toppenish, was
born in Madison, Wisconsin, March 9, 1886, a son of O. C. and Anna Frederickson,
who in the year 1889 came to Washington, settling first at Tacoma, where the father
engaged in shipbuilding. He is now residing in Seattle, where he continues in the
same line of business.
John B. Fredrickson pursued a public school education at Auburn, Washington,
and after his textbooks were put aside entered upon an apprenticeship to the drug
business at Puyallup, Washington, being employed by the Truedson Drug Company.
He remained with that house for three and a half years and then went to Tacoma,
where he resided until 1908. He then removed to Roslyn, Washington, where he
lived for two years, and for one year was located at Sunnyside. All through these
periods he continued in the drug trade and in the fall of 1911 he came to Toppenish,
where he entered the Peterson drug store as an employe, there remaining for two
and a half years. Mr. Fredrickson then joined R. R. Dasher in the purchase of the
Clark Pharmacy, which has since been conducted under the firm style of Fredrick-
son & Dasher. They occupy a building twenty-five by one hundred and ten feet, hav-
ing one of the best drug stores of the town.
In June, 1908, Mr. Fredrickson was married to Miss Hettie Glascock, a native ot
Texas but at the time of her marriage a resident of Puyallup, Washington. The
children of this marriage are: Verna Estelle, six years of age: and Audrey Lucille,
who is in her first year.
Mr. Fredrickson belongs to the Woodmen of the World and also to the Im-
proved Order of Foresters and he has membership in the Toppenish Commercial
Club. He is interested in all that has to do with the welfare and progress of his
adopted city and his cooperation can always be counted upon to further plans and
measures for the general good. In business he has never dissipated his efforts over
a wide field but has concentrated his attention upon a single line, in which he has
developed ability of a high order.
DANIEL W. BRUNSON.
Daniel W. Brunson. who has been actively and successfully identified with
ranching interests in the Kittitas valley during the past twenty-two years, now owns
and cultivates an excellent farm of one hundred and eighty-three acres situated three
and a half miles northwest of Ellensburg. As an auctioneer he has also had charge
of about all the pul^lic sales in Kittitas county in the past fourteen years. His birth
occurred in Ralls county, Missouri, on the 1st of May, !872, his parents lieint; Carden
Porter and Drucilla (Hunt) Brunson, who were natives of Ohio and Illinois respec-
tively and became early settlers of Missouri. The father devoted his attention to
general agricultural pursuits throughout his active business career, but both he and
his wife have now passed away.
Daniel W. Brunson attended the public schools in the acquirement of an educa-
tion and on attaining his majority undertook the cultivation of rented land in Mis-
souri. He was thus engaged in tliat state for three years or until 1896. when he made
his way westward to the Kittitas valley and here took up a homestead claim. He
also worked as a farm hand by the month for three years and he continued the opera-
MR. AND MRS. DAXIKL W. BRUNSON
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 215
tion of his place until disposing of the property in 1910. In that year he purchased a
tract of eighty acres near Thorp and thereon carried on his agricultural interests until
1915, when he sold the place and bought his present farm of one hundred and eighty-
three acres three and a half miles northwest of EUensburg. He has erected thereon
a substantial barn and other buildings and has brought his fields under a high state
of cultivation, annually raising excellent crops of hay and grain. He likewise devotes
considerable attention to sheep raising, which branch of his business adds materially
to his income.
On the 23d of December, 1903, Mr. Brunson was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary
B. Hawthorn, a native of Tennessee and a daughter of J. S. and Josephine (Min-
nick) Hawthorn. The father still resides in Tennessee, but the mother has passed
away. Mr. and Mrs. Brunson have become the parents of three children: Roy Car-
den, Annie Irene and Daniel Hawthorn. Mr. Brunson gives his political allegiance
to the republican party, exercising his right of franchise in support of its men and
measures. The prosperity which he now enjoys is all the more creditable by reason
of the fact that it has been entirely self-acquired and through his own efforts and
industry he has won a place among the substantial and representative farmers of
Kittitas county.
GEORGE W. ROCKETT.
George W. Rockett, who is engaged in ranching on the Cowiche in Yakima
county, is a representative of one of the old pioneer families of Washington. His
birth occurred in Clarke county, this state, on the 28th of November, 1868, his parents
being R. P. and Hannah M. (Lewis) Rockett, the former a native of Glasgow, Scot-
land, while the latter was born in Indiana. The father left the land of hills and
heather when a boy and became a sailor. He made the trip by way of Cape Horn
to the western coast in the 'SOs and settled at Vancouver, Washington. He was
drowned about 1871 and his widow afterward became the wife of John W. Stevenson.
She was a daughter of Henry Lewis, who died in Indiana, and she came to Wash-
ington with her brothers. Jack and Ben Lewis. It was at Vancouver that Mr. and
Mrs. R. P. Rockett were married and it was after the death of her first husband
that Mrs. Rockett removed to Yakima county in 1872 and was here married again.
George W. Rockett acquired a public school education and has devoted his en-
tire life to ranching in this part of the state. He obtaned forty acres of the old
homestead and has bought forty acres additional, so that he has a good ranch of
eighty acres, which he is careful!}', systematically and successfully cultivating, de-
voting his land to tlie raising of grain and hay.
Mr. Rockett is a republican in his political views but does not seek nor desire
office. He keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day and is never
remiss in the duties of citizenship but cooperates heartily in all plans and measures
for the general good. He has always lived in the northwest and has been a most
interested witness of the remarkable changes that have been wrought in a compara-
tively short time, reclaiming this great region, which only about a half century ago
was wild and undeveloped, for the purposes of civilization.
WILLIAM P. MURPHY.
William P. Murphy, serving as sheriff of Yakima county, was born in Washing-
ton county, Illinois, on the 28th of March, 1877, a son of John F. and Martha
CGilbert) Murphy, who after residing for many years in the middle west came to
Washington about 1908 and are now living on the home farm near Fairview.
William P. Murphy obtained his education in the public schools of his native
state and through the period of his boyhood and youth assisted in the work of the
home farm, early becoming familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and
caring for the crops. He made his way to the Puget Sound country in 1901 and the
216 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
following year arrived in Yakima, since which time he has made his home in this
section of the state. For a considerable period he engaged in the life insurance
business after having spent four years as an organizer all over southeastern Wash-
ington for the Modern Woodmen of America. He established during that period many
of the lodges in the state. He then concentrated his energies upon life insurance, in
which he continued until 1911, after which he occupied the position of chief deputy
sheriff for two years. He next became superintendent of the jute warehouse mill
at the state penitentiary and he was also steward at the state reformatory in the
years 1913 and 1914. In the latter year he was again called to public service in his
election to the ol¥ice of sheriff of Yakima county, at which time he received the
largest majority ever given to a candidate for that position. He made a most ex-
cellent record in the office and was then reelected in 1917 with three times the ma-
jority tliat had been given liim before, and moreover he has the distinction of being
the first sheriff to be re-elected in more than ten years. This fact is indicative of his
personal popularity and the confidence and trust reposed in him. All recognize in
him a most faithful custodian of public interests. He stands for law and order and
his name brings a sense of safety to all law-abiding people and carries with it a
menace to those who do not hold themselves amenable to law. He is prompt in the
execution of his duties and he has served as president of the State Sheriffs' Associa-
tion.
On the ISth of July, 1896 Mr. Murphy was united in marriage to Miss Martha
Rhine, of Washington county, Illinois, and to them have been born five children;
I-avata, eighteen years of age: Lawson, aged fifteen; Zenas, a youth of fourteen;
Norma, six years of age; and Wilbur, aged three.
Mr. Murphy is a well known member of the Masonic fraternity and exemplifies
in his life the beneficent spirit of tlie craft. He belongs to Yakima Lodge Xo. 24,
F. & A. M. He is also a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge No. 22 and of the Mod-
ern Woodmen Camp of Yakima and in the latter has filled all of the offices. In
politics he is a republican, stalwart in his support of the principles of the party and
doing everything in his power to secure their adoption and to win success for the
party candidates. He was deeply and helpfully interested in war work and served
as chairman of the local exemption board. He stands for those things which are
of vital worth to the city, the commonwealth and the country and his >aid and influ-
ence are always given on the side of right, progress and improvement. Washington
gained a subsantial and worthy citizen when he left his native sate and cast in his
fortunes with those of the northwest.
BENJAMIN F. LINSE.
The younger agricultural fraternity of Yakima county is represented by Benja-
min F. Linse, the owner of twenty acres of land on the Tieton, part of which is in
apple orchard, the remainder being devoted to hay and grain. A native of South
Dakota, he was born in Marshall county, February 12, 1886, and is a son of Fred and
Anna (Berg) Linse, pioneers of Minnesota, who in 1881, five years before the birth
of our ^subject, removed to South Dakota, where the father continued to follow
farming, the family home being established in Day county. Tliere they continued
until 1902, Benjamin F. Linse receiving his educational training in the rural schools
near his father's farm, and on the removal of the family to Yakima county he accom-
panied them, at which time he was sixteen years of age. He continued upon the
home farm until 1906, when, at the age of twenty, he bought twenty acres of land
on the Tieton, which was then covered with sagebrush. He has since improved this
place and now has four acres in apples, while the remainder is devoted to grain and
hay.
On the 6th of October, 1910, Mr. Linse was united in marriage to Miss Ella
Speich. a native of Renwick, Iowa, and a daughter of Mathias and Barbara Speich,
who were born in Switzerland and in early life crossed the ocean to the United States.
They at first located in Wisconsin, later removing to Iowa and in 1906 coming to
Yakima county. The father was an agriculturist, following that occupation in the
HISTORV OF YAKIMA VALLEY 217
various states in which the family resided and continuing ranching at Nob Hill until
his death. His widow survives. To Mr. and Mrs. Linse has been born a son,
Edmond Burton, whose birth occurred December 19, 1913.
Mr. and Mrs. Linse attend the Evangelical church. In his political views Mr.
Linse is independent, giving his support to measures and candidates as his judge-
ment dictates. From 1902 until 191S he was a member of the National Guard of
the state of Washington and reached the rank of first lieutenant in the organiza-
tion.
OSCAR R. STRAND.
For twelve years Osc^r R. Strand has been a resident of the Yakima valley,
having come here in 1907, and he now is the owner of a twenty-four-acre ranch,
twelve of which are in orchard. His labors here have been attended with success
and he is today a prosperous horticulturist of his neighborhood. .-^ native of Chi-
cago, Illinois, he was born March 2, 1880, and is a son of Ole and Madeline (Thomp-
son) Strand, natives of Norway, who came to the United States many years ago. For
a number of years the father worked for wages but later was engaged in the ex-
press business in Chicago.
Oscar R. Strand was reared under the parental roof and received his early edu-
cation in the public schools of the metropolis on the lakes, but at the early age of
fourteen started out for himself. He not only worked on farms but also taught
school, from which fact it is evident that he improved his education to a considerable
extent, although the opportunities offered him were meager. In 1902 he came to
Yakima county, Washington, where he worked for a year, at the end of which period
he went to Iowa. In 1907, however, he again took up his residence in the Yakima
valley, working at first for wages. He then operated rented land until 1918, when he
bought sixteen acres of land, having previously, in 1915, purchased eight acres. Thus
he today owns twenty-four acres, twelve of which is in orchard, while the remainder
is devoted to alfalfa and under the plow. There is great credit due Mr. Strand for
what he has achieved, as he has worked up from the bottom and therefore is en-
titled to the proud American title of a self-made man.
Mr. Strand married Miss Nellie Forrest, a daughter of Eben U. and Clara
(Selfies) Forrest, who are mentioned at greater length on other pages of this work.
To this union has been born a son, Forrest Le Roy, whose birth occurred March
29, 1909.
Mr. Strand is prominent in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, having
filled all the chairs in the subordinate lodge, while he also is a member of the Grand
Lodge and has served as a delegate to the same. He belongs to the Christian church,
in the work of which he is helpfully interested, and politically is a republican. Fully
realizing the importance of irrigation and drainage, he has closely studied that sub-
ject and at this writing is ably serving as supervisor of drainage district No. 15.
AARON F. JAEGER.
For twelve years horticultural interests have claimed the attention of Aaron F.
Jaeger, who has a fine ranch of twenty acres within the city limits of Zillah, twelve
of which are in orchard. Moreover, Mr. Jaeger is conducting a sinall dairy, from
which he receives a gratifying addition to his income. A native of Winnebago county,
Wisconsin, he was born December 10, 1857, of the marriage of John Philip and Mary
(Durr) Jaeger, natives of Germany. Both were brought to this country during their
childhood, in 1837. They spent their youth in New York city, where they were
married, and subsequently went to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, when that city was but a
village, traveling the last ninety-five miles with o.x teams. Subsequently the father
bought land in Winnebago county, Wisconsin, which was still in a wild state, but
undismayed he set himself to the task of bringing it under cultivation and in the
218 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
course of years became a successful agriculturist. Both parents passed away in
Wisconsin.
Aaron F. Jaeger was reared under the parental roof amid farm conditions and
thus early became acquainted with agricultural methods. In the acquirement of his
education he attended the public schools and remained on the home farm until he
was twenty-one years of age. Desiring to take up a trade, he learned coopering and
subsequently became manager for the Symes Cooperage Company at Glenwood,
Wisconsin, having been first with that firm at Appleton, that state. He was asso-
ciated with that company for twenty years. He then attended to the setlement of
his father's estate and was so engaged for five years, at the end of which time he
removed to Yakima county, Washington, where he arrived March 6, 1906. He ac-
quired twenty acres of land within the city limits of Zillah and immediately set
himself to the task of transforming this into a valuable orchard. He now has
twelve acres thus planted, while the remainder is plow land, being devoted to hay
and corn. He also conducts a small dairy, out of which enterprise he makes a hand-
some profit yearly.
On October 18, 1882, Mr. Jaeger was married to Miss Mary McLelland, of Mill-
town, Maine, the ceremony, however, being performed at Neenah, Wisconsin. She
is a daughter of John and Sarah (Ingersoll) McLelland, the former a native of New
Brunswick and the latter of Maine, but in an early day they became residents of
Neenah, Wisconsin. For many years Mr. McLelland was connected with mining,
but both he and his wife have now passed away, the father dying in 1914, at the
age of eighty-six years, while the mother passed away in October, 1899. Mr. and
Mrs. Jaeger have become the parents of two children: Lester R., who was born at
Neenah, Wisconsin, June 10, 1884, is now engaged in ranching in the neighborhood
of Zillah. He married Miss Clara Nelson of Zillah, and they have two children.
Kesten Phillip, born April 17, 1898, is at home.
Mr. Jaeger has always maintained his independence in regard to political mat-
ters, preferring to follow his own judgment in supporting candidates. While he has
not been politically active he became more or less interested in public afifairs while
a resident of Wisconsin. Both he and his wife are members of the Presbyterian
church, and fraternally Mr. Jaeger is a member of the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows, on the roster of which organization his name has appeared since 1890. He
has held all of the chairs in the subordinate lodge and also is a member of the en-
campment and the Grand Lodge of Wisconsin. He is one of the substantial residents
of Zillah, in the growth and development of which he is ever ready to cooperate, and
since becoming a resident of this city he has made many friends, all of whom are
agreed as to his high qualities of character, which make him a public-spirited citizen,
a reliable and trustworthy business man and a loyal and true friend.
ARCHIE M. PRIOR.
Archie M. Prior has for a number of years been numbered among the most
prominent stockmen of the northwest. He is now largely living retired, his invest-
ments in property and stock being heavy. He makes his home in Yakima and the
fruits of his former toil are providing him with all of the comforts and many of the
luxuries of life.
Mr. Prior is a native of Kingston, Missouri. He was born on the 7th of August,
1882, a son of George Prior, mentioned elsewhere in this work. The family home was
established in Washington in 1895, at which time settlement was made in Klicki-
tat county, where they remained for a year and then came to Yakima county.
Archie M. Prior attended the public schools of Missouri until thirteen years of
age and afterward became a student in a business college at Yakima which he at-
tended for two terms. His father became identified with the sheep industry in Wash-
ington and Mr. Prior of this review was his active assistant until 1915, thus gaining
broad experience concerning the best methods of caring for sheep in the north-
west. He afterward became associated with Robert Herron in the care of eighteen
hundred head of sheep and they are now the owners of thirty-six hundred ewes and
ARCHIE M. PRIOR
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 221
twenty-one hundred wethers. They run sheep on the Colville reservation. Mr. Prior
has leased a range in Horse Heaven and has been very successful in sheep raising.
There is no one more able to speak with authority upon the industry in any of its
phases or branches, for long experience has given him most practical knowledge
and at all times he has followed the most progressive methods in the care and
marketing of his sheep. Throughout the entire period of his close connection with
the industry he has made his home in Yakima and now owns and occupies a beautiful
residence on West Yakima avenue.
In October, 1905, Mr. Prior was united in marriage to Miss Martha Beck, a
daughter of Ross and Martha (Frederick) Beck, who were pioneer residents of the
Yakima valley and have now passed away. Her grandmother, Mrs. Martha Beck,
taught the first school in Yakima county, and Edna Beck, a cousin of Mrs. Prior, was
the first female child born in Yakima. Mr. and Mrs. Prior have become the parents
of four children: George. Dorothy, Donald and Catherine, The religious faith of
the family is that of the Presbyterian church, to the teachings of which Mr. and
Mrs. Prior loyally adhere. His political allegiance is given to the republican party
but he has no thought of nor desire for public office. He belongs to the Com-
mercial Club and is in hearty sympathy with its purposes to upbuild the city and
country, extend its trade relations and advance its civic interests. Practically his
entire life has been passed in Washington and he is a most enthusiastic champion
of the state and its opportunities, while at all times he has borne his full share in
the work of general progress and improvement.
HERBERT C. WALKER.
Herbert C. Walker, who is devoting his time to the raising of apples and pears
upon a good ranch near Yakima, was born in Pansville, New York, July 31, 1878,
a son of F. C. and Charlotte .(Pickstock) Walker, who in 1895 left the east and
removed with their family to Tacoma, Washington, where the father is now vice
president and manager of the department store owned by the Stone & Fisher
Company.
Herbert C. Walker acquired a public school education in the Empire state,
supplemented by study in the Whitworth College and the Tacoma Business Col-
lege. His practical business training was received under the direction of his father
in the store at Tacoma and after preliminary experience he was made manager of
the linen department, so continuing until 1908, when he removed to the Yakima
valley, for he had determined to withdraw from commercial connections and enter
upon a business career that would keep him out of doors. Attracted by the possi-
bilties for horticultural development in the Yakima valley, he purchased ten acres
of land four and a quarter miles west of the Yakima depot. A part of the tract w-as
already planted to fruit and he has set out the balance to fruit, making a specialty of
apples and pears. The old house upon the place was destroyed by fire and Mr.
Walker built a modern and attractive residence. Everything about the place is neat
and thrifty in appearance and his unfaltering care and unwearied industry have
converted his ranch into one of the profit bearing properties of the district. He
also rents ten acres _more of fruit orchard and he has a twenty acre tract, which he
has planted to hay and corn. He is prompted by a laudable ambition in all that he
undertakes and wisely utilizes every opportunity that comes to him.
On the 24th of August, 1904, Mr. Walker was married to Miss Alberta Race,
of Tacoma. a daughter of Frank E. and .^nna Race, who were pioneer settlers
of Beloit, Wisconsin. Mr. and Mrs. Walker have five children, Charlotte, Kathryn,
Franklin, Robert and Charles.
Mr. and Mrs. Walker are highly esteemed people of the community in which they
reside. He is a member of the Presbyterian church, while his wife has membership
in the Episcopal church. His political allegiance is given to the republican party
and while he has never sought public ofifice, he has served as school director for the
past six years and is a most earnest advocate of progressive education, the schools
finding in him a stalwart friend. He is likewise a member of the Yakima County
222 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
Horticultural Union and is interested in all that pertains to the dissemination of
knowledge concerning the most advanced horticultural methods. In fact he stands
for progress along all lines that have to do with the material, intellectual, social
and moral advancement of the community.
FRANK S. WEED.
A quarter of a century has passed since Frank S. Weed became a permanent
resident of Kittitas county, where he now follows farming in the neighborhood of
Thorp. He was born in New Hampshire, November 7, 1862, a son of W. O. and
Sarah (Bennett) Weed, both of whom passed away before the year 1865, so that
Frank S. Weed was early left an orphan. He was reared in the home of his uncle,
W. P. Ames, who removed to Iowa in 1870 and in 1878 became a resident of Wash-
ington, establishng his home in Klickitat county. There he resided for five years,
at the end of which time he removed to Kittitas county, where he still makes his
home.
Frank S. Weed was a youth of sixteen years at the time he came with his
uncle to Washington. He remained in Klickitat county until 1888 and then went to
Tacoma, while in 1894 he removed to Kittitas county and purchased one hundred
and sixty acres of land two miles south of Thorp. He then began the development
and improvement of his place, upon which he has erected a comfortable and com-
modious residence, together with large barns and sheds. In 1915 he suffered the
loss of his barn by fire but immediately rebuilt. He has added modern improve-
ments and equipments to his place, which is now an attractive one of the neigh-
borhood.
On the 6th of November, 1887, Mr. Weed was united in marriage to Miss Mary
E. Lusby, a daughter of Meredith Lusby, who was one of the first settlers of Klicki-
tat county. He was born in Kentucky and was a son of John Lusby, a native of
England. In 1870 he went to California, making the trip over the hot, sandy plains
and through the mountain passes, and in 1876 he arrived in Klickitat county, casting
in his lot with the earliest settlers who were reclaiming this region for the purposes
of civilization. To Mr. and Mrs. Weed have been born three children: William,
who is now engaged in ranching in Kittitas county; Mildred, the wife of Arthur
Ribard, who is also a ranchman of the Kittitas valley; and Elton M., at home.
Mr. Weed is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and politically
is a republican where national questions and issues are involved but at local elec-
tions casts an independent ballot. He is separated by the width of the continent
from his birthplace. The sterling traits inherited from New England ancestry,
however, he has brought to the west with its countless opportunities and the years
have chronicled his success as he has systematically carried on his farm work.
NELGIS T. ROULEAU.
Nelgis T. Rouleau is not only numbered among the representative farmers in
the vicinity of Moxee City but also deserves special notice as one whose efTorts
have been most effective in promoting the good roads movements in his part of the
state. He was born in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, February 7, 1868, a son of Peter
and Emily (Valencourt) Rouleau, both of whom were natives of Canada and of
French descent. They crossed the border into the Lfnited States when young peo-
ple, settling in Wisconsin, where they were married, and there the father engaged
in farming. He afterward removed to St. Paul, Minnesota, and subsequently lived
at Minneapolis and later at Hancock, Minnesota. He was in various parts of that
state and was the owner of six hundred and forty acres of valuable land near Brecken-
ridge, Minnesota, which he owned until 1900, when he sold that property and made
his way to Yakima county, Washington. Arriving in the Moxee valley, he pur-
chased twenty acres of land and thereon resided for a number of years. He after-
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 223
ward bought other farm property and devoted his time and energies to its cultiva-
tion and improvement until his death, which occurred in 1911. His wife survived
him for four years, passing away in 1915.
Nelgis T. Rouleau obtained a public school education in Wisconsin and through
the period of his boyhood and youth worked with his father -upon the home farm,
assisting in the task of plowing, planting and harvesting when not in school. He
also followed logging in Wisconsin and likewise worked on farms there. He after-
ward became interested in horse racing in connection with E. H. Everette and was
engaged in raising and training race horses. He also engaged in clerking in stores
and did collecting. He bought and sold horses and thus in various lines of busi-
ness developed his powers and cultivated that alertness which made him wide-awake
to every business opportunity. In 1899 he went to Helena, Montana, and after-
ward to Missoula, that state. He subsequently spent a few months in Idaho and
then made his way to Seattle and afterward to Everett, Washington, where he
worked in logging camps. He traveled at different periods over various parts of
British Columbia. Oregon, Washington and other sections of the northwest and
again had varied experiences along business lines. In 1911, upon the death of his
father, he came to the Yakima valley and purchased the old homestead property,
having now twenty acres of land which is highly cultivated and well improved. He
engaged in raising hops until 1916 and he has been identified with many progressive
elements in farming in this neighborhood. He spent one year in northern Alaska,
where he went in the spring of 1906, making his way north of Cape Prince of Wales.
Mr. Rouleau is now quite extensively engaged in raising high grade Percheron horses
and was the first man to bring full blooded Percherons to the Moxee valley. He
has two standard bred trotting horses, Norlock and Darklork, whose pedigree dates
back over a hundred years. He has every reason to be proud of his fine horses and
his efforts have done much to promote an interest in the raising of high grade
horses in this section of the country.
Mr. Rouleau belongs to the Yakima lodge of Elks, No. 318, and his political
allegiance is given to the democratic party. He is a most public spirited and ener-
getic citizen, who stands loyally for any cause wdiich he espouses, and he has been
particularly helpful in promoting the good roads movement and improving the public
highways in this section of the state. There is no plan or measure for the general
god that does not receive his endorsement and support, and he attacks everything
with a contagious enthusiasm that never fails to bring desired results.
WILLIAM M. MUXSELL, M. D.
Dr. William M. Munsell, physician and surgeon of Grandview who has prac-
ticed there since 1913 and who has ever kept in touch with the trend of modern pro-
fessional thought and methods, was born in Schuyler county, Missouri, November
17, 1871, a son of Ward L. and Margaret J. (Logan) Munsell, who were natives of
Ohio and of Kentucky respectively. They became early settlers of Missouri, where
the father followed the occupation of farming, and he also bcamc a prominent figure
in political circles there. He frequently was called upon to fill positions of public
honor and trust and died while serving as circuit clerk in 1878. His wife passed
away the same year.
Dr. Munsell was reared by his maternal grandfather, Addison Logan, for he
was but a young lad of seven years when left an orphan. His grandfather was a
native of Kentucky and for many years followed farming in Missouri. Dr. Mun-
sell acquired a public school education and, having determined to make the prac-
tice of medicine his life work, he then entered the Missouri Medical College of St.
Louis, from which he was graduated as a member of the class of 1895. He after-
ward pursued post-graduate work in Chicago in 1910, making a specialty of diseases
of the eye, ear, nose and throat. He entered upon the active practice of his pro-
fession at Downing, Missouri, where he remained through 1896 and 1897 and then
went to Granger, Missouri, where he continued to reside until 1910. Following his
post-graduate work in Chicago he came to Yakima county, Washington, and pur-
224 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
chased a ranch near Grandview. He was out of practice for three years but in
1913 resumed his professional duties and has since practiced at Grandview, having
sold his ranch. He is accorded a large general practice and does considerable surg-
ical work, for which he is splendidly qualified. He is cool and collected in emer-
gencies, possesses steady nerve and hand and, moreover, has intimate knowledge
of anatomy and the component parts of the human body together with the on-
slaughts made upon it by disease. He is acting as local surgeon for the Northern
Pacific Railway and for the Oregon-Washington Railway, in addition to which he
does a large amount of private surgical work.
On the 26th of March, 1895, Dr. Munsell was married to Miss Artie B. Job, a
native of Missouri and a daiigthter of Taylor Job, a farmer of that state. They now
have one child, Helen Louise, at home. Dr. Munsell is a stalwart champion of the
Masonic fraternity and of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and in the latter
lodge he has held all of the chairs. He has likewise filled all of the offices in the
Modern Woodmen camp to which he belongs and he has membership with the
Royal Neighbors and with the Elks lodge at Yakima and the Foresters of America.
He attends the Presbyterian church and his political endorsement is given to the
democratic party but he does not seek nor desire office, preferring to concentrate
his time, energies and efforts upon his professional duties, which have constantly
developed in volume and importance. In September, 1918, the Doctor offered his
services to his country and after passing the required examination at Camp Lewis
was appointed captain in the Medical Corps, but before being called into active
service the armistice was signed. His commission, however, runs for five years.
OSCAR W. MIDDLETON.
Oscar W. Middleton a garage proprietor at Grandview, having the agency for
the Chalmers, Reo, Maxwell and Dodge cars, was born in Beatrice, Nebraska, April
18, 1876, a son of Jesse and Margaret (Murgatroyd') Middleton. The father was
born in Columbus, Ohio, while the mother's birth occurred near Racine, Wisconsin.
They became pioneer residents of Nebraska and were married in that state. The
father there engaged in farming for a number of years but eventually came with
his family to the northwest, settling at Grandview, Washington, where he purchased
a ranch. This he further improved and developed, residing thereon until he retired
and rented his ranch, while he now makes hs home at Grandview. Both he and
his wife are consistent and -faithful members of the United Brethren church and
their genuine worth has gained for them the friendly regard of all with whom they
have been brought in contact.
Oscar W. Middleton acquired a public school education attending the high
school, while later he became a student in the Fremont (Neb.) Business College.
During his residence in his native state he served for three years as a member of the
National Guard. He also taught school for a year and afterward engaged in farm-
ing in Nebraska for five years. In 1903 he arrived in Grandview and purchased
twenty acres of land, to which he has since added until he now has forty-two and
a half acres of rich, productive and valuable land upon which he raises hay, grain
and potatoes. He also taught school in this locality in 1904 and 1905 but the greater
part of his time and attention has been devoted to his ranching interests. His land
was all covered with sagebrush when it came into his possession and there were no
roads through the district. He assisted in laying out the first roads and in establish-
ing the schools and as a pioneer settler has contributed much to the development,
progress and upbuilding of the section in which he lives. He has also greatly improved
his ranch and for four years he was engaged in the dairy business. He now spends
the winter months in Grandview and in April, 1918, he opened a garage which he is
now successfully conducting, having in connection therewith the agency for the
Chalmers, Red, Maxwell and Dodge cars. His sales have reached a gratifying
figure and the business is steadily growing.
On the 17th of August, 1907, Mr. Middleton was married to Miss Nellie Lewis.
a native of Illinois and a daughter of John W. and Florence (Malone) Lewis, whe-
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 225
in 1909 removed to Sunnyside where tlie father is engaged in ranching. Mr. and
Mrs. Middleton have become the parents of three children: Claude ]^., Edith J.
and Ruby Joyce.
The religious faith of the family is that of the Presbyterian church and fra-
ternally Mr. Middleton is connected with the Foresters. In politics he is a republi-
can, giving stalwart support to the party and its prmciples. For three years he
acceptably filled the office of drainage supervisor and for six years he served as
deputy assessor for the Grandview district. He is a public-spirited citizen, ever
loyal to any trust reposed in him, and his interest in the welfare and development
of the district in which he lives is manifest in many tangible and helpful ways.
J. CLIFFORD KAYNOR.
J. Clifford Kaynor is well known in journalistic circles in eastern Washington
as editor of the Evening Record, published at Ellensburg. He was born in Ames,
Iowa, February 20, 1887, a son of H. G. and Sarah (Stamp) Kaynor, both of whom
were natives of New York, whence they removed to the middle west, becoming
early settlers of Iowa. The father was associated with the American and Great
Northern Express Companies until 1912, when he joined his son J. Clifford, in
Ellensburg.
The latter, spending his youthful days under the parental roof, completed a
high school course at Fort Dodge, Iowa, by graduation and then, with the lure of the
west upon him, made his way to Seattle, where he arrived in March, 1907. He
worked for a few months on the Morning Times and also for a few months on the
Yakima Republic. He later spent two years on the Post-Intelligencer of Seattle
and his newspaper work in the northwest followed four years' experience in news-
paper circles in Iowa. 'He also spent a short time in the University of Washington,
pi-.rsuing a journalistic course.
It was in July, 1909, that Mr. Kaynor arrived in Ellensburg and purchased
the paper of which he is now editor and owner. The Evening Record was estab-
lished on the 1st of July, 1909 as successor to the Ellensburg Localizer, which
had been founded in 1883 by D. J. Schnebly. In 1905 the daily edition of the Local-
izer was established and on the 1st of July, 1909, the Evening Record issued its
first copy, absorbing the Daily Localizer. In 1915 a new building, sixty by one
hundred and twenty feet, was erected. This is the finest country newspaper building
in the northwest. It was erected especially for the purpose used and the plant in-
cludes the most modern equipment, including two linotype machines and every-
thing necessary to produce first class work. The company prints on an average of
six pages to the paper, all home print, and the circulation is about nineteen hun-
dred copies per day. They use Associated Press service and Mr. Kaynor displays
a most progressive spirit in editing and publishing the Evening Record, which ranks
with the leading daily papers of the northwest.
On the 14th of October, 1908, Mr. Kaynor was married to Miss Bessie B. How-
ard, a daughter of A. E. and Grace (.^shfield) Howard of Yakima. Mr. and Mrs.
Kaynor have become the parents of two children: Margaret Elizabeth, who was
born in March, 1910: and Howard Henry, born August 30, 1913.
Fraternally Mr. Kaynor is connected with the Elks Lodge, No. 1102, of Ellens-
burg and is also a Mason, belongng to Lodge No. 39. He is an honorary member
of Sigma Delta Chi, being identified with the Zeta Chapter of Washington. In
professional circles he is widely known and honored, as indicated in the fact that
he has served as president of the Washington State Press Association in the years
1917-18. He is now chairman of its executive committee and he has been very active
in the organization, filling all of its offices. His political allegiance has ever been
given to the progressive branch of the republican party since he reached his major-
ity and while not an office seeker he has been a most stalwart champion of the policy
of the party, doing everything in his power to promote its growth and insure its
success. He has served a? chairman of the school board and has been identified
with many activities for public benefit and progress. He has been president of the
226 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
Young Men's Christian Association, has been vice chairman of the county commit-
tee of the National Council of Defense has been a director of the Ellensburg
Chamber of Commerce and active in Red Cross work. His religious faith is indicated
by his membership in the Episcopal church. He is a first lieutenant of Machine Gun
Company of the Third Washington Infantry, in which he is very active. His edi-
torials, his personal labor and his influence have all been directed strongly in favor
of the war activities and the national policy, and there is no plan or measure for
the public good that does not receive his endorsement and cooperation. His edi-
torials are concise and trenchant his arguments logical and convincing. He pre-
sents any cause which he espouses with clearness and his writing has the "touch"
which carries it across. He is justly accounted one of the leading newspaper men of
the state and, moreover, he is one who recognizes the fact that the press is both
the mirror and the molder of public opinion and that as such it can do much to
regulate public standards and shape public thought and action.
GEORGE F. STEAX.
George F. Stean's early experience in the hotel business in the east well quali-
fied him for the conduct of similar interests in the northwest and he is now manager
of the Hotel Commercial of Yakima. He was born in Cleveland, Ohio, January 16,
1872, his parents being George and Elizabeth (Brown) Stean. The father was a hotel
man of Cleveland and there passed away but the mother is still living.
George F. Stean obtained a public school education and v hen his school days
were over entered the hotel business in connection with his .ather, thus receiving
thorough practical training, and gaining knowledge and experience which have been
of great worth to him in later years. He left Cleveland in 1891 and went to Pitts-
burgh, where he accepted the position of manager of the Duquesne Hotel, while sub-
sequently he was manager of the Engineers Club of Chicago. I ater he went to Xcw
York, where he was manager of Archibald's Restaurant. He became identified with
hotel interests upon the Pacific coast on his removal to Seattle, where he assumed
the management of the Chelsea Hotel. He then took over the management of the
Sol Due Hot Springs Company's Hotel, in the Olympic mountains, thirty-eight miles
from Port Angeles, and at a later period became manager and proprietor of the
Wixon Hotel at Sedro Woolley, Washington. In 1915 he moved to Yakima to
become manager of the Hotel Commercial, of which he has since had charge. He
thoroughly understands every demand of hotel service and provides for his patrons
all of the conveniences of the modern hotel of the twentieth century.
In 1901 Mr. Stean was united in marriage to Miss Katherine Starck, a native of
Chicago, and they have become the parents of two children, Ardath and Adrianne.
The family resides on Thirteenth avenue, south, and they have a fine summer home
on the Naches river.
Fraternally Mr. Stean is connected with the Elks and he belongs to the Com-
mercial Club and also to the Country Club. He is a gentleman of genial manner,
social disposition, keen business sagacity and indefatigable enterprise, and all these
qualities combine to make for him success in his chosen held of labor.
WALTER G. DAMEROW.
Walter G. Damerow, who for four years filled the oi¥icc of county auditor of
Kittitas county and is recognized as one of the republican leaders of Ellensburg
and that part of the state, was born in Lockport, Xew York, April 3, 1882, a son of
W. G. and M. E. (Plaster) Damerow, both of whom passed away in New York,
where the father had engaged in business as a manufacturer.
Walter G. Damerow, after completing his public school education in his native
state, devoted four years to business along mechanical lines and then, attracted by
the west, made his way to the Pacific coast. He settled first in Portland. Oregon, in
^
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 229
1899 and the following year became a resident of Washington, establishing his home
in Tacoma, where he lived for two years. He came to Ellensburg in 1902 and for
several years was employed at office work for the Northern Pacific Railroad Com-
pany. In 1908 he was appointed to the position of deputy treasurer, in which capac-
ity he served for two years, and afterward was made deputy auditor, serving in that
office for four years. He was next elected to the position of county auditor for a
four years' term and after eight years' association with the office retired. In the
fall of 1918 he was nominated on the republican ticket for the office of county treas-
urer. His previous record as auditor commended him for the positon and his
public service has been at all times marked by devotion to the general good. He
has also been a member of the local draft board for Kittitas county since June 1,
1917.
In 1905 Mr. Damerow was married to Miss Willie -L. Hardwick, who was born
in Texas, a daughter of F. P. and Maude (Hoskins) Hardwick, who became pioneer
settlers of Ellensburg, where they arrived about 1888. Mr. and Mrs. Damerow have
one son, Charles.
In his fraternal relations Mr. Damerow is an Elk, belonging to Lodge No. 1102
at Ellensburg. also to the Knights of Pythias lodge and the Modern Woodmen of
America. His political endorsement has always been given to the republican party
since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He has ever felt the keenest
interest in politics and has loyally supported the party in every possible way. He
is widely and favorably known as a representative young man and citizen of Ellens-
burg and enjoys the high esteem of all with whom he has been brought in contact.
EDWARD A. BANNISTER.
The name of Edward A. Bannister is synonymous with progressiveness along
agricultural and horticultural lines in the Yakima valley. He has never hesitated
to take a forward step when the way was open and by reason of his intelligently
directed efforts he has risen to a position in the foremost ranks of the successful
horticulturists of his section of the state. He is a western man by birth and train-
ing and the spirit of western enterprise finds exemplification in his career.
Mr. Bannister was born in Alameda, California, February 19, 1882, a son of Alfred
and Emma T. (Barber) Bannister. His paternal grandfather. Rev. Edward Ban-
nister, was one of the pioneer settlers of California of 1850. He was a leading
minister of the Methodist church who did much to promote moral progress in that
section of the country in an early day and he also contributed to the educational
development of the state as president of the L^niversity of the Pacific, in which
position he continued for several years. He remained a resident of California until
called to his final rest and left the impress of his individuality for good upon the
history of that state. His son, Alfred Bannister, became a civil engineer at Berkeley,
California. He wedded Emma T. Barber a daughter of A. S. Barber, who removed
to California in 1848, the year in which gold was discovered on the Pacific coast.
He served as postmaster at Almeda. where he also engaged in general merchandis-
ing being one of the pioneer business men and representative citzens of that locality.
Liberal educational advantages were accorded Edward A. Bannister, who was
graduated from the University of California in the class of 1905 with the degree of
mining engineer. He then practiced his profession until the winter of 1910. being
thus engaged in various sections of California, Montana, Nevada and Minnesota.
He represented the Chester Congdon interests on the Mesabe iron range at Coler-
aine, Minnesota, for a year, after which he came to Yakima county and rebuilt the
Congdon ditch, the work covering the years 1911, 1912 and 1913. In this undertaking
he replaced the wooden flume built by his father in 1892 by a cement flume. While
engaged in building the Congdon flume he also took up fruit raising and now
concentrates his entire time and attention upon that business. He is engaged in
the cultivation of eighty acres of orchard and twenty acres devoted to diversified
farming. He raises all the standard varieties of fruit produced in the northwest,
including the Jonathan and Winesap apples, the Bartlett, D'Anjou and Winter Nelis
230 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
pears, Bing cherries and English walnuts. His place is splendidly equipped. He
has his own packing plant and warehouses and his ranch is supplied with every
facility for the propagation care, packing and shipping of the fruit. He owns fifty-
five acres of his land and rents forty-five acres.
On the 15th of February, 1909 Mr. Bannister was inarried to Miss Emily A.
Thorning, of Almeda, California, a daughter of Edwin T. and Christina J. (Thomas)
Thorning, who came to California in 1880. Her father is engaged in the tent and
awning business. Mr. and Mrs. Bannister have become the parents of a daughter,
EHzabeth T.
MARVIN H. THOMAS.
Among the successful agriculturists of Yakima county who have attained their
prosperity entirely through their own efiforts and are therefore entitled to honor
and distinction is Marvin H. Thomas, who now has a fine ranch of sixty acres on
the Tieton. He located here in 1907 and has made profitable use of the past years
to develop his land, so that the ranch is a very valuable one today. Mr. Thomas
was born in Marshall county, Indana, August 25, 1854. a son of Samuel S. and
Mary Magdalene (Linard) Thomas, natives of Pennsylvania and Maryland respec-
tively. They were married in the Keystone state and subsequently took up their
residence in Ohio, where the father as a railway contractor assisted in building the
Pennsylvania Railroad. Later they removed to Indiana where he helped to lay
out the town of Bourbon and also built the first sawmill in that section. In subse-
quent years he turned his attention to agriculture and became quite successful along
that line. He also bought and sold farm properties acquiring run-down land, which
through his labors he put in fine shape and then disposed of at a good profit. He
and his wife died in Indiana. Both were members of the Brethren church, to
which they were very devoted.
Marvin H. Thomas was reared under the parental roof, attending the public
schools of Indiana in order to acquire an education. Laying aside his textbooks,
he turned his attention to carpentering and became very proficient along that line.
As a millwright he engaged in the manufacture of sash and doors and also en-
gaged in building barns, in his native state until 1898, when he decided to seek his
fortune in the far west and made his way to Tacoma, Washington, where he worked
for others for some years. Later he assisted in organizing a factory for the manu-
facture of washing machines, churns and similar products. In the spring of 1899
he made his way to Alaska and for four years he remained in the far north, being
occupied with railroad construction work during that period. The fall of 1903 found
him in Seattle and there he continued in sash and door manufacturing until 1905,
in which year he came to Yakima county, buying one hundred acres of rich land
on the north fork of the Cowiche. Later Mr. Thomas spent two years in Seattle
and when the Tieton irrigation project came into existence and brought the neces-
sary water to his ranch he moved upon the property, which he had acquired in 1907.
Since that time he has given his undivided attention to its cultivaton although he
has now sold fofty acres of the tract, retaining sixty acres. The land is largely
devoted to hay and grain but he also has three acres in orchard. In 1910 Mr. Thomas
met with a rather serious accident when upon taking a rifle out of his wagon, the
weapon was discharged the bullet lodging near his heart, where it has remained
ever since.
Mr. Thomas was married August 2, 1910, to Martha A. Linsc, a sister of Samuel
D. Linse. of whom more extended mention is made on other pages of this work,
and a daughter of Fred and Anna (Berg) Linse, pioneers of Minnesota, who there
farmed until the family removed to South Dakota in 1881, the father taking up land
in Day county. In 1902 he brought his family to Yakima county, where he now
makes his home on a seven acre farm near Nob Hill. Mrs. Thomas was largely
reared in South Dakota and Yakima county. Mr. Thomas had been married before
and by his first union had a son and two daughters who are still living. Burt
Ellsworth, the eldest, is successfully engaged in engineering in Seattle. Winifred
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 231
Pearl married Frank E. Brown and they reside at White Horse, Alaska, wliere she
holds the position of librarian. Sarah May married Edward A. Kennedy, their home
being in San Francisco California, but Mr. Kennedy is now in the service of his
country wearing L'ncle Sam's uniform. There were two other children of Mr.
Thomas' first marriage but both have passed away.
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas are highly respected members of their community and
have many friends. They are welcomed in the best homes of their neighborhood
and at their own fireside chtcrfully and generously extend hospitality. He is a
member of the Church of God, to which denomination he is devotedly attached,
and in politics he is a republican, being more or less allied with the progressive
wing of that party. Prosperity has come to him as the result of untiring industry,
close application, foresight and his inherent honesty, which has guided him in all
of his business transactions.
CLARENXE E. DUFFY.
Clarence E. Duflfy, who is now serving his second term as sheriff of Benton
county, was born in Mahaska county, Iowa, December 3. 1878, his parents being
William John and Ruth (Van Sickle) Duflfy, natives of Virginia and Missouri re-
spectively. In tlie '70s they removed to Pottawattamie county. Iowa, later to Sioux
county and still later to Lyon county that state, the father always following agri-
cultural pursuits. At a subsequent period they took up their residence in Fergus
Falls. Minnesota, and in 1898 they came to Washington, settling at Sunnyside, where
the father acquired wild land which he improved to a considerable extent and then
sold. He is now cultivating another farm, being still actively engaged in agri-
cultural pursuits. His wife has passed away, her death occurring in 1885.
Clarence E. Duffy was edticated in the public schools of Iowa and throughout
his life has followed agricultural pursuits with the exception of the period from
1906 to 1914, when he was engaged in road and ditch construction work in the
Yakima valley. Having become well known throughout Benton county, his name
was tendered the public for the office of Sheriff and in 1913 he was elected to that
office. So faithfully and fearlessly did he discharge his duties and with such good
results that in 1915 he was reelected and is now serving. He has succeeded in
ridding the county to a large extent of the bad element and has in return earned
the admiration of all law-abiding citizens.
In 1904 Mr. Dufify was- united in marriage to Miss Leah Anderson and their
children are five in number, namely: • Alpha, William E., Paul, Dorothy and Don.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Duflfy are well known in Prosser and have many friends in the
city.
Mr. DufTy is a member of the Brotherhood of American Yeomen and in politics
is a republican, always upholding the standards of that party. He has ever stood
for the development and upbuilding of his district and is always ready to aid worthy
public movements. He has wild land in Idaho and the Yakima valley and some
day expects to give more attention to its cultivation. As a sheriff he ranks with
the best Benton county has ever had and it is therefore but natural that his untiring
labors have earned the appreciation of his constituents.
F. B. SINSEL.
F. B. Sinsel, treasurer of the firm of A. B. Fosseen & Company of Yakima,
was born in Nebraska in 1889, his parents being Albert and Lucia (Boise) Sinsel
who remained residents of Nebraska until 1890 and then took up their abode in Iowa.
The mother is now residing in Yakima.
F. B. Sinsel obtained a high school education in Iowa, completing his course
by graduation with the class of 1907, after which he spent two years in study in the
Bellevue (Neb.) College. His liberal training thus well qualified him for an active
(11)
232 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
business career. He came to the Yakima valley in 1911 and spent two years on a
ranch. In 1914 he entered the employ of A. B. Fosseen & Company and his faith-
fulness to the interests of the house combined with his efficient service led to his
being taken into the firm in January, 1917. In 1918 he was elected to the office of
treasurer and is now serving in that capacity. He is a progressive young business
man, putting forth every effort to legitimately develop the trade of the house, which
covers a line of builders' supplies, irrigation and drainage supplies, coal, paints,
spray-oils and hollow clay interlocking blocks. The business has grown steadily,
Mr. Sinsel contributing to the desirable results that have been attained.
In 1914 Mr. Sinsel was united in marriage to Miss Violet Saunders, a native of
Illinois, and they are widely and favorably know in Yakima, the hospitality of many
of the best homes of the city being freely accorded them. Mr. Sinsel votes with
the republican party and fraternally is connected with the Masons, being ever
loyal to the teachings of the craft, which is based upon a recognition of the brother-
hood of mankind and the obligations thereby imposed.
NEALY X. OLXEY.
Xealy N. Olncy, who became assistant cashier of the American Commercial
Bank of Wapato upon its organization, was born on the Yakima Indian reservation
near Fort Simcoe on the 9th of August, 1884, a son of William and Lizzie T. Olney.
The father and mother are now deceased.
The son attended the schools of Fort Simcoe and later continued his education
at Toppenish. He was graduated in 1909 from the Haskell Institute at Lawrence,
Kansas, where he completed a course in the commercial department, after which he
returned to Toppenish, where he spent six years as a clerk in the law office of D. H.
Bonsted. He then became connected with the lumber trade at Toppenish and at
White Swan and was made manager of the yard at the latter place. He entered
the banking business in the early part of 1918, when he was made assistant cashier
of the .American Commercial Bank, which is the only bank in the L'nited States that
was organized and is conducted solely by Indians. They have entered upon a nota-
lilj- successful career. Already the deposits of the bank have reached the sum of
one hundred thousand dollars and their business is steadily growing owing to the
efficiency and enterprise of the men at its head.
Mr. Olney was married on the 28th of June, 1913, to Miss Hazel Foster, a
Yakima Indian. He is one of the charter members and is the secretary and treasurer
of the Yakima Indian Commercial Club. He has a wide acquaintance in this section
of the state and sterling traits of character as well as marked business ability have
gained him the high regard of all with whom he has been brought in contact.
W. E. COLEMAX.
W. E. Colman is the vice president of the firm of A. B. Fosseen & Company
of Yakima, dealers in building supplies. He was born in Wahoo, Xebraska. January
9, 1885, and is a son of J. E. and Ruth E. (Terry) Coleman, who in 1912 removed
with their family to Oregon. They now make their home at Morrow, that state,
and Mr. Coleman is engaged in the machinery and hardware business there.
W. E. Coleman acquired a public school education and afterward entered the
University of Nebraska, in which he pursued a classical course, winning the Bachelor
of Arts degree as an alumnus of 1910. Attracted by the opportunities of the grow-
ing northwest, he came to Yakima and entered the employ of the Irrigation Pipe
Manufacturing Company, witli which business he was connected until 1913, when he
joined -A. B. Fosseen of the firm of .\. B. Fosseen & Company and was elected vice
president on the 1st of January, 1915. It has always been the policy of Mr. Fosseen
to recognize capability, worth and faithfulness on the part of those in his employ
and to make them feel that they have a real interest and share in the business.
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 233
Carrying out his polic}-, he has taken several of his employes into the firm, includ-
ing Mr. Coleman. The company has earned a most enviable reputation for honesty
and fair dealing and the business is now an e.xtensive one. covering the territory
from Ellensburg to Pasco. They handle all kinds of building supplies and specialize
also in irrigation and drainage supplies, in fencing, in fireplace materials, oils, paints
and hollow clay interlocking blocks.
On July 14. 1918, W. E. Coleman married Miss Harriett Parker, of Yakima, a
daughter of Fred Parker, a well known Yakima attorney. Mr. Coleman is a member
of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Yakima Lodge, Xo. 24, F. & A. M., and
passing up through the Scottish Rite, he has attained, the thirty-second degree in
the consistory and also belongs to the Shrine. He is connected with the Benevo-
lent Protective Order of Elks and his interest in the welfare and progress of his
city is indicated by his membership in the Commercial Club. He is in hearty sym-
pathy with all of its well defined plans and purposes for the general good and co-
operates earnestly in every measure that tends to advance Yakima's best interests.
On May 20. 1918, Mr. Coleman enlisted in the utility section of the Quartermaster's
department at Camp Lewis. Washington, and was sent east to- Camp Meigs, near
Washington, D. C, for training. He was discharged November 27, I9I8.
EMORY J. HAASZE.
It is a well recognized fact that real estate activities arc a potent factor in the
development of a city and Emory J. Haasze has therefore taken a prominent part
in the upbuilding of Grandview and vicinity, where he is established in the real
estate business, having a large clientage. He has carefully studied local conditions
and is thoroughly informed in regard to values and opportunities, and having al-
ways followed reliable methods, enjoys the highest reputation. He was born in
Madison, Wisconsin, January 26, 1861. and is a son of James and Harriet (Kinney)
Haasze, both natives of Xew York. They became pioneers of Wisconsin during
the early history of that state and thence removed to Goodhue county. Minnesota,
in 1864, the father there following agricultural pursuits throughout his remaining
days. His wife is also deceased.
Emory J. Haasze was reared in Minnesota, spending his youthful days upon
the farm and attending the country schools in the acquirement of an education.
When he was but twelve years of age his father died and he was thrown upon his
own resources, having to work for wages. At the age of eighteen he decided upon
a change of scene and went to Aberdeen, South Dakota, where he worked on farms
and also sold farm machinery. In 1882 he entered the hardware business in Freder-
ick. South Dakota, and in that town successfully continued until 1892, displaying
that rare business ability which he has shown throughout his later career. So
favorably was he known, that he was elected to the position of sherifif of Brown
county. South Dakota, in which office he served for four years, or two terms, dis-
charging his duties so faithfully and fearlessly that he was reelected to the posi-
tion. At the end of that period he did not return to the hardware trade but en-
gaged in the cattle business and also in the sale of farm machinery and real estate
at .\berdeen. South Dakota. Subsequently he became general agent for the J. I.
Case Coinpany, acting in that capacity from 1900 until 1905, and in the latter year
he came to Yakima. Washington. Here he bought land on Nob Hill, which he
developed into a valuable fruit ranch. He later bought more land, which he later
sold, and developed in all over one hundred acres of fruit land on Nob Hill and
in the Parker Bottoms, thus greatly assisting in the development of the fruit industry
in the Yakima valley. In 1909 he removed to Seattle and in that city remained until
1918, when he came to Grandview, where he is now engaged in the real estate and
insurance business. .Although he has been here only a short time he has ever been
closely connected with realty values in this district and is therefore thoroughly
competent along this line. He already has a large clientage and a prosperous future
may be predicted for the business of which he is now at the head. Moreover Mr.
Haasze has forty acres of valuable orchard at Zillah, Washington, which he bought
234 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
in 1916, and also has one hundred and fifty acres of valuable land on the Ahtanum,
near Wiley City. He also owns a large warehouse in Grandview, from which he
derives a gratifying income.
On October 26, 1887, at the age of twenty-six years, Mr. Haasze was united
in marriage to Myrtie A. Milne, a native of Iowa and a daughter of Andrew C. and
Ella Milne, both now deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Haasze were born five children:
Ray J., who is married and resides at Grandview; Gussie, deceased; Myrta I., the
wife of Russell I. Parker, of Grandview, by whom she has one child; Cecil E., who
is a sergeant in the United States army, being with Company A, Fifty-eighth Engi-
neers; and Harriet E., who is twelve years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Haasze are well
known and poular in Grandview. having ever taken a prominent part in public aflfairs
in the communities in which they have resided. She is a valued and devoted mem-
ber of the Presbyterian church.
Fraternally Mr. Haasze is very prominent in the Masonic order, being a mem-
ber of Yakima Lodge, No. 24, F. & A. M.; Yakima Chapter, R. A. M.; Yakima
Commandery, K. T., and also belonging to the Shrine and to the Scottish Rite bodies
at Aberdeen, South Dakota. In the Independent Order of Odd Fellows he has also
been very active, having held all of the chairs in the local lodge. He likewise
belongs to the Knights of Pythias. In his political affiliations Mr. Haasze is a re-
publican but since becoming a resident of this state has not been active in public
life, concentrating his energies upon his private afifairs, which are large and im-
portant. He has ever given his support to worthy movements undertaken on be-
half of public welfare and readily gives of his time and eflfort in order to bring about
material or intellectual improvement. He is a valuable acquisition of Grandview and
all who know him honor him as a self-made man who has attained success entirely
through his own efforts.
E. V. T.AYLOR.
E. V. Taylor is one of the self-made men of Yakima county who for twenty-two
years has resided in this section of the state and is now the owner of an excellent
ranch property of forty acres. He was born in Lucas county, low-a, June 12, 1864,
a son of Jacob and Mary (McKnight) Taylor, the former a native of Indiana, while
the latter was born in Virginia. They became pioneer settlers of Iowa and both
passed away in that state before 1872.
E. V. Taylor was a lad of but eight years when left an orphan and lived with
his mother's eldest sister till he had reached the age of eighteen. He acquired a
public school education and after starting out in life on his own account rented land
until he was able to purchase property. At length his industry and economy brought
to him sufficient capital to purchase eighty acres in Lucas county and there he carried
on general agricultural pursuits until 1896, when he came to Yakima county, Wash-
ington and for five years rented land in the Selah valley. In 1901 he purchased fifty
acres in the valley, three miles northwest of the town of Selah, but afterward sold
ten acres of the tract. He has twenty acres of his land planted to apple orchards.
It was all wild when it came into his possession, producing nothing but sagebrush
and giving no indication that it might be converted into a productive tract. His
labors, however, have wrought a marked transformation and he is today the owner
of an excellent ranch property on which he has erected a fine residence, also a large
and substantial barn and other buildings. Moreover, he has upon his place the oldest
frame house in the Yakima valley. It was built in the early days by L. L. Thorp
and is still in use as a tenant house. In addition to his horticultural pursuits Mr.
Taylor conducts a fine dairy, keeping high-grade cows for this purpose, and both
branches of his business are proving profitable. He is likewise a director in the
Naches-Selah Irrigation District. Flis business affairs are wisely and carefully con-
ducted. He displays sound judgment in everything that he undertakes and his
energy and perseverance have brought to him a measure of success that is most
gratifying.
On the 26th of September, 1885, Mr. Taylor was united in marriage to Miss
E. V. TAYLOR
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 237
Jennie Miller, a native of Pennsylvania and a daughter of W. L. and Eliza Miller,
who came to the Yakima valley in 1898. They were here several times and returned
to the east but are now living in the Selah valley. They were also pioneer settlers
of Iowa, removing to that state from Pennsylvania. To Mr. and Mrs. Taylor have
been born eight children: Pearl M., at home; Perry, who is cultivating a part of his
father's land and is married and has two children; Folyd, of Yakima, who is married
and has two children; Guy, a member of the United States navy; Fay, the wife of
Harry Harrison, a rancher living on the Yakima Indian reservation, by whom she
has three children; Ethel, at home: Thomas, a member of the United States navy;
and Teddy, at home.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Taylor are members of the .\merican Yeomen, which he
joined on its organization. His political endorsement is given to the republican party
,ind he keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day.
GUS LINDEMAN.
Prominent among the energetic, farsighted and successful business men of Ellens-
burg is Gus Lindeman, who is engaged in the conduct of a lumberyard. Alert and
energetic, he meets the modern demands of trade and his enterprise is bringing to
him gratifying prosperity. He was born in Atlantic, Cass county, Iowa, March 31,
1877, a son of William and Catherine Lindeman, both of whom passed away in
.Atlantic, Iowa. The father was well known there as a farmer and as a real estate
Ijroker.
Gus Lindeman acquired a public school education while spending his youthful
days under the parental roof and in young manhood became identified with the
lumber trade, embarking in the business in Cumberland, Iowa. He afterward re-
moved to Platte, South Dakota, where he was again known as a lumber merchant,
carrying on business at that place from 1900 until 1910. In the latter year he re-
moved to the northwest, coming to Ellensburg as manager of a branch yard for
the Crab Creek Lumber Company. In 1913 he purchased this business, which he
reorganized under the name of the Lindeman Lumber Company, but in 1914 sold
out to the Rovig Lumber Company and became vice president, one of the trustees
and the local manager. This company has five lumberyards and two sash and door
factories, the factories being located in Seattle, while the lumberyards are in Yakima
and Kittitas counties. The company also owns a big gravel pit at Ellensburg and
handles coal, wood, paints, building hardware, brick and cement, in addition to all
kinds of lumber. Their business has reached extensive proportions and as local
manager at Ellensburg Mr. Lindeman is contributing in substantial measure to the
continued success of the undertaking.
In December. 1899. Mr. Lindeman was united in marriage to Miss Margaret
Kelly, of Walnut. Iowa, a daughter of .Anthony and Mary Kelly. They had one
child, Mildred, who died in 1905 at the age of eighteen months.
In politics Mr. Lindeman is a democrat, giving stalwart support to the party.
Fraternally he is connected with the Elks lodge of Ellensburg. His success in a
business way is attributable in large measure to the fact that he has always con-
tinued in the line in which he embarked in early manhood, never attempting to dis-
sipate his energies over a broad field. His concentration of purpose, his close ap-
plication and his determination have been elements in his continued advancement
and he is today numbered among the representative business men of his adopted city.
ALEXANDER C. MARSHALL.
Alexander C. Marshall who is successfully engaged in horticultural pursuits
in the Naches valley, was born in Boston, Massachusetts, October 5. 1863, his par-
ents being Charles and Elizabeth (Xash) Marshall. The father, a native of New
York, was a sea captain and many an interesting tale he could tell of his experi-
238 HISTORY OF YAKIMA YALLEY
ences on his voyages. His wife was horn in Massachusetts and both have now passed
■away.
'Alexander C. Marshal attended the public schools of Brooklyn, New York, and
after laying aside his textbooks entered upon life's active duties by accepting a posi-
tion in a broker's office on Wall street, New York, remaining in that connection for
two years. In 1883 he took Horace Greeley's advice and came west, his trip, however,
ending in Minnesota, where for a year he was connected with a bank. In 1884 an-
other removal took him to Colorado, where he engaged in the cattle business on his
own account. He remained in that state until 1892, when he removed to Seattle,
Washington, which city he made his residence for a year. During the following
five years he was engaged in mining in British Columbia and in 1898 went to Alaska.
For nine years he braved the dangers and endured the hardships of that trying
northern climate, in the vicinity of Dawson, but in 1907 he returned to the centers
of civilization, having done well during his sojourn in the far north. The year
1908 was spent in Seattle but at the end of that time he returned to Alaska, remain-
ing for a year. Once more he made his way back to Seattle and became connected
with the steamboat business but in 1909 came to the Yakima valley, having after
thorough investigation decided to try his fortune in this district. He acquired ten
acres on the upper Naches, to which he subsequently added a tract of similar size,
and he now has one of the finest orchards in the district, comprising twenty acres,
devoted to apples and pears. All modern improvements can be found upon his
farm, his buildings are suitably appointed, with storing and packing facilities, and
he has erected a modern home. After a most varied and interesting career he has
here found an occupation which is most congenial and at the same time profitable.
On the 17th of June, 1913, Mr. Marshall was united in marriage to Laura D.
Simonds. a native of Milwaukee and a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles D. Sim-
onds. Mr. and Mrs. Marshall have many friends in Naches and vicinity, all of
whom speak of them in terms of high regard.
Fraternally Mr. Marshall is a member of Elks Lodge, No. 318, of Yakima,
while politically he is a republican, stanchly supporting the candidates of that
party. Mr. and Mrs. Marshall attend the Presbyterian church, in the work of which
they take a helpful interest, and are ever ready to support measures which are
undertaken on behalf of growth and development in the Naches valley, both keeping
well informed upon all questions of the day in regard to local, county, state or
national affairs.
ALBERT E. WING.
.Albert E. Wing has been a resident of Yakima county for only a brief period,
having arrived in March, 1914, but in the intervening years has gained for himself
a creditable position in connection with the fruit growing interests of this section of
the state. He is a native of Whitehall, Wisconsin, his birth having there occurred
July 23. 1865. His parents, Benjamin Franklin and Christine (Knudtson) Wing,
were early settlers of Wisconsin, the father establishing the town of Whitehall.
The mother was a daughter of Ole Knudtson, also a pioneer settler of Whitehall.
Benjamin F. Wing established a mercantile enterprise at that place and through his
enterprise and business ability contributed much to the development of that sec-
tion. After a time he retired from commercial pursuits and concentrated his energies
upon farming, but both he and his wife have now passed away.
Albert E. Wing acquired a public school education in Wisconsin and when his
textbooks were put aside concentrated his efforts and attention upon farming, which
he followed in connection with his father. Later he began farming on his own ac-
count and subsequently he spent twelve years in the butter, egg and poultry busi-
ness in that state. He afterward removed to South Dakota, where he resided for a
few years, and was also in Colorado when a young man.
In March, 1914, Mr. Wing arrived in Yakima county and purchased twenty
acres of land five and a half miles west of the city. This is now all planted to fruit
and he has splendid orchards of both pears and apples. He erected the residence
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 239
upon his place and in every possilile way has promoted the work of improvement
and development, converting his property into a very attractive ranch. He has
seeded it all to alfalfa between the trees, thus following methods of intensive farm-
ing, and excellent results are crowning his labors. He is a member of the Yakima
County Horticulutral L'nion.
Mr. Wing was married November 1, 1899, to Miss Nina Stanley, of Wisconsin,
and they have become parents of three children. Esther C, Lucille and Bernice.
Fraternally Mr. Wing is a Mason and an Odd Fellow. In the latter he has held all
of the chairs of the local lodge and. is a past noble grand. His political endorse-
ment is given to the democratic party, but he has never been ambitious to hold
office. His business affairs have claimed his entire time and attention and he has
put forth every effort to legitimately develop his interests and by individual labor
and perseverance has gained a creditable position as a successful horticulturist of
Yakima county.
OSCAR L. BOOSE.
Oscar L. Boose, engaged in the practice of law at Sunnyside. was born at
Somerset, Pennsylvania, March 10, 1884, a son of John R. and Annie E. Boose and a
brother of H. A. Boose, the cashier of the First National Bank of Sunnyside, men-
tioned elsewhere in this work. Mastering the branches of learning taught in the
public schools. Oscar L. Boose passed through consecutive grades to his graduation
from the high school and for three years thereafter he engaged in teaching, but
he regarded this merely as an initial step to other professional labor, as it was his
earnest desire to become a member of the bar. With that end in view he matriculated
in the law department of the Michigan State University at Ann Arbor and was
graduated with the class of 1908. He then located at Sunnyside on the 1st of Janu-
ary, 1909, and opened a law office. Here he has since continued in practice and has
been accorded a large and distinctively representative clientage. The thoroughness
with which he prepares his case, his clear understanding of legal principles and his
correct application of these principles to the points in litigation have been salient
features in his growing success, .\side from his practice he has an interest in a
large alfalfa ranch.
On the 18th of September, 1912, Mr. Boose was married to Miss Elizabeth Corn-
well, of Yakima, and they now have a little daughter, Barbara, two and a half years
of age. Mr. Boose is a well known Mason, belonging to Sunnyside Lodge, F. &
A. M., and Sunnyside Chapter, R. A. M. He also has membership with the Elks
lodge. No. 318, of Yakima and with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His
political allegiance is given to the republican party and his interest in The develop-
ment and welfare of his community is indicated by his connection with the Sunny-
side Commercial Club. Along strictly professional lines he is identified with the
County and State Bar Associations and he enjoys the respect and confidence of
colleagues and contemporaries by reason of his close conformity to the highest ethical
standards of the profession.
GUY H. HEBERLING.
Among the county offices in the west that of engineer is one of the most im-
portant and Guy H. Heberling who today is surveyor of Benton county, ably dis-
charges his duties in this connection. He was born in Cottonwood, Idaho, Novem-
ber 21, 1882, a son of George H. and Clara N. (Bryant) Heberling. The father is
a native of Ohio and in the '50s accompanied his father. Hiram Heberling, on his re-
moval to Kansas, where the latter passed away. In that state George H. Heberling
grew to manhood. His wife was a native of Kansas, where they remained until
1882. when they proceeded to Idaho and ten years later to Spokane, Washington,
whence another removal brought them to Amber, Washington, where George H.
240 HISTORY OF YAKIMA \ALLEY
Heberling is now successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits. In fact, this has
been his occupation practically throughout his entire life with the exception of some
years which he devoted to mining.
Guy H. Heberling of this review attended the public schools of Idaho in the ac-
quirement of his early education and subsequently entered Washington State Col-
lege, from which he was graduated in 1907 with the degree of Civil Engineer. He
was then engaged in railroad and mining engineering work in Idaho until 1908,
when he came to Washington, locating in Kiona. He it was who laid out Benton
City and he followed surveying in various other parts of the state until 1912, when
he located m Prosser. where he has been entrusted with civil engineering work of
various kinds. In 1913 he was elected city engineer and in 1917 wa> called by ballot
to the position of county engineer, both of which offices he now holds. His wide
exi-triencc and thorough study well fit him for these positions and under his direction
a number of important works have been undertaken in the county. He is conscien-
tious in the discharge of his duties and stands high in the estimation of his pro-
fessional colleagues. Benton county is indeed to be congratulated upon having so
efficient a surveyor and engineer as Mr. Heberling.
On the 10th of January, 1911. Mr. Heberling was united in marriage to Miss
Carrie B. Strain, of Prosser, and they have two children, a son and a daughter, Ruth
Hazel and Guy Myron. Mr. Heberling is a republican but not active in party work.
His religious faith is that of the United Presbyterian church, and fraternally he
is a member of the Modern Woodmen of .America. He is ever interested in prog-
ress and development along moral, intellectual and material lines and is a valuable
citizen of Benton county.
CASTO E. JOHNSON.
Among the substantial agriculturists that have come to this state from the
middle west is Casto E. Johnson, who now has important ranching interests near
Sunnyside. He was born in Hardin county, Iowa, July 31, 1861, of the marriage of
Hugh and .\nn (Macy) Johnson, the former a native of New Jersey and the latter
of Indiana. They were among Iowa's early pioneers, having gone to that state in
1856, and there the father successfully followed farming throughout his active career.
Both parents have now passed away but the old homestead is still in possession of
the family, the two brothers of our subject owning the same, the farm having been
in the family for seventy-two years, or since 1856.
Casto E. Johnson was reared amid pioneer conditions and in the acquirement of
his education attended the schools of his neighborhood. He subsequently thoroughly
learned agricultural methods under the guidance of his father and later rented land
in his native state for one year. For three years he engaged in farming in Fall River
county, South Dakota, but at the end of that period returned to Iowa, where he was
for three years engaged in carpenter work. In August, 1893, he came to Yakima
county, Washington, and acquired a relinquishment on a homestead five miles south-
west of Sunnyside. He was among the first pioneers here and his land when it came
into his possession was all sagebrush. Undiscouraged, he set himself to the task of
placing it under cultivation and how well he has succeeded is evident from the im-
proved appearance of the place, which is now one of the most valuable properties of
the neighborhood. He has one hundred and ten acres in all and raises hay, corn
and wheat, also giving close attention to, hogs and deriving a gratifying addition to
his income from this source. He has erected a substantial home and upon his place
are found many other evidences of prosperity.
On November 19, 1884, Mr. Johnson was married to Miss Edith E. Hubbard, a
native of Clinton county. New York, and a daughter of Jeremiah and Johanna
(Brown) Hubbard. The parents removed to Wisconsin as pioneers and in 1870 took
up their abode in Iowa, where both spent the remainder of their lives. The father
was not only a successful agriculturist but also followed the blacksmith's trade, in
which he was well trained. Both he and his wife were held in the highest esteem
in the communities in which they resided. To Mr. and Mrs. Johnson three children
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 243
have been born: Harry, who married Winnie Smith, rents his father's farm in part-
nership with his brother. Harold Leighton married Gladys Woolliscroft, by whom
he has one child, Jeannette. He is renting his father's farm in partnership with his
brother Harry. Lenora Edith married Oscar Longnecker. who is engaged in ranch-
ing nearby, and they have a daughter, Ruth.
Mr. Johnson and his wife are devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal
church, in the work of which they are helpfully interested. In his political affilia-
tions he is independent, voting for the candidates whom he considers best fitted for
the offices to which they aspire. He served for six years as school director and in
many other ways has given evidence of his interest in aflfairs of local importance,
readily giving his support to all movements for the growth and upbuilding of his
district. Fraternally he is prominent in the Odd Fellows, having held all the chairs
in the local lodge and having also acted as representative to the Grand Lodge in
190O and 1902. His wife belongs to tlie Daughters of Rebekah and was a delegate
to the state lodge at Bellingham in 19()2 and at Walla Walla in 1903. Mr. Johnson
is also connected with the Sunnyside Camp of the Modern Woodmen of America.
There is much that is commendable in his career, for he has attained to a substantial
position in life entirely through his own efforts and, moreover, has set an example
to a 3'ounger generation, showing what may be accomplished where there is the will
to dare and to do. He has ever performed his tasks to the best of his ability and in
the faithful performance of each day's work is to be found the solution for his suc-
cessful career.
EBEX U. FORREST.
For over eighteen years Eben U. Forrest has been connected with horticultural
pursuits in the Yakima valley, where he now owns a valuable property a half mile
north of Zillah. Twelve acres of his tract is devoted to the raising of pears, apples
and peaches and he has been very successful along this line, having closely studied
orcharding methods and always followed the latest leads in trying to obtain the
best results. Mr. Forrest was born at Green Lake, Wisconsin, August 24, 1852, a
son of John and Hannah P. (Utley) Forrest, the former a native of Scotland and the
latter of New York. Both were numbered among the early pioneers of Wisconsin.
The father was a veteran of the Civil war and died at its close, in the south, of
yellow fever. His widow survived him for some time, her death occurring in Tacoma,
Washington.
Eben U. Forrest in the acquirement of his education attended the public schools
of his native state and at the age of twenty-two, in 1874, went to Colorado, where
he engaged in freighting, and subsequently he made his way to Montana, where he
followed the same occupation. He then retraced his steps eastward as far as Kansas
and he bought a farm in Lyon county. The lure of the west was upon him, how-
ever, and in 1899 he again set his face toward the setting sun, arriving in Tacoma,
Washington, in 1899. Two years later he came to the Yakima valley and here he
bought twenty acres of land a half mile north of Zillah, which tract was partly im-
proved. He has since added two acres to his holdings and today has twelve acres
in apples, pears and peaches, while the remainder of the land is devoted to the
raising of alfalfa. He has rebuilt the house and has erected good barns and out-
buildings, thus improving his property so that it now is very valuable. .'\s he never
does anything by halves Mr. Forrest has become one of the thoroughgoing horti-
culturists of his district and as a result is today in receipt of a most gratifying in-
come.
On December 31, 1885, Mr. Forrest was united in marriage to Miss Clara Selfies.
a native of Pennsylvania and a daughter of Frank and Mary Selfies. who became
pioneers of Kansas. To this union five children were born. Nellie is the wife of
Oscar Strand, who is ranching near Zillah, and they have a son, Forrest Le Roy.
.■Mbert is now serving in the New York Coast Guard of the L^nited States navy
and is married to Laura Duckham, who during his absence resides with Mr. and
Mrs. Forrest of this review. George is also in the United States navy and is now
244 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
a chief petty officer. He was on the U. S. S. San Diego when that ship was sunk.
His twin brother, William H.. and Ada are at home.
In his political affiliation Mr. Forrest is a republican as far as national issues
are concerned but often votes independently, particularly in regard to local politics,
taking into consideration the qualifications of the candidate instead of his party
connections. Frat'^rnally he is an esteemed member of the Ancient Order of United
Workmen and his religious faith is that of the Christian church. While a resident
of Kansas he served for twelve years as treasurer of his school district and the
cause of education still finds in him a warm champion. He also served for two years
as township trcasurt-r and since becoming a resident of Yakima he has served as
supervisor of drainage district No. 15, for two and a half years, thus giving evi-
dence of his interest in irrigation, the importance of which he fully realizes. He is
a member of the Yakima Valley Fruit Growers Association and through this con-
nection is able to dispose of his crops to the best advantage. There is much credit
due Mr. Forrest for what he has achieved in life, as he now is the owner of valu-
able fruit property in the valley, through the development of which he has not only
achieved individual fortune but has contributed toward general prosperity. He is a
loyal and public-spirited American citizen, a reliable and trustworthy business man
and a true friend, as all who have the honor of his closer acquaintance are ready
to testify.
WALTON D. McNAIR.
Walton D. McXair, active in directing municipal affairs in Yakima as one of
the city commissioners, was born at Versailles, Morgan county, Missouri, March
7, 1871, his parents being James and Virginia L. (Thruston) McNair, both of whom
have now passed away. The father served as circuit clerk and recorder of Morgan
county. Missouri, and later became a member of the bar there, continuing in the
practice of law successfully for many years,
Walton D. McNair received his college training, supplementing his public school
course, in Central College at Fayette. Missouri, and afterward entered upon rail-
way work in connection with the office of the master mechanic of a railroad com-
pany in Kansas. He devoted three years to the position and in 1895 went to .Alaska,
spending trn years in the far northwest. He was there largely engaged in public
work, filling a position in the office of the L^nited States district clerk and also acting
as chief deputy collector of customs at Sitka.
The }-ear 1907 witnessed the arrival of Mr. McNair in Yakima, where he has
since made his home. In this city he accepted the position of bookkeeper at the
Horticultural L^nion and there continued for three years. He next prepared an ab-
stract index for the Consolidated Abstract Company, after which he was called to
public office, becoming chief deputy county assessor, in which position he capably
served for three years. His efficiency and fidelity were indicated in the fact that
in 1914 he was elected by popular sufifrage to the office of county assessor and
served for three years. He then resigned in order to accept the office of city com-
missioner, being made superintendent of finance and accounting. He entered upon
the duties of this position on the 17th of December, 1917, for a three years, term,
and is now serving. His previous training and experience well qualified him for
the work that now devolves upon him and his record in office is characterized by
marked efficiency and fidelity.
On the 1st of November, 1899, Mr. McNair was married to Miss Stella D. Butler,
of Portland, Oregon, and they have become parents of a daughter, Virginia. Mr.
McNair votes with the republican party and seeks the welfare of the city also
through his co-operation with the plans of the Commercial Club, of which he is
a member. He belongs to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks but is chiefly
active outside of office in the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Yakima Lodge, No.
24, F. & A. M.; Yakima Chapter, No. 21, R. A. M.. of which he was high priest in
1916; Yakima Commandery, No. 13, K. T., of which he was eminent commander
in 1916; and Afifi Temple. A. A. O. N. M. S. He is most loyal to the teachings and
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 245
purposes of the craft. In fact loyalty to duty is one of the marked characteristics of
Mr. McXnir and. moreover, he is actuated by a progressive spirit in all that he
undertakes. He is a typical western man, holding to high ideals on behalf of the
public and putting forth every effort to advance civic standards.
NORRIS H. KANDLE.
Among the native sons of Yakima county and the Xaches valley who have at-
tained considerable success along agricultural lines is Norris H. Kandle, now a
rancher of the Naches district, who was born March 22, 1888. He is a son of Frank
and Ida R. (Green) Kandle, the former born near Tumwater, Washington, and the
latter a native of Iowa. More extended mention of the family is made in connection
with the sketch of R. H. kandle on other pages of this work.
Norris H. Kandle attended the public schools in the acquirement of an educa-
tion and after laying aside his textbooks assisted his father with the work of the
ranch, thus laying a good foundation for his later endeavors along that line. Becom-
ing thoroughly acquainted with modern and up-to-date methods, he later took over
the management of the home place, which he is now cultivating, his holdings com-
prising one hundred and ninety-eight acres. He devotes a great deal of time and
attention to horticultural lines, having seventeen acres in apples and peaches, while
the rest of the farm is devoted to the raising of hay and grain. Moreover, Mr. Kandle
has important stock interests, deriving a gratifying addition to his income from this
line. He is thoroughly up-to-date in all that he undertakes and in all branches of his
work is meeting with success. His parents, who have now retired, live upon the
home farm with him.
On the 21st of October, 1916, Mr. Kandle was united in marriage to Miss Kath-
erin Dilley, a native of Roseburg, Oregon, and to this union has been born a son.
Lance J. Mr. Kandle is a worthy representative of an honored family which has
long been connected with agricultural and horticultural interests in this state and he
well upholds the high reputation which the name has so long enjoyed. By develop-
ing a valuable property he has greatly enhanced values in his district and thus is
contributing toward more prosperous conditions. Public advancement has been near
his heart and he has ever given his aid to movements which have had this purpose.
In politics he is a republican, stanchly upholding the candidates of that party, but
he has never sought office for himself, preferring to devote his whole attention to his
private affairs. He is a leading agriculturist of the Naches district who has many
friends and is admired by all who know him for his strength of character, his energy
and industry, his pleasant ways and all those other qualities which make up the suc-
cessful man. Both he and his wife are popular among the younger people of the
neighborhood and their own fireside is often the scene of cheerful and pleasant gath-
erings.
CHARLES W. GRANT.
Charles W. Grant, a wholesale fruit shipper of Toppenish and one whose busi-
ness interests are being constantly developed, was born in Wichita, Kansas, June 6,
1877, a son of J. W. and Ida (Gordon) Grant, both of whom were natives of Iowa.
In the year 1868 the father went to Kansas. He was there engaged in business as a
government contractor and also dealt in cattle. He afterward resided in Coldwater,
Kansas, and in 1880 cTme with his family to Washington, settling in Tacoma, where
he was engaged in the paint business and also in shipwrecking, but both he and his
wife have now passed away.
Charles W. Grant after leaving high school pursued a business course in a night
school and thus qualified for life's practical and responsible duties. He early accepted
the position as clerk in the county treasurer's office at Tacoma, where he was eih-
ployed for two years, and subsequently he spent five years as secretary of the state
246 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
board of control, during which time Governor Lister was chairman. In 1904 he
came to Toppenish and here entered the employ of the Richey & Gilbert Com-
pany and has been manager with them since 1910. In this connection he has been
active in the development of important interests and is one of the prominent repre-
sentatives of the wholesale fruit trade of the Yakima valley. The Richey & Gilbert
Company have a very large warehouse at Toppenish and own nine others in differ-
ent parts of the Yakima valley, Mr. Grant acting as general manager over all and
shipping a thousand carloads of produce annually. Theirs is one of the most exten-
sive interests of the kind in the Y'akima valley. They handle produce as packers
and shippers and employ from thirty to two hundred people. Mr. Grant is well
qualified for the important duties that devolve upon him in this connection and is
thoroughly familiar with the Yakima valley and the products produced within its
borders. He is also the owner of one hundred and thirty acres of excellent farm
land on the Yakima Indian reservation. He built the first dwelling house in West
Toppenish, also assisted in platting the town and sold the Gilbert addition. From
the first he has been largely instrumental in promoting the growth and development
of this district. He aided in getting the first patents issued from the government to
the Indians so they could sell the land and the town could be built. He was a factor
in establishing the first newspaper called the Toppenish Review, and he served as
postmaster for two years under President Wilson's first administration. He has
ever been an enthusiastic champion of the city, promoting its progress in many
ways, his efforts being far-reaching and beneficial.
In 1898 Mr. Grant was married to Miss Luella M. Campbell, of Steilacoom,
Washington, who passed away in 1909. In 1910 he wedded Martha .Anna Barclay,
of Toppenish. He has one daughter, Florence, born of the first marriage.
Fraternally Mr. Grant is connected with the Elks lodge No. 318, of Yakima
and also with the Woodmen and the Foresters. His political allegiance is given to
the democratic party and he is a recognized leader in its local ranks. He was not
only one of the incorporators of Toppenish but also served as a member of its first
council and at different times has again represented his ward in that connection. He
was also the second mayor of Toppenish and gave to the new city a progressive ad-
ministration which largely promoted its interests. He is a member of the Commer-
cial Club and there is no project put forth by that organization or in other connec-
tions for the benefit of Toppenish that does not receive the hearty endorsement and
earnest support of Mr. Grant, who is actuated in all that he does by a public-spirited
devotion to the general good.
ALBERT J. LOW, D. D. S.
Dr. .Albert J. Low is a successful representative of the dental profession in
Roslyn, where he has practiced continuously during the past fourteen years. His
birth occurred in Al!)ion, Illinois, on the 27th of September, 1877, his parents being
Alvin C. and Alice (C'ome) Low, the latter now deceased. The father, an able
physician and surgeon, made his way to Roslyn, Washington, in 1914 and there
practiced his profession for three years. In 1917 he removed to Spokane, where he
irtill makes his home and is now living retired.
•■Mbert J. Low acquired his early education in the public schools and subse-
quently spent two years as a student in the Southern Collegiate Institute of Albion,
Illinois. Having determined upon the practice of dentistry as a life work, he then
entered the Indiana Dental College of Indianapolis, from which he was graduated
with the class of 1902. He first followed his profession in Illinois for six months
but on the expiration of that period made his way westward to Washington and
for a half year practiced at Colfax, this state. He next opened an office at Pullman,
Washington, there remaining for a year, while since 1904 he has practiced continu-
oiTsly at Roslyn. His patronage is now extensive and gratifying, having continually
grown as he has demonstrated his skill and ability in the line of his chosen profes-
sion. He belongs to iioth the state and national dental associations.
On the 5th of September, 1917, Doctor Low was united in marriage to Miss
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 247
Elizabeth Creed Searle. a native of Omaha, Nebraska, and a daughter of F. P.
Scarle, who was formerly a banker of Seattle and is now acting as auditor for the
government at the Sanderson & Porter plant at Raymond, Washington. Dr. and
l\lrs. Low have a son, Albert James, Jr., who was born on the 9th of August, 1918.
In his political views Doctor Low is a republican, exercising his right of fran-
chise in support of the men and measures of that parly, while his religious faith is
that of the Episcopal church. He is also a worthy exemplar of the Masonic frater-
nity, belonging to St. Thomas Lodge No. 54, A. F. & A. M., of which he is a past
master, and he is likewise a member of the Delta Sigma Delta. His many sterling
traits of character have commended him to the confidence, esteem and goodwill of
all and the circle of his friends is a wide one.
WILLIAM F. ELSER.
William F. Elser is now prominently connected with the hotel business in Grand-
view, Washington, where he and his wife own one of the finest hostclries in the
state, the success of the enterprise being largely due to their joint management.
However, much credit must be given to Mrs. Elser for the establishment and suc-
cessful management of the business, as it was largely through her enterprise that
Mr. Elser turned to this occupation, as he had been largely interested in orcharding.
Both arc Grandview pioneers, the townsite being covered with sagebrush at the time
of their arrival and theirs being the only house in the neighborhood. They have
therefore been closely connected with developmnt and progress here and it is largely
through their enterprise that this town has been developed. Beginning in a small
way, they have nov.' attained to great prosperity and are numbered among the most
substantial citizens in their neighborhood.
Ml. Elser was born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, June 22, 1862, a son of John
and Hannah (Cassell) Elser, natives of Dauphin county, Pennsylvania. The father
followed agricultural pursuits but also gave considerable attention to shipbuilding,
beins^- a shipbuilder by trade. Both he and his wife have now passed away.
Mr. Elser o' this review was reared in Harrisburg and in the acquirement of an
education attended the public schools there, learning the carpenter's trade after lay-
mg aside his textbooks. He later was for three years connected with the car shops
in Harrisburg, removing at the end of that time, about 1883, to Fulton county, Illi-
nois, where he worked on farms. There and in Knox county he remained for four
years, being employed by others. Having acquired the means to start out inde-
pendently he farmed in Knox county, Illinois, on his own account for one year.
About 1887 he removed to Barton county, Kansas, where for two and a half years
he followed the same occupation, returning at the end of that period to Illinois,
where several years were spent. For ten years he was connected with the Glenwood
Ice Company at Galesburg, Illinois, but in 1902 he decided upon a removal to Wash-
ington, having heard glowing accounts of the opportunities presented here. That
year he arrived in Sunnyside and at first worked for the Sunnyside Land Company
but in 1904 located on a forty-acre tract, on which the townsite of Grandview was laid
out in 1906 He cultivated this land for about two years, at the end of which time
he assisted in laying out the town. It was then covered with sagebrush and the
wonderful changes that have transformed it into the present prosperous village are
truly remarkable Mr. Elser later bought forty acres near Grandview but two years
later sold th'S tract and acquired title to eight acres southeast of Grandview, while
his wife has six acres there, their combined holdings being fourteen acres. The land
is devoted to orcharding and to the raising of hay and from it Mr. and Mrs. Elser
derive a gratifying income.
In their lives the 5th of May, 1906, is a historic day, as it was on that date that
Mrs. Elser began serving three meals a week at her home, and from that small
beginning the Grandview Hotel has developed to serve fifty-two guests three times
daily. The present building was erected in 1909 and the hostelry is one of the most
popular in the Yakima valley, famous for its home cooking, its good cheer and hospi-
tality. Mr. and Mrs. Elser are genial hosts and have instituted many modern improve-
248 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
merits, making their place up-to-date in every respect. Tlie rooms are modern and
handsomely furnished and everything about the hotel indicates progressive manage-
ment.
On December .11. 1885. Mr. Elser was united in marriage to Minnie Myrt'e Dean,
a native of Knox county, Illinois, and a daughter of John and Lucinda (Pitman)
Dean. Her father passed away in Illinois in 190O. and her mother subsequently
made her home with Mr. and Mrs. Elser. She died in 1913. The father had been
quite successful in the hotel business in Illinois and it may be said that the daughter
has inherited her talent along that line from him. To Mr. and Mrs. Elser were born
four children, of whom Will Ellis, the first born, died at the age of three months.
The others are as follows; Lulu Pearl, Theo Fern and Metta Ruth. Lulu Pearl
has the distinction of being the first girl married in Grandview. She married Charles
Reese, of Sunnyside, Washington, and they have four daughters: Evelin, Helen,
Irene and Ines.
Mr. and Mrs. Elser have truly been builders of the section in which they re-
side. They assisted in establishing the first schools here. At the time of their arrival
here the land was covered with sagebrush and there was only one wagon road pene-
trating the wilderness. Mrs. Elser began the hotel business by serving about three
lunches per week and the genuine appreciation of her cooking is evident from the
fact that before the present hotel was built she was serving over fifty meals three
times per day. As the business grew the Grandview Hotel came into being and to-
day she and her husband own one of the finest hostelries in the state as well as a
richly bearing orchard, from which they also derive a gratifying income. While in
Illinois Mrs. Elser was so ill that her life was despaired of by the doctors, who
assured the family that she had but three months to live. She was seriously affected
by tuberculosis and for that reason the family removed here. Theirs was the only
house in the neighborhood and Mrs. Elser took up the business of supplying travel-
ers and government surveyors with meals if they so desired, much against the wishes
of her husband, who wanted her to principally devote herself to getting well. Later
she took up the proposition as a business and subsequently decided to build a hotel,
although her husband .strongly objected to the project. .A twenty-room hostelry was
erected and the place has become very popular and as soon as conditions become
normal again an addition will be erected. Mrs. Elser weighed but one hundred and
twenty pounds when she came to Washington but now she is the picture of health.
She and her husband had no money to begin with, but undiscouraged, they took up
their burden. Mrs. Elser largely financing and managing affairs, and that she has
been successful is evident from the present prosperous condition of their enterprise.
Her husband has given much of his time to orcharding, while she has presided
over the hotel interests.
FREDERICK MERCY.
I'rederick Mercy, engaged in the theatrical business in Yakima, was born in
Xewark. Xew Jersey, May 7, 1877, a son of Frederick and Sarah F. < Randolph)
Meicy. The father was a hat manufacturer. Both he and his wife are now deceased.
Frederick Mercy after acquiring a public school education started in the hat
factory of his father and learned the trade, thoroughly acquainting himself with
evei-y feature of the business. As the years passed he developed extensive interests
of that character, opening a chain of eight hat stores in Xew York city, where he
profitably conducted his interests until 1908, when he sold out and crossed the con-
tmcnt to San Francisco. He there opened a moving picture house and later estab-
lished a vaudeville theatre. He continued in that city for three years and then came
to Yakima in June. 1912. Here he purchased the Majestic Theater, which then had
a seating capacity of two hundred and fifty, but now seats eight hundred. He re-
niocic'ed and enlarged the theater, making it the second best moving picture house
in Washington, and he still successfully conducts it, presenting the finest productions
of filmland there. In 1915 he leased the Empire Theater, with a seating capacity
of eleven hundred, and now conducts it as a moving picture and vaudeville house.
In March, 1918, he built the Liberty Theater, with a seating capacity of nine hun-
FRKDERICK MERCY
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 251
dred. and completed it at a cost of fifty thousand dollars. Hie has a lot adjoining
and expects to enlarge his theater before the end of the present year so that it
will have a seating capacity of sixteen hundred, constituting it one of the largest
theaters in Washington. It will present vaudeville attractions and also legitimate
drama. Mr. Mercy conducts a large bill posting business in addition to his theatri-
cal business and is meeting with substantial success in his undertakings. His theaters
are well ventilated and sanitary in every regard and every attention has been paid to
the romfort of patrons as well as to the production of first-class attractions.
On the 12th of June, 1901, Mr. Mercy was married to Miss Theresa Stein, of
Newark. Xew Jersey, and they have three children; Frederick, Jr., sixteen years of
age; Edgar, two and a half years; and Paul, who is but a year old.
Mr. Mercy belongs to the Masonic fraternity, having membership in Munn
Lodge Xo. 190, F. & A. M., of Xew York city, where he also attained the thirty-
second degree of the Scottish Rite. He is a member of Afifi Temple of the Mystic
Siirine at Tacoma. He is also a life member of Elks Lodge No. 318, of Yakima and
has membeship relations with the Knights of Pythias at Yakima and with the Inde-
pendent Order of Odd Fellows. He belongs as well to the Commercial Club, the
Business Men's Association, the Country Club and the Washington Theater .Associ-
ation and is widely known and popular in these various organizations. His political
endorsement is usually given to the democratic party, yet he does not consider him-
self bount' by party ties and votes independently if his judgment so dictates. He
owns a fine ranch near Yakima devoted to diversified farming and his residence is
one of the beautiful homes of the city. His success is the merited and legitimate re-
ward of earnest, persistent efifort, carefully directed. He has made a close study ol
the puldic demand in regard to entertainment of a theatrical character and he has
('one not a little to educate and improve the public taste through the presentation of
the finest films and the liest vaudeville attactions to be obtained on the coast.
GEORGE W. TAYLOR.
George W. Taylor owns and occupies a ranch of one hundred and ninety-seven
acres in the Selah valley and the care an development of this property claim his
full time and attention, while his enterprising labors are bringing to him well
merited success. Mr. Taylor is a native son of Yakima county, having been born
at Fort Sinicoe, August 17, 1867. His parents, George S. and Nancy Rebecca (Mc-
Glothlen) Taylor, were natives of Indiana and were married in Lucas county, Iowa.
The father served throughout the Civil war as a supporter of the LTnion cause, hav-
ing enlisted as one of the boys in blue of Company G, Thirty-fourth Iowa Infantry.
When the war was won and victory perched on the Union banners he came across
the country from Iowa to the Pacific coast in 1865, inaking his way first to Oregon,
thence to the Sound and finally to the Selah valley, where he arrived in August, 1866.
He took up a homestead and purchased other land until he was the owner of a
thousand acres and with the agricultural development of the district he was closely
associated. He became extensively engaged in raising live stock and continued
his residence in the Yakima valley until his death, which occurred April 21. 1900.
He built probably the first irrigation ditch in the valley and used to say that some
day the hills would be irrigated. Few, however, agreed with him, thinking such
an undertaking impossible. Mr. Taylor, however, had the prescience to discern much
of what the future held in store for this great and growing country and to the limit
of his power he aided in the development and improvement of the district and as-
sisted in laying broad and deep the foundation upon which has been built the present
progress and prosperity of this section of the state. He was always keenly interest-
ed in the west. Born in Indiana on the 8th of March, 1832. he was a young man
of twenty years when he went to Lucas county, Iowa, and was thirty-four years
of age when he arrived in Yakima. From that time until his demise he was deeply
concerned in the welfare and progress of his district and aided largely in the work
of general development. He served as a member of the state legislature and also
as a member of the state senate but refused the nomination for sheriflf. He was
252 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
killed by an accident while driving cattle in the mountains and his wife, long sur-
viving him, passed away December 2. 1916. To them were born four children: H. J.,
who was born in Iowa in 1857 and is now living with his brother George; E. W. R.,
who is a miller at Prosser, Washington; George W., of this review; and Rosie, the
wife of Fred Brooker, living in Vancouver, Washington.
George W. Taylor acquired a otiblic school education and after his course was
completed entered actively into the live stock business as the associate of his father
and is today the owner of the ranch which his father homesteaded more than a
half century ago. He today has one hundred and ninety-seven acres of land in the
Selah valley, which is largely devoted to the raising of alfalfa and to the pasturing
of cattle.
In 1903 George W. Taylor was married to Belle M. Parker, of Yakima, who
was born in Kansas, and they now have three children, Dorothy, Robert and Fred-
erick Gale. Fraternally Mr. Taylor is connected with the Yakima lodge of Elks, No.
318, and his political allegiance is given to the democratic party. He is one of the
oldest, if not the oldest, of the native sons of the Yakima valley and was probably
the third white child born in the valley. He has witnessed the entire growth and
development of this section and has borne his full share in the work of general
improvement.
WILLIS P. HUBBARD.
Willis P. Hubbard, deceased, was born in East Troy, Walworth county, Wiscon-
sin, January 25, 1859, a son of Edward A. and Elizabeth (Kenney) Hubbard, both
of whom were natives of New York, their birthplace being in the vincinity of Mount
Vernon. They came to Wisconsin as young people and cast in their lot among the
pioneers of Walworth county.
Willis P. Hubbard was accorded liberal educational opportunities, supplement-
ing his public school training by two years' study in Beloit College, in his native
state. In 1890 he arrived in the northwest, making his way to Cheney. Washington,
and their he built the first creamery in the state, He also engaged in merchandis-
ing and in the conduct of a livery stable and he retained his position as one of the
leading creamery men of the northwest, at one time owning three different plants.
In 1903 he removed to Yakima and purchased forty acres of wild land six miles west
of the city, upon which he built a home, there residing to the time of his demise,
which occurred on the 12th of December, 1910. Throughout the intervening years
he concentrated his efforts and attention with excellent results upon the develop-
ment and improvement of the property. Nineteen acres have been planted to fruit
and the remainder of the farm is devoted to diversified farming. In its midst stands
a beautiful home and there are large barns and sheds for the care of crops and fruit
and in fact every facility of the model farm property of the twentieth century is
found upon the place.
On the 3rd of June, 1891, Mr. Hubbard was united in marriage to Miss Nina M.
Harris, a daughter of Stephen M. and Mary E. (Stoughton) Harris, the former a
native of Missouri, while the latter was born in Salem, Oregon. Her father was a
son of Phillip Harris, a native of New Jersey, who in young manhood removed
westward to Missouri and in 1845 became one of the pioneer residents of Oregon,
establishing his home in the vincinty of Portland. He built the ferry there and
afterward lived near Granite Lake, where he spent his remaining days, passing away
at the venerable age of eighty-one years. His wife, who bore the maiden name of
Sally Taylor, died at the notable old age of ninety-four years. The maternal grand-
parents of Mrs. Hubbard were J. A. and Frances (Townsend) Stoughton. Mr.
stoughton was born in Westfield. Massachusetts. September 23, 1830. and was a son
of .\lexander Stoughton, whose birth occurred in Westfield in 1807. The latter went
to Oregon in 1843 with the Whitman expedition taking his family with him. Mrs.
Pringle. the adopted daughter of Mr. Whitman, acted as bridesmaid at the marriage
of Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Stoughton. The latter, who in her maidenhood was Frances
Townsend, was born near Atlanta, Georgia, and was a daughter of James M. Town-
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 253
send, who went to Oregon about 1844 with an expedition that was lost and nearly
all starved while en route. Mrs. Hubbard has in her possession a feather l)cd which
was made by her great-grandmother.
To Mr. and Mrs. Hubbard were born two sons. Wallace Clair, who attended the
Yakima high school, was for a time with the United States Indian service but is
now a mill foremen at Reedsport, Oregon. He is a graduate of a business college
North Yakima and is a member of the Masonic fraternity. He married Ruth Sar-
gent, of Chicago, and thev have one son, Robert Phelps. Raymond Tracy, the
younger son, operates the home farm. He is a graduate of the Yakima high schoo
and married Ruth Couch, of Yakima. Mrs. Hubbard and her sons are members o:
the Congregational church and all are supporters of the republican party. Mrs
Hubbard is a woman of excellent business ability, wisely directing the affairs which
were left to her at the death of her husband. She is a woman of many highly com
mendable traits of character and admirable social qualities and has a circle o
friends almost coextensive with the circle of her acquaintance.
A. H. HUEBNER.
Efficiency may well be termed the dominant note in the character of A. H.
Huebner. He has ever done w-ith thoroughness whatever he undertakes and as
general manager of the Cascade Lumber Company he occupies a very prominent
position in industrial and commercial circles in the Yakiina valley. He early realized
that if one would win success, he must be willing to pay the price of it — the price
of earnest, self-denying effort, of close application and persistency, and these quali-
ties he assiduously cultivated as the years have passed on.
Mr. Huebner was born near Burlington, Iowa, on the 1st of October, 1873, and
is a son, of .'Xugust and Emelie Huebner. He obtained a common school education
and then became connected with the lumber business in Burlington, Iowa, as an
employe of the Rand Lumber Company, with which he retnained until 1906, when he
came to Yakima, where he entered business circles as sales manager for the Cascade
Lumber Company. In this connection he has steadily worked upward and was made
general manager the same year. Through all the intervening period he has there-
fore been active in control of the operation of the plant, contributing in marked
measure to the success of the enterprise.
The Cascade Lumber Company was incorporated in 1902 with H. P. Svendsen of
Hudson, Wisconsin, as president and organizer, A. E. Macartney, an attorney of
St. Paul, Minnesota, as secretary and Robert E. Slaughter as treasurer. With the
death of Mr. Svendsen in 1910, Mr. Slaughter was elected to the presidency. George
S. Rankin, of Yakima, was also one of the organizers of the company and in fact was
the man who interested the others in the project. The officers at the present writing,
in 1918, are: Robert E. Slaughter, president and treasurer; William Carson, of Bur-
lington, Iowa, vice president: C. W. Lockwood, of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, secretary;
and A. H. Huebner as general and resident manager. The first sawing was done in
1903 and with the growth of the business the plant was enlarged in 1906. The com-
pany owns four hundred acres of land and the two mill ponds cover seventy acres,
while the mill plant and yards cover thirty acres. They employ about three hundred
men at the Yakima plant, which does not include a large force of woodmen employed
in operation in the lumber woods. The plant cuts from thirty to forty million feet
of lumber annually, handling mostly western pine. Their product is sold over the
middle wesi save such as is cut into fruit boxes and sold in this section, one-
fourth of the product being used in fruit boxes for the local trade. They
also manufacture some l:r lumber for building purposes. The plant is operated
with steam power, the rngin< s havng about thirteen hundred and fifty horse
power. They manufacture their own electricity for lighting purposes and the
business has been most carefully systematized, so that practically all waste is elimi-
nated. Tliey sell all of the waste wood and burn all of the sawdust and in the
methods thus adopted they have found the secret of success, which is always the
accomplishment of a maximum result with a minimum expenditure of time, labor and
(12)
254 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
material. Mr. Huebner is familiar with every branch of the trade and his well
directed efforts and energy are productive of splendid results. One of the effective
forces for success with the Cascade Lumber Company is the splendid organization
that has been built up. John Rhodes is sales manager and general superintendent
and has been with the company for fourteen years, while W. T. Hines has charge
of local sales and has been with the company for twelve years. Mr. Huebner has
the entire loyalty of his large force of workmen, being fair and just in his treatment
and ever conducting his interests on terms that are beneficial alike to employe, cred-
itor and debtor.
On the 31st of January. 1900. Mr. Huebner was married to Miss Myrtle Shontz,
of Burlington, Iowa, and to them have been born two daughters, Dorothy and Ruth,
aged respectively fifteen and ten years. Mr. Huebner is a republican in his political
views but not an office seeker, although interested in the success of the party and
at no time remiss in the duties of citizenship. He belongs to Yakima Lodge No. 24
F. & A. M., and Yakima Chapter No. 22, R. A. M., and he also has membership in
Modern Woodmen Camp No. 550. He is an active member of the Commercial
Club, serving on its board of directors and also as its vice president, and is putting
forth earnest and effective effort to advance through this organization the welfare
and upbuilding of the city.
ROBERT L. MAINS.
In the death of Robert L. Mains, Yakima county lost one of its honored pio-
neers and a substantial orchardist who also took a great interest in the intellectual
and moral development of humanity, having given much time and effort to Sunday
school and similar work. He was ever a champion of the cause of education and
very active in church work and in fact any movement undertaken for the betterment
of the public. He had the greatest confidence in the future of this locality and by
assisting, irrigation projects and developing his land greatly stimulated prosperity
here.
.^ native of Michigan. Mr. Mains was born near Olivet in Eaton county, Feb-
ruary'22. 1865, a son of John and Lois (Walker) Mains, who were natives of Maine
and became early agriculturists of Michigan, settling in that state during its pioneer
epoch. Robert L. Mains was carefully reared by his parents, who instilled into him
the best principles in regard to life's conduct, and in the acijuirement of his educa-
tion he attended public school in his native state. He then turned to farming as
suited to his tastes and ambition and continued along that line in Michigan until
1884, becoming thoroughly acquainted with progressive and efficient agricultural
methods. In 1884, having heard glowing reports in regard to the opportunities pre-
sented in the far west, he decided to remove to this district and came to Washington,
locating in Roslyn, where later he conducted the Northern Pacific Hotel. In 1891
he took up a homestead claim about live miles south of what is now Sunnyside,
which district was then but sparsely settled, the nearest store being at Prosser and
from there water had to be hauled. That this commodity was precious at that time
is evident from the fact that he had to pay one dollar per barrel. He was one of the
first settlers, his nearest neighbor being two miles away, while the nearest school
was at Prosser, fifteen miles distant. Mr. Mains assisted in organizing a school about
1)^95. the building being located near his ranch. He also organized the first Sunday
school and later assisted in founding the Bethany school in 1901. The Presbyterian
church and Sunday school were established and Mr. Mains gave valuable assistance
in starting them, .^t first mail had to be brought from Prosser but now delivery is
much facilitated and in a comparatively few years a wild country has been developed
into a garden spot and orchard. Much of this development was due to the ceaseless
actiivty, energy and progressive spirit of Mr. Mains. He never lost sight of the
inteUectur.l and moral phases of life but on the contrary took a deep interest in the
sam.-, being ever activ° in church work and serving for several years as Sunday
school superintendent. .\ stanch champion of education, he served for years on the
school board and his activities resulted in many improvements and facilities that
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 255
were introduced in order to supply the children with a better and more efficient
means of education. He also was a director of the Water Users Association, being
thoroughly convinced of the value of irrigation. His great confidence and faith in
the country were rewarded by ready returns. In his political affiliations he was a
republican, stalwart and faithful in his support of the candidates and measures of
that party.
On the 12th of February. 1888, Mr. Mains was united in marriage to Annie
Bryant, a native of Wales and a daughter of David and Annie (Edwards) Bryant,
who in 186S came to the United States, taking up their abode in Pennsylvania, where
they remained until the early 70s, when removal was made to Boone county, Iowa.
The father was a taxidermist by profession and made his home in Newton, Iowa,
whence later he removed to Roslyn, Washington, where in 1886 he engaged in mining
until 1890, when he look up a homestead on the site where Grandview now stands.
LTpon this place he died in 1915. His widow afterward made her home with a daugh-
ter in Ellcnsburg, where she passed away. They were among the honored pioneers
of this state. To Mr. and Mrs. Mains four children were born: Ethel married Oliver
Beckes, a resident of Tacoma, and they became the parents of two children, Richard
and Ralph, but the latter was drowned. Edward, who resides upon the home farm,
married Bessie Martin, of Yakima. Anna is the wife of Rudolph Syverson, who is
manager of the White River Lumber Company. They reside at Grandview and have
a daughter, Eveljn. Mac, the youngest member of the family, is at home with her
mother.
In the death of Robert L. Mains on the 4th of December, 1910, Yakima county
lost one of its true and honored pioneers. L^pon coming here he used all his energy,
intelligence and vigor in order to plant civilization in a western wilderness and how
well he succeeded is evident from the fact of his later prosperity. Moreover, the
welfare of his neighbors and friends as well as humanity at large was ever near
his heart and he coopeiated throughout life in movements which were of great value
to tht community. Here he had many friends, all of whom spoke of him in terms
of great respect and esteem and who acknowledged his unselfishness and kindness.
To Irs family his loss was a great blow but to them his memory has remained as a
beiicdictinn. Open and above board in all of his dealings, he left behind him an un-
tarnished name — a possession which is truly to be more highly prized than great
riche'. \\ hile Mr. Mains largely lived up to high ideals, he was a man of practical
mind who in his business affairs did not pursue rainbow schemes but ever followed
conservative methods, utilizing modern discoveries which he found of value. He
builded carefully and therefore builded wisely and well He was a substantial man
whose word was as good as his bond and he will long be remembered by all who
had the honor of his acquaintance.
JOHN W. PETERSON.
John W. Peterson is well known as proprietor of the oldest drug store in Top-
penish. where he has carried on business continuously for the past decade. He is a
native of Sweden, where his liirth occurred on the 9th of December, 1875, his parents
being C. O. and Caroline (.Anderson) Peterson. In 1882 the family emigrated to the
United States and eftablished their home in Stillwater, Minnesota, where the father
'.Yorked at the trade of cabinetmaking to the time of his demise. • In 1913 the mother
removed to Seattle. Washington, where she still makes her home.
John W. Peterson, a lad of seven years when brought by his parents to this
country acquired his education in the public schools of Minnesota and in prepara-
tion for his chosen life work entered the Minnesota Institute of Pharmacy at Minne-
apolis, from which institution he was graduated in 1895. Making his way to Minto,
North Dakota, he was there employed as a clerk for a few years and in 1898 em-
barked ii. business on his own account at Leeds, North Dakota, where he success-
fully conducted a drug store for a period of ten years. In 1908 he removed to Yakima
but at the end of six months came to Toppenish, here opening a drug store which he
has conducted continuously since and which is now the oldest establishment of the
256 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
kind in the town. He carries an extensive stock of drugs and druggists' sundries and
has built up a large patronage by reason of his enterprising and reliable business
n^etlicds and earnest desire to please his customers.
In 1900 Mr. Peterson was united in marriage to Miss Anna Hughes, of Minto,
Xo-th Dakota, by whom he has a son, Albert Charles, who is now si.xteen years of
ago an(' is attending high school.
Politically Mr. Peterson is a stanch republican and he has done valuable service
as a member of the city council, exercising his official prerogatives in support of all
movements and measures for the development and upbuilding of the community in
which he lives. He has also served on the governing board of the Commercial Club.
Fraternally he is identified with the Masons, being a charter member of Toppenish
Lodge No. 178, F. & A. M. He is fond of shooting and is a charter member of the
Toppenish Gun Club. His business career has been one of steadj- progress, result-
ing from vjeW directed eflfort, and he is widely and favorably known as a representa-
tive and substantial citizen of the Yakima valley.
DANIEL BARBEE.
A life of intense and well directed activity brought Daniel Barbee, now deceased,
to a position among the successful ranchers of the northwest. In 1906 he took up
his abode a mile from Zillah. where he purchased thirty-four and a half acres of
partly improved land, and his remaining days were devoted to the further develop-
ment and cultivation of that place. He was born in Iroquois county, Illinois. June
7, 1841, a son of Solomon and Sarah (McFall) Barbee. the former born May 25, 1812,
and the latter born in Indiana, December 19, 1833. The mother was a daughter of
Joseph McFall. Mr. and Mrs. Barbee became pioneer settlers of Illinois and subse-
quently removed to Missouri while in 1855 they went to Iowa, establishing their
home in Mills county, where they settled upon a farm and resided throughout their
remaining days.
Daniel Barbee acquired a public school education and took up the occupation of
farming as a life work. He was identified with agricultural interests in Iowa for
thirty-five years, or until 1905. when he removed to Yakima county and for a year
thereafter was a resident of Toppenish. In 1906 he brought his family to their pres-
ent home, which is situated a mile northwest of Zillah. and with characteristic energy
"lie began the further development and improvement of the farm of thirty-four and a
half acres which he purchased. He planted ten acres of his land to Winesap apples,
four acres to pears and also set out two hundred prune trees. Since his demise
his wife has built a packing house upon the place and also good barns and thus the
work of further development and improvement is being steadily carried forward.
It was on the 14th of June, 1868, that Mr. Barbee v.-as married to Miss Mary E.
Fall, who was born in Monroe county. Iowa. March 12, 1850, a daughter of M. W. and
Elizabeth (Forshear) Fall, the former a native of Ohio while the latter was born in
Putnam county. Indiana. They removed to Monroe county. Iowa, in the sprmg of
1848, and Mrs. Barbee still has in her possession an old gourd that was raised liy her
mother in that year. She also has old candlesticks which were used by the family,
and an old dresser that was made in Indiana, taken to Iowa and then brought across
the country to the northwest. These are cherished heirlooms in the family. Her
parents purchased land in Iowa and there her father carried on farming throughout
his active business career. He reached the notable old age of ninety-one years, while
his wife was eighty-three years of age at the time of her demise. They had a family
of twelve children. To Mr. and Mrs. Barbee were born eleven children: Wiley, the
eldest, now farming the home ranch, married .'\nnie Hill and they had fourteen
children, six of whom have passed away; Stella is the wife of T. C. Mintle, who is
engaged in farming in Nebaska, and they have three sons; .Arthur a rancher of
Hay Springs, Nebraska, wedded Nellie Alderson and has one daughter; Lester, who
follows farming near Buena, Washington, married Ellen Peterson and has one son;
Lillie is at home with her mother; Charles, who devotes his attention to farniing in
Iowa, married Laura Stanford and has two daughters; Dollie is the wife of Calvin
DANIEL BAEBEE
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 259
Calhoun, a ranchman of Arizona; Mary is the wife of Sylvester Shelley, who follows
ranching near Zillah, and they have one son; Ernest, who is engaged in ranching near
Buena, married Rose Olson; Maude is the wife of Fred Hickenbotton, who is fol-
lowing ranching near Zillah: William who was the second of the family, died March
8, 1873, at the age of six weeks.
In 1917 Mrs. Barbee purchased a beautiful cement home at the edge of Zillah
and her place is called Cherry Hill Ranch. The death of Mr. Barbee occurred No-
vember 10, 1908, and was the occasion of deep and widespread regret. He was a de-
voted member of the Methodist Episcopal church and was a prohibitionist in poli-
tics, associations that indicate the high principles that governed his life and shaped
his conduct in ajl of his relations with his fellowmen. He had many admirable traits
of character, was kindly in spirit and generous in disposition and had a very exten-
sive circle of friends.
RALPH ORCOTT SMITH.
Ralph Orcott Smith, who is engaged in the cultivation of a forty-acre ranch
five miles west of Yakima, was born in Geneseo, Illinois, October 14, 1876, a son of
John and Kate COrcott ) Smith, who in the year 1884 made the journey to the north-
west, establishinp- their home in Union county, Oregon. Ralph O. Smith acquired a
public school education and when sixteen years of age left home in order to start out
in the business world independently. Coming to the Yakima valley, he worked on a
farm in the employ of others for fourteen months and later he made a prospecting
trip in British Columbia. In 1900 he purchased the Pete Taylor ranch on the Cowiche
fo.- ten dollars per acre and in 1904 sold that property at thirty dollars per acre. He
afteiward spent two years in San Diego, California, after which he returned to the
Yakima valley, where he remained, however, but a short time. He next went to La
Grande. Oregon, and bought a stock ranch of fifteen hundred acres, upon which he
ren-ained for two years. Later he again spent a year in San Diego and on the expira-
tion of that period removed to Highland, California, where he purchased an orange
grove, but lost three successive crops. He next established his home at Paso Robles,
California, and devoted five years there to the wheat and stock business. He still owns a
six hundred and forty acre ranch in that district. In 1917, however, he sold his
stock there and returned to the Yakima valley, where he invested in forty acres of
land five miles west of the city of Yakima, of which ten acres is planted to fruit,
while the remainder is given to the cultivation of alfalfa and corn.
On the 18th of November, 190O, Mr. Smith was married to Miss Viola May
Livengood, a daughter of R. A. and Letitia Livengood, who were pioneers ot the
Yakima valley. To Mr. and Mrs. Smith have been born seven children: Ervin,
Chester, Ira, Ivan, Harvey, Glenn and Katie May. While in California Mr. Smith
served as a member of the school board and has always been interested in the cause
of education. In politics he may be called an independent republican, for while he
usually supports the" principles of the party, he does not consider himself bound by
party ties and at local elections when no party issue is involved, usually casts an in-
dependent ballot. While he has made many changes, he has steadily progressed in
his business career and is today successfully conducting fruit raising as well as farm-
ing interests in Yakima county.
JOHN K. LUTHER.
John K. Luther, extensively identified with farming and fruit raising interests in
the valley, was born in Marion county, Kansas, on the 23d of March, 1880, a son of
John and Anna (Klott) Luther, who in 1887 removed to Whitman county, Washing-
ton, where the father has since engaged in farming. The mother passed away Oc-
tober 18, 1905.
John K. Luther was but seven years of age at the time the family home was
260 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
established in this state, so that almost his entire life has been passed in the north-
west. He supplemented his public school education by a course in Walla Walla Col-
lege and then entered upon the work of the ministry as a representative of the Sev-
enth Day Adventists church. For ten years he engaged in preaching the gospel
throughout Washington, Idaho and Oregon, but on the 8th of September, 1916,
turned his attention to fruit raising and farming in Yakima county, where he pur-
chased thirty acres of land, of which seventeen acres is planted to fruit, while the
remainder is devoted to the raising of hay, corn and other crops. His place is pleas-
antly and conveniently situated about five and a half miles west of Yakima. He has
also leased a ranch of one hundred and sixty acres on the Yakima Indian reserva-
tion and is there extensively and successfully engaged in raising grain and alfalfa.
In young manhood he had carried on farming interests on a large scale in Whitman
county, so that he brought broad practical experience to his work and in the conduct
of his aflfairs he is meeting with well deserved success.
On the 13th of April, 1902, Mr. Luther was married to Miss Elsie E. GetzlafT, of
Whitman county, a daughter of Gustave and Otilie Getzlaff, who removed from Min-
nesota to Whitman county, Washington, in 1890. Their children are Raymond, Ruby.
Edwin, Erma and Emerald.
Mr. and Mrs. Luther are loyal and active members of the Seventh Day Adventist
church and his political allegiance is given to the democratic party. His has been
an active and useful life fraught with good results for the material and moral pro-
gress of the communities in which he has lived and labored.
CHARLES H. FLUMMERFELT.
Charles H. Flummerfelt, a prominent figure in insurance and real estate circles
in EUensburg, having now an extensive clientage, was born in Delaware, Warren
county. New Jersey, on the 31st of July, 1863, a son of Daniel A. and Macrina H.
(Hoagland) I-'lummerfelt, both of whom were representatives of old colonial fami-
lies. The father was engaged in the mercantile and milling business and spent his
eptire life in the east, passing away in 1884. The mother still survives and is now liv-
ing with her son, Charles H., at the advanced age of eighty-two years. She is still
well preserved and takes the keenest interest in raising flowers.
Charles H. Flummerfelt obtained a public school education and started out in
the business world as a telegraph operator. Later he took up office work and subse-
quently began traveling for a southern hardwood lumber company of St. Louis,
Missouri, his territory covering the central states. He afterward removed to Haw-
ley, Minnesota, where he was appointed agent for the Northern Pacific Railway
Company, and his identification with Washington dates from 1885, in which year
he made his way to Pasco, becoming the third station agent at that place. He con-
tinued to occupy that position until 1888 and it was during his agency that the first
passenger train passed over the Cascade division. This was an excursion, held on the
4th of July, 1887. and carried many prominent people, who came from Walla Walla.
In 1888 Mr. Flummerfelt entered the live stock business near what was then Lake
Station but what is now Mesa, Washington. He became a prominent and influential
citi?en of that region and in the fall of 1889 was elected the first representative from
Franklin county to the state legislature, where he so capably and faithfully served
his constituents that he was reelected for a second term. He gave earnest and
thoughtful consideration to all the vital questions that came up for settlement and
left the impress of his individuality upon legislation enacted during the period of his
service in the general assembly.
In 1891 Mr. Flummerfelt removed to EUensburg and again entered the employ
of the Northern Pacific Railroad Company, being in a responsible position in the
superintendent's office. In the spring of 1892 he was made traffic manager of the
EUensburg & Okanogan Transportation Company and served in that capacity until
the following fall, when he resigned and embarked in business on his own account,
establishing a mercantile store at Oroville, Washington, where he continued for a
few months. He then returned to EUensburg and again entered the employ of the
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 261
Xorllicrn Pacific in 1893, acting as relief agent in the superintendent's office. In
18S'4 he was made assistant postmaster of Ellensburg and occupied that position
until the fall of 1896. He was then elected county treasurer, serving for two terms
and proving a most faithful custodian of the public funds. In 1901 he went to
VVenatchec, Washington, where for a year he was associated with the Rose & Wright
I'ruit Company. In 1902 he returned to Ellensburg and purchased the grocery stock
of R. B. Wilson, after which he was continuously and successfully engaged in the
grocery business until February, 1909, when he sold out. .'\t that date he entered
th'; real estate and insurance business, in which he has now continued for a decade,
and within this period has built up an extensive clientage.
In 1883 Mr. Flummerfelt was married to Miss Ella Mary Sebring, who was born
in Monroe county, Pennsylvania, a daughter of Andrew and Theresa B. (Moyer)
Seliring. The children of this marriage are two in number. Ray is married and is
with the Northwestern Improvement Company of Roslyn, Washington. The daugh-
ter, Nellie, is the wife of John J, Brown, a lieutenant in the railway division that
ivent to Russia, in the L^nited States-Russian Rail Service.
Fraternally Mr. Flummerfelt is an Odd Fellow and has held all the chairs in the
local lodge. He also has membership in the Elks Lodge No. 1102, of Ellensburg and
in the woodmen of the World. He is a prominent member of the Chamber of Com-
merce, in which he has served as president, and his religious faith is manifest in his
membership in the Presbyterian church. In politics he has always been a democrat
since reaching his majority. He has served on the city council of Ellensburg, filling
that office at the time the electric light system was extended and at the time plans
were l;.i(l for the water service. He had the distinction of being the youngest member
of the first state legislature in 1889 and in 1913 he was elected to represent his dis-
trict in the state senate, where he served for a term. He has served as president of
the building committee of the Young Men's Christian Association and was the first
president of the association in Ellensburg. He has continuously served as its board
of directors and is now its treasurer. His activities have been a factor in material,
intellectual, social, political and moral progress in his section of the state.
I. H. DILLS.
I. H. Dills needs no introduction to the readers of this volume, for he is at the
head of the oldest and largest clothing business of the Yakima valley, having long
ranked with the most progressive merchants of the city of Yakima, where he took up
his abode in 1888 and in the fall of that year established his present business, which
is conducted under the name of the Star Clothing Company.
Mr. Dills was born in Adams county, Illinois, in 1862 and is a son of Henry and
Elizabeth Dills, the former a farmer and a mechanician. The son acquired a public
school education in his native state and was reared to agricultural life, early becom-
ing an active assistant in the work of the fields through vacation periods. He con-
tinued to aid in the labors of the farm until he reached the age of twenty years,
when he opened a butcher shop at Corning, Missouri, there continuing for a year.
He afterward supplemented his earlier education by a term's study in Shelbina. Mis-
souri, and later he again spent a summer in Illinois. He subsequently devoted a year
to farming in Missouri, residing there during 1884, and in 1885 he removed to Kansas,
taking up a homestead claim in Clark county, upon which he lived until 1886. In that
year he again became a resident of Missouri, where he carried on general agricultural
pursuits for tvt-o years, but the opportunities of the far west attracted him and he
made his way to the Pacific coast country.
It was in the spring of 1888 that Mr. Dills arrived in Yakima and established the
business of which he is now the head. In this undertaking he was associated with
Harry Hampton and the store was opened in the old postoffice building, where they
continued for a year. A removal was then made to First street, adjacent to the
postoffice, where the business was conducted until 1891, when they removed to
Yakima avenue, occupying a building with the firm of Fechter & Ross. With the
growth of their trade, however, they took over the whole building and later, or in
262 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
1898, purchased a building on Yakima avenue, between First and Second streets. He
there remained until the spring of 1909. when he established his store at the corner of
Second street and Yakima avenue in a building with a fifty-foot frontage. This is
the oldest and largest clothing house of the Yakima valley. The company was in-
corporated in 190O with I. H. Dills as president and treasurer and W. L. Lemmon
as vice-president and secretary. They employ nine people and the two officers are
also active in the conduct of the business. During the busy season a still larger
force of employes is secured. They carry a very extensive and attractive line of
goods, showing all the styles that the market affords, and their reasonable prices,
their straightforward dealing and their progressive methods have brought to them
a constantly growing patronage.
It was in 1900 that Mr. Dills was united in marriage to Miss Gertrude Blanker,
a native of Tennessee, and they have become parents of five children: Leslie H.,
William H., Herbert, Elizabeth and Richard, all of whom are yet under the parental
roof, the family circle being still unbroken by the hand of death.
In his political views Mr. Dills is an earnest republican, having supported the
party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. In his fraternal relations
he is an Elk. loyal to the teachings of the order, and he is also a charter member of
the Commercial Club and a valued member of the Country Club.
While Mr. Dills is perhaps best known as a leading clothing merchant, he has
not confined his efforts alone to this line and has become an important factor in the
valley's progress and development in any fields of activity. He is now the presi-
dent of the Yakima Fruit Products Company, which indicates one of the points of his
interest. He is likewise the vice-president of the Hub Mercantile Company of
Wapato, which he aided in organizing. He has long been interested in farming
and is part owner of the U. S. Development Company, cultivating four hundred and
eighty acres of wheat land in 1918. Mr. Dills is president of this corporation. Dur-
ing the season of 1896 Mr. Dills was in .Alaska, sledding in from Diah and crossing
the Diah Pass on the 14th of April, 1896. He reached Fort Selkirk and there met
George Carmack and his wife, who made the Dawson discovery. Mr. Dills went up
the Pelly river and Mr. Carmack went to Dawson, where he found gold. Upon
coming out of Alaska in the fall Mr. Dills heard of Mr. Carmack's discovery and was
within two days' drive of the place but decided to return home instead of going to the
gold camp. In 1915 he went into the Behring Sea country on a mining venture and
made five hundred miles with rowboats, going as far as Alamma lake and up the
river, then crossing to Cook's inlet, where he had to remain for two weeks, waiting
for a steamship. He had planned to cross the inlet .with a Frenchman, having given
up the steamship, but was picked up by a gas launch and proceeded to Kodiac Island,
where he found the boat. On this trip his son, Leslie H., accompanied him. His
travels in the northwest have been extensive and his experiences varied. For thirty
years he has been identified with the development of this section of the country and
his efforts and energies have constituted a potent force in the work of general prog-
ress and improvement, especially in the Yakima valley, where he has become identi-
fied with a number of lines of business, all of which have profited by his cooperation
and support, his energy, enterprise and business sagacity constituting a stimulating
force toward the attainment of success.
LEONARD L. THORP.
Leonard L. Thorp, now living retired in Yakima, is numbered among those who
have contributed in large measure to the development of the agricultural and stock
raising interests of the Yakima valley, where for many years he owned and operated
a large ranch which he brought under a high state of cultivation and to which he
added many attractive modern improvements. Mr. Thorp is a western man by birth,
training and preference and has always been imbued with the spirit of enterprise
which has been a dominant factor in the rapid and substantial upbuilding of this
section of the country. He was born in Polk county, Oregon, October 16, 1845, a
son o: F. M. and Margaret (Bounds") Thorp, the former a native of Kentucky and
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 265
the latter of Tennessee. They were married in Missouri and in 1844 crossed tlie
Plains, making the long and arduous trip over the stretches of hot sand and through
the mountain passes until they reached the Pacific coast. Locating in Oregon, tiie
father took up a donation claim of six hundred and forty acres of government land in
Folk county, becoming one of the first settlers there. He followed diversified farm-
ing and stock raising and in the early days he experienced all of the hardships which
form features of pioneer life. There were no white settlers near at the time of his
arrival. He had a number of relatives who participated in the Cayuse Indian wars
of 18SS and 1856. Mr. Thorp was one of the first permanent white settlers in Polk
county and his place was near that of Captain Birch. He afterward removed to
what is now Klickitat county in 1858 and assisted in its organization. With the
work of development and improvement he was closely connected and at one time
served as probate judge of the county. On the l5th of February, 1861, he removed to
the Yakima valley, settling on the Moxee, where he secured a stock ranch, becoming
one of the first to locate in that district. In 1867 he removed to a farm twelve miles
west of Ellensburg and there resided to the time of his death, which occurred in
1898. His wife had previously passed away.
Leonard L. Thorp was educated under private instruction, his father hiring a
teacher for his children. He says that he was raised upon a horse, for from his
earliest childhood he was almost continuously in the saddle. Reared amidst frontier
conditions and environment, he learned to speak the Indian tongue and had In-
dian playmates in his youth. He continued at home with his father until he had
attained his majority, but went into Idaho and Montana with cattle when twenty
years of age, there selling a drove of cattle for his father at a profit of ten thou-
sand dollars. On the return trip he brought with him his grandfather, who had
been in Montana. They came in the winter, found the stage stations burnecf and
the horses stolen by the Indians, but they managed to escape the red men. On the
trip, however, Mr. Thorp of this review had his feet so badly frozen that the ends of
both feet had to come off. leaving him a cripple for life. He crossed the Columbia
river when it was full of ice, making the trip over with Indians. After recovering
from the injuries which he had sustained on the trip he took a ranch on the Moxee
and later secured a second ranch. Afterward he sold that property and secured a
ranch on the Selah whereon he resided for fourteen years and during that period
he turned his attention to the live stock business. He took a trip to California but
did not like the state and returned to the Yakima valley, settling on the Xaches,
where he developed a fine ranch. He was the first man to bring full-blooded Hol-
stein cattle to this state, introducing that stock in 1884. He added many splendid
improvements to his place, erecting buildings for the shelter of grain and stock
.nnd keeping the fences in good condition so that the place was thus divided into
fields of convenient size. He devoted much of his land to the production of alfalfa
and he also raised cattle on a large scale. Eventually, however, he sold the Xaches
ranch and afterward took up his abode near Yakima, where he established a fruit
ranch, one of the first of the district, and which he well improved with buildings,
fences, etc. Thereon he resided until 1899, when he removed to Yakima, where he
has since lived retired. For many years he has been a director of the Yakima
National Bank and is now vice president. In business afifairs he has ever been
recognized as a man of sound judgment and progressive spirit and his success has
been the direct outcome of persistent labor, intelligently guided.
On the 28th of May, 1867, Mr. Thorp was married to Miss Philena Henson, a
daughter of Alfred Henson, who removed to Oregon in 1852 and to Klickitat, Wash-
ington, in 1858, while in 1861 he settled in Yakima, being one of the early pioneers
and upbuilders of the west. The children of this marriage were: Martha, now
deceased, who became the wife of W. B. Young, by whom she had two sons; Eva,
the wife of Thurston Brown, living in Seattle; Dale, w^ho died on a trip to Alaska;
Herbert, who died at the age of seven and one-half years; and Margaret, the wife
of W. M. Hawkins, of Yakima.
Mr. Thorp belongs to the Pioneer Society. He has resided in the Yakima
valley for a longer period than any other white settler and is a most honored
pioneer resident. There is no phase of the northwest with which he is not famil-
266 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
iar. His memory goes back to the days when its great forests were uncut, when its
broad plains were unclaimed, its streams unbridged, and when the work of civiliza-
tion and development seemed scarcely begun. He has lived to witness a remarkable
change as the years have passed and he has borne his full share in the work of
progress and improvement. Under his direction and through his aid w-ild land has
been transformed into productive fields and he has done much to develop the great
herds of cattle found grazing upon the pasture lands of the Yakima valley. He
also made a valuable contribution to the prosperity of the district by introducing
the Holsteins and thus aiding in the improvement of the grade of stock raised. His
stories of the early days are most interesting and his reminiscences claim the
attention of all who hear them. Mr. Thorp well deserves the rest which he is now
en-joying, for he has passed the seventy-third milestone on life's journey and ease
should ever crown a life of intense and well directed activity.
SrMEON E. HOOVER.
Simeon E. Hoover has been a resident of Yakima county only since 1913 but in
this brief period lias made for himself a place among the representative ranchmen
of the district. He comes to the west from Elkhart county. Indiana, where he was
born on the 18th of February, 1852, a son of David and Susanna (Shank") Hoover,
who were natives of Canada and of Ohio respectively. The father devoted his life to
the occupation of farming, which he followed for many years in Saint Joseph county,
Indiana, where both he and his vyife passed away.
Simeon E. Hoover acquired a public school education and in 1877, when a young
man of twenty-five years, went to Kansas, where he remained for two years, devot-
ing his attention to agricultural pursuits during that period. In 1888 he arrived in
the northwest. Making his way to Tacoma, he afterward engaged in shingle weaving
on the Pacific coast for twenty years and at length determined to take up the busi-
ness of fruit raising in the Yakima valley. Accordingly in the fall of 1913 he came
to Yakima county and purchased forty acres of land on Naches Heights, of which
twelve acres is in orchards and the remainder is plow land. He has a fine ranch, on
which he has built a good barn, a large silo and made many other modern improve-
ments which indicate the progressive spirit that is back of all of his work and which
is producing splendid results.
On the 31st of December, 1874, Mr. Hoover was married to Miss Ellen Reed,
who was born in Saint Joseph county. Indiana, a daughter of William and Susanna
Reed. The children of this marriage are: Dora, the wife of M. C. McDougal, a
rancher, by whom she has two daughters; and Arthur, a resident of Seattle, but
now a member of the United States army. He is married but has no children.
Mr. Hoover gives his political endorsement to the republican party, which he has
supported since reaching manhood. He is a member of the Baptist church and high
and honorable principles guide him in all the relations of life. He never seeks to
figure prominently in public affairs, preferring to give his attention to his business
interests, and his close application and unfaltering energy have been the salient
features in the attainmeat of the success which he now enjoys.
EDWIN W. TRENBATH.
It is a well recognized fact that real estate activities largely contribute toward
the growth and development of any community, and in that line of business Edwin
W. Trenbath has aided in the upbuilding of Kennewick, where he has maintained a
real estate office for several years in partnership wnth George E. Tweedt. He was
born in Soverville, New Jersey, February 2, 1889, his parents being Robert C. and
Alice Alva (Wight) Trenbath, both of whom have passed away. The father, a native
of England, crossed the Atlantic to the United States at the age of twenty-one and
for many years was a buyer for the famous firm of A. T. Stewart & Company. Later,
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 267
however, he turned his attention to farming, following that pursuit until his demise.
The mother came of an old American family, the first ancestor having emigrated to
this country in 1634 from the Isle of Wight.
Amid the refining influences of a Christian home Edwin W. Trenbath received
the first lessons of life from his parents. In the acquirement of his education he
attended the common school in Somerville, subsequently entering the high school,
from which he was graduated. Well prepared to take up life's active duties, he then
entered the employ of the Amei-ican Steel & Wire Company of Trenton, New Jersey,
with which he remained for three and a half years, coming in 1910 to Kennewick,
Washington, where he secured a position with the Hover Investment Company. He
remained with that concern until 1914 and in that connection acquired much valuable
experience which has stood him in good stead in his present business enterprise. In
1914 he joined George E. Tweedt in establishing a real estate and insurance busi-
ness which has since grown to extensive proportions. They handle not only tarm
but also city property and write various lines of insurance, representing some of the
best known companies of the country. Mr. Trenbath has given much time to the
study of local real estate conditions and is considered an expert in his line, so that
his judgment is regarded as practically infallible and his advice often sought. He
is equally well versed in insurance matters and this knowledge, in combination with
his natural ability, has made him one of the foremost business men in his line within
the Yakima valley. The most honorable business standards have guided all the trans-
actions of the firm and their reputation is of the highest, so that they enjoy the full
trust and confidence of the public.
On the 18th of September, 1913, Mr. Trenbath married Alice Armstrong Ashmun,
of Waupaca. Wisconsin, and both are popular members of the social set of Kenne-
wick, their hospitable home often being the meeting place of their many friends.
They have an adopted daughter, Margaret Middleton, upon whom they bestow all
the love and care of an own child.
Mr. Trenbath has always taken a laudable and active interest in the growth and
development of his city and county and has particularly concerned himself in indus-
trial and commercial expansion, serving at present as vice-president of the Commer-
cial Club and having in his official position advocated many measures which have
proven of great benefit to the community. He has also been a strong advocate of
the good roads movement, realizing the value of improved roads in order to bring
tourists, motorists and other travelers to the district and also to facilitate transpor-
tation generally, and serves at present as the secretary of the Benton County Good
Roads Association. The family ide.ntify themselves with the Episcopal church and
take a laudable and helpful part in its work. Fraternally Mr. Trenbath is a member
of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in which he is a past noble grand. In his
political affiliations he is a democrat and has always faithfully supported the party,
although he has never desired office for himself, preferring to devote his time and
efforts to his other interests. As a business man and as a private citizen he is a valu-
able addition to Kennewick, which city has now been his home for over eight years,
and all who have the honor of his closer acquaintance are agreed as to his high
qualities of heart and character. On the 10th of September, 1918, Mr. Trenbath
enlisted in the L^nited States military service and was sent to the Infantry Central
Officers' Training School at Camp Pike. Arkansas, where he remained until after the
armistice was signed. He was then honorably discharged December 7, 1918, and
returned home to resume business affairs.
ANGUS C. DAVIS.
Holding to the most advanced educational standards, Angus C. Davis has greatly
benefited the educational system of Yakima as superintendent of the city schools,
and Yakima has every reason to be proud of the educational opportunities which she
offers to her youth. Since taking up the profession of teaching, Mr. Davis has been
a close and discriminating student of all that bears upon his chosen life work and is
continually reaching toward higher ideals. He was born in Polo, Illinois, February
268 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
1, 18S0. a son of Charles H. and Hattie A. (Allen) Davis, the former a native of
Ohio, while the latter was born in Massachusetts. In the late 70s, however, she re-
moved westward to Illinois. Charles H. Davis was a minister of the Baptist church
and for many years devoted his life to preaching the gospel but is now living retired
in Yakima. His labors proved a potent element in the upbuilding of the churches
with which he was connected and the influence of his teachings was widely felt. He
is a Civil war veteran, having served throughout the period of hostilities between the
north and the south, and was an active member of the freedmen's bureau after the
war.
Angus C. Davis is indebted to the public school system of Ohio for the early edu-
cational opportunities which he enjoyed. He also attended the Denison L^niversity
of Ohio and subsequently became a student in Chicago University. Taking up the
profession of teaching, he was for three years identified with the public schools of
Marshall Texas, and for a year and a half was a teacher in McMinnville College of
McMinnville. Oregon. Later he was in charge of the department of physics in the
Spokane public schools and for two years occupied the position of principle of the
high school at Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. In 1909 he came to Yakima as principal of the
high school and so continued for four years, when he was advanced to the position
of city superintendent of schools and has remained in that connection for five years.
In 1909 the daily attendance at the high school was three hundred and today this
number has increased to seven hundred. Mr. Davis has put forth every possible
effort to develop his ability and is regarded today as one of the foremost public
school educators in the state — a state which holds to the highest possible standards.
He has attended a summer school for several years and at all times keeps abreast
with the trend of modern thought and progress along educational lines, being now
active in the building up of a wonderful school system in Yakima.
Mr. Davis was married in 1908 to Miss Jessie Hopkirk, of Fort Madison, Iowa,
and their children are: Norman, now deceased; and Marietta. Mr. Davis belongs to
Yakima Lodge No. 24, F. & A. M., and the Knights of Pythias fraternity. His mem-
bership relations also extend to the Presbyterian church and to the Commercial
Club. In politics he is an independent republican but places the general welfare
before partisanship and the good of the community before personal aggrandizement.
In fact he has never been an aspirant for office. He has preferred to do his public
service in other ways and his contribution to progress and improvement in his
community has indeed been marked. He is now president of the board of trustees
of the public library, also a member of the board of the Young Men's Christian Asso-
ciation and of the board of trustees of the First Presbyterian church. His work and
influence have been a most potent element in advancing social, intellectual and moral
progress in Yakima.
WILBUR HUGHES.
.\ native of Washington county, Oregon, Wilbur Hughes is an enterprising
western agriculturist who cultivates a valuable property near Wiley Citj', having
been a resident of Yakima county since his third birthday, at which time he was
brought by his parents to this part of the state. Coming of an Oregon pioneer fam-
ily, Mr. Hughes was born July 9, 1868, a son of Samuel Vinton and Louisa (Ketch-
ings) Hughes, the former born in Pennsylvania and the latter in Missouri. Mrs.
Hughes was a daughter of Benjamin Retchings, who in 1853 or 1854 brought his
family to Oregon, in which state he remained during the balance of his life, there
following agricultural pursuits. Samuel V. Hughes removed to Oregon in 1865 and
there was married. He crossed the plains twice, going on his first trip to California
during the gold rush in 1855, and remaining five years. He continued along farming
lines in Oregon until 1871, in which year he came to Yakima county, and in the
spring of 1872 he bought one hundred and sixty acres on the Ahtanum, Wiley City
now being located on part of the old home farm. For many years Mr. Hughes de-
voted his entire attention to the further cultivation of his property but later in life
removed to Centralia, Washington, where he died August 4, 1912, in his ninetieth
HISTORV OF YAKIMA VALLEY 269
year. His wife had preceded him in death, passing away on the home farm on the
Ahtanum. Mr. Hughes. Sr., also conducted a livery stable in old Yakima City long
before the railroad came here, his being the second establishment of the kind to be
opened in the city.
Wilbur Hughes was reared amid western pioneer conditions and was but three
years of age when the family was transplanted to the Yakima valley, where he at-
tended the public schools. Having received a fair education, he laid aside his text-
books and continued to assist his father with the farm work, thus becoming thor-
oghly acquainted with valuable methods in regard to local farming conditions. He
subsequently worked for wages but in 1910, in which year his mother died on the
8th of February, Wilbur Hughes received as his share of the old home farm twenty-
five acres and here he has made his home ever since. He raises hay, grain and pota-
toes but his live stock interests are also important and he has cattle and hogs, also
conducting a dairy. He is enterprising in all that he does and has instituted modern
improvements and facilities, thus increasing the value of his property from year
to year.
On December 14, 1904, Mr. Hughes married Ada Jackson, a native of Illinois
and a daughter of Charles Jackson, who was one of the pioneers of Kansas. Mrs.
Hughes came to Yakima county in \903 and in the following year her marriage
occurred. She bore her husband three children, Dolly, Robert and Fay, but the
firstborn, Dolly, is deceased. The family are highly esteemed in their community,
where they have many friends, all of whom speak of them in terms of warm regard.
Mr. Hughes is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and in his
political affiliations is a republican. He is ever ready to cooperate in worthy
measures and movements for the promotion of the public welfare and through the
development of his agricultural property has contributed toward the prosperity
that is now prevalent in this part of the state.
WILL G. LAUDERDALE.
Will G. Lauderdale, who is at the head of an attractive and leading dry goods
establishment of Ellensburg, ranks with the representative merchants and business
men of Kittitas county and in all that he does is actuated by a spirit of progress
and advancement. He was born in Elkhorn, Wisconsin, January 17, 1875, a son
of J. H. and Zelia M. (Gibson) Lauderdale. The father died in Wisconsin in the
year 1895, but the mother survives and is now making her home with her son in
Ellensburg. J. H. Lauderdale also devoted his life to merchandising. He became
one of the pioneer settlers of Wisconsin, as did his wife, and in that state they were
married.
Will G. Lauderdale, passing through consecutive grades in the public schools,
pursued a high school course and then entered upon his business career as a clerk,
in which capacity he was employed until 1910. He had come to the northwest in
1903, at which date he took up his abode in Everett, Washington, there residing
until 1905, when he removed to Ellensburg. Step by step he advanced in his com-
mercial career, gaining valuable knowledge and experience as the years passed,
and in 1910 he purchased the dry goods store of A. C. Spalding. He has since
greatly improved the establishment and now carries a very high grade stock, his
being one of the leading dry goods stores of Ellensburg and this part of the state.
He occupies a corner building with a fifty foot frontage and employs seven people.
He carries an extensive and well selected line of dry goods and ladies' ready-to-
wear clothing, and his patronage has grown year by year. He is most careful and
maintains the highest standards in the personnel of the house, in the treatment
accorded patrons and in the business methods pursued, and his earnest desire to
please his customers, combined with his integrity and enterprise, have been the
dominant characteristics in the attainment of his present day success.
On the I2th of February, 1908, Mr. Lauderdale was married to Miss Pauline
Burcham, of Indiana, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Burcham, who came to
270 IIIS'JORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
the northwest in pioneer times, settHng in Salem, Oregon. Mr. and Mrs. Lauderdale
have two children, James Burcham and William Arlet.
Fraternally Mr. Lauderdale is a Mason of high rank, belonging to lodge, chap-
ter, commandery and Mystic Shrine. He is also identified with the Elks Lodge,
Xo. 1102, of Ellensburg and he attends the Presbyterian church. His political
allegiance is given to the republican party and he keeps well informed concerning
the questions and issues of the day but does not seek nor desire office, his attention
and energies being fully occupied by his business afifairs. His strict attention to his
commercial interests and his progressive spirit have made him one of the success-
ful merchants of Ellensburg, and all with whom he has come in contact speak of
him in terms of high regard.
CHARLES SMITH.
Charles Smith, who is successfully engaged in the cultivation of twelve acres
of land on the Cowiche, was born in Will county, Illinois, April 19, 1875. a son of
Joseph and Elizabeth (Sampson) Smith, both of whom were natives of England.
They became residents of Illinois in the '50's and were married in that state. The
mother was a daughter of Samuel Sampson, who brought his family to Illinois at
an early day. Joseph Smith devoted his life to the occupation of farming and thus
provided a comfortable living for his family but passed away on the 19th of April,
187.S. His widow afterward became the wife of Joseph Brereton. who passed away
in Illinois. In later life she came to Yakima county and here her death occurred
in May, 1909.
Charles Smith is indebted to the public school system of his native state for
the educational opportunities which prepared him for life's practical and responsible
duties. He came to Yakima county in 1898 and worked for wages for a few years.
He afterward took up a homestead on the Cowiche but sold it and purchased twelve
acres of land, also on the Cowiche. In addition to cultivating this tract he rents
forty acres from Mrs. A. J. Splawn and is now busily engaged in the further devel-
opment and improvement of this land, which he devotes largely to the raising of
grain, hay and potatoes. He annually gathers large crops, for he employs most
practical and progressive methods in the cultivation of the fields. He has made a
close study of the soil and its condition and his work bears the sanction of science
and modern judgment. Moreover, his efficiency is attested in the excellent financial
results which accrue.
On the 27th day of July, 1905, Mr. Smith was married to Miss Sarah E. Steven-
son, a daugjiter of John W. Stevenson. To Mr. and Mrs. Smith have been born
two children: Harold E., nine years of age; and Shirley M., aged six. Mr. Smith
votes with the republican party, which he has supported since reaching adult age.
His entire time and attention, however, have been concentrated upon his agricul-
tural interests and he is numbered among the successful farmers of his district.
ALFRED H. SINCLAIR.
Live stock interests, particularly in regard to the cattle industry, are ably rep-
resented t)y Alfred H. Sinclair, a wideawake and successful agriculturist of the
Xaches district. He is a worthy representative of one of its honored pioneer fami-
lies, the Sinclairs living in the first log cabin built in the Xaches valley. A native of
Xova Scotia, he was born August 27, 1867, and is a son of Hugh K. and Frances
(Bishop) Sinclair, also natives of Xova Scotia. His cousin, Dan Sinclair, retnoved
from Xova Scotia to Puget Sound when a young man and for some time worked m
a logging camp but afterward returned to Xova Scotia. On again coming to Wash-
ington in 1879 he was accompanied by Hugh K. Sinclair and his two brothers. Hugh
K. Sinclair, who was a blacksmith by trade and very proficient in his line, had
removed to Iowa in 1867 but later returned to Nova Scotia, whence he came to the
ALFRED H. SINCLAIR
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 273
Xaches valley in 1879. as mentioned above. Here, hcvi'ever, he did not work at his
trade but gave his entire attention to live stock interests, being successfully engaged
in that business until his death on the 22d of July, 1908. His widow survives and now
makes her home in Yakima at the age of seventy-five years.
Alfred H. Sinclair was but twelve years of age when the family removed to this
section and he therefore received his education partly in the British Dominion and
partly here. After laying aside his schoolbooks he assisted his father with the work
on the ranch, thus becoming thoroughly acquainted with farming conditions in this
locality. At a later date he acquired the property and now has one hundred and
seventy-five acres, eighty of which are in a high state of cultivation. He largely
raises hay and gives considerable attention to the live stock business, particularly to
Shorthorn cattle. He has thoroughly studied all the details in regard to this busi-
ness and has been very successful along this line.
On the 31st of December, 1896, Mr. Sinclair was married to Miss Grace McMil-
lan, a native of Sumner, Washington, and a daughter of James and Mary (Stone)
McMillan, pioneers of this state, who made their way to the Pacific slope in pioneer
style, coming by wagon. To this union have been born three children: Kenneth, who
is twenty years of age; Minnie Frances, who died in 1917 at the age of seventeen;
and Edith Grace, at home.
Mr. Sinclair is numbered among the Yakima pioneers and stands high in the
confidence of his fellow citizens not only for what he has achieved but because of
those qualities which made his success possible. He is industrious, reliable, de-
pendable and true in friendship and is therefore a valuable member of the community.
Fraternally he is a member of Yakima Lodge, No. 318, B. P. O. E., and also belongs
to the Knights of Pythias, being a charter member of the local lodge. His political
affiliations are with the republican party. Besides his agricultural interests he is a
director of the Yakima National Bank, as was also his father. The family stands high
among those connected with the planting of civilization and culture in this state
when Washington was practically still undeveloped.
JOH.N DITTER.
The name of John Ditter is closely interwoven with the history of commercial
development in the Yakima valley, for he is today at the head of the oldest and
largest grocery store in this section of the state. Moreover, he has ever been actuated
by a notable spirit of enterprise that has never stopped short of the successful ful-
fillment of his purpose and at all times his methods have been such as would bear
t-ie closest investigation and scrutiny. He indeed deserves mention among the
leading and highly respected business men of the Yakima valley.
Mr. Ditter was born in Hennepin county, Minnesota, in 1869, a son of Frank
and Regina (Butz) Ditter, both of whom were natives of Germany. The father
was a son of .\rmor Ditter, who in pioneer times in the development of Wisconsin
became a resident of Fond du Lac county, that state, and there spent his remaining
da>s. Frank Ditter removed to Minnesota and cast in his lot with the pioneers of
that section of the country. He devoted his life to farming and was also a country
merchant and tlie postmaster of his town. He continued a resident of Hennepin
county until he passed away and his wife also died in that locality.
Their son, John Ditter, acquired a public school education yet his opportunities
'vere somewhat limited, for he started out in life at an early age. When a youth
of eleven years he left home and went to Wisconsin. Later he became a resident
of Minnesota and the year 1888 witnessed his arrival in North Yakima, where he
followed the carpenter's trade for a year. He later spent two years in the employ
of the Northern Pacific Railroad Company in connection with the bridge department
and for one year was on the coast at Port Townsend, Washington, his sojourn there
covering the year 1890. In 1893 Mr. Ditter secured a clerkship in the grocery store of
t'. W. Luther and from that time on has been almost continuously connected with
the grocery trade. He remained with Mr. Luther in his Front street store for a
year and then, in connection with John Mechtel, purchased the business of his em-
274 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
ployer and formed the firm of Ditter & Mechtel. They removed to Yakima avenue
and their partnership continued most harmoniously and profitably for seven and a
ha'.f years. On the expiration of that period Mr. Ditter established a bakery busi-
ntss and in 1899 his store was destroyed by fire. He then again followed carpen-
tering for a year, after which he became identified with the Mulholland Grocery
Company, with which he continued for two years. He afterward established busi-
ness on Yakima avenue and Third street and admitted a partner under the firm style
of Ditter & Bothwick. an association that was maintained for five years, when he
bought out his partner and continued the business alone on Third street and Yakima
avenue for four years. -At the end of that time a removal was made to Nos. 19 and
21 Xorth Second street, where he has been located since July, 1917, occupying a
splendid business block with a frontage of fifty feet and a depth of one hundred
and forty feet. This is the largest grocery store in the valley. Mr. Ditter has ever
conducted this business alone and in connection with it he owns and operates a
large bakery. The store is splendidly equipped. In fact it is one of the finest
grocery houses in the entire west and it furnishes employment to twelve people.
One of the attractive features of the establishment is a ladies' rest room. Mr.
Ditter caters exclusively to family trade and meets the wants of his customers
with auto delivery. He carries a most extensive line of staple and fancy groceries,
everything that the markets of the world afford, and his trade has assumed most
gratifying proportions.
On November 21, 1895, Mr. Ditter was married to Miss Gertrude Mechtel, a
native of Shakopee, Minnesota, and their children are: Genevieve, now the wife
of Dr. A. J. Lemioux, of Yakima; Gertrude, deceased; Francis and Margaret, at
home: and Benitia, who has passed away.
The religious faith of the family is that of the Catholic church and they are
Communicants in St. Joseph's parish. Mr. Ditter belongs to the Knights of Columbus
and to the Catholic Order of Foresters and he also holds membership with the
Benevolent Protective Order o.f Elks. He is president of the building association
of .the Knights of Columbus. He is likewise a member of the Commercial Club
and in pol'tics he maintains an independent course, preferring to cast his ballot in
support of the candidates whom he regards as best qualified for office without con-
sidering party ties. There have been no spectacular phases in his career, but his
record is that of a most substantial citizen, loyal to the best interests of his com-
munity ar-d holding to high standards in commercial activity and in private life.
Ask any old-time resident of Yakima concerning John Ditter and he will be spoken
of in terms of warm regard and of genuine respect.
RAY W. SMITH.
Ray W. Smith was born in the old town of Yakima, July 28, 1886, and through-
out his entire life has resided in this locality, his life expressing the spirit of western
enterprise and progress, which have been the dominant factors in the upbuilding
of the great empire of the northwest. His parents were Robert W. and Addie
Gertrude (Adkins) Smith, the former a native of England, while the latter was
born in Michigan. Coming to Washington in 1886. they located at Yakima, where
the father engaged in business. He also secured a homestead in Yakima county
and in 1893 he purchased ten acres of land six miles west of the city of Yakima,
planting one-half of this to orchard, while the balance was devoted to the raising
of hay and corn. He afterward divided his homestead between the children, but
the property has since been sold. The father is now living retired, enjoying a
rest which he has truly earned and richly deserves. He served as a soldier of the
Civil war, enlisting in the Union army from Wisconsin and giving active aid to
the cause of liberty. Since coming to Yakima he has filled the office of justice of
the peace and he is recognized at all times as a citizen of worth. In the family
were three children, two sons and a daughter, but the daughter is now deceased.
There was also one child .of the father's second marriage.
Ray W. Smith acquired a public school education and in early life took up
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 275
ranching. He now manages the old home place and is accounted one of the suc-
cessful and representative business men of the locality.
On the Sth of April, 1907, Mr. Smith was married to Miss Margaret Gearhcart,
of Oregon, and they have become parents of two children, Raymond and Welford.
Mrs. Smith is a member of the Seventh Day Adventist church. In politics Mr.
Smith is an independent republican, voting according to the dictates of his judg-
ment, which often, however, endorses republican principles. He stands for progress
in all that relates to the community and district in which his entire life has been
passed. For a third of a century he has lived here, witnessing the growth and
development of the community, and he is a most enthusiastic champion of the west.
JULIUS SCHXASE.
Julius Schnase, an orchardist of the Yakima valley, residing in Yakima county
since October. 1912, was born in Germany, August 30, 1859, a son of Adam and
Edmunda Schnase, who came to the LInited. States in 1874, settling in Minnesota,
where the father followed farming until he passed away. His wife also died in
that state.
Julius Schnase was a youth of about fifteen years when the family emigrated
to the new world. He attained his majority in Minnesota and started out in life
as a farm hand, working in the neighborhood of his home at a wage of ten dollars
per month. He afterward took up government land in Minnesota but later sold
his property there for eight hundred dollars and removed to South Dakota in 1881.
Again he entered a claim from the government, locating in Brown county, where
he developed and improved a farm but eventually sold that property and established
his home near Aberdeen. There he remained imtil October, 1912, when he came
to Yakima county, Washington, having in 1911 purchased a ten-acre orchard six
miles west of Yakima. Here he has devoted his attention to the cultivation of
apples and pears and has been very successful in his fruit raising ventures. In
the midst of his farm he has built a fine home and is most pleasantly and comfortably
situated in life.
In 1882 Mr. Schnase was married to Miss Amelia Knie, a native of Wisconsin
and a daughter of Martin and Adolphina (Reivert) Knie, who were pioneer settlers
of South Dakota. Mr. and Mrs. Schnase became the parents of a son. Elmer Martin,
who was born in South Dakota, Septem'ber 12, 1888, and after acquiring a public
school education continued his studies in the Norwestern College at Naperville,
Illinois, since which time he has engaged in farming with his father. On the 26th
of December, 1911. Elmer M. Schnase married Maude Hey, of Naperville, Illinois,
who passed away in February, 1912, leaving a little daughter, Maude. In 1913 he
married Olga H. Mitzel, a native of North Dakota, but at that time a resident of
Yakima, and they have become parents of one child, Eunice. The religious faith
of the family is that of the Evangelical Association. In politics Julius Schnase main-
tains an independent course, voting according to the dictates of his judgment. He
concentrates his eiTorts and attention upon his business af¥airs and his success is
the ilirect and legitimate result of his industry and perseverance.
CLINTON C. MOFFAT, M. D.
Dr. Clinton C. Moffat, who died October 29, 1918, was not only one of the able,t
physicians and surgeons of Benton county but also maintained a drug store at
Prosser. A large amount of his time was given to surgery and he successfully per-
formed some difficult operations. He was born in Ontario county. New York,
September 27, 1883, a son of John and Kathryn (Strayline) Moffat,' who in 1885,
when the subject of this review was but two years of age, removed from New York
to Nobles county, Minnesota, and thence to Davenport, Washington, in 1898. Since
1909 the parents of Dr. Moffat have made their home in Eugene, Oregon, where
(13)
276 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
they now live retired, the father having followed agricultural pursuits throughout
his active life.
Clinton C. Moffat was reared under the parental roof and received his primar}'
education in the rural schools. Having prepared for college, he entered the Wash-
ington State College, from which he received the pharmaceutical degree in 1905,
while in 1914 the M. D. degree was conferred upon him by the University of Oregon.
In 1905, having become a full Hedged pharmacist, he came to Prosser and here
opened a drug store. In August. 1907, he bought out Todd's Pharmacy and com-
bined the two stores. He carried a complete line of the best drugs on the market
and also all standard patent medicines in addition to sundries generally found in
a store of this kind. Desirous of taking up the profession eri- rwedicine. he in the
meantime graduated from the University of Oregon, as above stated, and then en-
gaged in general practice, giving, however, a great deal of his time to surgery, along
which line he was quite successful. He was careful in diagnosis but after reaching
a conclusion followed the course decided upon unfalteringly and had a remarkable
number of cures to his credit. His reputation extended as he became better known
and he enjoyed a large practice in the valley.
In 1908 Dr. Mofifat was united in marriage to Miss Verda Hardesty, of Rosalia,
Washington, a daughter of John and Ella (Roberts") Hardesty, who are numbered
among the honored pioneers of Washington. To Dr. and Mrs. Mofifat was born a
son, John, who is nine years of age.
Along professional lines Dr. Moffat was connected with the Benton county
and Washington State Medical Societies and the American Medical Association.
In his political views he was independent and fraternally he was a member of the
f)lue lodge of Masons, the Scottish Rite bodies and the Eastern Star. He also held
membership with the Knights of Pythias, of which he was a past chancellor, with
the Foresters and the Brotherhood of American Yeomen. He readily cooperated
with all movements undertaken for the betterment of the people of the district in
ri moral and intellectual way and was ever ready to give his aid to progressive meas-
ures for the material development of Prosser and Benton county. Among his
colleagues his standing was high and from a business point of view he achieved
considerable success for one of his years. He had many friends in Prosser whom
he had made in private, business and professional life.
F. A. WIGGINS.
F. A. Wiggins is the president of the Washington Xurscry Company, conduct-
ing the largest nursery business in this state. Twelve years of determination and
energy have brought Mr. Wiggins to his present enviable position in his company,
for step by step he has worked his way upward, utilizing the opportunities which
have come to him and making the best possible use also of his time and talents. He
was born near Toronto, Canada, in 1869, a son of Robert and Eliza Wiggins, who in
1871 crossed the border into the LTnited States, establishing their home in Kansas.
In 1903 they came to the northwest, settling in Oregon. The father devoted his
life to farming until 1918, when he was called to the home beyond. His widow sur-
vives and is living in Portland, Oregon.
F. A. Wiggins acquired a public school education in Kansas and became con-
nected with mercantile interests. In 1888 he removed to Salem, Oregon, where he
was identified with commercial pursuits as a dealer in dry goods and farm imple-
ments. In 1906 he came to Toppenish and purchased an interest in the Washington
Nursery Company, of which he was made vice-president and sales manager. He has
since been identified with this enterprise and in 1916 was elected to the presidency.
The Washington Nursery Company was organized in 1903 by A. W. McDonald, who
retained the presidency until his retirement in 1916, when Mr. Wiggins succeeded
him in that position, also continuing as manager. The other officers are: W. L.
Shearer, vice-president, and C. J. .Atwood, secretary and treasurer. This company
grows fruit, shade and ornamental trees and also farms two hundred and seventy-
five acres of land in all, having one hundred and fiftv acres in nurserv stock, while
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 277
the remainder is devoted to hay and grain. The main cfftice is at Toppenish, where
employment is given to from twenty to fifty people. The product is sold all over the
west, from British Columbia to Arizona, and theirs is the largest nursery in the
state. At one time they had four hundred and twenty-five acres in nursery stock and
in one year prepared and planted four and a quarter million apple trees, which they
sold in a period of two or three years. They now conduct a big but conservative
business and they are represented by a sales force of from one hundred to one hun-
dred and twenty-five men over the west. They handle all kinds of fruit trees such as
grow profitably in the west and they arc now giving much attention to the develop-
ment of the ornamental and landscape branch of their business. They have always
maintained the highest standards in the character of the nursery stock which they
have handled and propagated, and anything that comes from the Washington Nur-
sery Company is known to be of worth. Their name is accepted as a synonym for
high grade goods and for straightforward dealing.
In 1894 Mr. Wiggins was married to Miss Myra .Albert, of Salem. Oregon, and
they have a daughter, Mildred, who is now a student in the State University. Fra-
ternally Mr. Wiggins is connected with the Masons as a member of Toppenish Lodge
No. 178, A. F. & A. M. He likewise belongs to the Commercial Club, of which he
has been president for two years. His political endorsement is given to the repub-
lican party and for six years he served on the city council, exercising his official pre-
rogatives in support of all plans and projects which had to do with the upbuilding of
the city and the advancement of its civic standards.
Mr. Wiggins, with others, has been active in getting legislation through con-
gress for the development of the Yakima reservation, the promotion of its irrigation
system aud other practical means of assisting the Indians to get their rights. He has
worked for their allotments of land, whereby more than four thousand allotments
have been made, giving to each man, woman and child a separate tract, usually
eighty acres, but in some instances one himdred and sixty acres, depending upon
the location and the availability of water for irrigation. The Yakima reservation
comprises one of the richest agricultural districts of the northwest, splendidly adapted
for crop production because of the absence from frost and the possibility for early
planting. Mr. Wiggins has been untiring in his efforts to promote development in
this section and has done most effective work for Toppenish, the main trading point
of the reservation, as a member of the Commercial Club.
H. H. ANDREWS.
H, H. Andrews, well known in the business circles of Yakima as the head of the
Andrews Overland Company, was born in Pontiac, Michigan, May 5, 1880, and is a
son of Charles N. and Sarah Jane .Andrews. The father is a son of Samuel Andrews,
a native of Connecticut and a representative of one of the old families of the Massa-
chusetts Bay colony. His wife was a niece of General Joseph Warren, who led the
forces at the battle of Bunker Hill. In the year 1832 the grandfather of Mr. Andrews
of this review left New England and made his way westward to Michigan, travelin.g
across the country with ox team and wagon. On reaching his destination he took
up government land, for at that time much of the state of Michigan was still owned
by the government and the work of progress and improvement had scarcely been
begun in many .sections of the state. The family has since been represented there
and Charles N. Andrews, father of H. H. Andrews, yet occupies the old homestead.
Spending his boyhood and youth in his native state, H. H. Andrews supple-
mented his public school training by a course in the University of Michigan at .Ann
Arbor and there won the Bachelor of .Arts degree upon graduation with the class of
1905. He afterward took up newspaper work, which he continued to follow in the
Mississippi valley until 1907, when attracted by the opportunities of the growing
\-est, he made his way to the Pacific coast, continuing in newspaper work until 1911.
He was editor of the Yakima Morning Herald for four years and became well known
in journalistic circles of this section of the state. He had also proved up on a home-
stead, which he afterward sold, and in 1912 he entered the automobile business,
278 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
making his initial step in that direction as an employe of the Washington Automobile
Company, with which he remained for a year. He afterward began working for
Fred Chandler, with whom he continued from 1913 until 1917, when he embarked in
business on his own account. It was on the 21st of December of that year that he
organized the Yakima Motor Sales Company, in which undertaking he was asso-
ciated with C. S. Mead. They leased a building opposite the postofifice and having
a frontage of fifty feet. On the 1st of January, 1919, the name of this company was
changed to the Andrews Overland Company. They have the agency for the Over-
land and also for the Willys-Knight cars and for the Nash passenger cars and trucks.
The Overland business in this locality was much increased in the year 1918, owing
to the progressive methods and unfaltering spirit of enterprise displayed by the new
firm. They have a service station for their own patrons and they carry a full line
of accessories and auto parts. They have the general agency and are the distribut-
ing center for Kittitas, Yakima and Benton counties and the firm has adequate rep-
resentation all over the valley. They employ several men in Yakima and their busi-
ness is constantly growing. Mr. Andrews has built up a business of very gratifying
proportions and his present interests are indicative of the spirit of enterprise and
progress that actuates him at all points in his career.
On the 20th of September, 1916, Mr. Andrews was married to Miss Emma Flor-
ence Mead, of Yakima, and they have many friends in the city where they reside.
Mr. Andrews belongs to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and also to the
Country Club. He likewise has membership in the Yakima Valley Business Men's
Association and was made secretary of the Yakima Valley Auto Dealers' Association
for 1918. Of the latter he was one of the organizers and is doing much to further the
interests of the association, which was formed to promote the business of dealers
through cooperation resulting from a discussion of problems and opportunities for
the trade. In politics Mr. Andrews is a republican, having been a stalwart cham-
pion of the party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He is well
known as an alert, energetic young man to whom opportunity has ever been the call
to action.
ELLSWORTH S. GIBSOX.
Ellsworth S. Gibson, secretary of the Yakima Meat Company, was born in
Waterloo, Oregon, on the 24th of August, 1872. His father, James D. Gibson, was
a native of Pennsylvania, and in the year of 1859, crossed the plains to California,
and after residing for a number of months in the Golden state, made his way to
Walla Walla, Washington, in 1860. where he made his headquarters for about ten
years, mining and packing supplies to the mines of the northwest. He later estab-
lished his home at Portland, Oregon, and still later removed to Waterloo, that state,
where he married Miss Mary Agnes Keys, a native of Linn county, Oregon, and a
daughter of Elmer Keys, who crossed the plains to Oregon in 184S, and subsequently
went to California during the gold rush in 1849. later returning to Oregon where he
made his home until his death, about 1855. About the time of his marriage Mr.
Gibson entered the grist mill and lumber business and later turned his attention to
the raising of live stock. He afterward went to Wasco county with his stock, arriv-
ing there in the fall of 1877 and remaining in that district for many years. Even-
tually, however, he removed to Idaho and is now living retired at Pleasant Valley,
California. The wife and mother passed away in the year 1891, and he subsequently
married Miss Ange McGowan, and they have one child, John.
Ellsworth S. Gibson acquired a public school education and then pursued a
business course in the Holmes Business College at Portland. Oregon. He afterward
engaged in the stock business and has since been associated with his brother, O. D.
Gibson. He was also for a short time at Auburn, Washington, in the butchering busi-
ness, but through the greater part of his active career has been identified with the
important interests controlled by the Gibson brothers, and is now the secretary of
the company. These brothers are proprietors of the Yakima Meat Company, in
which connection they are conducting an extensive packing business, having made
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 281
theirs one of the important industries of the city. They also own and lease large
land holdings under the name of Gibson Brothers, Inc., on which they are exten-
sively engaged in raising cattle, hogs and sheep.
On the 2d of June, 1909, Ellsworth S. Gibson was married to Miss Inez Harer, a
daughter of John H. Harer, of Walla Walla. Their family now numbers three chil-
dren. Miles Ellsworth, Stanley and Evelyn Jane.
Mr. Gibson is a representative of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, his
membership being in Yakima Lodge No. 318. He also belongs to the Commercial
Club and to the Business Men's Association and is an esteemed member of the
Country Club. In politics he is a republican. He stands for all that is progressive
in civic affairs and gives hearty endorsement and support to many plans and meas-
ures for the general good. The cooperation of the Gibson brothers in the conduct
and management of their growing and important business has placed them with the
men of leadership in trade circles of the northwest. The sterling worth of Ellsworth
S. Gibson is recognized by all with whom he has been associated. He is alert and
energetic but always courteous in demeanor and obliging and never allows business
interests to so monopolize his time that he has no opportunity to bear his part in
activities that have to do with the welfare and upbuildmg of the community in which
he makes his home.
OMER D. GIBSON.
Omer D. Gibson, president of the Gibson Brothers Corporation and the Yakima
Meat Company, was born in Waterloo, Oregon, January 18, 1877, but has spent much
of his life in Washington. He is a son of James D. and Mary Gibson, who settled in
Oregon in pioneer times. The father was a farmer and also engaged in the live
stock business. In 1879 he removed from Waterloo to Wasco county, Oregon,
where he engaged in the stock business for many years, and he is now living retired
at Pleasant Valley, California.
Omer D. Gibson, of this review, acquired a public school education in Oregon
and Walla Walla, Washington, and afterward had the benefit of instruction in a
business college at Portland, Oregon. He next entered the live stock business in
connection with his father and brother and. later devoted his attention to horse raising
at Snake River in Washington. In 1896 he took up the business of cattle buying for
the Walla Walla Meat Company and afterward spent three years with the firm of
Bruhn & Henry, whose headquarters were at Snohomish. On leaving that firm he
and his brother, E. S., organized the Walla Walla Meat & Cold Storage Company
with a capital stock of twenty thousand dollars, and built a fine plant which they
conducted for three years, increasing the capital stock to one hundred and fifty thou-
sand dollars. Afterward Mr. Gibson went to Seattle, where he built a large packing
liouse in connection with the Yakima Sheep Company, but eventually sold his interest
in that corporation. He subsequently came to Yakima and entered into active rela-
tions with the Yakima Meat Company, which was incorporated in 1909. It had been
established by the firm of Rand & Sigle about 1906 and in 1911 the business was pur-
chased by the Gibson brothers and Charles Bruhn. The plant then consisted of a
small slaughter house. They began to do packing in 1911 and in 1912 commenced
packing on an extensive scale. The plant has been increased until today it covers
forty acres, with a yard capacity for several hundred head of stock. They feed and
fatten five hundred or more head of cattle each winter and they buy extensively
throughout the valley. They also have an interest in thirteen thousand acres of
grazing land, and the Gibson Corporation owns eighteen thousand acres. They kill
sheep, hogs and cattle and their product is sold from Pasco to the Cascade moun-
tains. They employ about sixty people, having the largest packing house in the
Yakima valley. The Gibson brothers incorporated their interests under the name of
Gibson Brothers in 1914 in order to attend to the general live stock business
and their landed interests. As the years have passed their business has steadily
grown until it has reached the position of leadership in their line. From early boy-
hood Omer D. Gibson has been closely associated with live stock interests, each year
282 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
bringing- him broader experiences and wider opportunities which he has eagerly
utilized for the bcnetit of his own fortunes and for the advancement of community
welfare. He is now the president and manager of the Yakima Meat Company and of
Gibson Brothers, Incorporated, and ranks with the foremost business men of his
section of the state.
On the 10th of September, 1901, Mr. Gibson was married to Miss Lillian Gholson,
of Walla Walla, Washington. Mrs. Gibson, who had many friends in Yakima, passed
away on December 27, 1918, her death causing deep sorrow to all who knew her.
Mr. Gibson is well known in lodge circles, beonging to Trinity Lodge No. 121,
r. O. O. F., and to the Elks Lodge No. 318, of Yakima. He also belongs to the
Yakima Commercial Club and to the Yakima Valley Business Men's Association and
that he is appreciative of the social amenities of life is indicated in his connection
with the Yakima Country Club. In politics he is a democrat but without desire or
ambition for office. During 1905 Mr. Gibson was engaged in breaking wild horses for
the firm of Stofifer & Switzler and in the intervening period of thirteen years he has
steadily advanced until he stands in the foremost rank among the packers and the
live stock men of the northwest. He has utilized every opportunity which has come
his way and difficulties and obstacles have been regarded as an impetus for renewed
effort on his part. He has studied every phase of the business in which he has en-
gaged, has given due attention to every detail and at the same time has most wisely
directed the principal features of his business, his life record showing what can be
accomplished through determined energy intelligently directed.
LYMAN J. GIBSON.
Lyman J. Gibson is the vice-president of the Yakima Meat Company and thus
active in the control of the foremost business enterprise of the character in the valley.
A native of Oregon, he was born at Wasco on the 2d of June, 1883, his parents being
James D. and Mary Gibson, who are mentioned in connection with the sketch of
E. S. Gibson on another page of this work. The educational opportunities accorded
him were those of the public schools, supplemented by a course in the Holmes Busi-
ness College at Portland, Oregon. When his textbooks were put aside he entered
the business of stock buying, becoming a representative in this connection ot the
Walla Walla Meat Company. Later he entered the employ of James Henry of
Seattle and afterward was identified with the Union Meat Company of Portland, which
company was taken over by the Swift interests. He continued one year with them
after the Swifts had taken over the company, and bought stock for their Los .-Xngcles
and San Francisco plants. At a subsequent date he returned to the employ of James
Henry of Seattle and bought stock over Montana, Idaho, Oregon and Washington.
He next became a member of the firm of Gibson Brothers of Seattle, whom he rep-
resented as buyer and he is now a member thereof. He is vice-president of the
Squaw Creek Land Company, in which the Gibson Brothers own a one-third interest,
besides being lessors of much land. He is also identified with the Yakima Meat Com-
pany as its vice-president, the two organizations working hand in hand in the rais-
ing of stock and its preparation for the market as well as the sale of the finished
product.
On the 30th of July, 1913, Mr. Gibson was united in marriage to Mrs. Paiiline Cos-
tamagno Ronketto, who was born in southern France of Italian descent. She came to
the L'nitcd States with her mother when eleven years of age. the family home being
first established in Wakefield, Michigan. Subsequently, Mrs. Gibson lived in Seattle
for a time and on two different occasions lived in Fairbanks, Alaska. By her first
marriage she became the mother of three children, Helen, Laura and John. One
child. Lyman James, Jr., has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Gibson.
Fraternally Mr. Gibson is connected w'ith the Benevolent Protective Order of
Elks. He also belongs to the Yakima Commercial Club and to the Yakima Valley
Business Men's .Association and is deeply interested in all fhose questions and projects
which have to do with the development of the resources of the country and the pro-
motion of its business connections. His political endorsement is given to the repub-
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 283
lican party but without desire for office. He is preeminently a business man and one
who concentrates unfaltering effort and attention upon his activities. He has util-
ized his opportunities wisely and well and each forward step in his career has brought
him a broader outlook. The course of his orderly progression is easily discernible
and his record should serve to inspire and encourage others, for he belongs to that
class of representative American business men who are known as self-made.
CHARLES A. GIBSON.
The name of Gibson is closely associated with the meat industry and with
ranching interests in the Yakima valley, and Charles A. Gibson of this review is the
treasurer of the Yakima Meat Company, controlling one of the most important
packing interests of this section of the state. He was born in Wasco, Oregon, on
the ISth of October, 1889, and is therefore a western man by birth and training as
well as by preference. His life has exemplified the spirit of western enterprise and
progress which has led to the rapid upbuilding of this section of the country. He
is a son of James D. Gibson, mentioned elsewhere in this volume in connection w'ith
the sketch of E. S. Gibson, brother of Charles A. Gibson.
The latter pursued his education in the public schools of Walla Walla and also
spent one year as a student in Whitman College and another in Pullman College.
Thus liberally trained for life's practical and responsible duties, he entered into busi-
ness relations as a member of the firm of Gibson Brothers and was manager of their
butchering business at Auburn, Washington, for five years. In 1914 he removed to
Yakima and became treasurer of the Yakima Meat Company and also secretary of
the firm of Gibson Brothers. The former conducts an extensive packing business,
having a large plant splendidly equipped according to most modern, scientific and
sanitary, methods. Their trade in this direction has reached large proportions and
the enterprise has become one of the important industries of the district. The
brothers also own a one-third interest in the Squaw Creek Land Company, which
comprises twenty sections in Yakima and Kittitas counties, and their ranching prop-
erty is conducted under the style of Gibson Brothers, Incorporated. Of the latter
Charles A. Gibson is also the secretary. Each brother who is a member of the
firm is well qualified for the duties which devolve upon him in his particular con-
nection, making this a strong business organization.
In 1910 Charles A. Gibson was united in marriage to Miss Kittie Horn, of Walla
Walla, a daughter of Robert A. and Ferdinanda Horn, the former a jeweler of Walla
Walla. Mr. and Mrs. Gibson have one child, Roberta. In the Elks lodge No. 318,
of Yakima. Charles A. Gibson is a popular and well-known member and he also has
a very wide and favorable acquaintance in the Yakima Country Club. He likewise
belongs to the Yakima Commercial Club and to the Yakima Valley Business Men's
Association and cooperates heartily in their plans and projects for the improvement
of business and trade relations throughout this section of the state. In politics he
maintains an independent course nor has he ever been ambitious to hold office, yet
he does not neglect the duties of citizenship and his cooperation can be counted
upon to further plans and measures which are looking to the upbuilding of the city's
welfare and the advancement of those interests which are a matter of civic virtue
and of civic pride.
F. G. MILLIRON.
F. G. Milliron, the progressive owner and proprietor of one of the best general
merchandise stores in Tieton and one of the town's foremost citizens, is a native
of Wisconsin, born in Knapp, August 6, 1874, and is a son of George and Angeline
(Geroy) Milliron, pioneers of that state, who in 1890 removed to Minnesota, where
the father was successfully engaged in ranching until death claimed him. He is
survived by his widow, who now makes her home in Washington, D. C.
284 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
F. G. Milliron was reared under the parental roof, receiving such lessons as
would instill into him the priciples of industry, honesty and perserverance. These
qualities have never left him and have given vent to activities that have ever beeir
honorable. His education was received in the public schools of Wisconsin and after
laying aside his textbooks he assisted his father with the farm work, until 1905,
when, at the age of thirty-one, he made his way to Mount Vernon, Washington,
where he found a position as a farm hand, thus continuing for several years. In
1911 he came to Yakima county and turned his attention to merchandising, being
employed for a year and a half as a clerk in Naches. On January 11, 1912, Mr.
Milliron, With F. E. Crumb, became interested in the first store at Tieton and from
a modest beginning the present splendid enterprise- has resulted. Later Mr. Crumb
sold out to G. W. Mortimer, who is now the partner of Mr. Milliron, the latter
being manager of the store. A well assorted line of general merchandise is carried
and everything about the establishment indicates the progressive methods followed
by Mr. Milliron. The goods carried is of the highest standard and in all of his
dealings he has been found dependable. As the years have passed his list of cus-
tomers has increased and he now has a very profitable trade. In 1918 a modern
building was especially erected for the business, which gives added convenience to
the many patrons.
On the 7th of June. 1899, Mr. Milliron was united in marriage to Miss .Amy
Eckenroad and they have become the parents of six children: Russell, who is now
in the L'nited States army; and Howard, Angeline, Frederick, Ella and Mabel. The
family are highly respected by all who know them. Mr. and Mrs. Milliron occupy-
ing an enviable position in the best social circles of the town. He is a member
of the Modern Woodmen of America and politically is a republican as far as na-
tional issues are concerned, but in local affairs prefers to follow his own judgment,
irrespective of party issues. As one of the leading men and progressive merchants
of his community he has ever been interested in progress and development and is^
ready to give his support to worthy movements. He has many friends in Tieton
and all who know him are thoroughly agreed in regard to his high qualities as a-
private citizen and as a successful business man.
CHARLES BULL.
Charles Bull is one of the leading live stock raisers of the Yakima valley, being
extensively engaged in the raising of full blooded cattle, hogs and sheep. He is now
the owner of two hundred and twenty acres of highly cultivated land near Mabton,
upon which he took up his abode in the spring of 1914. His entire life has been
passed in Washington, however. He was born in the Kittitas valley of Yakima
county on the 8th of October, 1878, a son of Walter A. and Jennie (Olmstead) Bull.
The father was one of the most .prominent, influential and valued citizens of this
part of the state. He was born in Albany, New York, June 20, 1839, and was a rep-
resentative of one of the distinguished old families of that state. He died March-
4. 1898. at the comparatively early age of fifty-nine years. He was a veteran of the
Civil war, having served in the Quartermaster's Department, and after the war he
became a contractor on the Union Pacific Railroad. It was about 1868 that he came-
into the Kittitas valley. It was in Kittitas county that he was united in marriage to
lennie Olmstead, a native of Illinois and a daughter of J. D. Olmstead, who arrived'
in the Kittitas valley in 1871. The death of Mrs. Bull occurred January 27, 1885, and
she left besides her husband, five children to mourn her loss: John, who is now a
retired rancher living in Ellensburg, Washington; Lewis, who was a prominent
rancher of Kittitas county and passed away in 1907. at the age of thirty-three x-'-ars;
Cora, the wife of Charles S. Wright, who is principal of a school on Long Island,
Xcw York; Charles, of this review; and Grant, who resides in Ellensburg and is the
owner of a ranch near the city which he rents. Having lost his first wife, the father
married Mrs. Rebecca Frisbie. and they had two sons: Alvadore, who is ranching in
Kittitas county; and Leland, who is a physician now serving with the United States-
army.
CHARLES BULL
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 287
Walter A. Bull was one of the first of the pioneer settlers in the Kittitas vallej'
and acquired over two thousand acres of land in one tract. This he devoted to gen-
eral farming, to the raising of hay and to stock raising. He was most progressive in
all that he undertook and he was one of the first to begin irrigating land in the
valley. In 1893, however, he met with financial reverses. Later he had mining
interests on the Okanogan, where he passed away. He served as local probate judge
at an early day and he exerted much influence over public thought and action, being
a most loyal and devoted citizen and one well qualified by nature for a position of
leadership. In politics he was ever a stalwart republican and fraternally he was an
Odd Fellow, becoming a charter member of the lodge at Ellensburg. His worth
was attested by his brethren of the fraternity, by those with whom he had business
relations and by those whom he met socially. All spoke of him in terms of the high-
est regard and his name is written high on the roll of honored pioneer settlers who
contributed much to the upbuilding and development of the county.
Charles Bull acquired a public school education and attended Pullman College,
where he pursued a three years' agricultural course. He was thus qualified by liberal
training as well as practical experience for the business which he took up as a life
work. When his college days were over he became identified with live stock raising
in the Kittitas valley where he had a fine ranch of one thousand acres, all under
cultivation. In the spring of 1914 he sold this property and removed to Yakima
county, taking up his abode on two hundred and twenty acres of land between Sun-
nyside and Mabton. He purchased this property, which was then a wild tract cov-
ered with sagebrush, and today he has nearly the entire amount under cultivation.
Upon the place he built a very attractive home, also splendid barns and has all of
the modern equipments of the model farm of the twentieth century. He raises full
blooded Hereford cattle, also full blooded hogs and sheep and he has received va-
rious prizes upon his cattle at the state fair. He ranked with the most extensive cattle
raisers of Kittitas county and he occupies an enviable position as a prominent ranch-
man of Yakima county.
On the 24th of October, 1906, Mr. Bull was united in marriage to Miss Kate
Cooke, a daughter of George B. Cooke, who was a son of C. P. Cooke, one of the
pioneers of the Yakima valley and of the Kittitas valley. He was a very prominent
cattle man in the latter district and the Cooke family has long occupied a leading
position in business and social circles in this part of the state. To Mr. and Mrs.
Bull have been born three children: J. Lewis, George Walter and Elma Kathcrine.
Mr. Bull is a democrat in his political views but has never been an office seeker.
Business aflfairs have made full demand upon his time and energies and the spirit of
enterprise which has actuated him in all that he has undertaken has brought him to
a creditable position among the successful ranchers of the state.
HARRY E. SCHROEDER.
Harry E. Schroeder, cashier of the Outlook State Bank, was born in Freeport,
Illinois, January 26, 1870, a son of Henry W. and Belinda L. (Hane) Schroeder, the
former a native of Germany, while the latter was born in Ohio. They became early
settlers of Illinois, where they took up their abode in the latter part of the 'SOs.
The mother was reared near Canton, Ohio, and was a schoolmate of Mrs. William
McKinley. The father had come to the United States on a sailing vessel with his
parents during his boyhood days and with the outbreak of the Civil war the grand-
father proved his loyalty to his adopted country by active service in defense of the
Union. Throughout his entire life Henry W. Schroeder engaged in merchandising
but is now deceased. His widow survives and makes her home in New York city.
Harry E. Schroeder of this review acquired a public school education and was
afterward graduated from the Benton (rolkge of Law at St. Louis as a member of
the class of 1907. His brother William was also a student in that institution and was
graduated at the same time. For a year thereafter Harry E. Schroeder practiced law
in St. Louis and then removed to Outlook, Washington, where he became one of the
organizers of the Outlook State Bank, which was established in 1909 with Wallace
(13a)
288 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
Goodsell as the president. W. H. Norman as vice president and H. E. Schroeder as
cashier. The bank is capitalized for ten thousand dollars and the deposits in 1919
have reached over one hundred and ten thousand dollars, there being now more
than three hundred active accounts. In 1910 Mr. Goodsell retired from the presi-
dency and was succeeded by W. H. Norman. The institution has built up an excel-
lent business and serves a fine farming country. The bank has the confidence and
support of the public and has been an important factor in the development of the
surrounding district, placing advantageous loans that have been of great assistance
in carrying on the development of this region. While the bank was established on a
small scale, its growth has been continuous and the institution is regarded as one
of the strong moneyed concerns of this section of the state.
On the 18th of January, 1909, Mr. Schroeder was married to May Meyers Doug-
las, who was born in Indianapolis, Indiana. His political allegiance is given to the
republican party but he has neither time nor inclination to take public office, his
entire energies being devoted to the successful conduct of the bank.
CHARLES S. BILGER.
Charles S. Bilger, conducting a growing and substantial business at Wapato
under the name of the Hub Mercantile Company, was born at Jacksonville, Oregon,
on the 13th of November, 1866, a son of John A. and Amanda (Schick) Bilger, both
of whom were of German lineage. The mother came to the L^nited States when
thirteen years of age and the father crossed the Atlantic in young manhood. The
former, with a twin sister and a brother, came to the new world in childhood and
crossed the plains from Burlington, Iowa, with ox teams, making the long journey
to the Pacific coast, after which they settled at Jacksonville, Oregon. Mrs. Bilger
and her twin sister are both living at the age of sexenty-eight years. John A. Bilger
also made the trip across the plains and they were married in Jacksonville. There
he conducted business for many years as a hardware merchant and his life's labors
were ended in death on the 3d of April, 1877. Following the demise of her husband,
Mrs. Bilger and her son, W. L., continued the business for some time, after which
they sold out and rsmoved to Portland, Oregon, in 1885.
Charles S. Bilger acquired a public school education and then, too, turned to
merchandising, securing a clerkship in a general store when a lad of fifteen years.
Finding the business congenial, he resolved to engage in trade on his own account
and established a general store at Roslyn, Washington, in 1888 as junior partner in
the firm of Miller & Bilger. There he continued until 1892, when he removed to
EUensburg, Washington, where he spent six years in clerical work. In 1898 he went
to Portland, Oregon, where for two years he conducted a grocery store, and in
1901 he removed to Mabton. Washington, where he purchased a store and also be-
came identified with the business interests of Sunnyside, Washington, conducting
his business under the name of the Hub Mercantile Company. In 1906, however,
he removed to Wapato, where his company. The Hub Mercantile Company, bought
the business of the A. E. McCredy Trading Post. They built their present building,
which is fifty-five by one hundred and twenty-five feet. It is built in the form of
an L and opens on two streets. Since that time he has erected a one story and base-
ment concrete warehouse fifty by one hundred and twenty-five feet and is thus well
equipped for carrying on the business. His is a department store containing all
lines of goods, including farm machinery and heavy hardware, as well as dry goods,
groceries and other lines usually found in the modern department store. The stock
carried is extensive and the trade is steadily growing. The Hub Mercantile Company
now has as its officers: George S. Rankin, of Yakima, president; J. F. Douglas, vice-
president; I. H. Dills, of Yakima, treasurer; and C. S. Bilger as secretary and man-
ager, with W. L. Bilger as one of the directors. The company was organized by
these men on the Sth of February, 1901, and they have since been associated in the
ownership and conduct of the business.
On the 23d of September, 1891, Charles S. Bilger was married to Miss Lillie B.
Hall, of EUensburg, a daughter of Newberry and Margaret A. Hall, the former now
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 289
deceased, while the latter, at the age of eighty-seven years, is living in Ellensburg.
To Mr. and Mrs. Bilger have been born t\vo children: Raymond, born August 2, 1892,
is manager of the hardware department of the Hub Mercantile Company; Lavilla,
born June 7, 1894, is the wife of A. W. Nussbaumer, a resident of Wapato.
Mr. Bilger is a member of Wapato Lodge No. 171, A. F. & A. M., of which he
is a past master, and he has taken all of the Scottish Rite degrees up to and including
the thirty-second. He is also a life member of the Benevolent Protective Order of
Elks, being identified with the lodge at Yakima, and for twenty-eiglit years he has
been a member of the Knights of Pj'thias. of which' he is a past chancellor. His
political endorsement is given to the republican party and for one term he served as
mayor of Wapato but has never been a politician in the sense of office seeking, pre-
ferring to concentrate his efforts and attention upon his business affairs, and step
by step he has worked his way steadily upward, each forward step bringing him a
broader outlook and wider opportunities. These he has been quick to utilize and his
laudable ambition and even-paced energy have carried him forward into important
al relations.
ALEXANDER SIMPSON.
Ranching interests near Mabton, Washington, have a typical representative in
Alexander Simpson, a progressive agriculturist of that district. There is much
credit due him for what he has achieved as he is a self-made man who started out in
life empty-handed. A native of Scotland, he was born January 15, 1866, his parents
Ijciiig .-Mexander and Elsie (Hepburn) Simpson, the former deceased, but the latter
is still living, yet making her home in "Scotland. The father followed agricultural
pui-suils throughout his life.
Alexander Simpson of this review was reared in Scotland under the strict guid-
ance ol loving parents, who instilled into him the first lessons in regard to life's
conduct. He acquired his education in his native land, but upon looking around for
Inifiness opportunities decided he would find better chances to succeed in life on the
other side of the Atlantic, and crossing the ocean, reached Argyle, Minnesota, on
the 1st of March, 1888. He there worked for wages for fifteen years, and carefully
saving his earnings, he was enabled at tlie end of that period to take up a homestead
claim in Polk county, Minnesota, which he subsequently sold. In 1902 he went to
California and for five years raised oranges near Pomona but in 1907 sold out. rfe
then came to the Yakima valley, and, buying twenty acres of land on the Moxee,
gave his whole attention to the cultivation of this tract for about four years. In
1911 he acquired title to eighty acres near Mabton. of which he later sold twenty.
He cleared all of his land, which he has made very valuable, and now raises corn,
potatoes and alfalfa, also conducting a dairy and deriving a gratifying income from
these various sources. He has made many improvements and instituted modern
facilities and machinery and his farm is now one of the most valuable in his neigh-
borhood. He has a fine home and suitable barns and other outbuildings and every-
thin.g about the place bespeaks the progressive methods of the owner.
Or^ March 9, 1898, Mr. Simpson was married to Miss Katie Johnson, a native of
Red Wing. Minnesota, and a daughter of Martin Johnson, who is a successful rancher
at Ada. Minnesota. To this union were born six children, of whom Roy, the eldest,
died at the age of eighteen years. The others are Alexander, Elsie, Edna, George
and Norrnan. Mrs. Simpson died in February, 1916, after eighteen years of happy
married life. Her death was a great blow to the family and caused deep sorrow to
her many friends, as she was a woman of high qualities of character, who was ever
ready to extend a helping hand to those in need.
Mr. Simpson is numbered among the pioneers of his district, having now for a
number of years been connected with its development not only to his own benefit
but to the advantage of the community at large. He was the first to get water in
his neighborhood and the first to realize the importance of irrigation. Fraternally
he is a member of the Knights of the Maccabees and their religious faith is that of
the Presbyterian church, in the work of which he is actively and helpfully interested.
290 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
111 politics he is a republican, believing thoroughly in the principles of that organi-
zation. He has never regretted the step which he took in crossing the ocean, for
here he has found the opportunities which he sought and through their utilization has
attained a substantial and honored position in life. He has made manj- friends in
Yakima county, all of whom appreciate his sterling qualities, and his word is as
good as his bond.
JAMES O. CULL.
James O. Cull, attorney-at-law, successfully practicing at the Yakima bar. was,
born in Missouri. April 6, 1869, a son of John B. and Permelia P. (King) Cull, both
of whom were also natives of Missouri. The father was a son of Thomas Cull, of
Kentucky, who removed to Missouri about 1840 and there followed the occupation of
farming. John B. Cull likewise devoted his energies to general agricultural pur-
suits, becoming a well known farmer of Johnson county, Missouri. He and his wife
are still living and reside in that county.
James O. Cull acquired a public school aducation and afterward attended a nor-
mal school. Determining upon the practice of law as a life work, he began reading
Kent, Blackstonc and other commentaries at Warrensburg, Missouri, under the direc-
tion of O. L. Houts, an able member of the bar of that place. After thorough pre-
liminary study he was admitted to practice in February, 1896, and for a short time
followed his profession in his native state, but thinking to have better opportunities
in the northwest, he made his way to Washington in 1897, first establishing his home
in Spokane, where he continued until 1902. In that year he came to Yakima, opened
an office and has since successfully practiced in this city. He is careful and con-
scientious in his legal work and enjoys a good clientage.
On the 6th of December, 1899, Mr. Cull was married to Miss Emma L. M. Buente,
of Warrensburg, Missouri, and they have become parents of two children: Ruth
Louise and James B.
Mr. Cull is well known as an exemplary member of Yakima Lodge No. 24, F. &
A. M., and he has attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite in Oriental
Consistory No. 2, S. P. R. S. He is likewise a member of Afifi Temple of the Mystic
Shrine and in the York Rite he has taken the degrees of Yakima Chapter R. A. M.
and Yakima Commandery No. 13, K. T. He is a very active member of the Masonic
fraternity and is a most valued representative of the order. He also belongs to
Yakima Lodge of the Knights of Pythias and to the Modern Woodmen of America.
In politics he is a republican and he served as city attorney of Yakima in 1904. He
was also one of the organizers of the Yakima Trust Company and is well known
as a progressive business man but gives the major part of his time and attention to
his professional interests. He holds to high standards in law practice and has ever
proven an able and faithful minister in the temple of justice.
AUSTIN E. GLENN.
The broad acres of the Yakima valley have been taken up by enterprising men,
and where once was arid land covered with sagebrush are now found fine orchards
and highly cultivated fields. The result has been achieved through earnest, persistent
labor intelligently directed — until the once sterile tract has been made to bloom
and blossom as the rose. Austin E. Glenn is among the number who have been
active in the development and improvement of the district. He was born at Shell-
rock, Iowa, October 19, 1854, a son of Thomas and Mary Jane (Bussey) Glenn, both
of whom were natives of Ohio. Removing westward in 1851, they settled in Iowa,
where the father devoted his life to genral agricultural pursuits, but both he and his
wife have now passed away.
Au.'.tin E. Glenn is indebted to the public school system of his native state for such
educational opportunities as he enjoyed. Through vacation periods he worked upon
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 291
his father's farm and for some time after leaving school continued farming in Iowa,
while subsequently he carried on business along that line at Pipestone, Minnesota.
He nexf went to Virginia and there engaged in farming until 1906. In the latter
year he came to Yakima county and purchased ten acres of land two and a half miles
west of the city of Yakima. He has since planted four acres to fruit, six acres having
already been so planted. After improving the property he sold about seven acres in
one-half acre tracts and twelve homes are built thereon. He has been actuated in all
that he has done by a spirit of progressivcness productive of excellent results.
On November 10, 1875. Mr. Glenn was married to Miss Lucia E. Rew, of Illi-
nois, a daughter of Noel and Emily Rew, who in 1865 removed to Iowa. To Mr. and
Mrs. Glenn have been born six children: Merton R., who follows farming in Iowa
and is married and has three children: Vernon T., a resident of Pipestone, Minnesota,
who has been married twice and has four children; Karl R., a ranchman of the
Yakima valley, who is married and has four children: Harold A., a member of the
United States army and in January, 1919, on active duty in Siberia: F. Thearle, who
was a first lieutenant of Company C of the One Hundred and Sixty-first Regiment,
was on active duty in France and was honorably discharged in December, 1918,
having brought home as a souvenir a beautiful revolver, which he personally took
from a German officer; and Mary E., at home.
Mr. and Mrs. Glenn have been members of the Baptist church since 1874 and
are loyal adherents of its teachings. His political endorsement is given to the re-
publican party. He belongs to the Yakima County Horticultural LTnion and he has
been a student of all that bears upon fruit raising in the northwest. His labors here
have been wisely directed and his enterprise and recognition of opportunity have
been salient features in the attainment of his present success.
FREDERICK W. McKNIGHT, M. D.
Dr. Frederick W. McKnight, well qualified by thorough preliminary training for
the active duties of his profession, is now successfully engaged in practice at Cle
Elum. He was born in fronton, Ohio. December 16, 1877, a son of John T. and Mary
Katherine (Hall) McKnight. The father was a merchant who for a long period
conducted business at fronton, Ohio, where he also filled the office of county treas-
urer. He was prominent in the public life of his community, exerting considerable
influence over public thought and action.
Frederick W. McKnight obtained a high school education and afterward spent
two years as a student in Cornell University. Later he entered the George Wash-
ington University, from which he was graduated in 1909. He won the general prize
of fifty dollars in gold for the highest scholarship average — ninety and three-tenths
per cent, for the four years. He also won the Henry C. Yarrow prize in dermatology
and the William K. Butler prize in ophthalmology. Following his graduation he
became interne in the University Hospital and also served in a similar capacity at
the Children's Hospital in Washington, D. C. For a few months he practiced in
West Virginia, but the opportunities of the growing northwest attracted him and he
came to Kittitas county in 1912. He located at Clc Elum in 1913 and has since prac-
ticed there. He has served as deputy county health officer, also as city health officer
and is at present a member of Cle Elum school board and in addition has enjoyed
an extensive private practice. He also practiced for a year at Roslyn but during
the greater period of his residence in the northwest has given his attention to general
practice in Cle Elum. He is physician and surgeon for the Northern Pacific Railway
and the Milwaukee Railway Company and also for a number of large lumber com-
panies and coal companies. He specializes also in examinations for insurance and
government work. He does a great amount of surgery and is particularly skilled in
that field. He keeps in touch with the trend of modern professional thought and
scientific investigation and his practice has placed him prominently in the front rank
among able physicians and surgeons of this part of the state.
In 1901 Doctor McKnight was married to Miss Corinne Evans, of Los .^ngcles,
California, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George McClure of that city and they now
292 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
have two sons: John T. and Robert Abbott McKnight. Doctor McKnight belongs to
the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and also to the Fraternal Order of Eagles.
His political allegiance is given to the republican party but he has no aspiration for
public honors or office, feeling that his time is fully occupied by his professional du-
ties, which he discharges with a sense of conscientious obligation that has been pro-
ductive of excellent results.
SAMUEL G. BLACKBURNE.
The experiences of Samuel G. Blackburne have been most varied and his rem-
iniscences are thoroughly interesting. He is a native son of the Emerald Isle, his
birth having occurred at Fenagh in County Carlow, Ireland, January 30, 1865, his
parents being Thomas and Elizabeth Sarah (Murphy) Blackburne, both of whom
passed away in Ireland, where the father had followed the profession of school
teaching.
At the age of eighteen years Samuel G. Blackburne left his native country and
went to Australia, remaining there for sixteen years in all, during which time he
followed gold mining and also traveled extensively over that countrj'. As he passed
to and fro over the dry deserts he was many times near death, for intense heat pre-
vailed in those arid districts, where there was no water. However, he found much
of intciest in the country and as the years passed on he continued his prospecting
for placer gold. He also spent two years in New Zealand, where he engaged in
timber cutting un.ier contract. He was likewise for six months in Tasmania, where
he was engaged in the artillery service. He also served for two years as a member
of an artillery company in Australia. He was through that period a young man
enjoying adventure and excitement and he gained much of both. In February, 1898,
he left Australia, and in April of that year landed at Skagway, Alaska, where he en-
gaged in prospecting during the summer. In the fall of the year he returned to
Dawson and through the winter worked for wages. In the fall of 1899 he bought a
claim on Last Chance, which he operated for eight months and then engaged in pros-
pecting during the summer of 1900 in connection with three others. The)' went
down the Yukon river and then up the Hosianna river to a point one hundred and
fifty miles north of the .Arctic circle and found some gold but not in paying quan-
tities. In the fall of that year Mr. Blackburne made his way to Rampart, where he
worked a claim through the winter. In March, 1901, he took four dogs and made a
trip of four hundred miles up the Yukon river with one companion. They were
caught in a blizzard and w-ere almost frozen to death but at length Mr. Blackburne
succeeded in reaching Fort Hamlin. The other man, however, could not stand up to
the severe hardships and quit, but Mr. Blackburne proceeded on his way to the fort
and then sent others back from the fort to bring in his companion, which they suc-
cessfully accomplished. Nine days later they went on to Circle City and pur-
chased two claims sixty miles out. There they remained for two years. In 1903
Mr. Blackburne went to Fairbanks and purchased several claims in that vicinity, there
residing until the fall of 1907. when he came to the United States. He visited New
Y'ork and Chicago, IMinneapolis and other cities, after which he returned to Ireland,
where he spent three months and also one month in London. He then again came
to the United States, making his way to Washington, D. C, to Philadelphia and other
points in the east. He had prospered in his Alaskan venture and with the money
thus earned he made a most pleasurable and enjoyable trip in various parts of this
countiy as well as in Great Britain. In March, 1908, he arrived in Seattle with the
intention of returning to Alaska but came to the Yakima valley to look over the
district, having met a number of other Alskan men who had purchased land in this
section. Mi. Blackburne became interested in the valley and its prospects and
invested m eighty acres of land on Selah Hieights, which at that time was all covered
with sagebrush. He was one of the first to locate in that locality, taking up pioneer
work in the development and improvement of the district. His labors have since
brought about wonderful results. He has planted sixty-five acres to apples, pears,
peaches and grapes and his orchards and vineyards are in excellent bearing condi-
RAMT'EL (!. BLACKBrRNE
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 295
tion. In fact he has one of the finest ranches to be found in the valley, supplied and
equipped with every modern improvement and commanding a beautiful view of the
surrounding country.
In 1909 Mr. Blackburne was united in marriage to Miss Kathe Werley, a native
of AUentown, Pennsylvania. Mr. Blackburne belongs to Yakima Lodge No. 318,
B. P. O. E., also to the Grange and to the Sour Doughs, a society made up of former
residents of Alaska. In politics he maintains an independent course, voting for men
and measures rather than party yet giving deep and earnest consideration to all vital
and significant problems affecting the welfare of community, commonwealth or
country. He is a big man physically and mentally, has seen much of life and from
each experience has learned the lessons therein contained. He is a strong man,
Strom; .n his honor and his good name, strong in his ability to plan and perform
and, moreover, his marked characteristics are such as make for personal popularity
among all who know him.
SIMEON DELOS VAX DUSEX.
The early settlers who penetrated into the Yakima valley could scarcely have
dreamed that within a few short years its once uncultivated and arid lands would be
traii.'-formed into fine orchards or farm property. The change has occurred so
rapialy as to seem almost magical and today fruit from the valley is regarded through-
out the entire country as of standard excellence. Devoting his attention to the
rais-ing ot apples, pears and cherries, Simeon Delos Van Dusen is meeting with
well merited success. He was born at Pine Island, Minnesota, November 29, 1876, a
son of Oliver and Electa (Mentor) Van Dusen, who were for many years residents
of Minnesota, where the father followed the occupation of farming. He was born i.i
Ohio and removed to Minnesota in 1854, there spending his remaining days.
The youthful experiences of Simeon D. Van Dusen were those of the farmbred
boj- who divides his time between the duties of the schoolroom, the pleasures of the
plavLTound and the work of the fields. After his textbooks were put aside he con-
tinued to engage in farming in Minnesota until 1904 and then came to Yakima county,
taking up his abode on a five-acre tract of land given him by his father-in-law and
situated four miles west of the city of Yakima. He rebuilt the house upon the place
and replanted the orchard and now has fine hearing apple, pear and cherry trees.
He also is the owner of fourteen acres six miles west of Yakima. He is a member
of the Yakima County Horticultural L^nion, also of the Yakima County Fruit Grow-
ers' .Association and is interested in everything that tends to promote the welfare
of the horticulturists of this section and to safeguard their interests.
Or the ir)th of September, 1902, Mr. Van Dusen was united in marriage to Miss
Lattie Lodema Irish, a daughter of Harrison Arthur and Lattie E. (Smith) Irish.
They now have three children: Arthur Simeon. Ella Lodema and Helen Melissa.
Mr. Van Duven is a republican in his political views but at local elections casts
his ballot rather for the candidate whom he regards as best qualified for ofiice tKan for a
part^ choice, as at local elections there is no political issue involved. Fraternally
he is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and with the Modern
Wo' (hiien of America and is loyal to the teachings and purposes of these organiza-
tions.
GEORGE L. HASKINS.
.\mong the successful business men of Grandview is numbered George L. Has-
kins. who has already built up a very gratifying trade in the automobile business.
He has perceived an opportunity and made good use of the same and is therefore
no-v on the highioad to prosperity. Being a young man of modern and progres-
sive ideas, he has made his an up-to-date establishment where practically all kinds
of repair work is done, besides having a good storage capacity for machines. Mr.
296 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
Haskius was born in Hudson, Michigan, January 30, 1883, a son of Henrj' B. and
Mary M. Haskins. The father was a farmer by occupation. In 1901, when our sub-
ject was eighteen years old, the family removed to Paynesville, Minnesota, and
seven years later to Minneapolis, where the father died in 1910. The mother after-
ward came tc Grandview, Washington, and here passed away in 1914.
Gee rge L. Haskins was reared under the parental roof, amid farm surroundings,
and largely acquired his education in Michigan. Removing with the family to Min-
nesota in 1901, he subsequently entered the furniture and undertaking business in
partnership with his brother, R. W. Haskins, at Paynesville, that state, where they
conlinued for seven years. Later he was engaged in the real estate business in
Minneapolis. Having heard favorable reports in regard to conditions in the far west,
he decided to come to Washington and in 1910 arrived in Yakima. For four years
he was engaged in farming on the Naches and at the end of that time, removed to
Grandview. Here his brother had located in 1910 and together with L. D. Geaney
they entered the automobile business in April, 1915. The business grew so rapidly
that in 1916 they built a fine garage and so quickly was the capacity of this' building
utilized that in 1917 an addition had to be erected, so that they now have storage
for twenty cars. In their dealings as well as in their work the firm is reliable and
has therefore built up a good business. They also maintain a thoroughly equipped
repair shop which is well fitted up in order to do any kind of automobile work. In
1917 a garage was also opened at Mabton and in connection therewith a Ford
agency was established which covers the southern part of Yakima county and a
portion of Benton county. In 1917 over one hundred cars were sold, in fact the
manufacturers were unable to deliver all of the machines. In Tune, 1918, the firm
embarked in the wholesale tire business under the name of the Yakima Tire Service
Ccmpany at Yakima, the management of that place being now in the hands of
R. W. Haskins and in March, 1919. they opened another place at Toppenish. From
there a wholesale tire business is conducted.
In 1906 George L. Haskins was married to Fanny B. Bump, a native of Hudson,
Michigan, who passed away in 1911. On May 22, 1913, he wedded Blanch Leisenring,
also of Hudson, and they have a daughter, Mary. By the first marriage were born
two daughters, Elizabeth Vaughn and Ruth. Both Mr. and Mrs. Haskins are very
popular among the younger people of Grandview and vicinity and often entertain
their many friends at their hospitable fireside.
Fraternally Mr. Haskins is a member of Grandview Lodge No. 196, F. & A. M.,
having joined the Masonic order in Paynesville Lodge No. 71, in Minnesota. In this
political views he is a republican but in regard to local aflfairs is largely independent
and his religious faith is that of the Methodist church. He has ever been interested
in movements which have for their purpose the development and upbuilding of
Grandview and Yakima county and although not a public man or politician has done
much to further prosperity here in a private way.
J. ALVA BULL.
J. Alva Bull, one of the leading young farmers living in the vicinity of Ellens-
burg, was born in Kittitas county, Washington, September 10, 1891, a son of Walter
A. and Rebecca (Nelson) Bull. The father was born in New York, while the mother's
birth occurred in Norway, whence she came to the new world, arriving in the Kitti-
tas valley in 1878. Mr. Bull had previously become a resident of this section of the
state in 1869 and as the years passed on he engaged extensively in farming and stock
raising, having seventeen hundred acres of fine land, which he brought under a high
state of cultivation and improvement, converting the place into productive fields and
rich meadow land. He died in the year 1898 and his widow survives, making her
home with her son, J. Alva. Walter A. Bull had been twice married and had four
children by his first wife and two by his second wife.
J. .^Iva Bull received liberal educational advantages. He attended the University
of Washington, where he pursued a law course, and in 1913 he took up farming on
his own account by renting the old homestead, which he has since managed. He now
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 297
has one hundred and sixty acres planted to hay and grain and he also manages an
additional tract of three hundred and twenty acres not far from the old home. He is
persistent and energetic in carrying on his work, follows the most progressive meth-
ods and by reason of his capability in business and his undaunted enterprise has won
a place among the representative agriculturists of his section of the state.
On the 24th of December, 1915, 'Mr. Bull was united in marriage to Miss Mar-
garet Porter, of Columbus, Montana, and to them has been born a son, John A.
Fraternally Mr. Bull is connected with the Elks Lodge No. ' 1102, of Ellensburg.
In politics he casts an independent ballot, voting for men and measures rather than
party. He is fond of hunting and indulges in that sport when leisure permits but
the greater part of his time and attention is occupied by his business affairs and he
has won a place among the leading young farmers of Kittitas county.
JOSEPH M. FLEMING.
Joseph M. Fleming, an orchardist with large interests and marked business
ability, as manifest in the success which has come to him, was born in Traer, Iowa,
June 2, 1874, a son of John W. and Jane E. (Fleming) Fleming, both of whom were
natives of Belleville, Pennsylvania, and became pioneer settlers of Iowa. The father
was a cabinet maker by trade and also followed farming, and both he and his wife
passed away in the Hawkcye state.
Joseph M. Fleming acquired a public school education, which was supplemented
by study in the Iowa State College at Ames, Iowa, but upon the death of his father
he relinquished his textbooks and returned home to take charge of the farm. He had
attended college together with four sons of Hon. James Wilson, ex-secretary of agri-
culture. For eight years Joseph M. Fleming continued to cultivate and further de-
velop the home farm and at one time had over a thousand head of hogs upon the
place, his attention being largely devoted to the feeding and fattening of hogs and
cattle. In 1903 he went to Pueblo, Colorado, where he worked for the Colorado Fuel
& Iron Company, having charge of the woodworking department of the Steel Wheel
& Wagon Works. He has always been actuated by a progressive spirit and while
upon the farm in Iowa he installed the first gas engine to be used upon a farm in
that part of the state. In 1904 he removed to California, where he worked at the
carpenter's trade for a year and then returned to the old home in Iowa, where he
continued for another year. Later he traveled upon the road through Nevada and
. Utah and in September. 1906, he came to Grandview, Washington, opening the first
store of the town and erecting the second building. He was engaged in merchandis-
ing there for seven years, at the end of which time he disposed of his commercial
interests and bought ten acres in orchards near Grandvievv and later added seven
more. He has also built and sold two residences in Grandview and has platted and
sold the first addition to the town, doing this in September, 1908. He and his
brother developed and sold twenty acres of orchard land which had been planted to
cherries and other fruit. His business activities have ever been of a character that
have contributed largely to the development and progress of the region in which he
makes his home. He has upon his ranch a packing house thoroughly equipped to
take care of the fruit and also a fine residence. He brought lumber by team from
Sunnyside for the first store built in Grandview and hauled merchandise by team
from Mabton. .Ml freight was brought by wagon from Sunnyside and from Mabton
for a year. A birdseye view of Grandview taken in 1906 shows Mr. Fleming's store,
the bank of A. H. Hawn and the postoffice building, and from the founding of the
town, Mr. Fleming has been closely associated with its progress and development.
On the Sth of June, 1906, Mr. Fleming was married to Miss Ethel E. Morse, a
native of Iowa and a daughter of C. O. and Nancy (Eggleston) Morse. The chil-
dren of this marriage are: Ralph, w^ho was the first child born at Grandview, his natal
day being in March, 1907; Isabel; and Lester.
Mr. Fleming is a Mason and assisted in organizing Grandview Lodge No. 191,
A. F. & A. M. He likewise belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, being
a member of the first class that was initiated here. He became a charter member
298 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
of the Eastern Star and he was one of the organizers of the first Commercial Club of
Grandview. His political endorsement is given to the republican party and his re-
ligious faith is indicated in his membership in the Presbyterian church. He has
been very active in establishing and promoting the church and school interests of
the district and stands for all that is worth while along educational and moral lines.
In fact his entire career has been one of benefit to the community in which he lives
and he is justly accounted one of the foremost citizens of his section.
J. G. TERRY.
J. G. Terry, manager of the Yakiam Orchards Securities Company, engaged in
developing and improving orchard properties in the Yakima valley, and a well known
resident of the city of Yakima, was born in Xorthfield, Minnesota, July 4, 1873, and
is a son of George R. and Caroline Thayer (Miller) Terry. The father was a farmer
by occupation, but both he and his wife have now passed away.
J. G. Terry acquired a high school education, supplemented by commercial train-
ing under special tutelage and started out in the business world as a traveling sales-
man. Later he became active in editorial and publishing work with the Vir Publish-
ing Company of Philadelphia, with which he was associated for several years. He
had charge of distribution work all over the world, handling various publications,
including^ Self and Sex series. The house which he represented were pioneers in
this and various other lines of publication. Mr. Terry remained with the firm for a
number of years and afterward spent two years with the Knox School of Salesman- .
ship. He assisted in establishing the San Francisco office of that school and was
its assistant manager. They instituted the first classes of salesmanship ever held and
Mr. Terry was active therewith from 1906 until 1908. In the latter year he returned
to the Vir Publishing Company as manager and in 1912 they began operating under
the name of the Terry-Swain Company of Des Moines, Iowa. From 1912 until
1914 Mr. Terry lived retired from business but in the latter year invested in Yakima
interests and property and in 1916 removed to the northwest, taking up his abode
in the city of Yakima, where he became manager of the Yakima Orchards Securities
Company, which is developing and operating orchard properties. The company has
four liundred acres in orchards and one hundred and sixty acres devoted to general
a.ariculture. These orchards will soon be producing at least three hundred car loads
of fruit annually. The}- are among the finest of the west. The land is plentifully
supplied with water, which comes from artesian wells, and there is also a full water
right under canal supply. Mr. Terry is very enthusiastic about the Yakima valley
and its opportunities and his labors are another proof for the exceptional possibili-
ties for fruit culture in this section of the state.
In January, 1916, Mr. Terry was married to Miss Florence C. Cowles, of Minne-
apolis, and they have a daughter, Elizabeth. Mr. Terry belongs to Yakima Lodge
No. 24, F. & A. M., also to the Knights of Pythias and to the Country Club and the
Commercial Club. His is the record of a successful business man who has made
steady progress through intense eflfort intelligently directed. He is now closely
identified with the interests of the northwest and the spirit of progress which is the
dominant factor in the upbuilding of this section of the country characterizes him
in his orchard undertakings.
VICTOR O. NICHOSON.
-Among the valued residents of Sunnyside whom Michigan has furnished to this
section is Victor O. Nichoson, a very successful young attorney of Yakima county.
He was born in Baldwin, October 18, 1885, his parents being John W. and Mary
(Walker) Nichoson. both natives of New Y''ork, who, moved by the pioneer spirit
of the times, transferred their residence to Michigan. There the father died on the
13th of December, 1915, being survived by his widow. John W. Nichoson was a sur-
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 299
veyor of considerable reputation in Michigan and was also very prominent in po-
litical circles.
Victor O. Xichoson received his more advanced primary education in the Luther
high school in Michigan and subsequently attended the Ferris Institute at Big Rapids,
that state, from which he was also graduated. In 1908 he received his law degree
from the University of Michigan and on the 4th of November of the same year
he came to Sunnyside. where he has ever since been engaged in successful practice.
Not only is he well versed in the law but is a man of keen perception and ably con-
ducts his cases before the court, .^s the years have passed he has been connected
•\\'ith much important litigation of his section and his services are now in frequent
demand, his practice having attained very gratifying proportions.
On June 6, 1917, Mr. Nichoson was united in marriage to Miss Eva Scott, of
Yakima, and both are very popular in the social circles of the valley. They are
likable people and have many friends and the best homes of the community are
always open to them.
In his political affiliations Mr. Nichoson is a republican and for the past six years
has served as city attorney, representing the interests of the community greatly to
the satisfaction of the public. He is a member of the State and County Bar Asso-
ciations and fraternally is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows,
Sunnyside Encampment No. 80, and also belongs to the Benevolent Protective Order
of Elks, holding membership in Lodge No. 318 of Yakima. The further development
and improvement of the valley along many lines are dear to his heart and he is
ever ready to give his endorsement and cooperation to any worthy enterprise under-
taken along those lines. He is a member of the Sunnyside Commercial Club and in
thorough accord with its purposes. When Mr. Nichoson came to Sunnyside in 1908
he was only a young attorney who took his fate in his hands, trying to find a foot-
hold in a new community, and today he is accounted among the best legal repre-
sentatives oT his district and, moreover, has made countless friends in Sunnyside,
all of whom regard him highly not only for his professional attainments but because
of his manly qualities of heart and character.
LINCOLN D. LUCE.
Lincoln D. Luce has for thirteen years resided in the Yakima valley but his en-
tire life has been passed on the Pacific coast and he possesses the spirit of enterprise
and progress which has been the dominant factor in the rapid upbuilding of the
northwest. His attention is now given to horticultural pursuits, his holdings em-
bracing nineteen acres of valuable land devoted to the raising of apples and pears.
Mr. I^uce was born in Grant county, Oregon. August 19, 1869, a son of John C. and
Anna C. (Hodson) Luce. The paternal grandfather, Jacob Luce, was a native of
Louisville, Kentucky, and on leaving that city went to Iowa in 1843. A decade later
he crossed the plains to Oregon, making the trip with ox teams and wagons, and
after traveling for six months over the long, hot stretches of sand and through the
mountain passes he reached Eugene, Oregon, which he made the terminus of his trip.
Soon afterward he took up government land and witli characteristic energy he began
its development and improvement, continuing thereon to the time of his death. His
son, John C. Luce, also became a ranchman of tliat state, residing in Oregon until
called to his final rest in 1904, when sixty-one years of age. He was very active in
political circles, although not an office seeker. He gave his support to the republi-
can party and was an earnest and convincing speaker, ever able to hold the close
attention of his auditors. His wife was a daughter of James Hodson. of Ohio, who
in 1843 removed westward to Des Moines, Iowa, and in 1854 cast in his lot with the
pioneer settlers of Josephine county, Oregon, having made the overland trip to the
far west by ox team. In 1863 he removed with his family to Canyon City, Oregon,
John C. Luce having in 1861 become a resident of that place. It was there that the
latter met and married Anna C. Hodson. the wedding being celebrated in 1868. Mrs.
Luce departed this life in 1890. She had become the mother of eight children, of
whom Lincoln D. is the eldest.
300 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
In the public schools of his native state Lincoln D. Luce pursued his education
and was also at one time a student in the Portland Business College. After his
textbooks were put aside he became actively engaged in the live stock business and
remained a resident of Oregon until 1905, when he removed to the Yakima valley,
settling on a ranch. The previous year he had purchased forty acres of land three
and one-half miles southwest of the city of Yakima and has since resided upon this
place but has sold twenty-one acres. He has. remodeled the home, transforming it
into a most attractive and comfortable residence, and he has planted all of his land
to fruit, specializing in the propagation of apples and pears. He belongs to the
Yakima County Horticultural Union and is interested in everything that has to do
with the development and progress of the fruit raising interests of this section. He
is quick to adopt nny improved methods in the case of his trees or in the methods
of shipping his product and he is numbered among the representative business men
of the district.
On September 3, 1891. Mr. Luce was united in marriage to Miss Eva M. Officer,
who was born in Dayville, Oregon, a daughter of Casey and Martha Officer, who
were pioneer settlers of that state, the father making his way to the coast from Mis-
souri in 1849. To Mr. and Mrs. Luce have been born three children: Alta V., the
wife of E. H. Cornell, a resident of Yakima county, who is now with the United
States army, doing motor work; Floyd E., a member of the United States marines,
now in a hospital in Rimancourt, France; and Alma V., at home.
Mr. and Mrs. Luce are members of the First Christian church and are highly
esteemed throughout the community in which they make their home. In politics Mr.
Luce is a republican and in November, 1917, was appointed to the office of county
assessor to fill out the unexpired term of W. D. McNair. He is now a candidate for the
position and the record which he has made indicates that he will prove a most cap-
able and faithful officer if chosen by popular suffrage. He is most widely known,
being highly esteemed both as a business man and as a citizen, his sterling quali-
ties being such as make for personal popularity among all with whom he has been
associated.
HARRY G. BROWN.
Harry G. Brown is well known as a representative of the automobile trade in
the Yakima valley, being a member of the Hesse & Brown Motor Car Company. He
Vk'as born in Louisiana on the ISth of July, 1876, and is a son of M. F. and Mary E.
Brown. The father passed away in the year 1905, but the mother is living, making
her home with her daughter, Mrs. E. M. Turner, of Shreveport, Louisiana.
Harry G. Brown acquired his education in the State Normal School of Louisi-
ana. He left home as a boy and traveled in thirty-seven different states of the Union,
learning the machinist's trade and ultimately becoming a steam engineer. He de-
veloped his native talents and powers in this connection, for he is of a mechanical
trend and easily masters problems of that character. He became connected with the
automobile trade in 1905 in Nevada, working for others for some time. In October
1912, he came to Yakima, Washington, and organized the Hesse & Brown Motor
Car Company on the 15th of September. 1915, in association with Walter Hesse.
They established their business at No. 15 North Third street, where they did repair-
ing and overhauling. In August. 1916, they removed to the corner of Front and A
streets and extended the scope of their business to include a line of accessories in
connection with their garage and repair shop. In March, 1917, they accepted the
agency for the Dort automobile and for the National car and later added the Moline
truck and the Stephens Salient Six, also the Moline one-man tractor. Their business
has grown rapidly and they have enlarged their quarters, now having three floors
of a building one hundred by seventy feet. Something of the extent of their patron- ^
age is indicated in the fact that they now employ fifteen people. Mr. Hesse has
become a member of Company C of the Second Battalion of the One Hundred and
Sixty-sixth Depot Brigade with the National army, while Mr. Brown remains as
manager of the business. In fact he has occupied that position since its establish-
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 303
ment and the growing success of the firm has been largely due to his efforts and
enterprise as well as his mechanical skill. An indication as to the rapid development
of their business is given in the fact that in 1918 their trade amounted to over two
hundred thousand dollars.
Mr. Brown's gift as an inventor has been mentioned before and referring to it,
it should be stated here that in 1918 he brought out and patented a rotary gas engine
which is the first of its kind and which undoubtedly will compel the attention of
aeroplane, marine engine and stationery engine manufacturers. Its principal points
are that there is no crank, no fly wheel, no timing or other gear, no magneto and no
dead center,, it being so constructed that it is off of dead at all times. Mr. Brown
closely applied himself for some years to bringing out this engine and has succeeded
despite many setbacks.
On the ISth of May. 1913. Mr. Brown was married to Miss Frances Wattle, of
Yakima, and they had four children, of whom three are living: Florence Lucile. Reta
and Joseph Harry. Theresa died at the age of three months. Mr. Brown is a
member of the Yakima Valley Business Men's .\ssociation and also of the Auto Deal-
ers' Association, organizations that further the interests of trade and commerce and
have to do with the material upbuilding of the city. His political allegiance is given
to the Democratic party, and while he gives to it stalwart support because of his
belief in its principles, he does not seek nor desire office his attention being concen-
trated upon his business aflfairs.
GEORGE W. MASON.
George W. Mason, who for many years was a respected and valued resident
of Yakima county, was born in Pennsylvania, December 25, 1837, a son of Jacob
and -Amanda (Harroun) Mason. The father was also a native of the Keystone
stale, while the mother was born in Vermont in 1806. They became pioneer resi-
dents of Minnesota and it was in that state that George W. Mason acquired a public
school education. He was reared to farm life and continued to assist his father in
the further cultivation and development of the home property until he reached the
age of about twenty-six years. He then enlisted for service in the Civil war,
becoming a member of Company B, Tenth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, with
which command he was connected from the 14th of August, 1862, until the 22d
of May, 1865, being on active service throughout that entire period. Prior to 1862
he was in active service against the Sioux Indians in Minnesota and Dakota. After
the war he engaged in farming in Minnesota for ten years and in 1875 removed to
Linn county, Oregon, devoting his attention to farming near Harrisburg for three
years. In 1879 he took up his abode in Goldendale, Washington, where he devoted
ten years to farming and carpenter work, and in 1890 he came to Yakima, where he
opened a hotel and also continued carpentering. In 1892 he bought forty acres
south of Zillah, all covered with sagebrush, and at once began the arduous task of
developing the property, which is today a well improved place. At the end of two
years he sold twenty acres of this tract. He built a good house and substantial
barns, planted a fine orchard and otherwise increased the value of his property,
which is today one of the fine ranches of the district. It was Mr. Mason who
erected the first building in Prosser, Washington, hauling the lumber a distance of
fifty miles.
In 1869 Mr. Mason was married to Miss Malinda Twitchell, who was born in
Maine, August 18, 1844, a daughter of Hiram and Maria (Dodge) Twitchell, who
were also natives of the Pine Tree state and have now passed away. To Mr. and
Mrs. Mason were born six children: Mrs. Lettie Faulkner, a resident of Bickleton,
Washington; Mrs. Clara B. Spraguc, of Bickleton, Washington; Artemus, who is
engaged in ranching near Bickleton; Ralph, a sketch of whom appears on another
page of this work; Albert, who is operating the home farm; and Ethel, who became
the wife of Napoleon Dooley, a resident of Yakima, and died June S, 1911, leaving
three children. Edwin, a son of Mrs. Mason's sister, Mrs. Effie Hackley, was three
304 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
months old when he became a member of their household and has now reached
the age of fifteen.
The death of the husband and father occurred March 17, 1916. He was most
widely and favorably known, having been for many years a representative and
honored resident of the district. While in Minnesota he served on the board of
county supervisors and as township treasurer but after coming to Washington did
not take an active part in public aflairs as an office seeker. He possessed many
sterling traits of character that made him greatly beloved by all who knew him and
most of all by the members of his own household.
FRED W. MAY.
Modern sciehtific attainment has contributed much to the development of the
natural resources of the Yakima valley. Advanced knowledge concerning fruit rais-
ing and the development of nursery stock constitutes an important element in the
success of the Yakima & Columbia River Nursery Company, of which Fred W. May
is one of the officers, and in this connection he is contributing in substantial meas-
ure to the improvement of his and other sections of the northwest through the
production of nursery stock specially adapted to soil and climatic conditions in
this section of the country.
Mr. May is a native of Ontario, Canada. He was born November 29, 1877, and
is a son of Silas and Emma (Thomas) May. In young manhood he went to St.
Paul, Minnesota, with an uncle and there remained for sixteen years, during which
time he was active in the nursery business in connection with his uncle, L. L. May.
The year 1909 witnessed his arrival in Yakima, where he established business under
the name of the Yakima & Columbia River Nursery Company, in which undertaking
he was associated with I. H. Dills. The company grows a general line of nursery
stock, including fruit and ornamental trees, and their place is located near Parker,
Washington. It is a tract of forty acres and includes ten acres of orchard. This
is today one of the oldest as well as one of the most flourishing nurseries in the
valley. The company enjoys a large local trade, their sales extending over the
northwest and into California. They also ship to Montana and British Columbia.
The business has steadily grown in volume and importance and they employ from
eight to twenty-five people according to the season — a fact indicative of the liberal
patronage which is now theirs.
In 1912 Mr. May was united in niarirage to Miss Inez Clay, of Tacoma. Fra-
ternally he is identified with the Masons, belonging to Yakima Lodge, No. 24, F.
& A. M., and he is likewise a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks.
Mr. May gives his political allegiance to the democratic party. He belongs to
the Commercial Club and is well known as a representative citizen who heartily
cooperates with every movement of that organization to upbuild the interests of
the city, extend its business connections and stimulate those agencies which pro-
mote civic virtue, civic improvement and civic pride.
JOSEPH F. LAFRAMBOISE.
Canada's contribution to the Moxee region of Washington includes Joseph F.
Laframboise, who is now identified with farming intersets in this state. He was
born near Montreal, Canada, December 9, 1872, a son of Joseph Laframboise, who
is mentioned in connection with the sketch of Antoine Laframboise, on another
page of this work.
Joseph F. Laframboise was largely educated in the public schools of Crookston,
Minnesota, for his parents removed to that state during his youthful days and the
period of his minority was there passed. He was thirty-two years of age when in
1904 he came to Yakima county and for seven years he was employed by others,
acting as manager of hop ranches. In 1907 he invested his savings in thirty acres
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 305
of land on the Moxee and took up his abode upon that property in 1911. He has
built a pleasant residence and good barns and outbuildings and now has a well
improved farm, upon which he raises hay and potatoes. He is also engaged in rais-
ing graded Percheron horses for sale, and both branches of his business are bring-
ing to him substantial iinancial returns.
In 1898 Mr. Laframboise was married to Miss Rose Alva Delorme, a native of
Canada, who in her early girlhood went with her parents to Minnesota, where she
formed the acquaintance of Mr. Laframboise, who sought her hand in marriage.
Their children are: Aram, who was a member of the United States army and was
honorably discharged at the close of the World's war; Armand. who is working
in the shipyards as a representative of the United States army; one who died in
infancy; and Eliane.
The parents and children are members of the Holy Rosary Catholic church of
Moxee. and in politics Mr. Laframboise is a republican where national questions
and issues are involved but at local elections casts an independent ballot, consider-
ing the capability of a candidate rather than his party ties. He has ever been ready
and willing to aid in any movement for the public good and cooperates in many-
well defined plans for the progress and upbuilding of the section in which he has
now lived for fourteen years. He has brought his farm under a high state of culti-
vation and the many improvements which he has added thereto constitute it one
of the valable properties of the district.
LEWIS J. HILLBERY.
The fruit industry of the Yakima valley finds a foremost representative in Lewis
J. Hillbery, who now owns forty acres of valuable land one mile north of Zillah,
fifteen of which are devoted to orchard. From this source he now derives a gratify-
ing income which is greatly augmented because he not only raises the fruit but also
packs the same, having upon his place a frost proof packing house with storage for
two thousand boxes.
Mr. Hillbery was born in Sweden, Ma-rch 16, 1856, a son of Peter and Emeline
Hillbery. He began his education in his native country but in 1870 the family took
up their abode in Polk county, Wisconsin, where the father secured a homestead.
They remained in that state for ten years, when removal was made to Pope county,
Minnesota, and there Lewis J. Hillbery bought a farm, his parents living with him.
In that state his mother passed away.
Having heard many favorable reports in regard to the opportunities presented
in Yakima county, Mr. Hillbery came to this district in the fall of 1901 and bought
seventy-five acres of land one mile north of Zillah which was partly improved, but
of this tract he has sold thirty-five acres, so that he now owjis forty acres. About
fifteen acres are in orchard, devoted to the raising of apples, pears, peaches and
cherries, the remainder of the tract being under the plow or in alfalfa. Mr. Hill-
bery has remodeled the house, which is now a modern and substantial residence,
and has built suitable barns and made other improvements which have enhanced
the value of his property. He built a frost proof packing house with a storage
capacity of two thousand boxes and thus has in every way anticipated the needs
of the modern fruit raiser.
On the 20th of December, 1899, Mr. Hillbery was united in marriage to Miss
Mary Bryce. a native of Minnesota and a daughter of John and Esther (Smith) Bryce,
the former a native of Canada and the latter of Wisconsin. The parents are suc-
cessful agriculturists and reside in Minnesota. By a former marriage Mr. Hillbery
had the following children: Wilber, who is employed in the postoffice at Yakima
and is married and has five children; Otto, who has a wife and one child and is
residing at home: and Clarence, who is serving his country in the LTnited States
navy on a cruiser and has crossed the ocean seven times.
Mr. and Mrs. Hillbery are prominent socially, and have many friends in the
neighborhood of Zillah. In his political affiliation he is independent to a large ex-
tent although he gives ,his allegiance to the republican party as far as national issues-
306 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
are concerned. He has ever given the subject of education careful attention and
while a resident of Minnesota he served for two terms as a member of the school
board and was also road overseer in that state. Mr. Hillbery is now numbered
among the substantial and prosperous residents of his district and there is great
credit due him for what he has achieved, as his success is entirely attributable to
his own efforts.
RALPH O. WALTON.
Ralph O. Walton is one of the more recent arrivals in Kittitas county, having
resided within its borders only since 1915. He makes his home near Thorp, where
he has nine hundred and twenty acres of land which he is rapidly bringing under
cultivation. He was born in Sturgis, South Dakota, July 5, 1887, a son of Andrew
and Lillian (McLean) Walton. The father was born in Utah but in his boyhood
days became a resident of Iowa, where he resided until he reached young manhood,
when he took up his abode in South Dakota, remaining in the latter state to the
time of his death in 1901. His widow afterward came to Washington with her
son, Ralph O. Walton, their home being established in Tacoma in 1907. Later
the mother removed to California and is now residing in Los Angeles.
Reared in South Dakota, Ralph O. Walton accompanied his mother to Tacoma
in 1907, when a young man of twenty years, and there resided until 1912, when he
removed to Auburn, Washington. He thence came to Kittitas county in June, 1915,
and purchased nine hundred and twenty acres of land two miles southwest of
Thorp, of which fifty-five acres is irrigated land, while about one hundred and foi;ty-
five acres is devoted to dry farming. The remainder is in pasture and his attention
is given to the raising of hay and grain and live stock. The farm is splendidly im-
proved with an attractive residence, good barns and sheds, and a spirit of neat-
ness, thrift and enterprise pervades the place, indicating the progressive plans that
are at all times followed by the owner in the cultivation of his farm.
On the 26th of February. 1913, Mr. Walton was united in marriage to Miss
Estella H. Waggoner, a native of Kittitas county and a daughter of John C. and
Ella I. (Pease) Waggoner. The father is a native of Ellington, New York, while
the mother was born at Sauk Center, Minnesota. The latter was a daughter of
Benjamin Pease, who became one of thd pioneer settlers of Kittitas county. John
C. Waggoner also arrived in the Kittitas valley before the railroad was built through
this section and he purchased the ranch property upon which Mr. and Mrs. Walton
now reside, .'^t the present writing Mr. Waggoner makes his home in Des Moines,
Washington, having retired from active business life. To Mr. and Mrs. Walton
have been born two children, Garna Louise and Calvin Andrew.
Mr. and Mrs. Walton attend the Christian church and are among the highly
esteemed residents of the community, occupying a prominent position in social
circles. Politically he maintains an independent course. He holds the rank of
corporal in a federalized machine gun company of the Third Regiment of Infantry,
Washington National Guard.
C. H. RICHEY.
C. H. Richey is the owner of a beautiful home, Sunnycrest, situated on Nob Hill,
am! is accounted one of the representative and leading business men of Yakima.
He was born in Tonica, Lasalle county, Illinois, on the 3d of September, 1870, a son
of James and Anna (Hamilton) Richey, both of whom were natives of the same state.
The father was a farmer and stock raiser in Illinois and in 1900 came to the north-
west, settling in Yakima county. Here he entered into business relations as a mem-
ber ox the firm of Richey & Gilbert, prominent fruit growers, packers and shippers,
in which he became senior partner. He made his home at No. 206 North Naches
avenue in the city of Yakima, where he passed away on the 13th of December, 1903.
JAMES RIt'HEY
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 309
His widow survived him for about five and a half years, her death occurring April
30, 1909. In his political views Mr. Richey was a republican and while residing in
Tomca, Illinois, served as mayor of that city. He was a loyal adherent of the Ma-
sonic fraternity and an equally faithful member of the Congregational church, these
associations indicating the nature of his interests and the rules which governed his con-
duct. To him and his wife were born three children: Marion, the wife of H. M. Gil-
bert; Luella, the deceased wife of Fred A. Hall; and C. H., of this review.
The last named supplemented his public school training by a course in a business
college at Di-xon, Illinois, and was thus well qualified for life's practical and respon-
sible duties. He came to Yakima with his father and they were associated in busi-
ness until the father's death. He is now the vice-president of the firm of the Richey
& Gilbert Company, which was organized in 1900 for the conduct of fruit farming
inlcrctts and which was incorporated in 1904. They are now extensively engaged in
the wholesale fruit trade as dealers, packers and shippers. Something of the extent
and importance of their business is indicated by the fact that while their main office
is in Toppenish. they also have warehouses at Zillah, Buena, Wapato, Donald,
Yakima and Selah. They ship over one thousand carloads of fruit annually, their
interest.^ in this lire placing them among the prominent fruit growers and dealers
of the northwest.
On the 24th of May, 1908, Mr. Richey was united in marriage to Miss Effie A.
Stewart, a daughter of John and Annie C. (Johnson) Stewart, both of whom were
natives of Scotland and in childhood days came to America, crossing the Atlantic in
the '30s, They first settled in Canada and afterward removed to Illinois, where the
father of Mrs. Richey followed agricultural pursuits. In 1908 he removed with his
family to Yakima and passed away in February, 1917, at the age of eighty-eight
years. The mother is still living at the age of eighty-five. Their family numbered
eleven children. Mrs. Richey was the eighth in order of birth and is one of six of the
family now residing in Yakima county. By her marriage she became the mother of
two children, but the little daughter, Ruth, died in infancy. The son, James A., is
now eight years of age.
Mr. and Mrs. Richey hold membership in the Congregational church and his
attitude upon the temperance question is indicated l)y the stanch support which
he gives to the prohibition party. His life has ever been actuated by high and hon-
orable principles and his entire business career has licen characterized by unfaltering
integrity as well as enterprise.
FRANK R. HENRY.
Fine orchards, large packing houses and every facility for the raising and ship-
ment of fruit are the visible evidences of the life of well directed energy and thrift
which Frank R. Henry has led. His ranch properties are indeed attractive, his or-
chards presenting a scene of rare beauty in blossom time and bespeaking prosperity
when the fruit hangs heavy on the trees.
Mr. Henry was born in Nova Scotia. June 16, 1863, a son of Charles and Eliza-
beth (Kitchen) Henry. The father passed away in Nova Scotia but the mother is
still living there. Mr. Henry had engaged in school teaching and farming and thus
provided for the support of his family.
His son, Frank R. Henry, acquired his education in the public schools. In
November, 1889, he crossed the continent to Tacoma, Washington, where for seven
years he served as a conductor on the electric car lines. In March, 1896, he arrived
in the Yakima valley, where in 1893 he had purchased ten acres of land in the Selah.
He was the eleventh farmer to buy land under the project and in 1895 he invested in
twelve and a half acres additional, so that he then had twenty-two and a half acres.
When he came the entire district was covered with sagebrush. He sold his ten acre
tract and improved the remaining twelve and a half acres and in 1900 he bought six
acres more. In 1907 he invested in one hundred and twelve acres in the extension
district of the Selah but has sold all save fifteen acres of that tract. He now has
about thirty-two acres in orchard, largely devoted to the raising of apples, and all
n3b)
310 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
of the trees are of his own planting. He has fine packing houses on both ranches
and all modern equipment. He built a splendid hollow tile packing house on the
upper ranch, where he also has a most attractive residence, and his is one of the
best orchards in the Selah valley. His entire place is seeded to alfalfa and he is thus
following intensive farming methods, making his land bring forth two crops — fruit
and hay.
In October, 1889, Mr. Henry was married to Miss Mary E. Mitchell, of Nova
Scotia, a daughter of Thomas and Martha Mitchell. Their children are: Myrtle, the
wife of Earl Cebelle, of Auburn, Washington, by whom she has a son five years of
age; and Dell M., who conducts the upper ranch.
Mr. Henry is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and in politics is a
republican where national issues and questions are involved but casts an independent
local ballot. Xot only does his memory compass the period of the entire develop-
ment of the Selah valley but in the work he has been an active and helpful factor
and his labors have been marked by the attainment of most substantial success.
JOHN B. WEEBER
John B. Weeber, who after long identification with meat packing and mining
interests in other sections of the country came to the Yakima valley in 1910, has
since been engaged in orcharding and farming on Naches Heights, where he owns
seventy acres of rich and productive land. The life story of John B. Weeber is
one that indicates triumph over adversity and steady progress, actuated by a laud-
able ambition and stimulated by unfaltering industry.
Mr. Weeber was born in Albany, New York, July 4, 1864, a son of Christian
and Dora (.\mond) Weeber, both of whom were natives of Germany. The father,
however, had to leave that country on account of being a revolutionist opposed to
the military power and autocracy of that land. He was a butcher by trade and
followed the business in Albany, New York, for many years. Both he and his wife
have now passed away.
John B. Weeber obtained a public scool education in his native city and became
an active associate of his father in the development of a farm which his father owned
in the vicinity of Albany. He continued to assist in its cultivation until 1881, when
at the age of seventeen years he made his way westward to Denver, Colorado.
In that state he devoted his attention to the butchering business and to mining, be-
coming owner of several mines. He was interested with a number of the most
prominent mining men of Denver and took out sixty-four thousand dollars in six
weeks from one mine but afterward lost it all. He was a large operator of several
mines and later developed copper mines at various points in Wyoming, Montana
and Utah, but the price of copper slumped as silver had done in 1893.
In 1907 Mr. Weeber arrived on the Pacific coast. He made his way to Port-
land, Oregon, and traveled largely over the state. He also spent some time in
Kittitas county. Washington, at Roslyn and at Cle Elum. in the meat packing busi-
ness, and in the fall of 1910 he purchased thirty acres of land on Naches Heights.
He was induced to take this step by an old associate from Denver, a Mr. Johnson,
who interested him in buying the place. He has added to his original purchase from
time to time until he now has seventy acres, constituting a very fine ranch property,
of which twenty-two acres is planted to orchards. Everything about the place
is indicative of his progressive methods and the systematic care with which he con-
ducts his interests. •
On the 16th of October, 1887, Mr. Weeber was married to Miss Kate Firsich,
a native of Indiana. Their children were three in number; Arthur J., who is now
with the United States Army in France; Pearl, the wife of Frank Wiethofl, of Den-
ver, who is also a member of the United States Army; and Emil, who died at the
age of three years.
Mr. Weeber was very active in the Masonic and Elks lodges while in Denver.
His political allegiance is given to the republican party and he is one of the earnest
workers in its ranks, while his opinions carry weight in its local councils. He has
HISTORY OF YAKIMx\ VALLEY 311
ever stood for progress and improvement in all things relating to the public welfare
and has been largely instrumental in the development of good roads, in the es-
tablishment of the telephone system and in securing the rural free delivery for new
neighlorhoodf in Yakima county. His efforts have been far-reaching, resultant
and beneficial and his fellow citizens recognize the value of his efforts along the
line ol general development and progress.
SEAMEN VAN VLIET.
Seamen Van Vliet, proprietor of the Yakiina Business College and holding to
the highest standards in the purpose and in the conduct of the institution, was born
in the tow nof Aurora, Erie county, New York, January-- 20, 1858, and is a son of
Richaid S. and Ann (Chapman) Van Vliet. He acquired a district school educa-
tion, supplemented by study in an academy, while later he became a student in the
State Normal School at Buffalo, New York, and afterward was graduated from
the Bryant & Stratton College of that city. He then began teaching in the insti-
tution where he remained as a teacher from June, 1881, until his connection with
the school had covered twenty-one years, becoming its superintendent after a few
years had passed. In 1902 he v/ent to Cleveland, Ohio, and in connection with two
others purchased the Spencerian Commercial School, of which he became the presi-
dent and so served for three years. He then returned to BufTalo and had charge
of the Caton Business College for a year, after which he removed to Yakima and
in 1906 purchased the Noith Yakima Business College, which had been established
in the fall of 1903 by Miss Van Slyke and Mr. Churchill, who conducted the school
for three years, first in the Ditter block and later in the Union block. In 1906 Mr.
Van Vliet purchased the school, which he conducted in the Union block until April,
1912, wher. he removed it to the Clogg building. The school has enjoyed splendid
growth under his direction. There were only a few pupils twelve years ago, when
he took charge, but today the enrollment during the year approximates two hun-
dred and this is acknowledged to be one of the leading business schools of the west.
Its growth has been continuous and its success is largely due to the excellent record
of the pupils, vihich is the most satisfactory proof of the value of the course of
instruction. Tlie school has never issued a catalogue but has been conducted upon
the maxim that "to gel, one must give." In other words the school has been built
up from the inside. Carefully formulated plans of instruction, thorough methods,
competent teaching and pronounced ability have led to the gradual development of
tho school and the increase of the patronage. The first year Mr. Van Vliet found
it rather uphill work, but the next year the good words spoken by former pupils
led to doubling the attendance and the growth of the school has continued rapidly
since that time. All branches of commercial study arc taught and Mr. Van Vliet
has every reason to be proud of the loyalty of his former pupils. He has made it
possible for many of them to work their way through school and is actuated in
large degree by a spirit of humanitarianism in conducting the institution, for he
never turns a pupil away for lack of money, feeling that when he has placed them
in a self-supporting position they will repay him, and such has proved to be the
case on invariable occasions. Many of his pupils are now occupying important
and responsible positions.
On the 19th of March, 1882, Mr. Van Vliet was married to Miss Rinda M.
Churchill, of .\urora. New York, and their children are: Mrs. E. V. Lockhart, Mrs.
Fran't Sharkey, Mrs. Wheeler Warren, Mrs. Ted Holland and Mrs. Kenneth Arrow-
smith, all of Yakima; Richard Churchill, who is a sergeant in the LJnited States
army in France; and Carolyn, at home.
Fraternally Mr. Van \'liet is a Mason, .belonging to Yakima Lodge, No 24, A.
F. & A. M.; Yakima Chapter, R. A, M.; Yakima Council, R. & S. M.; Yakima Com-
mandery, K. T., of which he is a past eminent commander; and in the Scottish Rite
he has attanied the thirty-second degree. He is a past reigning sovereign of St.
-Mban Chapter of the Red Cro.ss nf Constantine, and he is also a Noble of the Mystic
Shrine. !i. politics he is a republican and he is well known as a member of the
312 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
Country Club and of the Commercial Club. His acquaintance in Yakima is wide and
he is held in favorable regard by all who know him. His entire life has been de-
voted to the profession which he follows and his labors have constituted a contri-
bution of worth to the world's work.
ORVAL ROY FLECK.
Modern agriculture in all of its up-to-date ramifications as regards conditions
in the west is ably represented by Orval Roy Fleck, who is a prosperous rancher
near Wiley City. He was born in Klickitat county, Washington, May 19, 1882, and^
is a son of Peter and Allie (.White) Fleck, the former born in Ohio and the latter
in Iowa. His maternal grandfather, George White, brought his family to Washing-
ton in 1871 and settled at Vancouver but later came to Klickitat county. Peter
Fleck, who for many years was successfully connected with the sheep business,
was also numbered among the early settlers of this district but later he removed to
The Dalles, Oregon, and there passed away. In 1918 his wife came to Wiley City,
where she now makes her home.
Orval R. Fleck was reared under the parental roof and in the acquirement of
his educution attended the public schools. After laying aside his textbooks he de-
cided upon the cattle business as most suited to his tastes and ability and was suc-
cessfully engaged along that line at The Dalles, Oregon. In June, 1917, he acquired
title to forty acres of land on the .\htanum, in Yakima county, and there he raises
hay but also gives considerable attention to live stock interests, having cattle and
conductins^ a dairy. In all that he does he is progressive and enterprising and as
he works early and late the income from his property is yearly increasing so that
he is already numbered among the successful agriculturists of his section. Mr.
Fleck worked upon the ranch which he now owns in 1901.
On November 28, 1907, Mr. Fleck was united in marriage to Gertrude Kinney,
who was born in Yamhill county, Oregon, in 1880, a daughter of Peter and Mavina
Kinney, Oregon pioneers. Mr. and Mrs. Fleck have an adopted daughter, Marg-
aret. They are valued members of the younger social set of Wiley City and vicinity,
where they ha.ve many friends. They have reliable qualities of character and are
respected by all who know them.
Fraternally Mr. Fleck belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, a
member of Columbia Lodge, No. 5, at The Dalles, and also belongs to the Modern
W^oodmen of America. His wife is devotedly attached to the Adventist church, of
which she is a member. In his political affiliations Mr. Fleck is a republican, being
thoroughly in accord with the principles of that party and a stanch supporter of
its candidates. He is a self-made man and a successful agriculturist of his district.
to the development of which along agricultural lines he has greatly contributed
through his labors. A bright future may be predicted for him, as his underlying
qualities give a sure promise of his further advancement.
DANIEL WEBSTER.
Daniel Webster, who for a number of years was a highly respected resident of
Yakima county, where he engaged in fruit raising, passed away on the 18th of
February, 1917, and left behind him many friends who had held him in high regard
and who counted him as one of the substantial citizens of the community. Mr.
Webster was born in Weld, Maine, March 4, 1854, a son of Samuel and Hannah
(Masterman) Webster, who were also natives of the Pine Tree state and were rep-
resentatives of old families founded in America during colonial days. Removing
to the west, they settled near Stillwater, Minnesota, in 1856 and were there identi-
fied with farming interests throughout their remaining days.
In young manhood Daniel Webster of this review went to North Dakota, es-
tablishing his home in what was first called Wcljster township and afterward Gunkle
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 313
township, in Cass county, in 1878. He took up government land upon which not a
furrow had been turned nor an improvement made, securing a tract of three hun-
dred and twenty acres which he at once began to convert into productive fields.
He lived thereon until March, 1906, when he brought his family to Yakima county,
Washington, where in 1905 he had purchased eight acres of land on Grandview avenue,
west of Yakima. Here he concentrated his efforts and attention upon the business
of fruit raising, making a specialty of apples, cherries and pears. He wisely and
carefully directed his activities and the years brought to him substantial success
as a reward for his intelligently guided labor.
On the 19th of February, IS'84. Mr. \\'ebster was united in marriage to Miss
Lura Masterman, a daughter of Levi and Celestia (Doble) Mastcrman, who were also
natives of Maine and were of English descent. The father died in Maine and the
mother afterward became the wife of Holland Newman, who in 1876 removed to
Minnesota, where the death of both occurred. To Mr. and Mrs. Webster were born
seven children: Clifton, who died March 2, 1915; Gertrude, who died at the age
of two years; Margie, the wife of C. R. Barber, residmg at Schoolcraft, Michigan;
Guy, who died at the age of four years; Agnes, at home; and Vera and Lois, who
are also with their mother.
Mr. Webster was a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, the
Modern Woodmen of America and the Brotherhood of American Yeomen. His
religious faith was that of the Congregational church, to the teachings of which
he was ever loyal. His political allegiance was given to the republican party and
he was an active worker in its ranks while residing in North Dakota. He served
as township assessor for fifteen years and was also a member of the school board,
but office seeking was not his aim. He gave his support to the party because of his
firm belief in its principles and his desire that his country should have the best
possible government. He was descended from the same family as the distinguished
American statesman of the same name, Daniel Webster, and he ever displayed the
same qualities of patriotic loyalty to the country that has characterized the family.
He had the respect and good will of all who knew him, was faithful in friendship
and devoted to the welfare of his family and his many sterling traits won for him
the confidence and high regard of all with whom he came in contact.
ALLAN GRANT LEWIS.
-Allan Grant Lewis is numbered among the pioneer settlers on the Cowiche and is
today the owner of one hundred and twenty acres of land, of which he has placed
twenty acres under a high state of cultivation. Almost his entire life has been
passed in this section of the state, for he was a lad of but eight years when brought
to Yakima county. His birth occurred in Illinois, September 27, 1863, his parents
I)eing Andrew J. and Isabel L. (Parker) Lewis, the former a native of Indianapolis,
while the latter was also born in Indiana. In 1864 the parents crossed the plains
to Clarke county. Wasliington, and took up a homestead upon which they resided
until 1871, when they removed to Yakima county, where the father purchased rail-
way land on the Cowiche, after living on the Ahtanum for three years. They were
among the first settlers there and Mr. Lewis and B. F. Parker built the Cowiche
ditch, also known as the Dolly. Varden ditch. This was the first on the north side
of the Cowiche. Mr. Lewis owned three-quarters of a section of land and for a
considerable period was actively identified with the agricultural interests of the
district but passed away on the 11th of January, 1914. His widow survives and now
makes her home with her son. Allan G.. at the age of eighty-one years.
-■\llan Grant Lewis acquired a public school education. He has lived continu-
ously in the northwest from the age of one year and the spirit of western enterprise
and progress finds exemplification in his career. He carried on ranching in con-
nection with his father and at the age of twenty-one years took up a homestead on
the Cowiche. Later he bought thirty-nine acres and sold part of the old place.
He is today the owner of one hundred and twenty acres in all, of which he has
cultivated twenty acres, transforming it into a highly productive tract. In fact he
314 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
has made the barren region, which in early days produced nothing but sagebrush,
bloom and blossom as the rose. His labors have indeed wrought splendid results
and as one of the early pioneer settlers here he has contributed in marked measure
to the development and upbuilding of the district in which he lives.
On the 9th of November, 1905, Mr. Lewis was married to Miss Bertha V. Hay,
who was born in Kansas, a daughter of Jacob Hay, one of the early settlers of
Washington, who arrived in the Yakima valley at an early day. To Mr. and Mrs.
Lewis have been born seven children: Paul B.; Naomi and Nora, twins; Velma;
Abraham Grant; Emma; and Jacob Jackson.
In his political views Mr. Lewis is a republican and keeps well informed on
the questions and the issues of the day. He has always been a deep student of
the bible, being wonderfully well posted upon this holy volume. He and his wife
are active and earnest members of the Church of God. Through his close study
he has found that the bible is divided into 40's, 12's, 7's and 3's, these numbers running
all through. These numbers are there to show that God is the author of the bible,
for no human could have interluded these numbers through the bible in their har-
mony, sequence and frequency. Mr. Lewis is one of the pioneer settlers of the
Cowiche, a well known, genial oldtimer \vhose friends are legion and who is every-
where spoken of in terms of the highest regard.
D. D. REYNOLDS.
D. D. Reynolds, a representative of ranching interests in the vicinity of Wiley
City, was born in Greene county, Missouri, August 16, 1873, a son of J. W. and
Susan E. (Garoutte) Reynolds, the former a native of Missouri, while the latter was
born in Ohio. The paternal grandfather, D. D. Reynolds, was one of the pioneer
settlers of Missouri, where he spent the remainder of his days. His son. J. W. Rey-
nolds, came to the Pacific northwest in 1877, at which time he settled in Oregon, and
after residing there for seven years removed by wagon to Yakima county in 1884.
He purchased a ranch on the Ahtanum, where he lived for some time, and later made
his home on the Cowiche. subsequently returning to the Ahtanum where he spent
the last twenty years of his life, passing away in 1913. His wife died in this locality,
one year later, in 1914.
D. D. Reynolds of this review obtained a public school education and engaged
in ranching with his father, early becoming familiar with the best methods of tilling
the soil and caring for the crops. He was thus employed until 1896, when he pur-
chased twenty acres of land at Fairview, owning that property until February, 1901,
when he sold it. He then removed to the Ahtanum and bought forty acres of land
adjoining Wiley City. Upon this he erected a fine residence and model barns. The
place is called Carnation Illahee and is one of the attractive ranch properties of this
section of the state. Mr. Reynolds is engaged in the raising of alfalfa hay and also
in stock raising, dairying and poultry raising. Each branch of his business is care-
fully conducted and he makes a close study of the best methods of carrying on the
work of each particular line.
On the 6th of April, 1896, Mr. Reynolds was united in marriage to Mrs. Mary
(Benton) Libbey, who was born on the Ahtanum in Yakima county, in fact she was
the first white child born on the Ahtanum the date of her birth being February 6.
1867. Her present home is within one mile of the place of her birth. She is a daughter
of H. M. and Mary (Allen) Benton. Her father was born at Hartford. Connecticut,
while her mother's birth occurred in the Cascades of Oregon. H. M. Benton was a
sea captain who made the trip around Cape Horn and up the Pacific coast, becom-
ing one of the pioneers of Oregon. He had previously visited all parts of the world
and had gained many interesting experiences. In the fall of 1866 his wife and her
father, J. W. Allen, arrived in Yakima county and they located on the Ahtanum,
where Mrs. Reynolds was born in the following February. Her father traded a pipe
and twenty dollars in money for one hundred and sixty acres of farm land that is
today worth two hundred dollars per acre. He resided thereon until his later life,
when he accepted a job on the steamship Clara Nevada, running to Alaska. This
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 317
boat was wrecked by an explosion in 1897 and all were drowned. His widow survives
and is now living on the lower Ahtanum.
Mrs. Reynolds had one child by her former marriage, Mabel, who is now residing
in Yakima. When Mrs. Reynolds came to this section the nearest postoffice to her
home was at The Dalles. Oregon, and all supplies were freighted in by wagon, a
distance of one hundred miles. Mr. and, Mrs. Reynolds attend the Congregational
church, and he is a charter member of the Modern Woodmen of America and also
belongs to the Royal Neighbors. In politics he is a strong republican unfaltering
in his allegiance to the party. Both he and his wife are representatives of honored
old pioneer families of the northwest and from early days they have been much in-
terested in the growth and development of the section in which they live and have
borne their full part in the work of general progress and improvement. They have
indeed witnessed great changes as the years have passed and the wild regions have
been taken over for the purposes of civilization. Mr. Reynolds is today numbered
among the leading ranchers of his section, having a valuable and attractive home,
while his land has been brought under a high state of cultivation.
CHARLES A. ABBE.
• The beautiful home of Charles A. Abbe is situated in the midst of a valuable
ranch property on which he is extensively and profitably engaged in fruit raising,
while a portion of his land is seeded to alfalfa. The steps in his orderly progression
are easily discernible. He has worked persistently and energetically, wisely utiliz-
ing the opportunities that have come to him and never afraid to take a forward step
when the way seemed open. He was born in Berrien county, Michigan. December
12, 1855, a son of Albert Goodell and Margaret (Kromer) .\bbe, the former a native
of Massachusetts, while the latter was born in New York. Removing to the west
in 1814, when a youth of but sixteen years, Albert G. Abbe became one of the earliest
of the pioneer residents of Michigan, making the journey to the Mississippi valley
with ox teams. He was afterward a boatman on the St. Joseph river and he took
active part in the early development of the section of the country in which he lived.
The work of planting the seeds of civilization on the western frontier had scarcely
been begun, Indians still hunted in the forests and wild game of all kinds was to
be had in abundance. He bravely faced the privations, hardships and dangers of
life on the frontier and he lived to see a remarkable transformation in the country
ere death called him. His remaining days were passed in St. Joseph, Michigan,
and he was regarded as one of the substantial citizens of that community.
Charles A. Abbe acquired a public school education in his native country and
was reared to the occupation of farming, early becoming familiar with the best
methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops. He afterward became identi-
fied with the milk business in St. Joseph. Prior to this time he had spent a period in
a hardware store, so that his training and experiences were broad and varied.
It was in M'arch, 1898, that Charles A. Abbe arrived in Yakima and with the
northwest he has since been closely associated, covering a period of more than
two decades. He first invested in forty acres of land three miles southwest of the
city and to his original tract afterward added ten acres. This was devoted to the
raising of wheat. He at once began the task of further developing and improving the
property. Five acres had been planted to orchards of apples, pears, peaches and
other fruits. That he has constantly carried forward the work of development is
shown in the fact that he now has thirty-two acres in bearing orchards, from which
he annually gathers good crops. He also has considerable of his land seeded to
alfalfa. He knows what kinds of fruit are best adapted to soil and climatic condi-
tions here and he employs the most scientific methods in the care of his trees and
in the preparation of his fruit for the market. He has built a beautiful home on
his place and added to it all modern equipment and improvement and it now con-
stitutes one of the attractive features of the landscape.
In 1883 Mr. Abbe was married to Miss Florence Miners, a native of Michigan
and a daughter of John Minerf. To Mr. and Mrs. Abbe were born two children:
318 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
Aletha Geneva, now the wife of Wilbur R. Williams, a resident of Yakima, by whom
she has two children; and Frederick, who is living in Traverse and has a wife and one
son. Mrs. Abbe passed away in October, 1898, and on the 11th of April, 1903, Mr.
Abbe was again married, his second union being with Mary H. Murphy, who was
born in California and is a daughter of Edward and Mary (Holmes) Murphy, who,
leaving Illinois in 1860, crossed the plains to California. At a subsequent period,
however, they returned to Rock Island, Illinois, and their last days were there passed.
Her father, a native of Washington, D. C, was a lawyer and had been admitted to
practice in six different states. Her mother was born in Vermont. Her grand-
father, Edward Murphy, was a stone mason and helped to build the Capitol at
Washington, D. C.
In his fraternal relations Charles A. Abbe is a Mason, belonging to Yakima
Lodge, No. 24, F. & A. M., also to Yakima Chapter, No. 21, R. A. M., and hkewise
to the Order of the Eastern Star, with which his wife is also affiliated. They are
consistent members of the Methodist church and are people of genuine worth, hav-
ing the warm regard and good will of all with whom they have been brought in
contact. In politics Mr. .^bbe is an independent republican, usually supporting
the principles of the party yet not considering himself bound by party ties. He is
a member of the Grange and of the Yakima County Horticultural Union and he is
interested in everything that has to do with the development of the state along
agricultural and horticultural lines. He has been quick to adopt new ideas of value
in the further development of his land and he readily discriminates between the
essential and the non-essential in all that has to do with the raising of fruit and
grain.
WILLIAM J. POTTER.
William J. Potter has attained a position in life which entitles him to be num-
bered among the prosperous horticulturists of Yakima county. Not only has he
very valuable property near Tieton but he is also in charge of the large packing
house which is maintained by the Yakima County Horticultural L^nion, of which he
is local manager. He is in every way a leading and progressive business man and
through his efforts has done much toward bringing about prosperity in his district.
Moreover, he has rare social qualities and has many friends in his neighborhood.
His farm is considered one of the most valuable on the Tieton and in its present
prosperous condition stands as a monument of his industry and advanced thought
in regard to horticultural and agricultural work.
A native of Wisconsin, Mr. Potter was born in Eau Claire, July 11, 1881, and is
a son of Herbert R. and Emma May (Hamilton) Potter. The father was born in
Maine and the mother in Prescott, Wisconsin, the latter being a daughter of Rev.
William Hamilton, a well known pioneer of that state and a Methodist minister
known throughout northern Wisconsin, whither he had traveled by wagon from
Indiana. Herbert R. Potter took up his abode in Wisconsin in 1871 and in that
state he was married. For many years he was in the shoe business but in 1908 came
with his family to Yakima county, where he bought twenty acres of land on the
Tieton which was then covered with sagebrush. His was the second new family to
come into this district after the Tieton project was completed and the Potters are
therefor to be numbered among the pioneers here. This tract was all planted
to apples, pears and peaches. As the years have passed this has been developed
into a very valuable property and the income which the family receives therefrom
is most gratifying.
William J. Potter of this review owns the ranch with his father and they are
numbered among the leading horticulturists of the section. He has made a deep
study of horticulture and is not only thoroughly informed in regard to local condi-
tions as pertaining to climate and soil but he is equally well informed regarding
the marketing and sale of his fruit. He traveled for a number of years for a shoe
house and carefully studied business conditions in various states, thus acquiring
the business insight which now well qualifies him for his important position as
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 319
local manager for the Yakima County Horticultural Union, being in charge of their
large packing house. The Tieton branch of this union handled eighty-five carloads
of fruit in 1918 and during the busy season thirty people are employed to pack and
ship this fruit. The importance of Mr. Potter's position is therefore easily rec-
ognized. Moreover, it stands to reason that he has the full confidence of his neigh-
bors, who entrust him with their valuable shipments and have great faith in his
ability. Another item which has probably had part in his business success is the
excellent education which he received in his youth, for he is a graduate of the high
school at Eau Claire, Wisconsin. After coming to the west he assisted his father
greatly in picking out the desired land and it was partly due to his judgment that
the land now under the Tieton project was chosen.
On the 10th of June, 1903, Mr. Potter was united in marriage to Miss Susan May
Strang, who was born in McGregor. Iowa, a daughter of I. L. and Margaret (Wheeler)
Strang, who moved to Eau Claire. \\'iscon?in, when Mrs. Potter was a little maiden.
She received an excellent education ami i'^ a thoroughly trained musician. She has
a fine studio at Naches, Washington, and at one time served as president of the
Ladies Musical Club of Yakima. Not only is she a fine teacher, but also an ex-
cellent performer and high encomiums have been paid to her art. Both Mr. and
Mrs. Potter are welcome guests in the best social circles of their neighborhood and
at their own fireside often dispense hospitality with a free hand. Mrs. Potter is
an active member of the Episcopal church.
In his political views Mr. Potter is a stanch republican, being thoroughly versed
in regard to the issues of the day. He is not only interested in national and state
politics as well as county affairs but gives active help to all worthy projects in order
to promote the general welfare. He is popular and is generally conceded to be a
hale fellow well met. having many friends who appreciate in him a man of high
qualities of character and sound business ability.
JOHN C. WILSON.
John C. Wilson, owner of one of the fine ranch properties of Kittitas county,
comprising one hundred and sixty acres, of rich and valuable land, annually gathers
abundant golden harvests by reason of the care and attention which he bestows upon
his place. He comes to the northwest from Iowa, his birth having occurred in Lee
county, that state, on the 8th of August, 1858. He is a son of Robert and Mary E.
(Mills) Wilson. The father was born in England, while the mother's birth occurred
in Ohio and they became pioneer residents of Iowa, where they settled in the early
'50s. They removed to Scotland county Missouri in 1872 and there both the father
and mother remained until called to their final rest.
John C. Wilson acquired a public school education, supplemented by study in
the State Normal School at Kirksville, Missouri, from 1876 until 1878. He afterward
engaged in farming in Missouri for a period of six years and in the spring of 1885
made his way to the Pacific coast, settling in California. In August of the same year,
however, he proceeded northward to the Kittitas valley, where he purchased land
and also took up a desert claim of three hundred and twenty acres. He has since
sold all of this property, however, save one hundred and sixty acres, which he has
converted into rich and productive fields upon which he annually raises good crops
of grain and of hay. He has improved his farm in many ways and is" todav the
owner of an excellent ranch upon which are found good buildings and all modern
accessories and conveniences.
Mr. Wilson has been married twice. In 1887 he wedded Artilda A. Tribble-
cock, a native of Iowa, who passed away in December, 1891. In 1901 Mr. Wilson
was again married, his second union being with Isabelle Murray, of Ellensburg. The
children of the first marriage are: Clyde W., who died in 1912; and Grace A., the
wife of William Evans, residing at Sunnyside. Washington. Two children have also
been born of the second marriage: Mildred M., twelve years of age: and Helen E.,
aged eight. The family attend the Presbyterian church.
Mr. Wilson is a republican in politics but has never been an office seeker. He
320 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
has, however, served as a member of the school board and the cause of education
has ever found in him a stalwart champion. He has not sought, however, to figure
in public affairs, content to concentrate his efforts and attention upon his business,
with which he was actively identified until a recent date, when he rented his land and
is now practically living retired, enjoying a rest which he has truly earned and richly
merits.
LOUIS POULSEN.
A well improved ranch property pays tribute to the care and labor bestowed
upon it by its owner, Louis Poulsen, now one of the representative agriculturists of
Kittitas county. He was born in Denmark, August 19, 1869, a son of Paul and Mary
Poulsen. both of whom are now deceased. He came to the United States in 1893,
when a young man of about twenty-four years, spending two years in Chicago,
after which he came to the northwest, settling in Kittitas county, Washington, in
1894. For four years he engaged in mining at the Swack mines in this county and
in 1898 he went to Alaska, where he engaged in mining for four years, prospering
during the period of his residence in that section and making enough to buy his farm.
In 1902 Mr. Poulsen returned to Washington and purchased one hundred and
twenty acres of land in Kittitas county, near Ellensburg. Later he sold forty acres
of this but still retains eighty acres and upon his ranch he has built a fine home,
also large and substantial barns and all modern improvements. He raises hay and
grain and carefully studies the needs of the soil and the crops best adapted to
climatic conditions here. His work is at all times practical and his enterprise and
diligence are the basis of his success. He has the latest improved machinery upon
his place and in fact his is one of the model ranches of this section, his business
being most carefully and wisely managed.
In 1904 Mr. Poulsen was united in marriage to Miss Nettie Deilig, who was
born in Springfield, Illinois. Fraternally he is connected with the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows and his political faith is that of the republican party. He
has traveled quite extensively, seeing much of the world and thus constantly broaden-
ing his knowledge by experience. He has a wide acquaintance in Kittitas county
and all attest his worth as a man and citizen.
EDMUND L. DORAN.
Edmund L. Doran was born in Waddington. New York, March 14. 1883, son
of Samuel B. and lane (Behan) Doran. The father was customs collector at Wad-
dington and in his younger days owned and operated a carding mill at that point.
He departed this life in 1907 but the mother still makes her home in the Empire state.
Mr. Doran supplemented his high school course by attending business college
at Brockville. Ontario, and started in life as a stenographer. He was employed as
such in Detroit, Michigan, from which city he later moved to Chicago, Illinois, and
was subsequently employed in various western towns and cities from Chicago to the
Pacific coast, but finally returned to Chicago, whence he came to Toppenish in the
fall of 1909.
During part of 1909 and 1910 Mr. Doran was employed as bookkeeper by the
Traders Bank. In the latter part of 1910 he entered the employ of the Toppenish
Commercial Company. Inc., as manager, and a year later bought the controlling
interest in that corporation, since which time he has retained such interest and as
president and manager has had active control of the business. The company deals
largely with city and reservation lands; also has a large fire and life insurance busi-
ness.
In 1917 Mr. Doran brought into his office and took the management of a branch
of the Fidelity Abstract & Title Company, with head office at Sunnyside, Washing-
ton.
HISTORY OF YAKIMA X'ALLEY 321
In 1910 Mr. Doran was united in marriage to Mary E. Stone, of IToppcnish, the
only daughter of Mrs. Susan Swasey, formerly Mrs. Susan Stone.
In 1911 Mr. Doran put a thirty acre addition to Toppenish on the market and
has been very successful in disposing of same, and having placed a building restric-
tion on the property has succeeded in getting but the better class of residences.
In 1918 Mr. Doran bought the "Bond" property, a one story brick building on
Toppenish avenue and moved his offices into same.
Mr. Doran belongs to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, having mem-
bership in Y'akima Lodge, No. 318. He is also identified with the Knights of Colum-
bus, Toppenish Council, No. 1699, which indicates his religious faith to be that of the
Catholic church. Mr. Doran's political belief is that of the republican party, though
he is not active in politics, only insofar as the local situation is concerned, hav-
ing acted as councilman on the city council, and at present acting as city treasurer.
JOHN MECHTEL.
One of the important business enterprises of Yakima is the bakery owned and
conducted by John Mechtel, whose long experience in this line of business well
qualifies him for the successful conduct of the enterprise of which he is now the
head. He. was born in Minnesota, October 18, 1867, and is a son of Mathew and
Katherine Mechtel. The father is still living but the mother has passed away. Mr.
Mechtel is a farmer and a dairyman who still makes his home in Minnesota.
John Mechtel acquired his education in the public schools of Shakopee, Minne-
sota, and was reared upon the home farm to the age of eighteen years, working
in the fields with his father during the periods of vacation, while in the winter months
he pursued his studies. He afterward learned the baker's trade under the direction
of his uncle at Shakopee, working at twelve dollars per month from four o'clock in
the morning until eight o'clock at night. After spending five years in that employ,
during which he gained a comprehensive knowledge of the bakery business, he went
to St. Paul, Minnesota, where he continued to follow his trade for two years. In
1893 he arrived in Yakima and spent one year in the employ of Joe Metzger. He
afterward became connected with John Ditter and eventually they purchased the
Luther grocery store on Front street. At a subsequent date they removed to Yakima
avenue and in 1896 they purchased the bakery business of Joe Metzger. Mr. Mechtel
ihen took over the bakery, while Mr. Ditter continued in charge of the grocery store.
In 1897 the grocery store was destroyed by fire and for two years Mr. Ditter was
with Mr. Mechtel in the conduct of the bakery, but in 1899 Mr. Mechtel purchased
the interest of his partner and has since conducted the bakery alone. He has ever
maintained a lunchroom in connection with the bakery and both branches of his
business are liberally patronized. He has an excellent restaurant capable of seat-
ing ninety people, and his pastry shop is in the rear. The bread shop is on West
Yakima and Eleventh avenues, and the bakery equipment consists of two ovens
capable of baking eight thousand loaves of bread daily. He ships bread to all the
surrounding towns, making the Butternut and the Holsum bread, for both of which
he finds a large sale. He also conducts an extensive wholesale ice cream business
and he manuafctures. his own candies. His trade has steadily grown to extensive
proportions and he now employs twenty-seven people. He is one of the few busi-
ness men of Y^akima who have been connected with its commercial interests for a
quarter of a century. He has the oldest and largest bakery in the valley and his
business overtops that of any other concern of the kind in this section of the state.
During tTie war he set an example by making such changes in his bakery goods as
to strictly conform to the existing food regulations and, in fact, was food adminis-
trator for the city hotel and other dining rooms for the Yakima district.
On the 14th of April, 1895, Mr. Mechtel was married to Miss Anna K. Hartmann,
of Shakopee, Minnesota, and to them have been born two daughters, Lucile Margaret
and Gertrude Georgia, both at home.
Fraternally Mr. Mechtel is connected with the Benevolent Protective Order
of Elks, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, the Loyal Order of Moose, the Modern
322 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
Woodmen of America, the Woodmen of the World, the Catholic Order of Foresters
and the Knights of Columbus and his religious faith is indicated by his membership
in St. Paul's Catholic church. He also belongs to the Commercial Club and he is
interested in all that pertains to the development and welfare of the city in which
he has so long made his home and in which he has been so very active as a busi-
ness man. There have been no spectacular phases in his career but his enterprise
and progress have accomplished splendid results not only in the development of his
individual interests but in ttie promotion of trade relations of the city.
CHARLES L. COCHRAN.
Charles L. Cochran, who was a valued citizen of that section of Yakima county
which is near Outlook, in which region he has many' warm friends, was born in
Boone county, Missouri, September 13, 1868, a son of John G. and Elizabeth (Eagen)
Cochran, who were also natives of Missouri. The father, who was born in Septem-
ber. 1839, passed away in 1912. In 1871 he came with his family to Washington,
settling at Walla Walla, and in the succeeding years became a prominent farmer
of that district. Afterward he retired from active business and spent his remaining
days in the enjoyment of well earned rest at Dixie, Washington.
Charles L. Cochran acquired a public school education, supplemented by study
in the Empire Business College at Walla Walla. He was but a young lad of three
summers when brought by his parents to the northwest, so that practically his entire
life was spent in this state. He was reared to the occupation of farming and con-
tinued to follow that pursuit until 1892, when he opened a general merchandise
establishment at Dixie, Washington. He was made postmaster in 1893 and served
for several years, having charge of the duties of the office while conducting his
mercantile business. At length he sold his store in 1912 and removed to Sunny-
side, where he engaged in farming until 1915. He then traded his farm for a general
store at Outlook and conducted it until his life's labors were ended in death, being
recognized as one of the representative business men of his community.
On the 8th of May, 1901, Mr. Cochran was united in marriage to Miss Pearl
M. Lewis, who was born in Garfield county, Washington, a daughter of William
T. and Ellen (Logston) Lewis, who were pioneers of Washington and now live
in Walla Walla county, where the father follows farming. To Mr. and Mrs. Coch-
ran were born four children: Esther, Reese, Ruth and Veora.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Cochran held membership in the Christian church and were
most loyal to its teachings. Mr. Cochran was a member of the Independent Order
of Odd Felows, in which he filled all of the chairs, and his wife is identified with the
Rebekah lodge. He also belonged to the Modern Woodmen of America and in
ploitics was an independent democrat. He was widely known and loved by all
because of his many excellent traits of character, his geniality and his kindly dis-
position. He passed away on the 17th of August, 1917, and nowhere was his death
more deeply regretted than at his own fireside, for he was a most devoted husband
and father, finding his greatest happiness in promoting the welfare of his wife and
children.
WILLIAM C. HAMILTON.
That Illinois enterprise has taken advantage of the opportunities of the north-
west is indicated in the fact that many of the now substantial and progressive citi-
zens of the Yakima valley have come to this district from the Prairie state and are
nov/ most loyal aiid enthusiastic residents of this section, .'\mong the number is
William C. Hamilton, who is now successfully engaged in fruit raising upon an ex-
cellent property two. and a half miles west of Yakima. He was born in Eureka,
Illinois. .April 13. 1857, a son of William and Mary (Hunter) Hamilton, both of whom
were natives of Ireland, but were married in New York. At an early period in the
EDGAR HAMILTON
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 325
development of Illinois they established their home within the borders of that state
and spent their rem;iining" days there. The father was a stonemason and thus pro-
vided for the support of his family.
William C. Hamilton, when his textbooks were put aside, started out in the busi-
ness v/orld as a clerk in a grocer}- store and carefully saved his earnings until his
industry and economy had brought him sufticient capital to enable him to engage in
the grocery business on his own account at Eureka, Illinois. He afterward conducted
a store of that l-cind at Colfax, Illinois, but in 1905 disposed of his interests in the
middle west and came to 'S'akima county. Here he purchased land two and a half
miles west of Yakima and has planted it all to fruit. He has ten acres in pears and
his is one of the finest orchards in the valley. Everything about his place is neat
and well cared for and a spirit of enterprise and progressivcness has actuated him
in all that he has undertaken. He is also owner of a fine nursery and sells all varie-
ties of fruit trees, selected from the best stock. He has specialized in fine Anjou
pears and these have proven very successful in this section of the country. He be-
longs to the Yakima Fruit Growers Association, of which he is a director, and he
is also a member of the Yakima County Horticultural L^nion.
On October 27, 1880, Mr. Hamilton was united in marriage to Miss Mary Emma
Chambers, of Illinois, and their children are: Walter, a farmer of Idaho, who is mar-
ried ?nd has six children, a son and five daughters; Charles, who is married and is
now field manager for the Yakima Fruit Growers Association; Percy Hale, at home;
Helen, deceased; Grace, the wife of G. E. Eyler, living at Selah, Washington; Edgar,
vvho sacrificed his life in the service of his country, having joined the LTnited States
navy before he was of age, and who died of pneumonia on October 9, 1918, at Brem-
erton where he was in training; Richard, who has also departed this life; and one
child wdio died in infancy.
Mr. Hamilton and his family are identified with the Presbyterian church and take
an active and helpful interest in its work and upbuilding. Mr. Hamilton votes with
the republican party and was one of its active workers in Illinois, where he served
as a member of the board of aldermen and also as a member of the school board.
In Washington he has preferred to concentrate his undivided efiforts and attention
upon his business afifairs, which are gradually developing and have already placed
him in an enviable position among the horticulturists .of the northwest.
AUGUST B, HAUETER.
August B. Haueter occupies a fruit ranch of five acres adjoining the west city
limits of Yakima and is devoting his attention to the raising of apples, pears, peaches
and cherries. Actuated by a spirit of enterprise, he has won well deserv'ed success
in his business career. He was born in Carver county, Minnesota, June 23, 1863, a
son of Christian and Wilhelmina Haueter, who were pioneer settlers of Carver
county, where they took up their abode in 1858, the father there securing govern-
ment land. They lived upon that place throughout their remaining days, both having
now passed away.
August B. Haueter acquired a public school education and early became familiar
with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops as he assisted in
the work upon his father's farm. He continued to devote his attention to farming
in Minnesota until 1905, when he removed to Saskatchewan, Canada settling near
Prince Albert, where he purchased land and again gave his attention to general
agricultural pursuits. He there remained until 1911, when he sold that property and
came to Yakima county, Washington, at which time he purchased a ranch of forty
acres on Cowiche creek. Thereon he engaged in raising fruit, alfalfa and wheat,
producing large crops of each. He made his home upon that place for three years
and afterward resided in Yakima for a year, at the end of which time he purchased
a five-acre tract of land adjoining the west city limits, on which he now resides.
This is planted to apples, pears, peaches and cherries and his orchards are in ex-
cellent condition. He has thoroughly studied the question of spraying and the
care of his trees in general and he annually handles a large amount of fruit raised
326 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
upon his place. He still owns the Cowiche ranch, which contributes much to his
yearly revenue.
On the 30th of October, 1895, Mr. Haucter was married to Miss Louisa Block,
who was born in Carver county, Minnesota, a daughter of Carl and Hulda Block,
who were pioneer settlers of that state. The children of this marriage are: Esther
Louise, a stenographer; Lillian Hulda, a student in the Deaconess Hospital of Chi-
cago which she is attending in order to become a professional nurse; and Milton
August, Herbert Frederick and Mildred Edna. Mr. Haueter and his family are
members of the First Evangelical church and are people of sterling worth, enjoying
the high regard and good will of all with whom they come in contact. They have
gained many friends during the years of their residence in this section of the state
and the hospitality of their home is greatly enjoyed by all who know them.
IRA J. GANO.
Ira J. Gano, devoting his attention to general farming in Yakima county, was
born in Patterson, Hardin county, Ohio, February 6, 1877, a son of James H. and
Rhoda M. (Gardner) Gano. The father was a native of Champaign county, Ohio,
born December 3, 1837, and was a son of Isaac and Nancy Jane (Hogg) Gano, the
former a native of Berkeley county. West Virginia, and the latter of Clark county,
Ohio. The Gano family is of French lineage and was established on American soil
during early colonial days. The ancestral line is traced back through Isaac Gano
to Daniel Gano, who served in the Revolutionary war, enlisting from Virginia. He
was a valiant adherent of the cause of the colonies and rendered active aid in the
cause of independence. He passed away in Virginia at the age of sixty years. His
son Isaac afterward removed to Ohio in young manhood and there spent his re-
maining days. He was a miller by trade and followed that pursuit in early man-
hood, while later he took up the occupation of farming.
His son, James H. Gano, father of Ira J. Gano, acquired a public school educa-
tion in Ohio and was reared to farm life, with which he was identified in that sec-
tion of the country until 1892. He then left the Buckeye state in order to try his
fortune in the northwest, making his way to Yakima county, where he took up a
homestead on the Moxee. With characteristic energy he began the improvement of
the place and within a short time his labors had wrought a marked transformation
in its appearance. For a number of years he was actively identified with farming
in this section but now lives with his son. He is a valued and highly respected
citizen of the county by reason of an upright life and sterling worth of character.
Since 1856 he has been a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal church and
was one of the organizers of the first Methodist church at Moxee. In politics he
gave his support to the republican party for many years, but because of his deep
interest in the temperance question he became allied with the prohibition party, which
now has the endorsement of his ballot. His aid and influence have ever been given
on the side of right, progress and improvement and of all those moral forces which
tend to uplift mankind. His wife passed away January 5, 1918, at the age of seventy-
six years, and thus this worthy couple, who had so long traveled life's journey
together were separated by death. They were the parents of eleven children, of
whom two died in infancy. The others are: William, a resident of Ohio; Ida, the
wife of W. F. Benson, living in Yakima; Emma, the wife of Horner Purdy, of Yakima;
George, who was a twin of Emma and died in February, 1917; Elva, the wife of
Samuel HefTclfinger, of Yakima; Estelle, the wife of F. H. McElrce, living in Los
Angeles, California; Avelnell, the wife of J. B. Patterson, whose home is at Reedley,
California; Omar, who died in infancy; Ira J., of this review; Wesley E., who is
engaged in ranching on the Ahtanum; and one who died in infancy.
Ira J. Gano acquired his education in the public schools of his native state and
was actively associated with his father in farming operations in the east as well
as in the west until 1900. In that year he purchased a part of his father's farm and
later bought eighty acres more on the Moxee. He was also engaged in the livery
business at Yakima for three years but disposed of his interests there and in 1913
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 327
he bought eighty acres a half mile south of Ahtanum, whereon he is now success-
fully engaged in diversified farming. Broad experiences well qualified him for the
work in which he is now engaged and his efforts are productive of excellent results.
His farm is under a high state of cultivation and he annually harvests large crops of
golden grain as a reward for the care and labor he has bestowed upon his fields.
On the 12th of December, 1900, Mr. Gano was married to Miss Margaret Keys,
of Yakima, a daughter of George and Isabel Keys. They now have four children,
Elva, Gladys, Ruth and Walter. Fraternally Mr. Gano is connected with the Knights
of Pythias and his religious faith is that of the Congregational church. In politics
he maintains an independent course. He is serving for the second term as a mem-
ber of the school board and also acted in that capacity for one term while living
on the Moxee. He is interested in education and in everything that tends to pro-
mote the material, intellectual, social and moral progress of the community and his aid
can be counted upon to further any plan or project for the public good.
JACOB F. OTTMULLER.
The ranch property of Jacob F. Ottmuller comprises eighty acres of land near
Mabton and in its development and improvement he displays an enterprising spirit
that is producing" excellent results. Mr. Ottmuller was born in Livingston county,
Illinois, December 11, 1868. a son of Jacob F. and Jardina (Johnson) Ottmuller, who
were farming people, but both have now passed away.
Jacob F. Ottmuller pursued his education in the public schools of Illinois and
was reared to the occupation of farming, early becoming familiar with the best
methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops. He devoted his attention to
general agricultural pursuits in Illinois until 1898, when he left his native state to be-
come a resident of Barnes county, North Dakota. There he resided until 1910, when
he again started westward with Yakima as his destination. After reaching this
valley he bought ten acres of apple orchards on Nob Hill, which he sold at the end
of a year and made investment in forty acres near Mabton. ' He is devoting his
land to the raising of hay, grain and corn, of which he produces large crops be-
cause he employs practical and progressive methods. He puts forth every eflfort
to enhance the fertility of the soil and his work is being attended with most gratify-
ing results.
In 1911 Mr. Ottmuller was united in marriage to Miss Lydia Hicks, a native
of Winona, Minnesota, and a daughter of Thomas Hicks, now a retired farmer liv-
ing in that state. Mr. and Mrs. Ottmuller have one child, Christie. In his fra-
ternal relations Mr. Ottmuller is a Yeoman and in political belief a socialist. His
wife is a member of the Baptist church and they arc well known in the community
in which they make their home. Mr. Ottmuller has persevered in the conduct of
his business affairs, having no such word as failure in his vocabulary, and his de-
termined and intelligently directed effort has made him the owner of an excellent
ranch property.
EDWARD SHEPPARD.
For fifteen years Edward Sheppard has conducted a drug store in Kennewick,
which from small beginnings he has developed into a finely appointed modern
establishment where can be found a complete assortment of the best drugs and
sundry articles such as are generally carried by a store of this kind. He is now
numbered among the well-to-do and respected merchants of his city, and as he has
always followed the most honorable standards in business, he has built up a large
and profitable trade. He was born in Fillmore, Minnesota, September 15, 1861, a
son of George and Hannah (Yost) Sheppard, the former a native of Germany and
the latter of Pennsylvania-, in which state they were married. Subsequently they
removed to Wisconsin and in 1857 to Minnesota. The father was a mechanic by
328 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
trade but when in Minnesota turned liis attention to agricultural pursuits, which he
followed throughout his active life, passing away at the age of eighty-six years,
while his wife attained the age of eighty-four.
Edward Sheppard attended school in his native state and after having com-
pleted his education turned his attention to the drug business by serving an ap-
prenticeship in a store at Spring Valley, Minnesota, after which he continued as
drug clerk for some time. He then decided to embark in business independently
and opened a drug store in Spring Valley, which he conducted until 1902 with
good success. Perceiving the opportunities of the west, he determined to take ad-
vantage of the business chances here and for one year traveled through the states
■of Idaho, Oregon and Washington, looking for a suitable location. On the 3d of
November, 1903, he located at Kennewick, where he acquired a small drug, store
which was owned by a Mr. Hays and had been the first store established here.
In 1904 Mr. Sheppard erected a new building and therein he has since conducted
business. It is a two-story structure, twenty-five by sixty-five feet, and the store
appointments are thoroughly modern and splendidly fitted for the business. Only
the best qualities of drugs are carried and all allied articles, such as are generally
carried in drug stores, are to be found in this establishment. The prescription
department is handled with the greatest of care and all customers are treated with
that politeness which assures of their return. It is therefore but natural that Mr.
Sheppard enjoys a large custom. His thorough experience and natural business
ability have made his business one of the largest within the county and he now
derives a gratifying income therefrom. His is the only store in Kennewick that has
never changed its name or location or policy, the same upright principles which
haA e guided it from its inception still prevatling today.
In 1908 Mr. Sheppard was united in marriage to Miss Viola Kampf, of Minne-
apolis, who prior to her marriage was one of the able teachers of the Kennewick
nigh school. Mrs. Sheppard completed her education at the L-niversities of Minnesota
and Illinois, receiving the degree of Bachelor of .'^rts from the latter. She also
holds certificates from the College of Pedagogy in both universities, and completed
the three year course in the Northwest Bilile Training School. To Mr. and Mrs.
Sheppard has been born a daughter, Ardice Mae, who is nine years of age.
In his political affiliations Mr. Sheppard is a republican and he has the distinc-
tion of h.iving served as the first mayor of Kennewick for a term of two years, giving
the city a businesslike administration productive of excellent results. He also served
for one term as councilman. Fraternally he is connected with the Elks lodge of
Austin, Minnesota, and with the Knights of Pythias and Ancient Order of United
Workmen. Outside of his drug store and building he is the owner of a valuable
irrigated alfalfa ranch, from which he derives an addition to his income. His resi-
dence is one of the finest in Benton county and there Mr. and Mrs. Sheppard often
entertain their many friends, all of whom are agreed as to their splendid qualities
of character and heart. Mr. Sheppard has well earned the reputation of a successful,
high principled business man and public-spirited citizen, ever being ready to give
of his service or means in order to promote the developemnt and growth of his
section and city.
ORDL-V R. LEAMING.
Ordia K. Learning, engaged in the weldmg business in Yakima, is numbered
among the native sons of the northwest, for his birth occurred in Adams county,
Oregon, on the 21st of June, 1881. His parents, Ezra and Frances (Gerkin) Learn-
ing, were pioneers of Oregon, where the father devoted his life to the occupation of
farming. He passed away and in 1888 the mother removed to North Yakima, where
her death occurred.
Ordia R. Leaming acquired a public school education in Yakima, for he was a lad
of but seven years at the time the family home was established in this city. After
reaching young manhood he turned his attention to the hay trade, having in the
meantime followed farming to the age of sixteen years. For some time he con-
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 331
tinned to engage in the sale of haj- and later entered npon gas engine repair work.
He was employed at the gas plant for several j'ears in the nianufactnre and repairing
of gas engines and later he went to Seattle where he learned acetylene welding.
Subsequently he returned to Yakima and purchased a bicycle shop and a little later
he added an acetylene welding plant. He now does more of this welding than any
of the other plants of the kind in Yakima, his business having reached extensive pro-
portions because he has developed expert skill in this particular. He has thoroughly
mastered a work that never ceases to excite the wonder of all — a work whereby metal
raised to an almost incredible degree of heat fuses at an instant touch, the process
enabling the individual to etTect repairs that could not have been accomplished before
this method was invented and perfected.
In 1910 Mr. Learning was married to Miss Albertine Poirire, of Yakima, and
they have three children: Frances, Ordia Rollins, Jr.. and Mabel. Mr. Leaming
has never been active in lodge or club circles but has always concentrated his efforts
and attention upon his business affairs and his home, and finds his greatest happiness
in promoting the welfare of his wife and children.
JOSEPH L. CLIFT.
Joseph L. Clift, cashier of the Yakima Trust Company, was born in Elkader,
Iowa, on the 3d of July, 1885, a son of Walter and Margaret Clift. The father was a
merchant of Iowa, who on the 2d of May, 1895, arrived in Yakima. He purchased
land in the Selah valley and has there engaged in farming to the present time.
Joseph L. Clift was a lad of about ten years when the family came to the Pacific
coast and in this section of the country he acquired a district school education and
afterward attended the North Yakima Business College. He did not desire to follow
the occupation of farming, to which he had been reared, his commercial training
qualifying him for other work. He secured a position in the Mabton Bank at
Mabton, Washington, and was advanced to assistant cashier. On the 10th of De-
cember, 1906, he became connected with the Yakima Trust Company as bookkeeper
and later was made its secretary, while subsequently he was elected cashier and is
now occupying that position.
, On the 22d of January, 1907, Mr. Clift was united in marriage to Miss Sada
Goldsberry, of Yakima, and they now have one son, Walter Forman. Fraternally
Mr. Clift is connected with the Knights of Pythias and he is a member of the local
chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution, of which he is serving as treasurer.
He also belongs to the Commercial Club and is deeply interested in every enter-
prise of that organization for the benefit and upbuilding of the community in which
he lives. His political allegiance is given to the republican party.
U. KIRBY LAIL.
Among the popular officials of Sunnyside and the Yakima valley is U. Kirby
r,ail, the efficient postmaster of his city. He was born in Cynthiana, Kentucky, Sep-
tember 9, 1860, of the marriage of George and Sarah (Gray) Lail, both natives of
the Blue Grass state and descendants of old southern families. Throughout his
active life the father followed agricultural pursuits with good success, so continu-
ing until his death. He is survived by his widow, who was born in 1828, and has now
reached the age of ninety years.
Under the careful guidance of his worthy parents U. Kirby Lail received his
first Icsons preparing him for life's serious duties. In the acquirement of his educa-
tion he attended public schools, rounding out his learning at a business college in
Lexington, Kentucky. He subsequently took up agricultural pursuits in that state,
follovvmg in the footsteps of his father, but in 1893 reinoved to Macedonia, Iowa,
where he conducted a general store for about nine years, or until 1902, when he came
to Washington, locating in Wenatchce, where for nine vears. or until 1911, he suc-
13c)
332 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
cessfully conducted a furniture business. In that year he came to Sunnyside and
gave his attention to ranching for about four years, at the end of which period he
became connected with the mercantile business of J. B. George. On the 19th of
February, 1916, Mr. Lail was appointed postmaster of Sunnyside, entering upon his
duties in July of that year. He has since ably administered the office, giving great
satisfaction to the public. He has introduced simplified systems in order to facili-
tate mail matters and does everything possible to render the best service obtainable.
On February 22, 1888, Mr. Lail was united in marriage to Miss Iva Roberts, a
native of Kentucky, and to them have been born three children: George, who is
married and is an electrical engineer, making his home in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania;
Louise, who is acting as assistant postmaster; and Lillian, a resident of Pullman,
Washington.
In his political views Mr. Lail is a democrat and has always taken an active
part in promoting the interests of this organiation, being quite prominent in local
politics. He is a member of the Sunnyside Commercial Club, ever ready to assist
in its projects, and fraternally he belongs to the Masons, being a member of the
blue lodge and chapter. His religious faith is that of the Presbyterian church. Mr.
Lail has a fine apple ranch in the Wenatche valley and is well known as a successful
agriculturist. All who know him speak of him in the highest terms and his genial,
pleasant ways have won him many friends who are as one in regard to their es-
timation of his high qualities of character.
EARL V. WYAXT.
Earl V. Wyant is the owner of a good farm property of forty-four acres near
Grandview, which he purchased in 1917. although he had previously owned land and
been identified with the agricultural interests of Yakima county. He was born in
Greenwood county, Kansas, February 26, 1873, a son of M. B. and Sarah W. Wyant,
who were pioneer settlers of the Sunflower state and were natives of Ohio. The
fa'her has devoted his entire life to farming but has now retired from business cares,
he and his wife still making their home in Kansas.
Earl V. Wyant supplemented his public school education by a course in a
business college and afterward took up the profession of teaching, which he followed
for several years, dividing his time between the work of the schoolroom and farm-
ing. He was the owner of several farms in Kansas but in 1900 sought the oppor-
tunities of the northwest. He visited Yakima county to look over the country but
did not at that time purchase land. In 1907 he returned to this state and bought a
farm near Seattle. In 1915 he became owner of a ranch west of Yakima, which
he sold in 1917, when he made investment in forty-four acres of land near Grand-
view, whereon he is now engaged in raising hay, corn and other products. He is
successfully managing his farming interests and annually harvests good crops.
On the 6th of May, 1896, Mr. Wyant was united in marriage to Miss L. Delle
Wood, a native of Kansas and a daughter of James and Mary Wood. They have
one child, Jesse W. In his political views Mr. Wyant has always been a republican
and while in Snohomish county served as deputy county assessor. His religious faith
and that of his wife is indicated by their membership in the Presbyterian church.
They are highly esteemed people of the community, winning the warm regard of
all with whom they have come in contact by reason of their many sterling traits
of character.
JOSEPH A. SNYDER.
Joseph A. Snyder, actively engaged in farming on a ranch of one hundred and
fifty-eight acres nine miles southwest of Yakima, was born in Harrison county, Ohio,
June 21, 1861, a son of John and Nancy Jane (Hutchinson) Snyder, who in 1864
removed from Ohio to St. Clair county, Missouri, where the father continued to re-
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 333
side until his death. The mother is now living in Pittsburg, Kansas, at the age
of eighty-one years.
Joseph A. Snyder acquired a public school education in Missouri while spend-
ing his youthful days upon his father's farm and through vacation periods he early
became familiar with the work of the fields. He was actively identified with agri-
cultural interests in his native state until 1909, when he removed to the northwest
with Seattle as his destination. In young manhood he had learned the carpenter's
trade, which he followed in connection with construction work for the Seattle Ex-
position. He also built a Joy Wheel, which he operated during the exposition, and
made considerable money on that venture. In 1910 he located in Yakima and became
a carpenter foreman in connection with the erection of the buildings for the State
Fair. Pleased with the northwest, its opportunities and prospects, he then rented
an eight hundred acre wheat ranch near Ellensburg and continued its cultivation
for eighteen months. He afterward rented the Mountain View ranch, near Naches
City, living thereon for three years, and in January, 1916, he purchased one hundred
and fifty-eight acres nine miles southwest of Yakima and has since devoted his
energies and attention to the cultivation and development of the place. He is now
engaged in raising wheat, alfalfa, corn and other diversified crops and he also con-
ducts a profitable dairy business, keeping graded cattle for this purpose.
On the 31st of December. 1885, Mr. Snyder was united in marriage to Miss
Virginia C. Bushong, of Virginia, a daughter of Samuel and Mary Bushong, who
removed from the Old Dominion to Grundy county, Missouri, during her girlhood
days. Mr. and Mrs. Snyder have never had any children of their own, but their
kindness and generosity have prompted them to rear six children: Walter and Min-
nie Redford, now of Spokane; William and Lettie Merritt, the latter the wife of
Andrew Dahl, a rancher; and two others, who are deceased.
Mr. Snyder is a member of the Woodmen of the World, also of the Loyal Order
of Moose and of the Grange. His political allegiance is given to the republican
party and while in Missouri he served for eight years as deputy sheriff but has never
sought or desired office in the northwest. He concentrates his energies, efforts and
attention upon his business affairs and has become the owner of an excellent farm
property, from which he is now deriving a substantial annual income.
JOHN SEVERYNS.
-Although one of the latest additions to Sunnyside's merchants, John Sevcryns
is already recognized as one of its most enterprising business men, being connected
with the hay and grain trade. He was born in Custer county, Nebraska, July 12
1885, and is a son of Joseph H. and Mary F. (Francois) Severyns, the former of
whom has passed away. Coming to Washington in 1900, Mrs. Severyns located in
Rattlesnake, where she acquired three sections of railroad land, to the cultivation
of which she has since devoted her attention.
The first fifteen years of his life John Sevcryns spent in his native state, there
receiving his primary education. In 1900 he removed with the family to Rattlesnake
and for five years assisted his mother in the cultivation of the large tract which she
had acquired from the railroad. He then removed to Prosser, and subsequently,
realizing the value of a better education, attended college at Pullman. There he also
lieid a position with a Mr. Fry, who was engaged in the feed business. He was then
elected county assessor of Benton county and served for four years, or two terms,
proving highly efiicient in the discliarge of his duties. The two subsequent years
he spent in the employ of the Union Pacific Railroad, at the end of which time he
again entered the employ of Mr. Fry. In April, 1918, he came to Sunnyside and
bought out the business of Rowland & Son and is now engaged in the hay, grain,
feed and fuel business. .Although he has been located in Sunnyside only a short time
he has already instituted a number of improvements in his business and in every way
tries to please tlie pulilic by carrying the highest class of goods and by selling at a
reasonable profit. He fully recognizes and practices the principles of good service
and honest prices.
334 HISTORY OF YAKIAIA X'ALLEY
On June 4, 1914. Mr. Scveryns was united in marriage to Miss Jessie M.- Shelby,
of Prosser, and both are prominent among the young people of the valley. In his
political views Mr. Scveryns is a republican and fraternally is quite prominent, be-
longing to the blue lodge of Masons, the Knights of Pythias and the Foresters.
Aside from his mercantile interests he owns valuable farm lands, from which he de-
rives a gratifying addition lo his income. He is an energetic, farsightcd young busi-
ness man of honoralilo principles and a splendid future may be predicted for his en-
terprise in Sunnysidc.
JL'DGE EDWARD B. PREBLE.
Jiuige Edward B. Preble, who for ten years was a judge of the superior court and
is now president of the Yakima County Bar Association, has long figured promi-
nently in connection with law practice in the northwest. The width of the con-
tinent separates him from his birthplace, for he was born in Portland, Maine, in
I8S8. a son of J. T. and Almira Preble. In the early '60s the family removed west-
ward to Minnesota, where the father followed the occupation of farming and also
served as county superintendent of schools in Hennepin county, where both he and
liis v.ifc continued to reside until called to their final rest.
Judge Preble acquired his education in Minnesota and was graduated from the
State University there. He also read law in that state under private instruction and
was admitted to the bar in 1883. In 1886 he removed to the west, making his way to
Roseburg. Oregon, where he continued in the active practice of law until 1895, when
he removed to Washington. In the following year he took up his aliode in Yakima
and has since engaged in active practice, and his ability has brought him promi-
nently to the front as an able representative of the legal fraternity here. His high
standing among his colleagues and contemporaries is indicated in the fact that he is
now serving as president of the Yakima County Bar Association. He was called
upon for iuilicial service and was judge of the superior court for about ten years,
retiriii- frnni tlic- bench in January, 1917. He has always been accorded a liberal
and ili^tiiu i!\ t.l.\ leprescntative clientage and has long ranked as one of the dis-
tinguished menihers of the bar of this section. He is the owner of fine farm lands,
which he has held throughout the period of his residence in the northwest. He now
owns a valuable fruit farm and he spends his summers upon his ranches.
In 1880 Judge Preble was united in marriage to Miss Mattie Lewis, of Monti-
cello, Minnesota, who was born in Arkansas. Of the children of this inarriage the
only one surviving is Nora, the wife of George Guilland. of New York city. The
wife and mother passed away and in 190.^ Judge Preble was again married, his second
union being with Xettic Haynes, of Spokane, Washington, and to them one child
was born, Bessie.
Fraternally Judge Preble is connected with the Benevolent Protective Order of
Elks. He is esteemed as a man of personal worth as well as of marked professional
aliilitv.
JOHN B. RAMERMAN.
John B. Ramerman, who now owns thirty-six acres of valuable land two miles
southeast of Zillah, of which twenty-five acres are in orchard, is one of those valu-
able citizens whom Holland has furnished to the United States. He was born in that
country. February 4. 1852, a son of William and Johanna (Meyerenberg) Ramerman,
both of whom passed away in their native land. Throughout his life tlic father was
successfully engaged as a merchant.
John B. Ramerman passed his boyhood and youth under the parental roof in
liis native country and there aco.uircd his education. He began his ind?pendent
career there but at the age of twenty-nine crossed the Atlantic in order to profit by
the chances presented here for a quicker rise. In 1881 he arrived in the United States
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 335
and at first located in CleAeland, Ohio, where he worked for others, but later estab-
lished himself in the coal business. He was thus engaged for about nineteen years
but in 1900 sold 'out and, having heard favorable reports in regard to the oppor-
tunities for horticulture in the Yakima valley, he made his way to Yakima county
and at first rented eighty acres three miles northwest of Granger. Two years later
he acquired title to thirty-six acres two miles southeast of Zillah and this he now
has in a high state of cultivation. He has made many improvements and instituted
modern equipment and, moreover, has erected a handsome farm residence. Twenty-
live acres are devoted lo orchard, principally apples, but he also raises a few pears,
while the remainder of the tract is under the plow. Since taking up horticulture Mr.
Ramerman h.TS closely studied the latest mbethods along that line, and profiting by
his own experience and that of others, he has succeeded in developing a property
from which lie now deri\es a \ ery gratifying income. He has raised corn sixteen
feet high and his picture takoi in his corn field was exhibited at many local fairs
and also at the World's I'air.
In Xovember. 1879. Mr. Ramerman was united in marriage to Miss Albertine
Bos, also a native of Holland, and tn this union have been born the following named:
William, who is a rancher near his fatlier's place and is married and has two chil-
dren; Harry, who is also engaged in ranching in the vicinity and is married and has
six children: John, who fills the position of principal of schools in Iowa; George,
who fills a similar position at Lyndcn, Washington, and has a wife and one cliild:
and Jerry, who is also married and is farming his father's place.
Mr. Ramerman and his family are highly respected by all wlio know them. He
has ever been deeply interested in religious matters and assisted in building the
Christian Reformed church, of which he is a devoted member. In politics he is a
republican but outside of performing his duties at the ballot box has had no connec-
tion with public life altliough he is helpfully interested in all movements undertaken
for the development of the district in which he resides. He is a loyal American citi-
zen who has made .\merican ideals his own and has become a valuable resident of
this countrv.
WESLEY E. GAXO.
Wesley E. Gano, who is engaged in general farming, was born in Hardin county,
Ohio, August 25, 1881, a son of James H. Gano, mentioned elsewhere in this work in
connection with the sketch of Ira J. Gano. Wesley E. Gano obtained a public school
education in Yakima county, having removed with liis father to the northwest in
1892. His youthful days were spent in the usual manner <it the farmbred boy, his
time being divided between the acquirement of a public school education, the pleas-
ures of the playground and such duties as were assigned him by parental authority,
.^fter his textbooks were put aside he and his brother, Ira J. Gano. engaged in farm-
ing together until 1904. when Wesley E. Gano established a livery liarn at Yakima.
He was joined by his brother and father in the next year and they conducted the
business in that way until 1908, when it was sold. They then purchased eighty acres
of land on the Moxee and there resided for two years, after which they disposed of
that property. Wesley E. Gano bought twenty acres of land independently and con-
tinued its cultivation for a year, when he disposed of it. His next purchase made
him owner of sixty-two acres nine miles southwest of Yakima, of which he sold
twenty-four acres in 1917. He now has thirty-eight acres of land, devoted to diver-
sified farming, and he also rents forty acres on the Yakima Indian reservation. He
is likewise one of the directors and stockholders of the .Ahtanum Cooperative Store,
is a director of the Ahtanum Irrigation District, which he helped to organize, and
otherwise is prominently connected with the commercial and business development
of this section of the state.
On the 15th of November, 1905, Mr. Gano was united in marriage to Miss Minnie
R. Patterson, of Fresno, California, a daughter of W. S. and Sarah (Hope) Patter-
son. Mr. and ,Mrs. Gano now have two children: Leroy William and Jay Harrison.
Fraternally Mr. Gano is connected wnth the Knights of Pythias. His political
336 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
allegiance is given to the republican party and he has served as special deputy
sheriff for several years past and has been in charge of the policing of the fair
grounds for the past three years, having twenty or more men, who report to him
during the State Fair. He belongs to the Ahtanum Grange and also to the Knights
of Pythias. He has been road foreman for the past three years and is interested in
everything that pertains to the welfare and progress of the community in which
he makes his home, and his cooperation can always be counted upon to further any
plan or measure for the general good.
GEORGE E. DESMARAIS.
George E. Desmarais is the owner of an excellent farm property of one hun-
dred and twenty acres not far from Moxee City. This he has brought under a
high state of cultivation, transforming it into very productive fields. His business
interests are thereby successfully conducted and he is meeting with well deserved
prosperity in what he undertakes. He was born in Quebec, Canada, September 14,
1880, a son of Israel and Sophia Desmarais, who in 1882 removed from Canada to
Crookston, Minnesota. They are mentioned at length on another page of this work
in connection with the sketch of Louis Desmarais, a brother of the subject of this
review.
George E. Desmarais attended school in Minnesota and in 1900. when twenty
years of age, made his way to the northwest. Arriving in Yakima county, he pur-
chased thirteen acres of wild land on the Moxee that was covered with sagebrush.
No plow had ever turned a furrow upon this tract and it required much arduous
labor to transform the hitherto undeveloped district into the rich fields seen today.
Mr. Desmarais worked on energetically and persistently, however, and as his finan-
cial resources increased he kept adding to his original holdings until he now has one
hundred and twenty acres of valuable and productive farm land, all of which is under
cultivation. He is engaged extensively in raising hay, corn, grain, beets, potatoes
and hops. He built a home upon his place and has added many modern improve-
ments which make this one of the attractive farm properties of the district.
On the 29th of February, 1905, Mr. Desmarais was married to Miss Amabiles
Crevier, who was born in Canada, where they were married. Their children were:
Cecelia; Euclid, deceased; Alice; Florence; Robert; Leon; Corina; one who died in
infancy; George; and another child who passed away in infancy.
The family are all members of the Holy Rosary Catholic church. In politics
Mr. Desmarais maintains an independent course, voting for men and measures rather
than for party. He belongs to the Knights of Columbus and also to the Modern
Woodmen of America. He is interested in public progress along all lines leading to
the benefit of the community at large and he has served as a director of the drainage
district. His business affairs have been most carefully and successfully conducted
and he is today one of the most prosperous farmers of his part of the state. A fine
orchard upon his home place proves the value of the region for fruit raising and he
now has extensive crops of grain and vegetables where was found wild sagebrush
land at the time of his arrival in the state.
JOH'X ALDERSOX.
The fine home formerly occupied by John Alderson, now deceased, stands in the
midst of the oldest ranch in that part of the Yakima valley. In the development and
improvement of the property he displayed keen sagacity and persistency of purpose
that brought rich results. Mr. Alderson was born in England, December 27, 1836,
a son of Mr. and Mrs. John Alderson, the latter's maiden name being Walker. He
had a public school education and after his textbooks were put aside began learning
the butchering business, which he followed in his native country until 1864. The
stories that reached him concerning the opportunities of the new world led him to
JOHN ALDERSON
MES. ELIZABETH ALDERSON
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 341
the determination to try his fortune on the west side of the Atlantic and he made
his way to the United States, settling at Clinton, Pennsylvania, where he resided for
several years. He aferward removed to Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, establishing
his home in Wilkes-Barre. where he remained until 1888, when he came to the north-
west. He purchased eighty acres of land in Fruitvale, Yakima county, the greater
part of which was still wild and undeveloped, being covered with the native sage-
brush and giving little indication that it could be converted into rich and productive
orchard land. He afterward sold a part of the place, which now comprises forty
acres within its borders. He planted most of this to fruit and developed what is today
the oldest ranch in this part of the valley. Upon the place he built a fine home and
added other modern improvements which were indicative of the progressive spirit
by which he was ruled.
On the 12th of October, 1860, Mr. Alderson was united in marriage to Miss
Elizabeth Martin, who was born near Carlisle, in Northumberland, England, May
31, 1840. a daughter of John and Mary (Parker) Martin, representatives of old Eng-
lish families. To Mr. and Mrs. Alderson were born nine children: Jennie, the wife of
T. J. Moore, a resident of Harwood, Washington; John T., who served in the Span-
ish-American war as a lieutenant and died soon afterward: William Henry, who has
passed away; Elizabeth, at home; Zippie, also at home; Samuel E., who is with the
Pacific Power & Light Company of Yakima and is married and has four children,
three sons and a daughter; Lilly Anna, deceased; Emily A., who was killed while
riding a horse when fourteen years of age; and Adelia May, the wife of J. W. Free-
man, of Yakima, by whom she has four children.
The family circle was again broken by the hand of death when on the 10th of
May, 1916, Mr. Alderson passed away when in the eightieth year of his age. His
political allegiance had long been given to the republican party; in fact he became
one of its stalwart champions on taking out his naturalization papers. He held mem-
bership in the Methodist chur.ch as do all of the family. Its teachings guided him
in all of the relations of life and his was an honorable and upright career that com-
mended him to the confidence and goodwill of all with whom he came in contact.
ANDREW BROWN.
Andrew Brown, an attorney-at-law of Prosser, is one of the citizens whom Iowa
has furnished to the state of Washington. He has largely contributed toward the
development of Benton county and Prosser. in which city he has practiced for about
fourteen years. He was born in Scott county, Iowa, December 11, 1872, a son of
George and Ellen (McKimn) Brown, both of whom were born across the water, the
former being a native of Ireland, while the latter was born in Scotland. The father
came to the United States at the age of nineteen and his wife was about seventeen
years. He first located in Delaware, whence he removed to Pennsylvania, and in that
state they were married. In the '50s the young couple set out for Scott county. Iowa,
and there George Brown became one of the pioneer agriculturists and continued
along that line until his death. His wife has also passed away, both being laid to
rest in Iowa.
Andrew Brown received his education in the public schools of his native county
and later entered the state College of Iowa, from which he was graduated with the
class of 1897, receiving the degree of B. S. Having decided upon the law as a career
suitable to his tastes and ability, he read with J. A. Hanley, of Davenport. Iowa, and
also taught school for about ten years in all. He was a teacher in the Davenport
Business College, taught in country schools, and for three years he was principal of
the Princeton, (Iowa), schools. In October, 1904, he was admitted to the bar in
Washington, but had been previously practicing in his native state. The year 1903
marked his advent into this state and he first located at Davenport, Washington,
whence he came to Prosser on the 5th of March. 1905, and here he has ever since
remained. He is well known as an earnest, ardent and able advocate, well versed
in the law and gifted with an eloquence which is eflfective before judge and jury.
Many important cases have been given into his care and he has never in the slight-
342 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
est degree betrayed any trust reposed in him. His clientage is now large and rep-
resentative and he enjoys the general confidence of all who have had business deal-
ings with him. He ever holds to the highest standards of professional ethics.
On the 8th of February, 1905, Mr. Brown was united in marriage to Miss Edith
H. Marcussen, of Davenport, Iowa, and they have a daughter, Nadine Dorothy. In
his political views Mr. Brown is a republican and he has taken a warm interest in
the campaigns of Theodore Roosevelt, having been state committeeman on the pro-
gressive ticket during the 1912 campaign and as such e.xerted much of his power and
influence for that party. He served as superior court conimis>ioner of Benton county
for six years, discharging his duties with ability, fidelity and circumspection, and has
served as precinct and county committeeman. Fraternally he is a member of the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias and the Fraternal Order
of Eagles. Mr. Brown is a man of high purpose who has ever at heart the public
welfare and is ever ready to give of his effort and service in order to bring about
improvements in moral, intellectual and material ways.
.\AROX B. HICKEXBOTTOM.
Many have been the hardships that have beset the career of Aaron B. Hicken-
l>ottom but despite many discouragements he has succeeded and is today numbered
among the prosperous orchardists of the Zillah district. When he became a resident
of this locality there was practically no other family here and he is therefore num-
liered among the honored pioneers. He was born in Bledsoe county, Tennessee,
January 2S, 1860, a son of Wesley and Millie (Perry) Hickenbottom, both natives of
Tennessee. The father was a son of .\aron Hickenbottom, also a Tennessean and of
an old southern family. Wesley Hickenbottom devoted his life to agricultural pur-
suits and both he and his wife passed away in their native state.
Aaron B. Hickenbottom received a meager education in the public schools, as
his fatlier died when he was but eleven years of age and his mother soon afterward,
and subsequently was reared in a family with which he remained until he was twen-
ty-one years of age. For one and a half years he worked on the railroad and subse-
quently was a farm hand until 1883, when he made his way to Texas, which state
remained his home for about three years. Thence he proceeded to California, where
be spent six months and then went to Tacoma, Washington, near which city he was
located for about five years. In the fall of 1891 Mr. Hickenbottom bought twenty
acres of land in the Yakima valley, one and three-quarter miles northwest of Zillah.
the tract being then covered with sagebrush and in an entirely undeveloped state.
Little did the first settlers dream in those early days of the great possibilities that
were presented here for fruit raising if only water could be lirought to the land.
Mr. Hickenbottom made the second contract to buy land in this neighborhood. -\t
one time he had an additional ten acres, which he bought later, but he subsequentU-
sold this to his son. He brought his family here in 1802 and many were the hard-
ships and privations which they endured in tliose early days. He had to carry water
from the river as he did not have a team with wliicli to haul it. After he had made
.T payment on the ranch he had no money left and those first years were therefore
difficult for the family. In order to get his first fruit trees he traded a pig, at four
cents a pound for the dressed pork, and hauled it twenty miles to Yakima to exchange
it for a few trees. He is truly a self-made man. Today he has seven acres in
orchard, while the remainder of the farm is devoted to the raising of hay and under
the plow. He has built a good home and suitalile barns and has made many other im-
provements and installed new equipment, so that his property today is considered
one of the most valuable in the neighborhood.
On January 27, 1892, Mr. Hickenbottom was united in marriage to Miss Nellie
.Adams, a native of Xova Scotia and a daughter of A. F. and Esther Adams, who
became residents of Puyallup, Washington, but lioth have now passed away. To this
imion were born six children: Fred W., who is married and is ranching near his
father's place; and Bernice, Frank H., Walter E., Elmer Adams and Ellen Louise,
all yet at home.
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 343
Mr. and Mrs. Hickenbottom are widely known anl have many friends in this
district. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in the work of
which they are deeply and helpfully interested, and fraternally Mr. Hickenbottom is
a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen of America. He
has ever been interested in development and growth along material as well as in-
tellectual and educational lines and is serving as director of the irrigation district
and has also been a member of the school board, while for three years he served on
the board of the Water Users .Association. It thus is evident that he has taken a
conspicuous part in the advancement of his district, having proven through his activi-
ties a public-spirited and helpful citizen who not only has given thought and effort
to the upbuilding of his own fortunes but is equally interested in the growth and
welfare of his community, county and state.
ARTHUR W. COFFIN.
Artlnir W. Coilin is a member of the firm of Coffin Brothers, Incorporated, own-
ing and controlling various important business interests in Washington. He makes
his home at Yakima and from that point superintends his important invested inter-
ests. He was born in Stockton, California, in the later part of the '.^Os, a son of
Captain Laban and Sarah Brown (Lyon) Coffin. His father was captain of The
I'ljiing Cloud, which sailed from Boston l)y way of California to China. He first
\isited California in 1848. His wife was a sister of the Doctor Lyon who put upon
the market the famous tooth powder. Her father, Lemuel Lyon, was captain of a
trading vessel which sailed between Boston and San Francisco and he also located
at Stockton, California, about 1848. The Coffin family was established on Nantucket
Island, not for from Boston, in early colonial days and representatives of the name
founded the Coffin school, which is still in existence. The father of Mr. Coffin of
this review was for many years a ship captain, sailing from California after his re-
moval from Massacliusetts, while about 1854 he went to Hongkong, China, where
he engaged in the ship chandlery business. Later he brought the first troup of
Chinese jugglers to the L'nited States and displayed them all over the country, play-
ing at the same theatres as Jennie Lind many times. In 1861 he and his father-in-
law removed to Dallas, Oregon, where they opened a store. Their establishment
was flooded during the high waters of 1862, when the waters overflowed the whole
\alley. In 1863 they removed to The Dalles, Oregon, where they resided for many
years. In the early '70s Mr. L}'on was appointed as consul to Yokohama, Japan, and
Mr. Cotifin accompanied him as vice consul, while his son, .'^irthur W. Cofiin of this
review, acted as assistant postmaster of the .American legation in Japan. They re-
mained in that country for eighteen months, Mr. Lyon passing away in Japan, after
which Captain Laban and .\rthur W. Cotlin returned to Oregon. Subsequently Cap-
tain Coffin was appointed receiver of the land office at The Dalles and at a later
period he became a resident of Portland, Oregon, wdterc both he and his wife passed
away.
.Arthur W. Coffin largely acquired his education in the inililie schools of Ciregon
and upon the return of the family from Japan lu entered the eni]iloy of Mcb'arland
& French, merchants at The Dalles, with whom he remained for ten years. Later Ue
opened a store in Arlington, Oregon, which he conducted for ten years, and in
1894 he Ifecanie a resident of North Yakima, where he established a general mer-
chandise store under the firm style of .Arthur Coffin & Brothers. Later this became
Coffin Brothers, Lester and Stanley Coffin being admitted to a partnership. The
genera! store was closed about 1908 and the A'akima (irncery (onipany was organ-
ized. The firm of Coffin Brothers was als.. incorporated alimit 18')? and under that
title they are now extensively engaged in tlie sheeii. cattle and land Inisiness. They
have a fifty thousand acre tract of land operated under the name of the Coffin-Bab-
cock Land & Live Stock Company and they also have large holdings in Idaho and
elsewhere. They are extensively engaged in the raising of stock, having for sale
over twenty thousand head of range sheep and two thousand cattle on tlieir fifty
thousand acres of fenced land near W'enatchee, Washington. Tlie.\- make a specialty
344 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
of handling the Lincoln and Roniney breeds of sheep, imported from New Zealand,
and they also handle full-blooded Hereford cattle. They deal in town sites, lands,
city property, sheep wool, in produce, horses, cattle, grain, loans and investments
and have stores and warehouses at various points in the states of Washington and
Idaho. The Yakima Grocery Company is owned by the Coffin Brothers, and the
business conducted under the name of the Coffin-Rundstrom Furniture Company
is also controlled by Coffin Brothers. The Coffin Brothers likewise own the Dean
Clothing Company, a large retail clothing concern of Yakima. They have also
owned a large interest in the Yakima Valley Bank and were among its organizers.
They were likewise among the organizers of the street railway company. As a
young man Arthur W. Coffin aided in surveying the Yakima Indian reservation into
forty-acre tracts. His business interests have constantly increased and developed
and he has reached a position among the capitalists of the state. A man of deter-
mined purpose, he carries forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes.
In his vocabulary there is no such word as fail. He works persistently and ener-
getically, accomplishing his purposes by honorable, straightforward methods and
through intense business activity, and the firm of Coffin Brothers has become a
powerful one in trade circles in Washington.
JOHN B. SCHWAEGLER.
John B. Schwaegler is numbered among the prominent and successful apple
growers of the northwest — a district whose fruit .equals if not surpasses any that is
raised in the entire country. Mr. Schwaegler was born in Buffalo, New York, Sep-
tember 7, 1865, a son of Joseph and Josephine (Petrie) Schwaegler. The father emi-
grated from Wurtemberg, Germany, to Buffalo, New York, in 1854 and there engaged
in the butchering business for a considerable period, both he and his wife passing
away in that city.
John B. Schwaegler acquired a parochial school education and started out in
the business world as clerk in a dry goods store. In 1892 he turned his attention to
manufacturing in Buffalo, establishing a factory for the manufacture of shirtwaists
and other ladies' wearing apparel. This business he conducted successfully for thir-
teen 3cars and on the expiration of that period crossed the continent to Los Angeles,
California, establishing business on Seventh and Broadway in that city under the
name of El Emporio, representing an investment of over two million dollars. Mr.
Schwaegler was president of the company and its largest stockholder. The company
erected a building but did not open their store there. Eventually Mr. Schwaegler
sold his business in Los Angeles and made a trip over continental Europe. He then
again came to the new world, making his way to Canada and then traveling in the
United States, spending four years in travel over the North -American continent
for pleasure. In 1910 he came to the Yakima valley and purchased eighty acres of
land in the Selah valley and one hundred and sixty acres on the Yakima Indian
reservation. He also leased six hundred and eighty acres of land 6n the Wenas,
which he planted to wheat and grain, continuing its cultivation for two years. In
1916 he disposed of his reservation ranch but still owned the eighty acre tract, which
is planted to fruit, being the largest orchard in the Selah valley. He raised pears,
apples and peaches and had one twenty-acre orchard in which the trees are eighteen
years old. These produce from eighteen to sixty-six boxes of apples per tree, each year,
with one hundred and eight trees to the acre. In 1919 he sold his ranch for one hun-
dred thousand dollars, having purchased- the same in 1910 for forty-five thousand
dollars. From this place he had received handsome returns on an investment of
one hundred thousand dollars, as he took from it twenty-eight thousand dollars in
fruit. He owns the Oleta apartments at No. 1816 Bellevue avenue, Seattle, which is
modern and up-to-date in every respect and is located in one of the best residence
districts of the city. It contains thirty-two apartments.
Mr. Schwaegler has a son, Lester, who is married and who engages in orchard-
ing with his father. The latter belongs to St. Joseph's Catholic church and also to
the Knights of Columbus, while in politics he maintains an independent course.
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 345
Starting out in the business world in the humble capacity of clerk in a dry goods
store, he became one of the prominent figures in commercial circles on the Pacific
coast. All this has been accomplished through individual efifort and his life record
should serve to inspire and encourage others, showing what it is possible to attain
when there is a will to dare and to do.
JOHN WILEY.
John Wiley, who is engaged in ranching near Wiley City, was born in Wabasha
county, Minnesota, November 11, 1866, a son of Hugh Wiley, mentioned elsewhere
in this work. He acquired a public school education and spent his youthful days
under the parental roof, remaining with his father until the latter's death. In 1884,
when a youth of eighteen years, he began working for wages and in 1892 he pur-
chased twenty acres of land on the Ahtanum, upon which he liuilt a house and barns.
He has since devoted his attention to the further development and improvement of
this property and he now devotes his land to the raising of hay, potatoes, grain and
other crops. He has brought the land under a high state of cultivation and has a
well improved property that is indicative of his careful supervision and progressive
methods.
On the 16th of March, 1903, Mr. Wiley was united in marriage to Miss Lavina
C. Sherman, who was born in Washington, a daughter of Arthur and Mary Sherman,
who were pioneer settlers of this state. Mr. and Mrs. Wiley have become parents
of five children: Mary Constance, John Arthur, Annie Irene, Helen Isabelle and
Jean Margaret.
The religious faith of the parents is that of the Congregational church and in his
political views Mr. Wiley is a republican. His study of the questions and issues of
the day has led him to give earnest support to the party. At the same time he is
interested in the material and moral progress of the community as well as its po-
litical advancement and as a pioneer farmer he contributed in no small measure to
the early development of the region in which he lived. He has resided in this state
from early days and is familiar with every phase of the development and upbuilding
of the district in which he makes his home.
GEORGE B. DASH.
George B. Dash, who is cultivating eighty acres of land on Naches Heights, was
born in Lodi, Wisconsin, February 14, 1872, a son of George S. and Mary A. (Black-
man) Dash. The father was born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and the mother is
also a native of that state, but they liecame pioneer residents of Wisconsin. The
father was a railroad man, devoting his entire life to that service. He has now
passed away, but the mother is still living and makes her home in Toronto, Canada.
George B. Dash acquired a public school education in Wisconsin and he, too,
turned to railroad work. He became a telegraph operator on the Chicago & North-
western and was thus employed for several years at Baraboo, Wisconsin. He after-
ward turned his attention to the tobacco business there and was active along that
line for several years. On the 6th of .\pril, 1908, he arrived in Yakima county, Wash-
ington, and rented land on the Selah, where he lived for a year. He subsequently
rented land on Naches Heights for one summer and later cultivated a rented farm
on the Yakima Indian reservation for a year, .\fterward he again rented on Naches
Heights for two years and at the end of that time, having carefully saved his earn-
ings until his industry and economy had brouglit him sufficient capital, he purchased
twenty acres of land . on Naches Heights. He has since added thirty acres to his
holdings and now owns fifty acres. In addition he also cultivates sixty acres of
rented land and he has twelve acres of his place in orchards. He was one of the
early settlers and is numbered among the leading citizens of that district and has
done much to further its development and improvement.
346 HISTORY OF YAKIMA \'ALLEY
On the 21st of January, 1905. Mr. Dash was married to Miss Clara Burdick. a
daughter of Stephen and Sarah (Roberts) Burdick, of Wisconsin. Her father was a
farmer and railroad man of that state but is now deceased. The mother survives and
makes her home with Mr. and Mrs. Dash in Yakima county. Mr. Burdick was an
influential citizen of his community in Wisconsin, contributed much to its pioneer
development and improvement and served as sheriff of Sauk county. To Mr. and
Mrs. Dash have been born three children: Theresa, Dorothy and George. Jr.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Dash are supporters of the repiiljlican party and the latter is
serving as clerk of the school board. Fraternally Mr. Dash is identified with the
Elks Lodge No. 688 of Baraboo, Wisconsin. He is a trustee of the Commercial
.'\ssociation of Xaches Heights and has been most actively and helpfully interested
in all that has pertained to the welfare and progress of the community. His was
the third residence on Xaches Heights. The first schoolhouse of the district was a
little shack on the Strause farm, built in 1911, and Grace Currey was the first teacher.
Mr. Dash has always been a stalwart champion of education and has been most
active in promoting the good roads movement, in installing telephones and bring-
ing into the district all modern improvements which lead to the substantial develop-
ment of tlie community along progressive lines.
THOMAS L. GAMBLE.
The life record of Thomas L. Gamble, now deceased, is inseparably interwoven
with the history of Cle Elum. He was the original owner of the land upon which
the town stands and he contributed much to the development of the municipality,
while in public office he loyally, capably and faithfully managed public interests. He
also figured prominently in the business life of the community and for a time was
associated with its banking interests. With notable prescience he discerned some-
thing of what the future held in store for this great and growing section of the
country and, acting in accordance with the dictates of his faith and judgment, he
lived to see the wonderful development of the region and to enjoy the fruits of his
keen sagacity and business enterprise.
Mr. Gamble was born in Washington county Pennsylvania. March 27, 1827, a
g son of William and Mary (Sherrard) Gamble. The father was born in Dublin, Ire-
land, in 1774 and came to the L'nited States in 1795, when a young man of twenty-
one years, settling in .Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, where he passed away July
13, 1865. In 1813 he was sent by Colonel Craig of the L'nited States army, stationed
at Pittsburgh, with ten thousand dollars to pay soldiers in the west who were about
to mutiny because they had not been paid. He made the journey alone, being guided
by friendly Indians. His wife was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, in
1797 and departed this life on the 21st of February, 1870. Mr. and Mrs. Gamble ,
were farming people of Washington county, Pennsylvania, for many years and were
numbered among the highly respected residents of that locality.
Thomas L. Gamble attended the subscription school near his father's home
during the three tnpnths of winter but in the summer seasons worked upon the home
farm and at the death of his parents took charge of the farm, which he continued to
successfully cultivate until 1878. He then disposed of his interests in Pennsylvania
and came to the west, where he arrived with but little money, possessing, however,
industry, enterprise and determination. He took up his abode at Cle Elum, Wash-
ington, on the I3th of April, 1883, and was the first settler in the township. He
secured government land, entering a homestead claim. Roslyn had not been started
at that time. Through correspondence Mr. Gamble induced Walter Reed, a former
Pennsylvania acquaintance, to come to the northwest and take up another home-
stead. ' On the 27th of May, 1888. Mr. Reed filed the plat of the town site of Cle Elum
and a few weeks later Mr. Gamble filed his plat of Hazelwood. The latter laid out
one hundred acres at first, but later thirty acres was withdrawn from the town site
tor the use of the coal company's outside works. At a subsequent date, however,
Mr. Gamble made several additions to the town, and as soon as twelve families were
located in the district, he and Mr. Reed organized a school district, of which Mr.
THOMAS L. GAMBLE
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 349
Ijamble aeted as the first clerk. In 1894 Mr. Gamble discovered coal on his farm
and leased his land for mining purposes to the Northwestern Improvement Com-
panj- on a royalty basis. Large mines have since been developed which have paid a
very substantial royalty to Mr. Gamble and his estate, placing the family in affluent
circumstances.
It was on the 11th of July. 1905, that Mr. Gamble was united in marriage to
Mrs. Margaret, J. (Harbison) Lytle, who was born in .\lleghen3" county, Pennsyl-
vania, a daughter of Mathew and Jane (McCormick) Harbison, both of whom have
passed away., Mrs. Gamble, however, survives and is a highly esteemed resident of
Cle Elum. She is a member of the Presbyterian church and a lady of many e.xccUent
traits of heart and mind.
Aside from his other business interests Mr. Gamble was vice-president of the
State Bank of Cle Elum for many years, continuing in the position to the time of
his death, which occurred Xovember 25, 1907. He was frequently called upon to
serve in positions of public honor and trust. In 1889 he was elected county com-
missioner and he served as road supervisor and continuously as school clerk until
1897. In February, 1902, he was elected mayor of Cle Elum and during his admin-
istration established the water works and sewerage system of the town. He served
as United States commissioner for four years and was also justice of the peace for
many years. His political endorsement was given to the republican party and he
always kept well informed on the i|iustion anil issues of the day. He was an up-
right citizen, loyal to ever\ trust rci"iseil in him. was a straightforward business man
and one whose many sterliiiu traits of character gained for him the respect and con-
fidence of all with whom In was associated. As one of the earliest of the pioneers
of the west he contril)utc(l in maikcd measure to the development of the district in
which he lived and in- kft the Impress of his individuality in immistakable manner
upon the work of advancement and im]jrovement.
CARL AUGUST SAXDER.
In the passing of Carl .\ugust Sander in February, 1910, the Yakima vallej- lost
one of its most honored pioneers. Not only along agricultural lines but also in the
line of flour milling Mr. Sander was connected with the early history of this section
and other sections of the west and his activities therefore contributed in large meas-
ure toward the upbuilding of the country on the Pacific slope. During a long life,
covering practically eighty-four j'ears, Mr, Sander ever exerted his ability to good
purpose and as the years passed became one of the prosperous residents of Kittitas
county, owning at the time of his death about fourteen hundred acres near Ellensburg.
His widow, Mrs. Olive Sander, is a native of Salem, Oregon, and therefore a trife
daughter of the west, her parents having settled in that state in the early 'SOs, being
among those hard)' pioneers who at that time made the hazardous and danger-
fraught overland trip.
.■\ native of Germany, Carl A. Sander was born in Berlin, March 12, 1820, and
there he received his education, fitting himself for life's arduous duties. The year
1848, which brought to Germany and other countries great political upheavels leading
to a number of revolutions which were undertaken in order to gain for the people
freedom from autocratic rule and secure for them parliamentary representation, also
affected the fate of Mr. Sander, who as the success of the revolution was largely un-
satisfactory, decided to seek that land of freedom of which he had heard so much—
.\nierica. He was therefore numbered among the famous '48ers, many of whom
achieved such notable success along various lines under the Stars and Stripes. .A.t
that time he was twenty-two years of age, and. filled with high ideals, enjoying good
health and willing to work, he hopefully set sail for the United States and it is grati-
fying to record that his hopes were fulfilled and that his labors resulted in a sub-
stantial degree of financial independence. The first two years in this country he
spent in Florida, w^hence he removed to California, in which state he resided for an
equal i)criod. The spirit to seek out new fields, however, was still with him and
lieforc settling down he decided to investigate and visit other sections of the con-
330 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
tinent, at that time going up to Canada and from there to Alaska, where for one
year he wooed the fickle goodess of fortune in the pursuit of mining. From the
nortli he returned to Vancouver and thence removed to The Dalles, Oregon, where
for two or three years he was engaged in operating an old flour mill. It was in 1S65
that ,he came to the Yakima valley, where he continued operations as a miller, run-
ning the old Barker mill near Yakima City, of which place he was accounted one of
the earliest settlers. He thus acquired the means with which to become an indepen-
dent farmer and about 1871 he took up a homestead in the Kittitas valley and also a
preemption claim. He did not at once begin the cultivation of his land but located
upon it about ten years later, in April, 1881, the year and month of his marriage. The
land adjoins Ellensburg and the advantages of the town are therefore within his
reach. Taking up one of the very first ranches in the valley, Mr. Sander devoted the
remainder of his life to bringing it under cultivation and placing thereon modern im-
provements. He always followed the latest methods of farming in the management
of his property and as the years passed he prospered, becoming one of the foremost
agriculturists of his section. In 1882 he also established a flour mill there and this he
operated quite successfully until 1890, when it was destroyed by fire. As his finan-
cial resources increased he added to his holdings until he became the owner of a
fourteen-hundred acre ranch, which at the time of his death was one of the finest in
the state. Upon the place stands the beautiful farm home, the original dwelling
having been built in 1886, but it has since been rebuilt, and everything about the
property indicates the foresight and perseverance of its owner, who here found those
opportunities which many years before he had hoped to enjoy when he took fate in
his own hands and came to this country as a young man of twenty-two.
On April 6, 188J, Mr. Sander was united in marriage to Miss Olive Cleman, a
native of Salem, Oregon, and a daughter of Charles August and Rebecca (Griffith)
Clemen, both of whom removed from Missouri to Oregon in the early '50s, making
their way by the overland trail and becoming pioneers of that state. To this union
were born four children: Frederick, a successful cattleman at Lowgap, Washington,
is married and has one child; Anna married Warren Hentin of Seattle; Clara Edith is
the wife of Dr. R. R. Pincard. by whom she has two children; Mabel is the wife of
R. L. Rutter. Jr., by whom she has two children.
Mr. Sander passed away February 16, 1910, his demise at the venerable age of
eighty-four years occasioning deep regret among his many friends in the Yakima
valley. The large farm property is now ably managed by his widow, who has proven
herself thoroughly conversant with farming methods and is generally conceded to
be one of the best business women of her section. Her parents were also among
the early pioneers of Yakima county, whither they came in 1864. They homesteaded
in the fall of that year on the \\'cnas, where David Longmire now lives. Subse-
quently they removed into the Kittitas valley about 1878 and there the father acquired
land upon which he and his family continued to make their home, and there both
he and his wife passed away. He not only followed general farming but also gave a
great deal of attention to stock raising. He and his wife were among .those who
early planted the seeds of civilization in a wilderness which has since become one
of the most prosperous sections of the state.
In his religious affiliations Mr. Sander was a Lutheran, to which denomination
he was very devoted. His political persuasion was that of the republican party,
whose candidates he ever supported and in the principles of which he thoroughly
believed. Although always in accord with movements undertaken for the upbuilding
of his section, he never entered politics in order to obtain public office for himself,
preferring to do his duty as an American citizen in a private capacity. Through his
indefatigable energy he succeeded in building up a farm property which is today one
of the "show places" of Washington and without challenge admitted to be the finest
in Kittitas county. The grounds surrounding the handsome residence are beautified,
while the barns and outbuildings as well as all the farm machinery are modern and
up-to-date, thus insuring the best possible results. Mrs. Sander as owner and man-
ager of this large estate, stands high in the estimation of her fellow citizens, who
admire her as a woman of more than ordinary ability in carrying forward the work
which for so many years was so successfully pursued by her late husband. While
Mr. Sander's death occurred eight years ago, his memory is still revered by all those-
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 351
to whom he was friend and who esteemed him as an upright, straightforward and
loyal American who was ever ready to lend a helping hand to those who had to over-
come hardships and difficulties. Many times he succeeded in instilling new hope into
the discouraged and also helped them with financial aid. He was a keen observer
of business conditions and was therefore enabled to dispose of his crops to the best
advantage. To his family he was a loving husband and father, ever ready to make
the greatest sacrifices in order to surround them with care and comfort.
JOHN DILLON.
Jolm Dillon is still actively interested in orcharding although he has now passed
eight points beyond the Psalmist's allotted span of three score years and ten. His
birth occurred near Boston, Massachusetts, June 2, 1840, his parents being James and
Ellen (Going) Dillon. The family home was established in Kansas in 1872 and in
1875 John Dillon of this review removed to Nevada. He later returned to Kansas,
where he resided until 1888 and then became a resident of Klickitat county, Wash-
ington, where he devoted his attention and energies to ranching for eight years.
In 1896 he came to Yakima county and purchased five acres of land two miles south
of the Yakima depot. This he planted to apples and pears. He also built a home
upon the place and has since given his attention to the care of his fruit trees and the
improvement of his orchard.
On the 16th of February, 1874, Mr. Dillon was united in marriage to Miss Julia
-Anna Walling, who was born in Fillmore coimty, Minnesota. Their children are
six in number: Edward, a rancher of Outlook, Washington, who is married and has
one child; Cora Mabel, the wife of William Moyer, now with her parents, while her
husband is serving with the United States army in France; James, at home; Ernest,
who is a member of the United States army; Harry, who attempted to join the army
but was prevented on account of heart trouble; and John, thirteen years of age, at
home. The mother is a member of the Christian church.
Mr. Dillon gives his political endorsement to the republican party and has ever
been deeply interested in its success. He has a fine home and is one of the old-time
residents of Yakima county, enjoying the respect and goodwill of all with whom
lie has been associated.
J. REUBEN SCHWARTZE.
J. Reuben Schwartze, a well known orchardist of Yakima county, who in former
years was closely associated with educational interests, was born in Philo, Cham-
paign county, Illinois, December 2, 1872, a son of John E. and Sarah C. (Burnette)
Schwartze, who came to the Yakima valley in 1888. The father purchased ten acres
of land on south Nob Hill and planted a three-acre orchard. Later he removed to
California but afterward returned to Yakima, where he passed away in the year
1915. His widow survives.
J. Reuben Schwartze acquired a public school education in his native sitate and
also attended the North Yakima high school, becoming a member of its first class —
that of 1890. He subsequently entered the LTniversity of Washington, in which he
spent one year in study, and for fifteen years he devoted his life to the profession
of teaching, spending thirteen years of that time in Yakima county. He was principal
of the Prosser school for three years, of the Zillah school for one year, of the Xob
Hill school for five years, of the Columbia school in Yakima for a year and for two
years was superintendent of the Buckley school in Pierce county. In 1905 he pur-
chased seven and a half acres of land on Nob Hill and planted it to apples, pears,
peaches and cherries, continuing the cultivation of his orchards until 1907, when he
sold that property and bought thirty-two acres of land three miles southwest of the
depot in Yakima. This was at that time all hay land. He has since planted twenty-
two acres to orchards and now has that entire district in apples, pears and cherries,
352 HISTORY OF YAKIMA \ALLEY
all in bearing condition. He is a successful orchardist. thoroughly conversant with
the latest and most scientitic methods of caring for and developing the trees and in
making shipments of his fruit as well.
On the 25th of November, 1903, Mr. Schwartze was married to Miss Helen M.
Druse, a daughter of D. L. Druse, and they have one cliild, Lucille A., who is now
a pupil in the high school of Yakima. Mr. Schwartze is a member of the Yakima
County Horticuhural Union and is interested in everything that has to do with the
fruit raising interests of this section of the state. His political allegiance is given to
the republican party and his religious faith is that of the Methodist church. He is a
man of genuine personal worth, public-spirited and progressive in citizenship, and
his loyal support can be counted upon for any movement or measure that tends to
uplift the individual or promote the welfare of the community at large.
B. KINYO?
General farming as well as horticultural interests are prominently represented
by the activities of L. B. Kinyon, a prosperous orchardist of the Xaches district, in
the Yakima valley. A native of St. Clair county, Illinois, he was born February 27.
1855, a son of John and Alvira (Reed) Kinyon, the former a native of the state of
South Carolina and the latter of Illinois. The grandfather of our subject in the pa-
ternal line was a pioneer of Illinois, going there before statehood was perfected in
1818. John Kinyon, the father, was not only successful as an agriculturist, but was
al.':o a devoted minister of the Baptist denomination. He passed away in 1896 and
his wife died in 1869.
L. B. Kinyon of this review was reared under the parental roof and grew to
manhood amid the refining influences of a good home. In the acquirement of his
education he attended the public schools, subsequently taking a course at a busi-
ness college, at the end of which time he turned his attention to agricultural pur-
suits in Illinois, there continuing until 1882, when, at the age of twenty-seven, he
made removal to Oregon, settling at Eugene, where he remained for one year. The
next year and a half he spent at Walla Walla, Washington, but in the winter of
1884 he came to Yakima county, acquiring title to a farm in the Moxee valley. To
its cultivation he devoted a number of years, making this a valuable property, but in
1893 sold out and then rented the Redmond ranch near Yakima, which he cultivated
for about ten years. He then lived in Yakitna City for three years. In 1907 Mr.
Kinyon bought ninety acres of rich and valuable land on the upper Naches and here
he is now extensively engaged in orcharding, having twenty acres in apples, pears,
cherries and peaches. Following progressive methods and readily adopting modern
ideas in regard to fruit raising, he has been very successful in his enterprise. Of the
remainder of his land part is under the plow, part is in pasture, while a portion is
devoted to the raising of hay. He has built a handsome residence since coming into
possession of this property and has also erected suitable modern barns, thus trans-
forming his place into an up-to-date fruit farm.
Mr. Kinyon has the reputation of being one of the foremost orchardists not only
of the state but of the entire country. He grew the largest apple ever produced any-
where in the world and this apple was on exhibition at the World's Fair in St. Louis
and an American flag was presented to him in recognition of it. The apple was
over five inches in diameter and weighed forty-eight ounces and was of the variety
known as Spokane Beauty. At Seattle on the 18th of January, 1907, he won a hand-
some cup, which was awarded by the Northwestern Fruit Growers Association for
the best display of apples. At the St. Louis World's Fair he also won first award for
a general display of apples, this award consisting of a gold medal. .'\t the Portland
World's Fair in 1905 he won the first award (gold medal) for a general display of
apples and also won the first award, consisting of a gold medal, at the .\laska-Yukon-
Pacific Exposition held at Seattle in 1909. Five times he made up the Yakima county
exhibits at the Washington State Fair and every time he won the blue ribbon for this
display; in fact he has never failed to win the highest award when he exhibited. Not
only is he thoroughly trained in regard to fruit raising, having practical experience
L. B. KINYON
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 355
as well as theoretical knowledge, but he has evolved many new methods which have
led to success. He is therefore today considered one of the leading horticulturists
of the state and nation. He produces only a very high grade of fruit, growing in the
line of apples Arkansas Blacks, Spitzenbergs, Jonathans. Rome Beauties and Wine-
saps, while in the line of pears he raises the Bartlett and Winter Nellis.
On the 16th of August, 1883, Mr. Kinyon was united in marriage to Isabel Brown,
a native of Xew York and a daughter of John and Sarah (Simmons) Brown, both
natives of England, who upon coming to this country, followed agricultural pur-
suits, and both have now passed away. Mr. and Mrs. Kinyon have become the
parents of three children: Florence, who married Dr. Lloyd MofTett, who is in the
United States army and by whom she has a son; Arthur, a rancher in the Naches
district, who married Martha Bamford, by whom he has two children; and Elmer, a
dairyman of Issaquah, Washington, who is married and has three children.
Mr. Kinyon has always taken a most laudable interest in progress and advance-
ment, particularly as regards Yakima county, and thoroughly appreciating the im-
portance of irrigation, has served as trustee of the Fowler ditch and also the Moxee,
which he assisted in building. He is a warm champion of the cause of education and
he has for many years served on the school board, having been connected with the
board since he took up his residence here. The movement for building the hand-
some new Nob Hill school was largely started by him, F'raternally he is a Yeoman
and also belongs to the Grange. Moreover, he is a charter member and an ex-trustee
of the Yakima County Horticultural Union and in this connection it may be of
interest to mention that he invented the trays which are now generally used for
exhibiting fruit. He and his wife are devoted members of the Baptist church, in the
work of which they are helpfully interested. Mr. Kinyon gives his political support
to the republican party, in whose principles he firmly believes. As one of the prom-
inent fruit raisers of the state and especially Yakima county and as one of its pio-
neers there is great credit due him for what he has achieved not only for himself
but in the interests of others, who have greatly profited through his labors.
JOHN E. MORGAN.
As the work of developing the rich mineral resources of Kittitas county has
been carried forward, many men of ability have been drawn to this region and have
become actively concerned with the task of making a marketable commodity out
of the rich coal deposits of this district. Working his way steadily upward since
first becoming identified with mining, Jolin E. Morgan is now holding the import-
ant position of assistant superintendent with the Northwest Improvement Com-
pany at Roslyn. He was born in Colorado, March 19, 1882, a son of Ezekiel and
Essie (Weir) Morgan, the former a native of Ohio, while the latter was born
in Nova Scotia. In the early 70s they became residents of Colorado and Mr. Mor-
gan devoted his attention to mining in that state. Later, however, he removed to
Glenrock, Wyoming.
John E. Morgan was but a young lad at that time and he pursued his educa-
tion in the public schools of the latter state. Fie was but thirteen years of age,
however, when he l)egan work in the coal mines and along that line has since been
employed. He arrived at Roslyn in 1906 and entered the mines here. The follow-
ing year he was elected to the position of national board member of the United Mine
Workers, representing the state of Washington, and continued to serve in that
capacity for two years. He next became special organizer for the LTnited Mine
Workers and in 1911 he was appointed commissioner of the Washington Coal Oper-
ators' .Association for the state. He also served in that capacity for two years and
in 1913 he became assistant superintendent of the Northwest Improvement Com-
pany and has since served in tTiat position. He also represents all of the coal oper-
ators of Kittitas county on the State First Aid. He is likewise the president of
the Roslyn and Cle Elum Beneficial Company and is very active and prominent in
the last mentioned connection.
Oh the 16th of April. 1909, Mr. Morgan was married to Miss Mamie A. Goff,
who was born in Wvoming, a daughter of Willard Goff. Thev now have two sons,
(13d)
356 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
Thomas and Richard. In politics Mr. Morgan maintains an independent course.
Fraternally he is connected with the Knights of Pythias and with the Masons and
is a worthy exemplar of the craft. He is truly a self-made man and as the architect
of his own fortunes has builded wisely and well, for he started out in business lifft
at the age of thirteen years without special educational or other advantages and
his progress is the direct result of his native talents and acquired ability.
JACOB PELTO.
Although Jacob Pelto is a recent arrival among the horticulturists of Yakima
county he has already demonstrated his ability along that line, now owning twenty
acres on the Tieton, all of which is in orchard. For many years he was success-
fully engaged in farming in Minnesota, but the land of his birth is Finland. He was
born June 10, 1862, and is a son of Olaf and Margaret Susan Pelto, who came to
the United States in 1881, and continued to make their home with our subject in
Minnesota until called to the home beyond.
Jacob Pelto was reared under the parental roof in his native country and there
attended school in the acquirement of his education. When a young men of nine-
teen, in 1881, he came to the United States and for two years remaind in Michigan,
whence he went to Lead City, South Dakota, in 1883. In 1887 he made his way to
Minnesota and there he bought a farm in Ottertail county but spent a year in the
Black Hills before he took up farming in Minnesota. In 1913 he came to Yakima
county, Washington, and bought ten acres of land which is now all planted to apples.
As his means increased he added ten acres to his tract and this is also devoted to
orchard. He has erected suitable barns and has built a fine farm residence, adding
other improvements and equipment, so that his property today is very valuable.
In 1892 Mr. Pelto was united in marriage to Miss Hilma Blomberg, also a native
of Finland, who came to the United States when a little maiden of nine years with
her parents, Henry and Matilda Blomberg. Her father is now deceased but her
mother survives. Mrs. Pelto has a brother, A. E. Blomberg, who was born in Minne-
sota, February 21, 1886, the parents having emigrated from Finland to Michigan in
1881, and removed to Minnesota in 1883. A. E. Blomberg was engaged in farming
in Minnesota until June, 1918. in which year he came to Yakima county, acquiring
ten acres of orchard on the Tieton. To Mr. and Mrs. Pelto four children have been
born, Sadie, Esther, Walter and Ethel.
The family are members of the Presbyterian church, to which they are sin-
cerely devoted, and in politics Mr. Pelto is a republican. He is a successful orchard-
ist who has not only promoted his own prosperity by following progressive methods
but has contributed to general prosperity through his activities. Mr. Pelto has
never regretted leaving his fatherland, for in this country he has found the oppor-
tunities which made it possible for him to win a degree of prosperity that is most
satisfying. He has become thoroughly Americanized and .American ideals are his
standards. As a loyal and devoted citizen who is ever ready to give of his time,
eflfort and means in order to promote the general welfare, he expresses his grati-
tude to his adopted country.
ALAN L. PARK.
Alan L. Park, who for about twelve years has resided on his present ranch on
the Cowiche in Yakima county, was born in Fairmont, Minnesota, on the 12th of
March, 1887, a brother of Frank G. Park, who is mentioned elsewhere in this work.
Spending his youthful days under the parental roof, he acquired a public school edu-
cation in Minnesota and in 1906 made his way to Yakima county, attracted by the
opportunities of the growing northwest. He was then a young man of nineteen
years. Later he returned to Idaho, where he took up a homestead of which he is
still the owner. He was engaged in the cattle business in that state until -\ugust.
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 357
1907, when he returned to Washington and in connection with his father purchased
twenty-five acres on the Cowiche. This land is devoted to tlie raising of hay and
stock and in the conduct of his business affairs he displays sound judgment and un-
remitting industry.
On the 7th of December, 1909, Mr. Park was united in marriage to Miss Ethel
Ellis, who was born in Minnesota, a daughter of George and Elizabeth (Goodrich)
Ellis, who were pioneer people of that state. To Mr. and Mrs. Park has been
born a son, George, whose birth occurred April 28, 1912. Fraternally Mr.
Park is connected with the Modern Woodmen of America, and his political support
is given to the republican party, with which he has been identified since age con-
ferred upon him the right of francliise. He is thoroughly familiar with conditions in
the northwest, recognizes the opportunities and in their utilization, especially the
utilization of agricultural opportunities, he has steadily worked his way upward. He
works persistently day after day in the further development of his ranch and has
closely studied every condition that bears upon the successful conduct of ranch
property in this section.
CAPTAIN E. K. BROWN.
Edwin Keech Brown was born at Morse, Johnson county, Iowa, July 10. 1879,
a son of John W. and Mary Ruth (Morse) Brown. He is descended from actual
participants on the American side in the Revolutionary war through all four grand-
parents and either a direct or collateral ancestor has participated in every war from
colonial days down to the present time. His father was born at Solon, Johnson
county, Iowa, January 1, 18.^2, a son of Julius G. and .\maretta Brown, who settled
in that county in 1838. John W. Brown wedded Mary Ruth Morse, who was born
at Morse, Johnson county, in December, 1853, a daughter of Edwin Keech and
Mary Morse, who became residents of Johnson county in 1837. Both parents of
Edwin K. Brown have passed away. The father died at Solon, Iowa, October 12, 1884,
and the mother died in Tustin, Orange county, California, in March, 1894, having
survived her husband for a decade.
In the acquirement of his education Edwin K. Brown attended the Iowa City
Academy, from which he was graduated in June, 1898, after which he spent five
years in the University of Iowa, where he pursued the arts and law courses, win-
ning the degree of.LL. B. in June, 1904. He also won a number of oratorical and
debating prizes, including the Iowa-Wisconsin joint debate in .\pril, 1902, and first
place in the Northern Oratorical League Contest in May, 1902. Since the comple-
tion of his law course he was engaged in the practice of his profession, which he
followed in Iowa City, Iowa, from June, 1904, until February, 1906. He then re-
moved to the northwest and has practiced in Kittitas county, Washington, since April,
1906, being in Cle Elum until December, 1908, and in Ellensburg since that time.
He served as city attorney of Cle Elum in 1908 and from 1909 until 1912 inclusive
was prosecuting attorney of Kittitas county, covering two terms. He has always been
actively engaged in his profession, especially as a trial lawyer, and his preparation
of his cases is thorough and exhaustive, his presentation of his cause clear and cogent.
Aside from his public service as city and county attorney he has been numbered
among the lawmakers of the state, having represented Kittitas county in the state
legislature during the 1913 session.
The military record of Captain Brown covers service in two wars. He was a
private of Company I, Fiftieth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, from April until Decem-
ber, 1898, during the Spanish-American war. He was commissioned first lieutenant
of Field .Artillery in the National Army at the Presidio training camp in San Fran-
cisco. California, on the 27th of November. 1917, and was at once ordered into for-
eign service. He remained in military service for eighteen months, or from .August
25, 1917, until February 24, 1919, when he was honorably discharged at Camp Lewis,
Washington, and returned to his home with a most creditable military record, hav-
ing been on active duty on foreign soil for a year. He is a graduate of the Saumur
Artillery School, and he served on seven fronts, one with French and six with
358 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
Americans, being with the Seventh Field Artillery, First Artillery Brigade, First
Division, and acting as battery commander throughout the entire time. He was
commissioned captain of Field Artillery in the United States Army, August 17, 1918.
The principal engagements in which he participated were the battle of Cantigny;
the battle of Soissons in the allied offensive beginning July 18, 1918: the St. Mihiel
drive; and the battle of the Argonne, including the march on the Sedan, covering
forty-three days, until the armistice was signed. He was cited by general orders.
First Division, for distinguished conduct during the battle of the -Argonne, and
thus- he has written another most interesting chapter to the history of those citizens
of Kittitas county who have seen active military service.
On the 21st of December, 1910, at Ellensburg, Kittitas county, Washington, Cap-
tain Brown was united in marriage to Miss Anna Katherina Rollinger, a daughter
of Nicholas and Lena Rollinger, who were pioneer settlers of Kittitas county, where
they took up their abode in 1882. Mr. and Mrs. Brown have a daughter, Mary
Evangcla, who was born October 30, 1911.
The religious faith of Captain Brown is that of the Roman Catholic church. He
belongs to the Phi Delta Thcta, a college fraternity which he joined in June, 1902.
In 1903 he became a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and was
given a life membership by Ellensburg Lodge, No. 1102 on his return from France,
February 4, 1919. In 1909 he joined the Sons of the American Revolution and in
1912 he became a fourth degree Knight of Columbus. He had always been a re-
publican until 1912, when he affiliated with the progressive party, giving to it his
support again in 1914. He was republican state committeeman from Kittitas county
in 1916 and 1917, having returned to the republican party after the 1914 election.
He made a speaking tour in eastern Washington in 1916 for the state and national
republican tickets and is a most firm believer in the principles of the republican
party. In various ways he is exercising considerable influence over public thought
and action in his adopted state and the worth of his work along many lines is widely
acknowledged.
HIRAM M. JOHNSON, M. D.
Dr. Hiram M. Johnson, actively and successfuly engaged in the practice of
medicine and surgery in Toppenish, was born in Washington, Indiana, on the 29th
of October, 1873, a son of James M. and Nancy (.'Mien) Johnson. The former was
a son of Hiram and Elibzabeth (Martin) Johnson, natives of Breckenridge county,
Kentucky, whence they removed to Daviess county, Indiana, in pioneer times. It
was in that county that the birth of James M. Johnson occurred and after attaining
man's estate he took up the occupation of farming as a life work. In his native
county he wedded Nancy Allen, who was also born there, and in 1907 they came to
the northwest, settling at Burley, Idaho, where they took up government land
which Mr. Johnson continued to develop and improve until his death. His widow
and son, Charles A. Johnson, still occupy the old homestead there and the son is a
prominent attorney of Idaho.
Dr. Johnson of this review after pursuing a course at the State Normal School
of Indiana devoted three years to the profession of teaching but regarded this
merely as the initial step to other professional activity. It was his desire to become
a member of the medical profession and with that end in view he entered the Indi-
ana Medical College, in which he pursued a full course and was graduated with the
class of 1903. He afterward spent a year in the City Hospital of Indianapolis and
in December, 1904, he removed to Custer, Washington, where he resided until
December, 1906, when he came to Toppenish. Four other physicians had located
here but had been unsuccessful in an efifort to establish a paying practice. Dr.
Johnson therefore became the only physician and at the time of his arrival there was
not a brick building in the city. He had been here for only a brief period, how-ever,
when the public recognized his superior worth and ability along professional lines
and from the beginning his practice has steadily grown. He built the first hospital
in Toppenish in 1908 but it was not a success. That did not deter him, however, from
HISTORY OF YAKIMA \ALLEY 359
putting forth effective and successful effort in other directions. He was one of the
organizers of the Toppenish Commercial Club and became its first president. He
realized how necessary is cooperation in the civic development of a community and
thus became an earnest worker in behalf of the organization. In 1909 he built a
tine garage, which was the second of the 1-cind, and later disposed of that property.
In 1915 he erected the Johnson block, having his residence on the second floor. It
was also in 1915 that he built the Lois Theater, which is fifty by one hundred and
forty feet and has a seating capacity of eight hundred. He then bought two small
theaters and developed a theatrical business according to modern, up-to-date ideas.
In 1918 he built the Lyric Theater, which seats six hundred. He has also erected
several cottages in the town and he owns several hundred acres of fine land in this
part of the state. Throughout the entire period he has also conducted his profes-
sional interests and has been railway surgeon of Toppenish for the past eight years.
He was the first surgeon to practice in the city and the first permanent physician
and through the intervening years he has been accorded a practice of large and
substantial proportions.
On the 2d of Xovcniljer, 19(J4, Dr. Johnson was married to Miss Bessie M. Rocke-
feller, a native of Laurel, Indiana, and they have two children, Allen D. and Alice
M. Dr. Johnson belongs to Toppenish Lodge, Xo. 178, -\. F. & .\. M., of which
he became a charter member. He is a loyal adherent of the teachings of the craft
and exemplifies in his life its beneficent purposes. Along strictly professional lines
he is connected with the County and State Medical Societies and at all times he keeps
in touch with the most advanced thought of the profession. In politics he is in-
dependent. He served as mayor of Toppenish for two terms — 1911 and 1912 — and
has for a few terms been health officer of the city. .\s mayor he was instrumental
in putting in the paving and planting shade trees in Toppenish and promoted many
other projects and interests which have been of great benefit and value. Without
invidious distinction Dr. Johnson may be termed one of the foremost residents of
the city, his labors having been for many years a contributing force to its upbuild-
ing and progress.
JOSEPH F. SCHREINER.
Joseph F. Schreiner, prominently identified with ranching interests in the
Yakima valley, was born in Scott county, Minnesota, December 16, 1871, a son of
Stephen and Gertrude (Ley) Schreiner, both of whom were natives of Germany,
but came to the L'nited States in childhood and were married in Minnesota. In
1887 Stephen Schreiner made his way westward to Yakima county and purchased
one hundred and twenty acres of land two miles southwest of the Yakima depot
and in the following spring he was joined by his family. He engaged in farming
for fifteen .years. The land which came into his possession was entirely wild and
undeveloped but with characteristic energy he began to convert it into a produc-
tive farm. He succeeded in having the land irrigated and continued the work of
improvement, making notable changes thereon. He engaged in raising hay, grain
and hops and in 1894 planted sixteen acres to hops. In 1904 he disposed of that
property and retired to Yakima, spending his remaining days in well earned rest.
He passed away in 1910, having for two years survived his wife, whose death oc-
curred in 1908.
Joseph F. Schreiner acipiired a public school education in Minnesota and at St.
John's LIniversity and was thus well qualified for life's practical and responsible
duties. He engaged in ranching with his father until twenty-one years of age,
when he started out in the business world independently, being employed as a
clerk in the store of Ditter Brothers for several years. Later he rented his father's
place, which he continued to cultivate for four years, and in 1902 he purchased one
hundred and sixty acres of land four miles southwest of Yakima. Since then he
has given his attention and energies to the work of improving his ranch but has
sold forty acres of it. He has purchased, however, eighty acres on the edge of the
Yakima Indian Reservation and he planted six acres to apples and pears, while the
360 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
remainder of his ranch is devoted to the raising of alfalfa. He likewise has a half
interest in another tract of one hundred and sixty acres on the reservation, and in
addition to general farming and fruit raising he conducts a large dairy, for which
purpose he keeps many Holstein cows.
On the I7th of February, 1898, Mr. Schreiner was united in marriage to Miss
Louise La Bissonire, a daughter of George La Bissonire, an early settler of Yakima
county. Mr. and Mrs. Schreiner have six children: LeRoy, Marie, Stella, Catherine,
James and Lucille, all at home. The parents and their family are members of St.
Paul's Catholic church and Mr. Schreiner is identified with the Knights of Colum-
bus. He belongs to the Broadway Grange, of which he has been master. In poli-
tics he has maintained an independent course. In 1910, however, he was a candidate
for county assessor on the democratic ticket.
His son James is engaged in the raising of fine Jersey hogs, upon which he has
taken various prizes, winning the second price at the state fair in 1916. For almost
a third of a century Joseph F. Schreiner has lived in Yakima county and throughout
this entire period has carefully directed his energies along the lines of general farm-
ing, fruit raising and dairying. Whatever he has undertaken he has carried forward
to success, for in his vocabulary there is no such word as fail.
JOHN A. DAVIS.
John A. Davis, a wholesale fruit dealer, president of the Sunset Fruit & Produce
Company of Wapato, which he assisted in organizing in 1917, was born in St. Joseph,
Missouri, on the 4th of March, 1865, a son of Asa and Martha (Alcorn) Davis. The
father was born in Illinois, December 14, 1839, and the mother was a native of Ken-
tucky and a daughter of John Alcorn, one of the pioneer settlers of Missouri. Mr.
Davis followed the occupation of farming in Illinois until 1859, when he removed to
Missouri. He was a son of Abraham Davis, who built the first grist mill in Hardin
county, Illinois, and was one of the pioneer settlers of that section. After devoting
considerable time to agricultural pursuits in Missouri, Asa Davis came to the north-
west, settling at Seattle on the 25th of July, 1875. He there remained for a week,
after which he took up a homestead in Snohomish county, at which time there were
only twelve white women living along the Snohomish river. With characteristic
energy he began the development of his land and converted it into a rich and pro-
ductive farm, upon which he continued to reside until his demise. His first wife
passed away in Missouri, after which Mr. Davis married again, and his second wife
died in Washington.
John A. Davis, having acquired a public school education and further augmented
his knowledge liy study at home, successfully passed the examination of the eighth
grade after but nine months spent in school, showing how thoroughly he had mas-
tered the lessons which he pursued in his own home. Later he took a course in- the
Atchison Business College at Atchison. Kansas. He was reared to the occupation of
farming, early becoming familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring
lor the crops. He farmed in Snohomish county, Washington, until 1897 and cleared
forty acres of timber land, which he converted into a fine farm. In that year he
entered the real estate business at Everett, Washington, and so continued until 1907.
He was next engaged in the real estate business at Seattle until 1911, when he
went to Yakima, where he did electrical contract work for two years. He
next turned his attention to the wholesale fruit business in Yakima, in which he con-
tinued until 1917, when he assisted in organizing the Sunset Fruit & Produce Com-
pany, of which he has since been the president. Already this company has built
up a business of extensive proportions, having handled one hundred and fifty car-
loads of fruit in 1917, and in 1918 over two hundred carloads. They have a large and
well equipped warehouse in Wapato and their trade is steadily growing.
On the 9th of October, 1889, Mr. Davis was united in marriage to Miss Knottley
A. Riddle, a native of Missouri, their marriage being celebrated at Atchison, Kansas.
They became the parents of the following named: Trece, the wife of R. C. Schreiber,
JOHN A. DAVIS
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY o63
of Wapato; John Earl, who died at the age of two and a half years; Gladys Maj', at
home; Susan Joy, the wife of Jesse G. Sill, of Portland; and Fay Merle, at home.
Mr. Davis and his family are all consistent and lojal members of the Christian
church. He belongs also to the Odd T'ellows lodge Xo. 122. at Everett, Washington,
and to the Brotherhood of American Yeoman. In politics he is a republican where
national issues and questions are involved but at local elections votes for the men
rather than party. His fellow townsmen, recognizing his ability, worth and public
spirit, have called him to office and for two terms he served as a member of the
state senate from Snohomish county, having been elected in 1896 and again in 190L
He gave careful and earnest consideration to all the vital questions which came up
for settlement during that period and his course received general endorsement, as
indicated in his reelection. He is a loyal advocate of any cause which he believes
will benefit the community or advance the welfare of commonwealth and country.
WILLIAM H. NORMAN.
William H. Norman is a prominent rancher and the president of the Outlook
State Bank. He has resided in Yakima county since 1891 and upon his present ranch
near Outlook since 1893. He was born November 19, 1857, in the farming region
which lies just back of the picturesque sand dunes that skirt the lake in Allegan
county, Michigan, a son of Robert and Mary (Hazelden) Norman, both of whom
were natives of England, where they were reared and married. They came to the
United States in 1852, settling in Michigan, where the father followed the occupation
of farming and where both he and his wife passed away. Her death occurred in
August. 1918, when she had reached the notable age of ninety-four years, but Mr.
Norman died at the age of seventy-six.
William H. Norman acquired a public school education and at the age of seven-
teen years began earning his own living, dividing his wages with his father until he
attained his majority. He was the fifth in order of birth in a family of ten children,
When twenty-five years of age he began renting a farm of one hundred and sixty
acres and cultivated that place until the spring of 1891, when he left the shores of
Lake Michigan to make his way to the northwest. Yakima was his destination and
for two years he there resided. In 1893 he removed onto the ranch which he had
purchased soon after his arrival in the county, situated a mile north of the present
site of Outlook. He was among the first settlers in that part of the county, at which
time the entire region was covered with sagebrush. Mr. Norman cleared his land
and developed and improved his farm, built thereon a fine residence and large barns
and is today the owner of sixty acres of rich, productive and valuable land. He
raises hay, corn and potatoes and carries on general farming and also has a small
dairy. He is recognized as one of the leading ranchers of this section of the state.
He is also identified with banking interests, for lie was one of the organizers of the
Outlook State Bank, which was established in 19n9. when he became the first vice
president. He continued to serve in that capacity until 1911, when he was elected to
the presidency and is now at the head of the institution.
Mr. Norman has been married twice. In 1883 he wedded Myrtis Gatchell, a
native of Michigan and a daughter of William and Anna Gatchell. She passed away
November 2. 1902, and on the 15th of June, 1904, Mr. Norman wedded Mrs. Anna
(Witt) Elliott, a daughter of Leonard and Martha Jane (McCann) Witt, both of
whom were natives of Illinois, where her father still resides, but her mother has
passed away. Mrs. Norman was first the wife of John Franklin Elliott, who was
called to his final rest March 6, 1902. By his first marriage Mr. Norman had three
children: Lewis R., an electrician of Seattle who is married and has one son; Lloyd,
who was born in November, 1896, and is now with the ITnited States marines; and
Lyla, living in Seattle. By her first inarriage Mrs. Norman had a son. Jolin Delphos,
twenty years of age, who enlisted in the Field Artillery and received his honorable
discharge in February. 1919. He is a graduate of the Outlook high school and has
had one year in the State University, from which institution he intends to graduate.
Mr. and Mrs. Norman have a little adopted daughter, Mildred Lucille, who was born
364 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
April 7, 1917, and became a member of their household on the 26th of the same month,
being legally adopted by them on the 22d of November, 1917. She is a beautiful
little child upon whom they arc bestowing all the attention and love of an owmi
daughter.
Mr. Norman gives his political allegiance to the republican party, but hi§ wife
is a believer in democratic principles. He has served for two years on the school
board and the cause of education finds in him a stalwart champion. He has also
been president of the local telephone company and is recognized as one of the alert,
energetic and progressive citizens of his community, doing everything in his power
to uphold and develop its interests. His worth as a man and citizen is widely ac-
knowledged and both he and his wife have a legion of friends in the commvmity
where they have so long lived.
LON BOYLE.
Lon Boyle, one of the leading attorneys of Prosser, has not only a large practice
but has also participated in the public life of his district, having served in official
positions. He was born in McGregor, Iowa, November 7, 1882. his parents being
Lon and Isabel (Reid) Boyle, the former of whom devoted most of his business
career to bridge construction but is now living retired.
Mr. Boyle of this review was reared and educated in McGregor, Iowa, and after
due preparation entered the law department of the University of Wisconsin at Madi-
son, from which he was graduated with the class of 190S. Removing the next year
to Washington, he located in Prosser and here he has since practiced. He is a re-
sourceful and forceful lawyer of considerable ability and is well versed in the intrica-
cies of the law. He ably presents his causes before court and jury and without diffi-
culty recites precedents. A great many important cases have been given into his
care and as he has been successful in most of them his practice has increased as the
years have passed. He has served as city attorney of Prosser and has held the office
of prosecuting attorney for one term. He is a member of the Benton County and
Washington State Bar Associations.
On Tune 7, 1911, Mr. Boyle was united in marriage to Miss Madge Shelby, of
Iowa, anil they Iiave two daughters, -\lice and Barbara. The family occupy an en-
viable position in the social life of Prosser and their cheerful, hospitable home is ever
open to their many friends. Their personality fits into the intellectual life of their
city and they delight in mingling with those gatherings which are held for the pur-
pose of culture and improvement along various lines.
In his political views Mr. Boyle is a republican and he has taken an active part
in the work of the organization although he is not a politician in the ordinarily ac-
cepted sense of the word. Fraternally he is a Mason and stands high in the order,
being a member of Euclid Lodge No. 125, F. &■ A. M., of .which he is a past master,
and Prosser Chapter, No. 83, R. A. M., of which he is a past high priest. The bene-
ficent purposes imderlying this organization he practices in his everyday life and is
ever ready to extend a helping hand to a brother in distress.
BENJAMIN A. BANNISTER.
Benjamin .A. Bannister, who has spent practically his entire life in the Yakima
valley, has been successfully engaged in business as a druggist of Wapato since the
fall of 1908, conducting the only establishment of the kind in the town. His birth
occurred in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, in 1881, his parents being Frederick and Bessie
(Forness) Bannister, who made their way westward to Washington in 1883 and took
up their abode at EUensburg, in Kittitas county, where the father devoted his time
and energies to farming for many years. They both passed away there.
Benjamin A. Bannister, who was but two years of age when brought to this state
by his parents, acquired his education in the public schools of EUensburg and Roslyn,
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 365
Washington, the family home having been established at the latter place in 1889. In
preparation for his chosen life work he took up the study of pharmacy under the
direction of a physician and was subsequently employed as a drug clerk for a few
years. In the fall of 1908 he came to Wapato, purchased the bankrupt stock of
E. D. Ralyan and has here remained in business as a druggist throughout the inter-
vening decade, conducting the only store of the kind in the town. His establishment,
thirty by sixty-five feet, is most modern in its appointments and he carries a large
stock of drugs and druggists' sundries to meet the demands of his many patrons.
On the 6th of July, 1904, Mr. Bannister was united in marriage to Miss Mar-
guerite Hodgson, of Roslyn. ^\'ashington. He gives his political allegiance to the
republican party and is an interested and active member of the Wapato Commercial
Club. Fraternally he is identified with the Masons, belonging to Lodge Xo. 171 in
Wapato, while he is likewise connected with the lodge of the Benevolent Protective
Order of Elks in Yakima and with Lodge No. 182 of the Knights of Pythias. As
stated, he has been a resident of the Yakima valley throughout almost his entire life
and has been an interested witness of its growth and development as the years have
gone by, while his own efforts have contributed not only to his personal prosperity
but to the upbuilding of the community as well.
MARY A. GRUPE.
Mary A. Grupe, a prominent factor in the educational held of Washington, con-
nected with the State Xormal School at Ellensburg, was born in Peabody, Kansas,
.August 23, 1873, a daughter of William H. and Ada A. Grupe. In the acquirement of
her education she attended the State Normal School at Oswego, New York, from
which she received a life diploma. She afterward received the Ph. B. degree from
tlie University of Chicago and did graduate work there. Later she became a gradu-
ate student at Columbia Universit}', New York. Early taking up the profession of
teaching, she has become widely known in this connection throughout the west. She
did primary work in Dayton, Washington, and afterward became a teacher of psy-
chology in the State Normal School at Ellensburg. She was grammar grade super-
visor in Tacoma, W'ashington, for a time and subsequently became connected with
the State Normal School at Mankato, Minnesota, where she ser\ed as grammar grade
supervisor and also instructor in psychology. In the State Normal Scliool at Greeley,
Colorado, she was again made grammar grade supervisor and instructor in educa-
tion. Her major work is psychology, educational and clinical, and her marked abil-
ity in the profession has brought her prominently to the front. She is continually
studying progressive methods and her own initiative has enabled her to carrj' her
work forward to a most advanced point.
Miss Grupe is a member of various women's clubs, teacliers' associations and of
community welfare organizations. She has been an active worker for woman sufif-
rage and for child health and welfare, her labors along tliese lines proving far-
reaching and effective.
WILLIAM ALBERT STEINMAN.
William Albert Steinman. the owner of an excellent ranch property of forty
acres near Mabton, was born in Wabasha county, Minnesota, December 1, 1870, a
son of Christian and Mary (Wheeler) Steinman, both of whom were natives of
Switzerland. They came to the United States soon after their marriage and made
their way to Minnesota, where they took up their abode. Later they removed to
California, settling at Orangeville, where the mother passed away, while subsequently
the father died in San Jose, California.
William A. Steinman obtained a public school education in Minnesota and in
1891, when a young man of about twenty-one years, arrived in Ellensburg, Wash-
ington. He first engaged in clerking in a grocery store there and afterward estab-
366 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
lished a grocery business on his own account in connection with his brother, A. C.
Steinman. The brother sold out in 1908. but William A. Steinman continued the
business successfully until 1912. He then visited California and the Puget Sound
country but continued to make his home in Ellensburg until March, 1918, when he
came to Yakima county and bought forty acres of land near Mabton, on which he is
extensively engaged in the raising of hay. He has greatly developed and improved
his property and is one of the progressive ranchmen of the district.
In October. 1895. Mr. Steinman was united in marriage to Miss Eva Lower, a
native of Wisconsin and a daughter of Charles and Louisa Lower, who removed to
Roslyn, Washington, at a very early day. There the father pased away, but the
mother survives and is now living at South Cle Elum. Mr. and Mrs. Steinman
became the parents of two children: Mark, who died at the age of seventeen years;
and Louisa, who was born December 11, 1917.
Mr. Steinman is a republican in his political views but not an aspirant for office.
He is very prominent in Masonic circles, belonging to Ellensburg Lodge No. 39,
A. F. & A. M.; Ellensburg Chapter No. 11, R. A. M.; Temple Commandery No. 5,
K. T.; and both he and his wife are members of the Eastern Star, of which she is a
past worthy matron. Mr. Steinman has filled various offices in the fraternity, being
a past master of the lodge, a past high priest and a past eminent commander. He
enjoys in the highest degree the respect, confidence and good will of his brethren of
the order and all who know him esteem him as a man of sterling worth.
CHARLES P. BABCOCK.
Charles P. Babcock, an orchardist and machinist of Grandview. showing equal'
ability along both lines of business, was born near LaSalle, Illinois, on the 3d of
August, 1862, a son of John W. and Abbie L. (Bagg) Babcock. The father was
born in Oneida county. New York, while the mother's birth occurred in Illinois.
She was reared, however, in Massachusetts and came of old Puritan stock. Both
the Bagg and Babcock families were represented in the Revolutionary war. After
living for some time in Illinois, John W. Babcock removed with his family to Good-
hue county, Minnesota, casting his lot with the pioneer settlers of that section in
1864. He took up land which was entirely wild and undeveloped and with charac-
teristic energy he began transforming the tract into cultivable fields. He afterward
removed to Minneapolis, where he lived retired, enjoying the fruits of his former
toil, as he had been long and successfully connected with agricultural interests. His
remaining days were spent in the enjoyment of well earned rest in Minneapolis,
where he passed away July 4. 1915. His widow still survives and yet makes her
home in that city.
Charles P. Babcock was but two years of age when the family removed to Minne-
sota. He acquired his education in public schools of that state and was afterward
employed by the American Type Foundry Company for twenty years, acting as fore-
man for fifteen years. He is a machinist by trade and possesses marked ability along
that line. In 1908 he removed to the northwest and for two years was a resident of
Yakima. In 1909 he purchased six acres of land near Grandview and took up his
abode thereon the following year. He secured a few tools to do work for himself
along mechanical lines and found that there was a big demand for service of that
character. He therefore established a machine shop and now has a large plant of
that kind, splendidly equipped. His business in that connection has constantly in-
creased and has reached very profitable proportions. At the same time he is giving
a part of his attention to the development and care of his orchard and he has a fine
home near Grandview.
On the 2d of April, 1891. Mr. Babcock w-as united in marriage to Leoline Booth,
who was born in Buffalo. New York, January 12, 1870, a daughter of Ansel Lee and
Katherine CCIark") Booth. The father was born in England, while the mother was a
native of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, and a daughter of Thomas Clark, a Hudson
Bay trader, who became one of the early pioneers in the region of the Great Lakes.
Eventually he settled in Buffalo, New York, where he passed away. The father of
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 367
Mrs. Babcock was a civil engineer in the east and also a printer. He passed away in
Buffalo, New York, after which his widow again married, becoming the wife of
H. A. Irish, who settled in Minnesota as one of its pioneer residents and afterward
removed to Yakima county, Washington, in 1905, taking up his abode near the city
of Yakima. He has passed away but Mrs. Irish survives and is living in Yakima at
the present time. To Mr. and Mrs. Babcock have been born three children: Charles
Lee. who is now in the naval aviation service, on duty in France and Italy; Edward
Booth, who is in the motor mechanics department of the Signal Corps of the United
States army in France; and Margery at home.
Mr. Babcock and his family attend the Presbyterian church. In politics he is a
democrat, but Mrs. Babcock exercises her right of franchise independent of party
ties. She is a member of the Sagebrush Sisters, an organization formed of the wives
of the early settlers. She also belongs to the Neighborhood Club and is very active
and prominent in the social life and affairs of the community. Both Mr. and Mrs.
Babcock are held in high esteem and their worth is attested by all who know them.
They give active aid and cooperation to all plans and projects for the public good,
assisting greatly in promoting those interests which are of material, intellectual, so-
cial and moral benefit to the community.
GEORGE W. SNODGRASS.
George W. Snodgrass came to Ellensburg, Kittitas county, in July, 1882, and
since then has pursued an agricultural career in this section of the Yakima valley,
where he has attained success. He has also become connected with other enter-
prises which have largely contributed toward the growth and prosperity ot the
county, being at this writing president of the Kittitas State Bank. He was born in
Davis county, Iowa, February 12, 1861, a son of Dr. George W. and Sarah (Billups)
Snodgrass, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Virginia, both
removing to Iowa during the pioneer period of that state. The father was a suc-
cessful physician and for many years practiced that profession at Milton, Iowa, where
he passed away, as has also his wife.
George W. Snodgrass received a public school education, subsequent to which
he spent several years in his native state. Being much impressed, however, with
the greater opportunities offered in the far west, he decided to take advantage of
them and in 1882 went to Arizona, in which state he remained for a few months, but
in July of the same year went to Ellensburg. The latter part of the journey from The
Dalles he made on foot. For a few years he was in the employ of others. Becoming
thoroughly acquainted with farming methods such as obtain in this section of the
state and having saved his earnings, he then acquired land, to which he has gradually
added until he now owns five hundred and sixty acres, all of which is under a high
state of cultivation. He has made numerous improvements and instituted modern
equipment and has readily embraced the latest methods of farming in order to
obtain the best results. Efficiency, industry and close application are the qualities
upon which his present prosperity is largely built. He has his land in hay and grain,
raising large crops of a high quality for which he receives gratifying returns, care-
fully watching market conditions when disposing of his produce. Mr. Snodgrass
is now numbered among the most prosperous agriculturists of his section. As his
means have increased he has become connected with other enterprises, among them
the Kittitas State Bank, of which he has been the president since its organization.
August IS, 1911. Mr. Higman is the cashier of this institution, which is capitalized
for ten thousand dollars, now has about one hundred and ten thousand dollars in
deposits, owns its building and is a healthy, well managed and fast growing institu-
tion, enjoying the full confidence of the public.
On the 27th of June, 1888, Mr. Snodgrass married Flora C. Walker, a daughter
of Charles and Caroline B. Walker. Mrs. Snodgrass was a resident of Portland at
the time of her marriage. Both Mr. and Mrs. Snodgrass are popular and well liked
in their section of the valley, where they have made many friends. She is a member
of the Baptist church, in the work of which she is deeply interested, and is ever
368 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
ready to make sacrifices on behalf of the organization, to the support of which she
generously contributes.
Mr. Snodgrass is a republican in politics but has ne\cr been connected with
public life in any official position, preferring to give his whole attention to his private
enterprises. He is. however, greatly interested in the growth and advancement of
his county and town, readily supporting movements undertaken in behalf of the
general welfare. Fraternally he is a member of Ellensburg Lodge No. 1102, B. P.
O. E., in which he has many friends. Having been a resident of this neighborhood
for over thirty-six years. Mr. Snodgrass is numbered among the honored pioneers
of his section, to the development and uplniilding of which he has greatly contributed
through his untiring labors.
JOHX A. BREEDING.
John A. Breeding is the owner of one of the largest and finest apple orchards of
the valley. He has resided in this section of the state since 1903 and through the
intervening period has been closely and prominently connected with the development
of its orchard industry. He is recognized as a man of marked business ability, of
keen sagacity and of undaunted enterprise, and these salient qualities in his career
have brought to him notable and well merited success. Mr. Breeding comes to the
northwest from Illinois. He was born in Shelby county, that state, on the 24th of
November, 1869, a son of S. L. and Rachel (Clark) Breeding, both of v^'hom were
born near Lovcland. Ohio, whence they removed to Illinois in 1856 and became
pioneers in the upbuilding of that great state. The father died in Illinois in 1899
and the mother passed away the following year.
Mr. Breeding belongs to a family of exceptional longevity: his grandfather Clark
;>assed his eighty-se\^nth birthday, his grandmothers on either side celebrated their
seventy-fifth anniversaries, and his great-great-grandfather Clark attained the un-
1 sual age of one hunded and seven years.
John A. Breeding acquired a public school education and afterward went to Val-
paraiso, Indiana, where he pursued a course in the normal department of Valparaiso
University. Later he took up the profession of teaching, w'hich he followed in Illi-
nois for a time, and then turned his attention to the carpenter's trade, at which he
worked in Valparaiso, Indiana, for a few years and also in Illinois. In July, 1903. he
arrived in Yakima county and in 19(M he purchased one hundred and twenty acres of
land on the Selah Heights all covered with sagebrush. He was one of the pioneers
of the district, being among the first to buy in this part of the county. He planted
seventy-five acres to apples, with also a few peaches and pears. He is now engaged
in raising Winesaps, Jonathans, Rome Beauties and Delicious apples, varieties that
are most splendidly adapted to soil and climatic conditions here, and the beauty and
flavor of the fruit which he raises enables him to command the highest market prices.
He has one of the big orchards of the valley and one of the finest. It is splendidly
kept in every particular, well irrigated and the trees are cared for in the most scien-
lific manner. The remainder of his land, aside from his orchards is planted to alfalfa,
grain and potatoes.
In June. 1897. Mr. Breeding was married to Miss Lillian Goodfellow, a native
of Michigan, who passed away in the year 1898. On the 1st of February, 1912. he
was again married, his second union being with Florence O. Carlstrom. a daughter
of August and Fannie F. (Tomlinson) Carlstrom. The children of this marriage
are Charles Allen, Henry O.. Paul Edward and Walter Eli.
Mr. Breeding is a member of Yakima Lodge No. 24, F. & A. M., and has attained
the thirty-second degree in the Scottish Rite. He is a loyal examplar of the craft
and faithfully follows its teachings in every particular. His religious faith is that of
ihe Presbyterian church. In 1916 he erected a fine home upon his ranch and his is
one of the valuable and attractive properties in this section of the state. His resi-
lience is situated on an eminence which provides a wonderful view of the different
valleys radiating from the Selah valley and of the tiers of hills encircling the valleys.
JOHX A. BREEDING
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 371
with snow-capped Mount Adams overtopping the hills and majestic Mount Rainier
towering above all.
Mr. Breeding deserves much credit for what he has accomplished, in that he
started out in life without financial resources and has since been dependent entirely
upon his own efforts. Sound judgment and ready adaptability have featured largely
in his success, making him one of the men of affluence in the vicinity of Selah.
JAMES W. YOUNG.
James \V. Young, whose success as an orchardist has been most gratifying, was
born at Shippensburg, Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, May 22. 1827, and is there-
fore now in the ninety-second year of his age. He is a son of Isaiah and Susan
(Ambrose) Young, who removed westward to Michigan in 1848. The parents were
natives of Ireland but came to the new world when young people and were married
in the state of New York. Subsequently they established their home in Pennsylvania
and, as stated, became residents of Michigan in 1848. The father was a cooper by
trade and both he and his wife died in Michigan.
James W. Young acquired a public school education in Pennsylvania and in
young manhood followed farming and also worked at the cooper's trade in Michi-
gan, learning the business under his father's direction. He continued to reside in
Michigan until 1881. when he went to Howell county, Missouri, where he made his
home until 1889. In that year he arrived in Yakima county and rented land near the
city of Yakima, upon which he resided until 1893, when he purchased forty acres two
and a half miles south of Yakima and has since planted thirty acres of this to fruit,
making a specialty of apples and pears. He has erected the house upon the place
and has continuously occupied the farm from that date to the present. He is a
member of the Yakima County Horticultural Union and has ever been deeply inter-
ested in all that has to do with the propagation of fruit in this section of the state.
His methods of farming have been progressive and resultant, bringing him very sub-
stantial crops that have been the basis of a satisfying annual income.
On the 1st of October, 1867, Mr. Young was united in marriage to Miss Harriett
Goodnow. who passed away in September, 1915. She was born in New York city
and was a daughter of Lewis and Libbey Goodnow. The children of that marriage
w-ere: Edward, who is engaged in merchandising at Sunnyside; Bessie, who married
Spencer Jacobs, and both have passed away, leaving two children; Caroline, who
resides with her father: Mary, the wife of Allen Dow, of Yakima, by whom she has
four children: Ethel, who married Archie McPhee. of Xaches, and has three children;
Harvey, a resident of Yakima, who is married and has two children; and Jennie, the
wife of Andrew Fisk. of Toppenish, Washington, by whom she has one child.
Mr. Young is a member of the Presbyterian church, to which his wife also be-
longed, and his political endorsement has always been given to the men and measures
of the democratic party. He is interested in all organized efforts for the benefit and
upbuilding of the community, while his own business career indicates that he has
been actuated by a spirit of progress and advancement in all that he has undertaken.
CLAYTON S. SPECK.
Clayton S. Speck, a member of the firm of Speck & Rowland, is one of the most
enterprising young business men of Sunnyside, where the firm conducts a large auto-
mobile business. He was born in Lanark, Illinois, September 3, 1885, and is a son
of Frank B. and Laura E. Speck, who in 1916 came to Sunnyside, where they now-
live retired. The father was formerly engaged in the restaurant business, in Illinois
and was quite successful along that line.
Clayton S. Speck passed his boyhood days under the parental roof in Illinois
and in the acquirement of an education attended the public schools and a high school.
Being well prepared for life's duties, he then entered the employ of the Chicago,
372 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad, continuing in the operating department of that cor-
poration for about four years. He remained in his native state until he was twenty-
three years of age, when, in 1908, he came to Sunnyside, Washington, where he
opened a restaurant now known as the Austin Cafe, which he conducted for three
years, making it one of the popular places of the community. He sold out in 1911
and then entered the automobile business in connection with Messrs. Weber and
Miller, their establishment being known as the Sunnyside Garage, Mr. Speck owning
a one-third interest therein. One year later, however, in 1912, he sold his interest
and in the same year founded the Morrow-Speck Machine Company, his partner
being E. A. Morrow. A year later C. Rowland acquired the interest of Mr. Mor-
row and the firm has been known as Speck & Rowland ever since. They have an
excellent garage seventy-five by one hundred and twenty feet, affording storage for
thirty cars. They are agents for the Buick cars, of which they carry a full line, and
also for the G. M. C. trucks. Their territory covers all of Benton county and a part
of Yakima and Franklin counties, and they have built up a trade which is very profit-
able. In their dealings they always follow the most honorable methods and every-
thing sold is as it is represented. They have a complete machine shop and are
ready to make any kind of repairs as regards automobiles. They do a large business
in automobile accessories, carr\'ing a complete line and also handling the Goodyear
tires. In the success of the enterprise Mr. Speck has had a dominant part, his pro-
gressive methods and honest principles being important factors in the conduct of
the business affairs of the firm.
In October, 1908, Mr. Speck was united in marriage to Miss Grace D. Rowland,
of Lanark, Illinois, and to this union has been born a son, James, who is now two
years old. In his church affiliations Mr. Speck has united with the Brethren and as
far as politics is concerned keeps himself free from party ties, voting for the man
who in his judgment is best qualified for the office in question. He is an active mem-
ber of the Sunnyside Commercial Club and thoroughly in accord with its methods
and projects in regard to promoting and extending the business activities of the
valley.
ANDRE ST. AUBIN.
Andre St. .-Kubin, who since 1900 has lived in the Selah valley, where he is owner
of a good ranch of twenty-three acres, of which fifteen acres is planted to fruit, was
born in Montreal, Canada. May 30, 1870. a son of Michael and .Amelia (Dow) St.
Aubin. In 1880 they removed to Crookston, Minnesota, where the father devoted
his time and energies to the occupation of farming until 1900, when he became a resi-
dent of the northwest. Removing to the Yakima valley, he purchased twenty acres
of orchard land in the Selah valley. It was, however, at that time covered with sage-
brush, but with characteristic energy he began its development and improvement and
set out an orchard of five acres. Eventually he sold that property and retired, taking
up his abode in Yakima, where his remaining days were passed, his death occurring
on the 11th of .April, 1916. His wife passed away December 21, 1917, when seventy-
eight years of age.
The educational opportunities of .Andre St. Aubin were extremely limited.
Through the period of his boyhood and youth he worked with his father and was
thus employed until he reached the age of twenty-four years, when he started out
in the business world independently. He first purchased one hundred and sixty
acres of land near Crookston, Minnesota, but eventually disposed of that property
and in 1900 came to the Selah valley, where he purchased eighteen acres of wild
land. Not a furrow had been turned nor an improvement made upon the place
and one looking over the stretch of sagebrush could scarcely dream that a few
years would be sufficient to transform this into splendid orchards. He afterward
bought five acres additional and he now has fifteen acres of his place planted to
apples, peaches, prunes and pears. He has been most successful in his fruit raising,
studies everything that is detrimental or beneficial to the trees and. guarding against
the former, utilizes the latter to the best possible advantage. His orchards are now
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY i7i
in excellent bearing condition and liis frnit finds a ready and profitable sale on the
market. His place is well improved with substantial buildings, including a fine
residence and barn.
On the 1st of February, 1898, Mr. St. Aubin was married to Miss Ernestine
Rabie, a daughter of Philemon and Angelina (Lefevre) Rabie, who in 1881 became
residents of Crookston, Minnesota, and in 1901 arrived in the Moxee valley. The
father purchased one hundred acres of land and thereon resided until his death.
He passed away in Yakima, December 24, 1915, having retired there in 1910, and
the mother is now living there. He was a prominent French farmer of this district.
Mr. and Mrs. St. Aubin have become the parents of three children: Arthur, born
February 17, 1899; Leona, November 4, 1909; and Hobart. born September 16, 1914.
Mr. St. Aubin and his family are all members of St. Joseph's Catholic church and
he is loyal to its teachings. His success represents the fit utilization of the powers
and talents with which nature endowed him. He has always wisely used his time
and his talents and along the line of steady progression he has reached a place among
the successful orchardists of the Selah valley.
AUGUST LIEXKAEMPER.
A richly bearing orchard near Zillah stands as the visible evidence of the life
work of August Lienkaemper, who was born in Lowell, Wisconsin, January 20, 1867,
a son of Charles and Marguerite Lienkaemper. When our subject was but four
years of age, in 1871, his parents removed to Allamakee county, Iowa, where the
father continued in his life's vocation, being a minister in the Reformed church. He
preached the Gospel in Iowa until he died, after which his widow removed to Frank-
lin, Wisconsin, where she passed away.
August Lienkaemper was reared amid the influences of a refined household and
in the acquirement of his education attended public schools in Iowa. After laying
aside his textbooks he decided upon a trade as suitable to his tastes and talents and
became a carpenter. Along that line he was quite successful in Michigan and Wis-
consin and subsequently he followed farming for six years in Manitowoc county,
Wisconsin. In 1904 he came to Yakima county and here he bought ten acres of
valuable land about two miles southeast of Zillah, which was then in alfalfa. Six
acres of this tract he has transformed into a richly bearing orchard of apples and
pears and here he has built a substantial home. He has ever followed the most
progressive methods in his orcharding and has been successful in his enterprise.
In February, 1896, Mr. Lienkaemper was united in marriage to Miss Clara Schu-
macher, a native of Wisconsin, and to this union have been born four children: Karl,
who is ranching near his father's place; .'Xrthur, who died at the age of fifteen years;
Luella, at home; and Helen Marie, a babe of four months.
Mr. and Mrs. Lienkaemper have made many friends since coming to Yakima
county and are highly esteemed by all who know them because of their high quali-
ties of heart and character. They are members of the Presbyterian cliurch, in the
work of which they take a helpful interest, and politically Mr. Lienkaemper is aftili-
ated with the republican party but has never sought public oiSce, preferring to give
his whole attention to his private affairs.
KIT CARSON GILFORD.
Kit Carson Gifford, a member of the firm of Vibber & Gifford, conducting the
leading drug store of Kennewick, has thus been identified with the business interests
of the town for the past six years. His birth occurred in Elkader. Iowa, on the 16th
of July, 1885, his parents being Gideon M. and Frederica Gififord, who were born
in Iowa and Connecticut respectively. The father is a banker.
Kit Carson Gifford attended the public schools in the acquirement of an educa-
tion and after putting aside his textbooks entered the government service in the
374 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
postoffice at Elkader, Iowa. In 1908, when a young man of twenty-three years, he
made his way to Kennewick, Washington, and was here employed in- the post office
for two years, while subsequently he became identified with the financial interests
of the town as assistant cashier of the First National Bank, serving in that capacity
until 1912. In that year he purchased the business of the Tullis Drug Company and
has since conducted the enterprise under the firm name of Vibber & Gifford. who have
the leading establishment of the kind in Kennewick. They carry an extensive and at-
tractively arranged stock of goods in their line and their patronage is large and
gratifying.
In 1905 Mr. Gififord was united in marriage to Miss Clara Neime'ycr, of Elkader,
Iowa. He gives his political allegiance to the republican party and he is a member
of the Commercial Club, cooperating in all of its well defined plans and measures
for the advancement of community interests. A young man of enterprise, ambition
and ability, it is safe to predict that a bright future lies before him.
PHILIP HENRY SCHNEBLY.
Xo history of Ellensburg would be complete without extended reference of
Philip Henry Schnebly, who has resided in Kittitas county for more than forty-six
years and has always made his home in the northwest. He has contributed much
toward the upbuilding of this great western empire and has for many years figured
as one of the foremost representatives of its ranching and stock raising interests.
He was born near Oregon City, Oregon, October 8, 1852, a son of David J. and
Margaret (Painter) Schnebly, who were natives of Maryland and of Missouri re-
spectively. The father crossed the plains in 1850 and took up his abode at Oregon
City. The mother was a daughter of Joseph Painter, who started on the long trip
to the far west in 1850 but died while en route, and two of his sons died of cholera
on the trip. The mother of Mr. Schnebly of this review, together with the others of
the family, continued the journey and they, too, took up their abode in Oregon, set-
tling at Linn City, not far from Oregon City. It was in that state that the parents
of Philip Henry Schnebly were married. The father was at one time owner and
publisher of the Oregon Spectator, the first newspaper established in the northwest,
which he purchaser from the founder. In 1861 he removed with his family to Walla
Walla, Washington, and there he took up the occupation of farming but always
continued to write for the papers. Later he conducted a toll bridge across the
Spokane river and in 18/1 he removed to Ellensburg, where he took up government
land and turned his attention to the live stock business on a small scale. Later,
however, he once more became an active factor in journalistic circles, owning the
Localizer, which was the first newspaper published at Ellensburg. This he conducted
until three years prior to his death, which occurred on the 5th of January, 1901,
when he had reached the age of eighty-four years.
In his youthful days Philip Henry Schnebly attended school with Professor W.
D. Lyman in the Forest Grove Seminary. Becoming a resident of Ellensburg in
1872, he, too, took up the live stock business in a small way and he had to drive his
cattle over the Cascades to Seattle to make sales. He entered land from the govern-
ment and in the course of years, as the country became more thickly settled, his busi-
ness interests developed and he became one of the prominent stockmen of the state.
He and his sons today have over two thousand head of cattle and over tw-o thousand
acres of meadow land, together with more than forty thousand acres of range land.
This is now owned by Mr. Schnebly and his six sons. For the past ten years, how-
ever, Mr. Schnebly has lived in Ellensburg, where he is most comfortably situated.
As the years have passed he has built up a fine herd of cattle and is today recognized
as one of the most prominent stockmen of the state. He has developed his herds
along progressive lines, has exercised the utmost care over his stock and has done
much to improve the grade of stock raised in this section of the state. His opinions
concerning all problems of stock raising arc largely accepted as authority, for it is
well known that his long experience in this line enables him to speak with accuracy
and sound judgment on all questions relating to the business.
PHILIP II. SCHNEBLY
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 377
On the I2th of November, 1877, Mr. Schnebly was united in marriage to Miss
Eliza F. Cooke, who was born in Independence, Oregon, May 1, 1860, a daughter
of Charles P. and Susan E. Cooke. The father was born in what is now Sandusky,
Erie county, Ohio, February 5, 1824, and was a descendant of Puritans who came
to America as passengers on the Mayflower in 1620, Francis Cooke and his son John
sailing on that historic vessel. The ancestral line is traced down through Asaph,
Asaph and Asaph Cooke to Charles P. Cooke. His great-grandfather, Asaph Cooke,
had four sons who were in the Revolutionary war. The second Asaph Cooke wedded
Mary Stewart, of New York, who was of Scotch ancestry.
Charles P. Cooke was born and reared in Ohio and in 1846 enlisted for service
in the Mexican war, becoming a second lieutenant. He was on active duty for a
year, particifiatint;- in the battles of Monterey, Buena Vista and other engagements.
In 1849, atlrdctod by the discovery of gold on the Pacific coast, he crossed the plains
to California and made his way northward to Astoria, Oregon, where he arrived in
May, 1850. He afterward began merchandising at Independence, Oregon, and con-
tinued in tlie business there until 1867, when he removed to Yakima county. Wash-
ington, and took up government land in the Moxee valley. In 1870 he established his
home in the Kittitas valley and there resided to the time of his demise, which oc-
curred on the 11th of October, 1888. He figured prominently in public affairs, being
called to represent his district in the state legislature in 1873 and again in 1876. In
1886 he was elected to represent his district, then comprising Yakima and Kittitas
counties, and in 1886 he served as joint councilman for Yakima, Kittitas, Franklin,
Douglas, Adams and Lincoln counties. He was the first county auditor elected in
Yakima county and he was also superintendent of schools for several terms. lie
likewise assisted in organizing the counties of Yakima and Kittitas and there is no
feature of the substantial development and improvement of this section of the state
with which he was not closely, prominently and honorably associated. He left the
impress of his individuality for good upon many lines of development and improve-
ment and he became a prominent rancher and cattle raiser. On the 29th of October,
1851, he married Susan E. Brewster, a daughter of Abraham and Amelia (Van Der
Cook) Brewster, both of whom were representatives of old colonial families of New
York and both families were represented in the Revolutionary war. Amelia
Van Der Cook was a daughter of Henry S. Van Der Cook, a veteran of the War
of 1812. Henry E. Van Der Cook was a son of Simon Van Der Cook, who
served as an ensign in the Revolutionary war and also served in Captain Hendrick
Van Der Hoof's company of militia in Albany county. Simon Van Der Cook was a
son of Michael Van Der Cook, also an active defender of colonial interests in the war
for independence, being on duty with Colonel Yates' regiment and also Colonel
John Knickerbocker and Lieutenant Colonel John Van Rensselear. There were
eight brothers who participated in the Revolutionary war and the same spirit of
patriotism has been manifest through succeeding generations.
To Mr. and Mrs. Schnebly were born ten children. Lillian May, at home, was
educated in the Ellensliurg schools and the Martha Washington Seminary at Wash-
ington. D. C. Fred C, who attended the Washington State College at Pullman, is
now a prominent rancher of the Kittitas valley. He married Marguerite Nelson and
has four children. Philip D. was also educated at the Washington State College and
follows ranching in the Kittitas valley. Joseph J., who is associated with his brother
Philip in ranching, was educated at the Washington State College and is now mar-
ried and has three children. Jean attended the State Normal School at Ellensburg,
and was graduated from the Good Samaritan Flospital at Portland, Oregon. She is
now the wife of John Paul, a rancher of Alberta, Canada, by whom she has three
children. Frank B., who was educated at the Washington State College and who
now follows ranching in Kittitas county, is married and has one child. Edith was
graduated from Whitworth College with the degree of B. S. She is now the wife of
Chester C. McGranahan. who is serving in the United States army. Edna was also
educated at Whitworth College, where she made a siJecial study of music, and is
now at home. Rufus Charles and Robert David, twin;-, were in the service of tlicir
country durin.n the World's war and are now students at the Washington State
College at Pullman and are members of the Phi Delta Thcta fraternity. Edith and
Edna are members of the Kappa Gamma Society and Lillian and Edith are members
(13e)
378 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
of the Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Mr. and Mrs. Schnebly
and the family are all connected with the Episcopal church.
Mr. Schnebly has always given his politilcal allegiance to the republican party
and his aid and cooperation can at all times be counted upon to further measures
and movements for the public good. He is a typical western pioneer, alert, energetic
and determined, readily recognizing opportunities and utilizing them to the best
possible advantage. Moreover, he is a self-made man and, while he now ranks among
the prosperous residents of his section of the state, his success has been won entirely
through his own efforts and his record should serve to inspire and encourage others,
showing what may be accomplished when there is a will to dare and to do.
LUCULLUS VIRGIL McWHORTER.
For an extended period Lucullus Virgil McWhorter has been a resident of the
northwest and his work here on behalf of the native Indians has been most far-
reaching, beneficial and resultant. The story of his life activities is perhaps best told
in a biography written by J. P. MacLean, which reads as follows: "Mr. McWhorter
is an unassuming man, without scholastic learning, thoroughly honest in purpose and
always willing to listen to others. When his mind is decisively made up he acts
without any thought of reward or encomium. In the services he rendered the In-
dians of the state of Washington he incurred the enmity of one of the most thor-
oughly organized gangs of land robbers in the history of this country, whose tent-
acles were strongly entrenched in the Indiana Department. Single-handed he coped
with them, his only guide being that of simple justice. In every move he outwitted
all though some of the shrewdest lawyers were at work. While his movements were
silent, he did not disguise the fact he had determined to stand between them and the
Indian. However, it is better for the narrative to reveal the truth.
"Lucullus Virgil, son of Rev. J. M. McWhorter, M. D., was born in a log cabin
built by his greatuncle, Thomas McWhorter. on the ancestral home, on McKinney's
Run, a tributary of Hacker's Creek, in Harrison county. West Virginia, January 29,
1860. The following March his parents moved to Buckhannon Run, an upper branch
of Hacker's Creek, in Upshur county. In this isolated little valley, with six brothers
and two sisters, he grew to manhood, inheriting all the mountaineer's love of free-
dom and clan affinity. Many of his habits were solitarj-. The hills, woods and limpid
streams were inexhaustible sources of pleasure. He lamented the passing of the
native forest with its indigent life. His pro-primitive disposition and proneness for
the wild precluded the collegiate course and West Point cadetship which were open
to him. Four months of dreaded winter schooling until twenty-one years of age was
all that his nature could endure. He chafed at restraint; and his distaste for text-
books was surpassed only by hi? infatuation for some of the poets, Indian and pio-
neer history, tradition? and mountain folklore. He reveled in the legends of the
wilderness. The hunter stories of the first settlers which he heard in childhood were
never forgotten. The thrilling adventures of Jesse Hughes and his associates with
the red warriors of the forest appealed to him as nothing else could. These tales
of a past epoch eventually culminated in the pages of Border Settlers.
"Unlike most of our pioneer annals, the reader will find this work strikingly
non-partisan. The author has endeavored to give events without discriminating in
favor of his own race. To him the aggressors in the Trans-Allegheny wars were too
palpable to admit of controversy. Upon this point he is likely to be assailed, for he
has crossed some recognized authorities; but his position is strongly entrenched with
facts. Justly loyal to his own racial affinities, he has from early childhood been
noted for his Indian sympathies. While yet in his early teens he prevailed on his
little sister to bore his ears, preparatory to a life with the red men. The culminating
set-back to this Utopian dream was when, in anticipation of a visit to the parental
home of a noted preacher from Ohio, his more 'civilized' brothers forcibly applied the
shears to his flowing locks. As he grew older, filial duty alone stayed his nomadic
proclivities; but with each recurring flight of the wild geese the inherent longing
for the boundless open was almost unendurable. Indian summer affected him inex-
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 379
plicably. The murky haze was from the smoke-flues of the invisible wigwams of the
spirit Indians which haunt the Monongahela hills. The autumnal winds soughing in
the trees scattering the crimson foliage, was a funeral dirge for the primitive life
forever gone.
"Early in life Mr. McWhorter read MacLean's The Mound Builders, published
in serial form in The Star in the West, which found its way into his mountain home.
The reading of this work had a very marked effect on his future career. Those old
Stars were treasured for years and from their perusal a new world was unfolded, and
there came a longing for delving into the past. Other archaeological authors were
studied, which in time led to a practical examination of the various Indian remains
in the Hacker's Creek valley, with a correct tabulation of all data obtained. Graves,
mounds, stone-heaps and village sites were explored and their history revealed. No
antiquities in the valley that he did not visit and note. Caves and aboriginal rock-
shelters in other localities were investigated and their secrets wrested from them.
But in all these excavations his veneration for the ancient was such that even the
most lowly grave was invariably left restored to its former state. None could accuse
him of undue desecration or vandalism. He became an expert on flint and stone im-
plements. Thousands of relics were collected with accurate history of their finding,
constituting the finest aggregation of antiquarian objects ever secured in central
West Virginia, a region not rich in ancient remains. These in later years were placed
intact and permanently in the museum of The West Virginia Historical and Anti-
quarian Society, Charleston, since created The Department of State Archives and
History. In 1893 he was one of three who originated and published The Archaeolo-
gist, an illustrated journal intended to meet the primary needs of the archaeological
student. This publication was suspended three years later.
"In 1897 the home farm was disposed of and the author soon after settled near
the historic Fort Jefferson, in Darke county, Ohio. In the spring of 1903 he con-
summated his lifelong desire to 'go west,' by moving with his family to North
Yakima. Washington, where he continued for a time in the live stock business,
which he had previously been following. His delight was Devon cattle. His father
and himself brought the first of this active breed into central West Virginia. He
held them in Ohio and selected the cream of seven different herds and took them
to Washington. He and his two sons had, when they disposed of their business,
the nucleus of the best herd in the United States. They exhibited throughout the
northwest and the Pacific slope.
"In his new home, situated only a few miles from the Yakima Indian Reserva-
tion, he found opportunity for the field study of ethnology, which he had combined
with archaeology. He soon won the friendship of the tribe. He joined in their
social gatherings and festivities. He camped with them in the mountains, participat-
ing in their feats of strength and testing the splendid efficiency of the sweat-house
and the icy river bath. He mingled with them in their primitive worship, for which he
has inherent respect. He has been instructed in the mystic rites of the 'medicine
dance,' and the touching simplicity of the 'feast of the new food,' a ceremony of
invocation and thanksgiving to Me-yay-wah, the Supreme. He has been welcomed
at the 'funeral feast,' where the grief and respect for the memory of the dead is
attested by wailing and the distribution of presents. Looked upon as one of their
number, they have sought his counsel. As one aged warrior expressed it, 'He has
cars and he hears straight. He has but one tongue and he talks from his heart.'
So great was their confidence in him that Yoom-tce-bee, 'bitten by a grizzly bear,'
a strong clan chieftain, adopted him into his tribe, conferring upon him all the
honors of a councilman, under the name of a deceased sub-chief: He-mene-Ka-wan,
'Old Wolf.' This name in Klickitat, a tribe amalgamated with the Yakimas, is
Hal-ish Ho-sat. At a later day, Too-skas-Pot-thah-nook. 'Seven Mountains,' the
last surviving son of the great war chief, Owhi, adopted him in lieu of a deceased
brother, Ko-tah-wi-nat, 'rain falling from a passing cloud,' a noted warrior of his
day.
"Chief Yoomteebee's newly made clansman soon became aware that his people
were being systematically looted, that their right to the reservation strams for irri-
gation purposes, without which their lands are worthless, had been appropriated by
white setlers; and that later this wrong had been arbitrarily sanctioned by an unfair
380 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
ruling of the secretary of the interior, leaving the Indians entirely unprovided for.
Also that through congressional legislation, steered by local 'promoters' and land
grabbers, three-fourths of all allotments within a large area vi-ere to be sold under
a law that was equivalent to confiscation, permitting the allottees to hold twenty
acres each, only, for which they were to pay for a water right on such terms and at such
price as the secretary of the interior might provide. This appalling robbery, which
if consummated meant ruin .for the victims, he saw hanging over the Yakimas.
Acting upon his own volition and without legal advice, he went secretly into the
tight with the determination that if the game could not be defeated, he would in
any event expose the conspiracy which he surmised to be far-reaching and powerful.
His conjecture proved true and the odds against him were heavy. But casting his
lot with that of Yoomteebee, the 'leader of the hostiles,' and enjoying the full con-
fidence of that determined primitive-minded chieftain, he well knew what danger
lurked ahead should he fail to break the mighty combine and the tribesmen be
driven to the 'last ditch.' He kept his own counsel, but when the time came for
the Indians to be approached by the government officials for the purpose of secur-
ing the contracts necessary for the consummation of the crime, he acted promptly.
Mounted on Wild Eye, 'The Grey Cayuse.' he struck the Reservation trails night
and day, warning his red brothers against signing any papers that might be pre-
sented to them. Chief Yoomteebee sent out other runners and soon the entire
tribe was awake to the impending danger. They refused to sign, and the pet scheme
to ensnare the Yakimas was foiled, nor did the despoilers know for a time from whence
came the blow.
"The first skirmish had been won and the lines of the enemy thrown into con-
fusion. This, however, only augmented the ominous menace of an actual tragedy
should the tribe turn. On March 10, 1910, Chief Yoomteebee died of pneumonia,
leaving the tribe in mourning and the 'hostiles' without an aggressive leader. New
measures, covert and subtle, were launched by the opposition and the fight con-
tinued. Wild Eye, an integral factor in the battle, covered hundreds of miles, trav-
ersing obscure trails in the darkness of night and on one such occasion crossing a
swollen reservation stream on a rude Indian bridge of round poles, the loose timbers
half floating on the flood, giving at every step of the faithful steed. Often for days
and nights the rider did not remove his clothes, eating when he could and sleeping
when and wherever weariness demanded a rest. He was always welcomed at the
Indian's lowly home, but many times his bed was a blanket and a pile of straw in
the open or the bare ground. The haunting appeal of Chief Yoomteebee, 'You are
now my brother. You must always stand by my people and help them.' ever urged
him on. During the thickest gloom of the trouble. Rev. Stwire G. W'aters. who had
been elected head chief of the tribe, said, 'I have been praying that the Lord would
send a good man to help us. and he has heard me.'
"For three years, single-handed he kept up the struggle, balking every effort of
the 'system.' He then successfully invoked the aid of the Indian Rights Association.
Mr. Brosius, the agent for this powerful, philanthropic body, entered the contest with
spirit. He looked to the legal and strategic feature at the national capitol, while Mr.
McWhorter kept guard on the Reservation. Judge Carroll B. Graves, an eminent
attorney of Seattle, was employed, and in the end a victory was won. insofar as re-
covering free water for one-half of the land involved and preventing the jeopardizing
of any part of the allotments in question. Mr. Brosius said that if it had not been
for 'The Grey Cayuse' and rider, the Yakimas would have been despoiled of water
rights to the value of several millions of dollars. The most effective and character-
istic of the tribal petitions were drafted by Mr. McWhorter.
"The white owners of twenty thousand acres of deeded Indian lands shared
equally with the tribesmen in the fruits of this triumph, but strange to say. they
blindly stood in with the opposition, or held aloof until the last stages of the struggle.
Mr. McWhorter did this work, ignoring alike intimidating threats and warnings of
social ostracism: spending months of time and considerable money without any ex-
pectation of compensation or reward; nor did he ever solicit or receive a dollar for
the sacrifice which left him financially crippled.
"In 1913. Mr. McWhorter published his 'Crime .'^gainst the Yakimas.' a strongly
written pamphlet of fifty-six pages, illustrated, setting forth the flagrant wrongs
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 381
heaped upon this tribe and the strenuous tight made by the chief men for tardy
justice. It is a fearful exposure of an attempt at despoiling the nation's wards;
wherein government officials, speculators and political cohorts under the cloak of
philanthropic motives were combined to deliver the final coup de maitre to a help-
less remnant of a race upon whose neck the heel of the conqueror has ground for
the last four centuries. In the introduction, Mr. William E. Johnson, known and
dreaded by the lawless whiskey vendors who haunt the western Indian reservations
as 'Pussie Foot,' in part, says:
" 'Years ago McWhorter began mingling with the Yakima Indians. He earned
their confidence. He fought their battles. He aired their wrongs in public. He
spent his time and money in efforts to secure for them a square deal. He was for-
mally adopted into their tribe by Chief Yoom-tee-bee, and is known among them as
He-mene Ka-wan (Old Wolf). And. while he is an adopted member of their tribe
and has participated in tribal affairs as a member of their council, he has never sought
or received one dollar of benefit from such membership.
" 'Four years ago, when I began operations in Washington, suppressing the
liquor traffic among Indians, as chief officer of the Indian service, I first crossed this
man McWhorter's trail. I found him stirring them up to protest against the issuing
of saloon licenses at Toppenish. I found the Indians under his influence, protesting
against the issuing of saloon licenses at Wapato, at Parker and other places. I found
him stirring up tlie Yakimas to petition the secretary of the interior, asking for the
removal of the white man's saloon from their midst.
"'In March. 1911. a bill was introduced into the Washington senate to destroy
the splendid state law against selling liquor to Indians. The news came to me im-
mediately over the wire and I telegraphed to many persons of influence in that state,
asking assistance in defeating the infamous proposal. It was L. V. McWhorter who
played the card that defeated the liquor grafters. He rode the Yakima reservation
for two days. The result was, that, representing five hundred Indians, he sent a
telegram to the sponsor of the bill protesting and imploring that it be withdrawn.
And it v/as withdrawn, as the hundreds of scoundrels who have since been convicted
under this law can testify.
" 'Because of my interest in my own race as well as my interest in the Indian,
I rejoice that the following pages have been written, and written by one so well
qualified to tell the sordid story as Mr. McWhorter. If the remainder of the white
race were like him, there would be no Indian problems.'
"During these years of friendly contact with the Yakimas. Mr. McWhorter ob-
tained many of their traditions and folklore stories, to which he is constantly adding.
These, with much obscure tribal history, because of the native eloquence of oratory
which he carefully preserves, will, if ever published, constitute a valuable contribu-
tion to our Indian literature. Not the least interesting of his manuscripts is the per-
sonal narratives of a number of the warriors of Chief Joseph's band. Nez Perce war,
1877. Some of these cover previous tribal wars, and the thrilling experiences of the
grim fighters, told in their own way, reveals the Indian character as seldom found
in border history. The lack of money alone has prevented the completion of these
researches and their publication in book form."
On the 17th of March, 1883, Mr. McWhorter was married to Miss Ardelia Adaline
Swisher, a native of his own state and a typical mountain woman of character and
ability. Three children were born: Ovid Tullius, March 3, 1884; Iris Oresta, June
l.S, 1886; Virgil Oneco, June 7, 1888. Mrs. McWhorter died December 22, 1893. Mr.
Mc\Vhorter's second wife was Miss C. Annie Bowman, who for several years was
identified with state institutional work in Ohio and Missouri.
Of the children the two boys are graduates of the Washington State College.
The eldest was for a time agriculturist for the State Training School, Chchalis; later
agricultural instructor, Snohomish high school: county agricultural agent of Clallam
and Jefferson counties, and is now at Montesano, Grays Harbor county engaged in
county agent work. He was married Xovember 26, 191.S, to Miss Bertha Hefifner,
a graduate of the University of Washington. The younger son after graduation
from college, was engaged as agricultural instructor at the State College but for the
past several years has been identified with the Bureau of .\nimal Industry of the
X'nited States Department of Agriculture as a specialist in sheep husbandry. He is
382 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
superintendent of the United States sheep experiment station at Dubois, Idaho. He
was married on Xovember 21, 1916, to Miss Beryl Campbell, a graduate of the Wash-
ington State College. The daughter graduated from the Yakima Business College,
and was married November 26, 1908, to Mr. W. George Ingalsbe; died February 28,
1917, leaving two children, Walter E., born June IS, 1911, and George W., Jr., born
December 12, 1915. Barring a short residence at Toppenish, Washington, Mr. and
Mrs. Ingalsbe made their home at (North) Yakima, Washington. Mrs. Ingalsbe is
buried in the city cemetery.
WILLIAM N. IRISH.
William N. Irish has contributed in substantial measure to the progress and
upbuilding of Yakima county through the development and sale of orchard lands and
also as an active operator in the field of fruit raising. He was born in Erie county,
New York, January 18, 1857, a son of Ransom and Lodema (Chase) Irish, who in the
year 1870 left their home in the east and removed westward to Minnesota, where the
father secured farm lands, which he further developed and improved to the time
of his death. His wife has also passed away.
There were no unusual features in the boyhood of William N. Irish, who divided
his time between the acquirement of a public school education, the work of the fields
and the pleasures of the playground. When not busy with his textbooks he assisted
with the work of the home farm until he reached the age of nineteen years, when he
turned his attention to commercial interests and spent six years as an employe in a
drug store. He was afterward with the Crescent Creamery Company for twenty-one
years, spending a part of that time at Rochester, Minnesota, while later, as secre-
tary and treasurer of the company, he had his headquarters at St. Paul. In April,
1903, he made his way to the coast, settling at Yakima, where he had purchased land
in January, 1895, becoming owner of ten acres on Nob Hill, adjacent to the western
suburb of the city. In the meantime the land had been improved through labor that
he had employed and in 1903 he took up his abode upon this place, on which he
erected a fine residence. He has since bought and sold many tracts of land in this
section of the state, selling on January 3, 1919, for thirty thousand dollars, a thirty-
acre orchard on the Selah which he had purchased in 1911. He still has a sixteen-
acre orchard at Grandview. He has improved and sold over three hundred acres of
fruit land in the Parker Heights district in connection with E. J. Haasze. He has
been a very prominent factor in the development of this section, especially along the
line of promoting the fruit-raising interests, and the value of his services is widely
recognized. He has closely studied all the questions bearing upon the subject of
fruit growing in the northwest, is familiar with the condition of the soil and the
demands of different kinds of fruit along that line. He knows the best methods of
spraying and caring for the trees and his broad experience enables him to speak with
authority upon questions relating to horticultural interests in the valley. He is rec-
ognized today as one of its most prominent fruit men and he is equally familiar with
irrigation problems and opportunities along that line, being the vice-president of the
Yakima Valley Canal Company, which owns and operates the Congdon ditch. He
assi.sted in the organization of the Growers' Service Company in 1916 and has since
been its president. He likewise aided in the organization of the Yakima County
Horticultural Union and has served as its president and as secretary. He is now
vice-president of the Northwestern Fruit Exchange of Seattle, a position - which he
has occupied since its organization in 1910. His name also figures in financial circles
as a director of the Yakima Trust Company.
In 1881, Mr. Irish was married to Miss Caroline Vreeland, of Wisconsin, the
wedding being celebrated in Minnesota. Their children are: Anna, now deceased;
Harry, who is assistant treasurer of the Growers' Service Company; Grace, at home;
William, vyho is a member of the Hospital Corps of the United States navy; and
Colburn, deceased.
Mr. Irish is well known in Masonic circles, having membership in Yakima Lodge
No. 24, F. & A. M.; Yakima Chapter No. 21, R. A. M.; Yakima Council No. 12, R. &
WILLIAM N. IRISH
WILLIAM X. IRISH'S RESIDENCE
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 387
S. M.; Yakima Commandery No 13. K. T.; and Afifi Temple of the Mystic Shrine.
He is a past patron of the Order of the Eastern Star, to which Mrs. Irish and Miss
Grace also belong. He also has membership, in the Yakima Commercial Club, on the
official board of wliich he served for two years. He was delegated by the club, on
several occasions, to represent the organization at large exhibits in the east. The
first big display he was in charge of was when, in 1907, he exhibited a car of fruit
at the Minnesota State Fair at St. Paul. His religious faith as well as that of the
family, is that of the Methodist church, to the teachings of which they loyally adhere.
His political support is given to the republican party. It is characteristic of Mr. Irish
that he is faithful to any trust or to an cause which he espouses. In business affairs
he is thoroughly reliable as well as progressive and his career measures up to high
standards of manhood and citizenship.
EVARISTE COURCHENE.
Evariste Courchene. a representative agriculturist of the Yakima valley, has for
the past si.x years cultivated a valuable tract of land comprising thirty-three acres
near Moxee City. His birth occurred near Montreal, Canada, on the 27th of May,
1873, his parents being Edward and Clarinte (Boivert) Courchene, who in 1886 re-
moved to Alberta, Canada, where they spent the remainder of their lives. The father
was a successful ranchman.
Evariste Courchene was a young man of thirty-six years when in 1909 he came to
the Yakima valley. Three years later he purchased thirty-three acres of land on
the Moxee, where he has since been engaged in the raising of hops, corn, sugar beets,
hay, potatoes and other farm products. Success has come to him by reason of well
directed industry and good management, so that he is now numbered among the sub-
stantial and representative citizens of the district.
On the 7th of May, 1918, Mr. Courchene was joined in wedlock to Miss Maria
Ro}\ of Alberta, Canada. They are devout communicants of the Holy Rosary Cath-
olic church at Moxee City and have won many friends during the period of their
residence in the valley. Mr. Courchene exercises his right of franchise in support
of the men and measures of the democratic party, believing firmly in its principles.
His life has ever been upright and honorable, commanding the respect and esteem
of all with whom he has come in contact in business and social relations.
FREDERIC C. HALL.
Real estate and insurance interests in Yakima are ably represented by Frederic
' C. Hall, who has also participated in public progress through various positions which
he has held in connection with institutions that are entirely devoted to the upbuild-
ing of higher ideals. For many years he has been connected with the Yakima valley
and throughout this period he has demonstrated his value as a substantial and public-
spirited citizen. He is now doing an excellent business and while he has attained
prosperity through his activities along that line he has contributed toward the ma-
terial growth of his city. He is recognized as an authority on real estate and in-
surance and all who have had business dealings with him agree as to his integrity
and irreproachable business methods.
A native of New York, Frederic C. Hall was born in Lima, September 3, 1850,
a son of James H. and Jane F. (Clark) Hall. The Hall family claims as its first
.American ancestor, John Hall, who in 1632 emigrated from England to Massachusetts,
later removing to Guilford, Connecticut. The great-great-grandfather of our subject,
Stephen Hall, was a captain in the Revolutionary war, thus assisting in gaining for
the -American people their greatest possession — Independence. His son, Amos Hall,
was a general in the War of 1812 and was a member of the Society of the Cincin-
nati. Incidentally, Frederic C. Hall of this review is also a member of this famous
organization, to which only the oldest son of the oldest son can belong. The parents
388 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
of Mr. Hall, James H. and Jane F. Hall, passed away in Xew York and in 1890 Fred-
eric C. Hall came to Yakima and entered the real estate business, soon demonstrating
his ability and building up a gratifying trade. He served as county auditor in 1894
and after his term had expired was for one year engaged in the shoe business. He
subsequently was for four years assistant cashier of the Yakima Valley Bank but
since that date has again turned his attention to real estate and insurance and now
has a large clientage. He is well versed as regards realty values here and through
his agency many important transactions have been concluded. His business methods
are above board and he enjoys the greatest confidence, while his judgment is seldom
if ever questioned. On the contrary his advice in regard to real estate values is often
sought and generally heeded.
On September 3, 1874, Frederic C. Hall was united in marriage to Flora Collier,
of Hornell, Xew York, and to them was born a daughter, Bessie, who married J.
G. Flanery, of Tacoma, Washington. Mr. Hall was one of the organizers and is now
president of the George Washington Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution
and, moreover, is a member of the Knights of Pythias, in which lodge he has held
all the chairs, now being a trustee. He is a devoted member of the Presbyterian
church and for sixteen years was president of the board of trustees, thus doing valu-
able work for the church. For seven years he has also served as trustee of the
library board and has served on the building committee. In his political affiliations
he is a republican, loyally supporting the candidates of that party, and while not a
politician in the ordinary sense of the word has ever taken the greatest interest in
public movements, keeping thoroughly informed in regard to the issues of the day
and particularly the questions that concern his nearer home district. He is a director
of the Yakima Title Guaranty & Abstract Company and a trustee of the Young
Men's Christian Association, of which local branch he was one of the organizers. He
is a charter member of the Yakima Historical Society and from 189.S until 1898 served
as first lieutenant of Troop A, a cavalry organization, in the National Guard. As
one of the foremost citizens of Yakima county Mr. Hall stands high in the respect
and confidence of his fellowmen, who by bestowing honor upon him have honored
themselves.
WARREN L. GALE.
Warren L. Gale, an orchardist living near Zillah, was born in Trumbull county,
Ohio, May 2, 18S3. He is a son of Abram R. and Nancy (Hunter) Gale, who were
natives of New Jersey and Pennsylvania respectively. They became pioneer settlers
of Ohio and in the fall of 1855 removed from that state to McHenry county, Illinois,
but in the spring of 1856 left the latter place for Fillmore county, Minnesota, mak-
ing the journey thither with ox teams. There the father took up government land
upon which not a furrow had been turned nor an improvement made and with char-
acteristic energy he began the development of the property. In 1877 he sold out
and went to North Carolina, where he resided for two years. In 1879 he became a
resident of Boone county, Nebraska, again attracted by the opportunities of the
new and growing west. There he took up government land and at once began the
arduous task of developing a new farm. In the course of years his fields were brought
under a high state of cultivation and he continued to own and operate that farm
to the time of his death, which occurred in 1898. His widow survived him for several
years and became a resident of Seattle, where her death occurred in 1906. During
the period of their residence in Nebraska they won a substantial measure of success.
Warren L. Gale, after acquiring a public school education, started out in the
business world independently when nineteen years of age by renting land. He after-
ward went to North Carolina with his father and accompanied him to Nebraska in
1879, in which year he, too, took up a homestead claim. There he remained for
twenty-two years, or until February, 1901, when he sold his property in that district
and made his way to the northwest, becoming a resident of Yakima county. Here
he purchased twenty acres of land a mile and a half northwest of Zillah. It was
improved property, to which he has since added other modern improvements, and
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 389
upon his farm are now found all the accessories and conveniences of a model ranch
property of the twentieth century. He has built a fine house upon the place and
everything about his ranch indicates his practical methods and his progressive spirit.
He has eighteen acres of his land planted to apples, pears, prunes, peaches and
apricots and he is justly regarded as a leading orchardist of his district, for he employs
the most scientific methods in the care and spraying of his trees and in the gather-
ing, packing and shipping of his fruit.
In 1880 Mr. Gale was married to Miss Louise Lamont, a native of Michigan, and
they became parents of two children: Mary Emily, the wife of A. T. Snipes, a stock-
man residing in Klickitat county, Washington, by whom she has one son; and Charles,
who is in the shipyards at Vancouver, Washington. He is married and has a son,
now about a j'ear old. In 1906 Mr. Gale wedded Mrs. Nellie Laroe, nee Hardy, who
was born in Marietta, Ohio, a daughter of John and Julia Hardy. There is one child
hy this marriage. Warren L., Jr., whose birth occurred June 26, 1918.
In politics Mr. Gale is a stalwart republican. He has served four years on the
school board and he is a member of the Water Users Association. He has never
been active in politics as an office seeker, preferring to give his undivided attention
to his business affairs, and the careful direction of his labors has won him a place
among the successful orchardists of the Yakima vallej'. He has made a comprehen-
sive and thorough study of everything relating to horticultural development in this
section and he speaks with authority upon all vital questions concerning fruit grow-
ing in the district. He secured the licst nursery stock and his orchards are indeed
a thing of beauty in blossom time and a source of substantial profit in the harvest
season.
CHARLES S. SIMPSON.
Charles S. Simpson is the owner of two ranches devoted largely to fruit raising
and has made for himself a creditable position as an orchardist of the Yakima valley.
He was born in Fredericksburg, Holmes county, Ohio, December 13, 1862, a son of
Wilkinson Kelso and Martha Ann (Pomeroy) Simpson. The father was born in
Perry county, Pennsylvania, and the mother's birth occurred in Ohio, in which state
they were married. Wilkinson K. Simpson was a son of George N. Simpson, who
was of Scotch parentage, his mother having been a Lindsay. Both died in Pennsyl-
vania. In young manhood W. K. Simpson removed from the Keystone state to Ohio
and afterward established his home in .\uburn, Indiana, in 1868. At a later date he
became a resident of Fort Wayne, Indiana, and in 1874 he removed to the vicinity of
Lansing. Michigan, He was a dentist who successfully practiced his profession for
many years, following that calling in Michigan to the time of his death.
Cliarles S. Simpson, after acquiring a public school education, worked upon a
fruit farm in Michigan and thus received early training along the line in which he
is now engaged. His identification w-ith the northwest covers a period of more than
a third of a century, for he arrived in Walla Walla, Washington, in February, 1882.
He then secured employment in the fruit orchard of C. M. Johnson and later was
with the firm of Randle & Sayer, nurserymen, assisting them in the establishment of
their orchard and nursery. He was afterward associated with the Milton Nursery
Company for five years and while thus engaged took up a homestead claim in Klicki-
tat county in 1884. It was in 1889 that Mr. Simpson removed to Yakima county and
established a nursery business in connection with his brother Harry under the style
of Simpson Brothers. In 1890 he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land a
mile and a half south of the depot in Yakima. Nearly the entire tract was still wild
and undeveloped, luit he at once began to prepare the land and develop a nursery and
for many years conducted thereon an extensive and profitable nursery Inisiness. He
has since sold his land with the exception of twenty-five acres. This is situated
in two ranclies, one of ten acres and the other of fifteen acres, lying about a half
mile apart. He has a nice home upon his place and has most of his land planted
to fruit, including apples, pears and prunes. His orchards are in good bearing condi-
tion and his annual sales of fruit bring to hifn a substantial financial return.
390 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
On the 25th of December. 1899, Mr. Simpson was married to Miss Madge Hards,
who was born near London, England, a daughter of George Hards, who came to
this country from England and settled in Idaho, while later he took up his abode in
Yakima and in 1918 removed to Ellensburg, Washington. Mr. and Mrs. Simpson
have had five children; Yira; Samuel Reuben, deceased; Mildred; Martha; and
Charles Sanford, Jr., who was born February 23, 1913, and is therefore five years of
age.
The parents arc members of the Christian Science church and Mr. Simpson be-
longs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His political endorsement has
always been given to the republican party and he is interested in all matters of
public concern, giving his support to those activities which are of value to the com-
munity. As a nurseryman he contributed much to the development and improve-
mept of this section of the state. His labors demonstrated the possibility for the
successful propagation of various kinds of fruits and trees and his nursery stock
constituted the nucleus of the improvement of many of the best orchards now found
in this section of the state.
JAMES D. BEAN.
The family residence of James D. Bean at Naches commands a beautiful view
of the valley and surrounding comitry, and thus amid pleasant surroundings Mr.
Bean is spending his days, devoting his attention to the further development and im-
provements of his fine orchards. He was born in St. Joseph. Missouri, September
27, 1872, a son of Henry R. and Jane (Blacklock) Bean, the former a native of Eng-
land, while the latter was born in Scotland. Both came to the United States in early
life and were married on this side of the Atlantic. The father was a carpenter and
contractor and carried on business along building lines for many years. In 1872 he
established his home in Racine. Wisconsin, where he followed his trade for some
time, and later he was killed in Kansas while engaged in building a bridge. His
wife passed away in Racine.
James D. Bean obtained a public school education in Racine and after starting
out in the business world on his own account learned the tinner's trade. He ar-
rived in Yakima. Washington, in 1908 and spent five years in the city in the employ
of the Yakima Hardware Company, but noticing the success that was to be achieved
in the raising and development of fruit in this section, he purchased in 1913 forty
acres of land on Naches Heights and now has eleven acres in fruit. He has erected
a nice residence upon his place and in 1918 he built a fine warehouse. He is engaged
extensively in raising apples, making a specialty of Jonathans and Winesaps. He is
also planting another five acres to "Delicious" apples and his orchards are in ex-
cellent condition, showing the utmost care of the owner. He likewise raises potatoes
and hay and annually gathers good crops.
Mr. Bean's sister Minnie, the wife of J. B. Riley, is making her home with him.
In politics Mr. Bean is a republican and always keeps well informed on the questions
and issues of the day but does not seek nor desire office, for he feels that his time
and attention are fully occupied by his business affairs, which are constantly grow-
ing in volume and importance, and he is now accounted one of the successful orchard-
ists of the Naches Heights.
RUFUS COOKE.
For over fifty years Rufus Cooke has been a witness of the wonderful develop-
ment that has taken place in the Yakima valley. He is not only a pioneer of this
section but is one of the few native sons who can date the year of their birth back to
1867. He was born on the 12th of September, a son of C. P. Cooke, who has since
passed away. The latter was numbered among the earliest settlers of the Yakima
Valley, who in the '70s located in the Kittitas valley, where he spent his remaining
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 391
days. He was married to Susan E. Brewster, a native of New York, wlio in I8S1
arrived in Oregon with her uncle, E. N. Cooke. C. P. Cooke removed to that state
in 1850. coming originally from Ohio but having crossed the plains to California
in 1849. In 1867, the year of the birth of our subject, the father came to Yakima
county and in the 70s, as mentioned above, removed to the Kittitas valley. Both
Mr. and Mrs. C. P. Cooke were numbered among the typical pioneers of the west.
He passed away in 1888 but his widow survives and makes her home with Rufus
Cooke, being now in her eighty-seventh year. She is the only one living of the party
who crossed the plains in 1851 and is still enjoying good health. Her husband was
quite prominent as a stock raiser and dealer and as such was engaged for many years
in this valley, having previously followed the same pursuit at Independence, Oregon.
As a stockman he used the sugar bowl as his brand, which became one of the famous
markings among the cattlemen of his day.
Rufus Cooke was reared under the parental roof and in the acquirement of an
education attended school near his father's ranch. He has given his attention largely
to ranching and now has a valuable property, comprising two hundred and forty acres,
which is mostly devoted to hay and grain. He has always followed modern and
progressive methods and through industry and perseverance has become financially
independent.
In 1889, at the age of twenty-two, Mr. Cooke was united in marriage to Miss Delia
Fulton, a native of Idaho, who came to the Kittitas valley in 1884 with her parents,
Frank and Belle (Clcmmons) Fulton. Mrs. Cooke is a devoted member of the Chris-
tian church.
Mr. Cooke is a democrat in his political affiliations, having always given his
support to that party, in the principles of which he thoroughly believes are the best
form of government. Although he has always aided movements undertaken for the
public good and is ever ready to give financial support to anything that will promote
the advancement of the Yakima valley, he has never aspired to public office, prefer-
ring to do his duty as a citizen in a private capacity. Not only is he a descendant of
one of the historic pioneer families of this region and is connected with another
prominent family of equal distinction through his wife, but he is, moreover, today
the oldest living native of Yakima and Kittitas counties. Fraternally he is con-
nected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the underlying principles of this
organization guiding him to a large e.xtent in his conduct toward his fellowmen. He
has made many friends in and near Ellensburg and all who know him agree as to his
high qualities of heart and mind.
NORMAN WOODHOUSE.
Norman Woodhouse. owning a valuable ranch near Wiley City, was born in
Beaver county, Utah, January 13, 1861, a son of Charles C. and Sophia (Kershaw)
Woodhouse. The father was born in Yorkshire, England, and it was his father who
brought the family to the United States at an early date. They landed at New
Orleans and later made their way northward to St. Louis, Missouri, where they lived
for a number of years, and in fact the grandfather, who was a tailor by trade, passed
away in that city. Charles C. Woodhouse, the father, was among the earliest of
the emigrants to Utah. He made two trips across the plains and was engaged in
ranching and in merchandising in that state, spending his last days in Beaver, LItah.
Norman Woodhouse acquired a public school education and his business train-
ing was received in his father's store. In May, 1884, he came to Yakima county and
purchased one hundred and thirty-four acres of land on the Ahtanum, known as
the Olney ranch. This was one of the first settled ranches in the valley and upon
it were found fine springs. He built a large and attractive residence, also substantial
barns and added all the latest improved machinery and accessories of a model farm
of the twentieth century. He engages in raising hay and grain and also conducts
an extensive dairy business. He established one of the first cheese factories in the
county. He keeps fine Holstein cattle and by reason of his well directed business
interests has become one of the leading farmers of his section of the valley. In 1912
392 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
lie built a beautiful home at Wiley City and retired from the active work of the farm
but still owns his ranch property and derives therefrom a substantial income. He
is likewise the owner of the plant conducted under the name of the Woodhouse
Telephone Company, which covers the Ahtanum valley and part of the Cowiche valley
and Wide Hollow. He now supervises this telephone business and rents his ranch to
his sons.
On the 24th of December, 1891, Mr. Woodhouse was married to Miss Isabella
Wiley, a sister of James Wiley, mentioned elsewhere in this work. The children
of this marriage are: Earl, who has a wife and resides upon the home farm; Myron,
who is also upon the home ranch; and Clarke, who is with his parents and acts as
manager of the telephone company.
Mr. Woodhouse votes with the republican party, of which he has always been
a stalwart champion. He and his wife are members of the Congregational church and
are people of the highest respectability. He has won a gratifying measure of suc-
cess in the conduct of hi? business affairs since he became a pioneer rancher of his
district. There have been no esoteric phases in his career. He has worked persist-
ently and energetically, realizing that industry is the basis of all honorable success,
and it has been by reason of his unwearied industry that he has gained his present
creditable place as a substantial and prosperous business man of Wiley City.
J. EVERETT STEVEXS.
J. Everett Stevens occupies a fine modern home, which was built in the spring
of 1916 upon his ranch of ten acres in the Selah valley. Mrj Stevens is a western
man and has spent his entire life upon the Pacific coast. He was born in Modoc
county, California. March 17, 1882, a son of Ward S. and Martha J. (Dyke) Stevens,
who were natives of Maine and of Illinois respectively. The father crossed the
plains to California in 1849, attracted by the discovery of gold on the Pacific slope, and
later he returned to the east and brought his wife and family to California in 1852,
making the long journey across the plains. He became a rancher and farmer of that
district and continued his residence in the Golden state until 1916, when his labors
were terminated in death. His wife also passed away in that year.
J. Everett Stevens, having acquired a public school education, engaged in ranch-
ing with his father and also in mining for two years. In the spring of 1907 he went
to .\laska and was identified with mining in the northwest until the fall of 1908. He
did not meet with the success that he had anticipated, however, and believed that he
would have better opportunities in Washington. Accordingly he made his way to
Yakima count}' and purchased twenty acres of land in the Selah valley in connection
with his brother-in-law. who later sold his holdings. Mr. Stevens now has ten acres,
all planted to apples. In the spring of 1916 he built a fine modern residence upon this
place. It is a very attractive home, light and airy and, conveniently arranged, and
not the least of its pleasing features is its warm-hearted hospitality.
On the 14th of August, 1912, Mr. Stevens was married to Miss Leona Pearl
Swank, who was born in New York, a daughter of Theodore and Minnie (Culver)
Swank, the latter now deceased, while the former is living with Mr. and Mrs. Stevens.
Mr. Stevens belongs to Yakima Lodge Xo. 318, B. P. O. E., which has drawn
its membership from the leading and valued citizens of this section of the state, being
one of the strongest fraternal organizations of the entire valley.
BENJAMIX F. HUGGIXS.
Benjamin F. Muggins, who is carrying on general farming near Yakima, was
born in Washington county. New York. May 7. 1877, and acquired a public school
education in his native state while spending his youthful days in the home of his
parents, John W. and Sarah Louise (Flack) Huggins. The mother died in the Empire
state, while the father is now living in Iowa.
KVERETT STEVf;NS
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 395
After mastering the common branches of learning in the public schools of New
York, Benjamin F. Huggins became a pupil in the University of Denver at Denver,
Colorado, in viihich he spent three years. He was afterward associated with the
Rocky Mountain News of Denver, working in the press room and afterward in the
circulation department. He has been a resident of the northwest since 1905, at which
time he took up his abode in Lewiston, Idaho, where he engaged in the dairy busi-
ness, there remaining until 1911. In that year he sold a half interest in the business
and removed to Yakima valley, where he purchased one hundred acres of land
two and a half miles south of the Yakima post office. He has since sold forty acres
of his land, retaining possession of a sixty-acre tract, on which he is successfully en-
gaged in the raising of hay and grain in connection with his dairy. He has one
hundred cows for that purpose. Whatever he h.is undertaken has been carried for-
ward to successful completion, but at the present time he prefers to concentrate
his efforts and attention upon dairying and the raising of hay and cereals best adapted
to soil and climatic conditions here. His business affairs are capably and wisely
directed and he has become numbered among the men of affluence in his locality.
On the 30th of November, 1912, Mr. Huggins was united in marriage to Miss Mabel
Gertrude Armstrong, a native of Lewiston, Idaho, and a daughter of James L. Arm-
strong, who was one of the pioneers of that state. Her father is a well known sheep
rancher and business man and also figures prominently in public affairs, serving at the
present time as county assessor. To Mr. and Mrs. Huggins have been born four chil-
dren: Mary Louise, Gladys Eleanor, Margaret and John Douglas.
Mr. Huggins belongs to the Masonic fraternity and has attained the thirty-second
degree of the Scottish Rite. He also has membership with the Benevolent Pro-
tective Order of Elks and he is a loyal adherent of the principles of these societies.
His wife is a member of the Christian Science church. In his political views Mr.
Huggins maintains an independent course, voting according to the dictates of his
judgment without regard to party ties. He is, however, never remiss in the duties
of citizenship but has ever supported measures which have had to do with the prog-
ress and upbuilding of this section of the country and has at the same time carefully
and wisely directed his individual affairs, so that he has become one of the success-
ful men of his community.
ELJJAH P. SANFORD.
Elijah P. Sanford is one of the best known and prominent representatives of
extensive ranching and stock raising interests in Yakima county. His business activi-
ties have been most wisely directed and success in substantial measure has crowned
his labors. Mr. Sanford is a native of Cuyahoga county. Ohio, born March 22, 1840.
He is a son of Sylvester and Nancy (Cahoon) Sanford, who in the year 1844 left
the Buckeye state and removed to Walworth county, Wisconsin, where their remain-
ing days were passed.
Elijah P. Sanford acquired a meagre public school education and in 1858 he
went to Iowa, while later he became a resident of Illinois and of Minnesota. From
the latter state he crossed the plains in 1862, being with the first train to make the
trip north of the Missouri river. At length, after a long and arduous trip, they
reached the Pacific coast and spent the first winter in Oregon. Later he removed
to the Gallatin valley and there remained until 1869, after which he returned to Wis-
consin, where he spent another winter. He later removed to Dekalb county, Mis-
souri, and there lived for twenty-two years, being actively engaged during that period
in the live stock lousiness. In 1893 Mr. Sanford arrived in the Yakima valley and
purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land three niiks southeast of Yakima.
Throughout the intervening period he has been extensively and successfully cngage<I
in the live stock business, handling sheep, horses, cattle and hogs. He also has a
fine ranch on the Moxee and he owns and leases several thousand acres of range
land, on which he pastures his fine Red Polled cattle, lie has come to be recognized
as an authority upon anything relating to stock raising and is regarded as one of
the leading stock men of the valley. He has had long experience in this connection
396 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY •
and has ever made it his purpose to employ the most progressive methods in the
care of his stock and in the development of his herds.
In 1882 Mr. Sanford was united in marriage to Miss Grace Doughty, who was
bprn in Illinois but removed to Missouri, where their marriage was celebrated. They
have become the parents of four children: Clara, who is at home; Lucy, deceased;
Albert E., who is engaged in the live stock business with his father; and L. H., who
is also at home and is the active assistant of his father in business. Mrs. Sanford
is a member of the Methodist church and a lady of many attractive attributes of
character. Mr. Sanford gives his political endorsement to the republican party but
has never sought or desired office, although he is ever loyal to any cause which he
espouses. Fraternally he is connected with the Masons as a member of Yakima
Lodge, Xo. 24. F. & A. M.; and Yakima Chapter, No. 23, R. A. M. In his work in
the west he has displayed the same pioneering spirit which took both his paternal
and maternal grandparents from New York to Ohio when that district was situated
upon the western frontier and later to Wisconsin when it was upon the far west-
ern border. Mr. Sanford sought the opportunities offered in a new country and as
the years have gone by his success has proven the wisdom of his course, both as to
the selection of a place of residence and the selection of a business.
FRED LINIGER.
Switzerland has furnished many valuable citizens to the United States and among
the number is Fred Liniger, who was born January 27, 1867, in the land of the Alps.
He is now a successful agriculturist on the Tieton, owning twenty acres of valuable
land, largely devoted to hay, potatoes and grain, while he also does some orchard-
ing. His parents were Frederick and Selma Liniger, both now deceased. The father
followed agricultural pursuits as well as stock dealing throughout his life and also
successfully engaged in the meat business.
In 1886 at the age of nineteen, Fred Liniger arrived in the United States and for
seventeen years was successfully engaged in farming in Allegan county, Michigan,
at the end of which period, or in 1903, he came to Yakima county. He bought fifteen
acres of land on the Moxee, which he sold in 1911. and purchased twenty acres on the
Tieton, which property he has since greatly improved. He raises hay, potatoes and
grain and also has one acre in orchard. .\ substantial farmhouse as well as other
suitable buildings stand as a monument to his thrift and industry.
On the 4th of March, 1893, Mr. Liniger was united in marriage to Mary Plosted,
a native of Germany, who at the age of ten years was brought to the L^nited States
and passed her girlhood in Michigan. To Mr. and Mrs. Liniger were born si.x chil-
dren: Clara, the wife of Otto Precious, who is with the British army in France;
Alice, the wife of Albert Beddo. a resident of Yakima; Mabel, who resided with her
sister Clara in Seattle: and Nellie, Reuben and Gilbert, all at home.
Mr. and Mrs. Liniger are devoted members of the Evangelical Lutheran church,
to which they arc ever ready to g'ive assistance. In his political affiliations Mr.
Liniger is independent, voting for the man whom he considers best fitted for the
office to which he aspires. He has many friends in his neighborhood, all of whom
are agreed as to his high qualities of heart and mind.
JOHN J. KOWALSKY.
One of the hospitable and really accommodating hostelries of Benton county is
the Palace Hotel of Prosser, which has gained its reputation largely under the able
management of its present lessee, John J. Kowalsky. It is a favorite stopping place
for all those who come to the city or pass through here and many make it a point
to enjoy its homelike comforts even if only for a few hours. It is thoroughly modern
in all respects and provides everything for the convenience of guests that may be
expected of a good hotel in a small town. The building was erected in 1909 by George
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 397
I-'inii, who in 1916 sold out to the Prosser Investment Company. In 1914 the hotel
was leased by John J. Kowalsky, who has since remained its able manager and who
in 1917 also leased the Kemp building. The hotel now has sixty rooms, all niodernly
furnished and fitted with up-to-date conveniences for the guests. In connection with
the hotel he conducts a first class cafe, which enjoys quite a reputation for its high
class cuisine. While oflfering his guests the best food obtainable. Mr. Kowalsky has
succeeded in keeping down the prices within a reasonable limit, contenting himself
with a moderate profit, and thereby his dining establishment has gained a large
patronage.
Mr. Kowalsky is a Wisconsin man, having been born in Milwaukee in 1879, and
is a son of John Frank and Mary Kowalsky, who were among the pioneers of Mil-
waukee. The father, who was engaged in a private banking business, has now
passed away, but the mother still survives. Mr. Kowalsky of this review received his
education in the public schools of his native city and subsequently was connected
with the jewelry business. Later he studied medicine for a time and then decided
upon a trip to Australia but while on the way to the Antipodes stopped off in Wash-
ington. Being very favorably impressed with the opportunities offered in this new
state, he remained in Seattle for three years and then went to Alaska, where he spent
one year. He has traveled all over the western coast and also over Montana and
Wyoming and has done much work along the line of advertising western lands in the
east. Upon coming to Prosser he leased the Palace Hotel and has been here ever
since. I'nder his able management the hotel has become widely known and it now
furnishes him a gratifying source of income. He is a man of pronounced business
ability and well understands the wants of the public, having acquired broad ex-
perience owing to his wide travels, and makes an ideal host to all who partake of his
hospitality.
On the 2d of July, 1915, Mr. Kowalsky was united in marriage to Miss Bertha
Cutting and they have a daughter, Margaret Mary. He is a member of Yakima Lodge,
No. 318. B. P. O. E.. and also belongs to the Seattle Chamber of Commerce and the
United Commerical Travelers. He has always taken a most active part in the growth
and development of the city which is now his residence and in many ways has given
positive evidence of his interest. He laid out the high school park for Prosser and
was among the most ardent of those who promoted the movement for its establish-
ment. Mr. Kowalsky has some highly improved land near Prosser and also owns
an attractive garden in the city. In his political affiliations he is a repul)lican.
CHARLES C. MARTEL.
One of the enterprising commercial interests of Toppenish is the drug store
of Charles C. Martel, whose eastern training has found scope in the opportunities of
the west. He was born in Boston, Massachusetts, on the 14th of February, 1873,
a son of Edward and Zoe (Maynard) Martel. He is a representative of one of the
old colonial families established in Massachusetts at an early period in the develop-
ment of that state. The father was also a druggist and passed away in the year 1908.
The mother has likewise departed this life.
Charles C. Martel was "to the manner born" inasmuch as from early boyhood
he w-as practically in his father's store when not in school and picked up much valu-
able knowledge concerning the drug trade. He did not regard this as sufficient, how-
ever, to qualify him for a business career of that character and received thorough
scientific training in the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy, from which he was
graduated in 1911. He spent his early manhood as a clerk in the drug stores of
Boston and other New England cities and in 1909 came to Washington, going first
to Tacoma. In the same year, however, he came to Toppenish and purchased the
drug store of R. H. Brown, since which time he has successfully carried on the busi-
ness. He now has a well appointed and well equipped drug store, carrying a full
line of drugs and druggists' sundries, and the neat and tasteful arrangement of his
place, his reliable business methods and his progressive spirit have proven potent
elements in the upbuilding of a business of gratifying proportions.
398 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
Mr. Martel is a prominent Mason, belonging to Toppenish Lodge, No. 178, A. F.
& A. M.; Yakima Council, No. 21, R. A. M.; Yakima Commandery, No. 31, K. T.; and
Afifi Temple of the Mystic Shrine of Tacoma. He also has membership in the Elks
lodge. No. 318, of Yakima, and is identified with the Knights of Pythias. In politics
he is a republican and he belongs to the Toppenish Commercial Club, cooperating
in all of the purposes and plans of that organization for the upbuilding of the city,
the extension of its business relations and the upholding of its civic standards.
A. A. BOGGESS.
A. A. Boggcss is numbered among those enterprising farmers who have accom-
plished notable results in the production of crops to which they have turned their
attention. Mr. Boggess is especially well known because of the fine corn which he
has raised upon his ranch in the Yakima valley. He now occupies an attractive
home, supplied with all modern conveniences, and has won success by reason of
close application and honorable dealing. He was born in Harrison county, Weit
Virginia, November 8, 1853, a son of William S. and Melissa (Robey) Boggess, who
were likewise natives of West Virginia. The father was a son of Samuel' Boggess,
who was born in the same state and was a representative of one of the old southern
families. William S. Boggess removed to Tennessee in his later life and there passed
away in February, 1917. but his wife died in West Virginia. He devoted his life to
the occupation of farming, following that pursuit in order to provide for his family.
.At the usual age .\. A. Boggess became a public school pupil and when his text-
books were put aside he took up farming in West Virginia and was thus engaged
until April 20, 1906, when he arrived in Yakima county, Washington. The opportu-
nities of the northwest had long been an attraction to him and at lengeth he deter-
mined to try his fortune in this section of the country. He purchased five acres of
land two and a half miles south of Yakima and has built thereon a fine residence of
cement blocks. His home contains eight rooms and is supplied with hot and cold
water, electric lights and all modern conveniences. There are beautiful shade trees
upon th'e place, including one beautiful old maple that is over seventy feet across its
branches. This is the finest shade tree in Yakima county. In addition to his home
place Mr. Boggess purchased other tracts of land which he has sold, and by reason
of his judicious investments has been able to realize considerable profits on his sales.
He has his land planted to fruit and alfalfa and he has also won a well deserved rep-
utation for the fine corn which he has raised.
On the 20th of March, 1871, Mr. Boggess was united in marriage to Miss Louisa
R. Robinson, a daughter of John R. and Caroline (Boggess) Robinson, who were
representatives of old southern families of West Virginia, who were established for
more than a hundred years near Clarksburg, that state. Mr. Boggess was called
upon to mourn the loss of his wife in 1917, her death occurring on the 13th of July.
By their marriage they had become the parents of the following named: Clinton
t', who is now a teacher in West Liberty, West Virginia, is married and has one
child; Melissa is the wife of Clarence Starchcr, a fruit grower of Yakima, and has
four children; Dalton A., a fruit grower of Yakima county, has a wife and two
children, a son and a daughter: Lena M., is the wife of William B. Lawson, of West
Virginia, and has two children: Homer is a fruit grower of Yakima county, who is
married and has two children; D. R. resides near Cleveland, Ohio, with his wife and
two daughters; Olney is a surveyor of Yakima county and has a wife and two chil-
dren; Guy is engaged in ranching in Wyoming and is married but has no children;
Vance, residing in Clarksburg, West Virginia, is married and has one child. Mr.
and Mrs. Boggess reared an adopted son, Roy, who is now engaged in ranching in
Yakima county.
While in West Virginia Mr. and Mrs. Boggess were members of the United
Brethren church and after coming to the northwest united with the Methodist
church. He has been Sunday school superintendent for many years and has never
failed in attendance at the Sunday school for nine years. In recognition of his work
the church presented him with a fine gold medal. In politics he is a prohibitionist
and throughout his entire life he has stood stanchly for the right. He has never
A. A. BOGCtESS
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 401
been in a saloon, a picture show or a theatre, to a baseball game, to a horse race or a
dance and has never used tobacco. Not one man in a million has such a record.
While in West Virginia he was a member of the Grange and he now belongs to the
Yakima County Horticultural Union. He has concentrated his efforts and attention
upon his business affairs and has a splendidly improved farm property, while the
hospitality of his fine home is greatly enjoyed by his many friends owing to his
charming southern personality.
NATHAN C. RICHARDS.
Nathan C. Richards, a member of the Washington bar, practicing at Yakima, his
ability and position being manifest in the fact that he is now president of the Wash-
ington State Bar Association, was born in Hillsdale, Michigan, in 1867, a son of
Nathan J. and Mary (Franklin) Richards. He acquired a public school education,
supplemented by study in Hillsdale College, after which he took up the reading of
law under the direction and in the office of the firm of Campbell & Custer of Chicago.
He successfully passed the required examinations in 1888 and was admitted to the
bar.
In the spring of 1889 Mr. Richards arrived in Washington. He opened a law
office in Tacoma, where he remained in active practice until 1895, when he removed
to Baker, Oregon, where he continued until 1909. He then came to Yakima, where
he has since practiced, and his ability is indicated in the large and distinctively rep-
resentative clientage that has since been accorded him, connecting him with much of
the most important litigation heard in the courts of the state. His contemporaries
and colleagues at the bar have attested their confidence in and high respect for Mr.
Richards by electing him to the presidency of the Washington State Bar Association.
Outside of his profession he is also known in business circles, being the president of
the Yakima Valley Transportation Company, in which connection he has supervised
the construction of over forty-two miles of railway. It was to engage in the building
of this line that he removed to Yakima.
In 1899 Mr. Richards was united in marriage to Miss Maidie L. Rinker, of Seattle,
and they occupy a most enviable position in the social circles of the city. Mr. Rich-
ards is a thirty-second degree Mason and a past venerable master of the consistory.
He is also a inember of the Mystic Shrine and is a past master of the blue lodge in
Oregon to which he formerly belonged. He is likewise connected with the Benev-
olent Protective Order of Elks. In politics he is a stalwart republican, recognized
as an active worker in party ranks but never as an office seeker. In 1904 he was a
delegate to the national convention which nominated Theodore Roosevelt for the
presidency.
YAKIMA VALLEY TRANSPORTATION COMPANY.
Yakima Valley Transportation Company, the value of whose service
tion with the public welfare is scarcely to be overrated, was established as the
Yakima Inter-Valley Traction Company in 1906, the stockholders being local people.
H. B. Scudder, now deceased, was the first president, with Murray Miles, also now
deceased, as the secretary. Franchises were granted to this company, which was
reorganized in 1907 as the Yakima Valley Transportation Company, with A. J. Splawn
as the president and George S. Rankin as general manager. They built about three
miles of road. In June, 1909, Nathan C. Richards came to Yakima and purchased the
plant for the Union Pacific Railroad. Mr. Richards was made manager of the com-
pany and started the development work. In 1910 he was elected to the presidency
of this corporation, with J. P. O'Brien as vice president and P. D. Spencer as auditor.
The company now has over forty miles of road, extending to Selah, Wiley City and
Henryb'ro, covering most of the valley, and the electric railway lines of the city.
The equipment is thoroughly modern, power being secured from the Pacific Power
(14)
402 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
& Light Company, and today they have over one hundred employes. They do a
large freight business, shipping over both the Union Pacific and the Northern Pacific.
The capital stock is held by the Union Pacific system. The company operates three
freight locomotives, handling the ordinary freight cars, and operates three interurban
passenger cars, together with seven city cars. This is the best electric service in
Washington for a town of its size.
ANDREW MILTON SKINNER.
Andrew Milton Skinner, who since 1908 has owned and occupied a farm one mile
north of Outlook, now has seventy-five acres of good land. He has owned and sold
other farms in this district, having for a number of years been closely identified with
its agricultural development. He was born in Osage county, Kansas, June 13, 1873,
a son of Andrew J. and Mary Jane (Payton) Skinner, who were natives of Ohio and
from that state removed to Indiana, and later to Kansas, purchasing land upon which
Mr. Skinner carried on farming to the time of his death.
Andrew M. Skinner acquired a public school education and at the age of sev-
enteen years started out in the business world on his own account. He worked for
wages and after a time went to Kansas City, where he lived for two years. Later he
engaged in farming for a brief period in Kansas and upon his removal to the north-
west made his way to Black Diamond, Washington, where he worked in the mines
for two and a half years. While in Kansas he had suffered losses and was forced
to make a new start in the northwest, his wife assisting by teaching music. They
saved twenty-five hundred dollars and. wisely feeling that life means more than the
accumulation of money, they went to St. Louis to see the Louisiana Purchase Ex-
position, gaining much of educational value and pleasure from the trip. In the
spring of 1905 Mr. Skinner purchased forty acres of land a mile north and west of
Outlook. He sold the property in 1906 and invested in twenty-five acres nearby.
This he later sold and his ne.xt purchase made him owner of sixty acres in the same
locality, but later he disposed of that tract and in 1908 purchased his present farm a
mile north of Outlook. He has added to this since that time and now has seventy-
five acres of good land, constituting an excellent ranch property of the district, upon
which he successfully raises hay, corn and potatoes. He also has fine registered
Percheron and Shire horses and is engaged quite extensively in the breeding and
raising of horses.
On the 11th of October, 1900, Mr. Skinner was married to Miss Fannie Roady,
who was born in Scranton. Kansas, a daughter of Thomas JefTerson and Catherine
(Dowlingl Roady, who were born in Jerscyville, Illinois, and became pioneer resi-
dents of Kansas, where they settled in 187.5. In 1908 they came to the Yakima val-
ley and purchased a ranch near Outlook, since which time the father has successfully
carried on agricultural interests there. Mr. and Mrs. Skinner have become parents
of three children: Mabel, Margaret and Hazel May.
In politics Mr. Skinner is a republican but has never been an office seeker. He
has made good use of his time, talents and opportunities and as the years have
passed he has won that prosperity which is the direct result of industry well guided
and of unquestioned business integrity.
JOHN BORGESON.
John Borgeson, who is devoting his efforts and attention to horticultural pur-
suits, having a five acre tract of land near Yakima, was born in Sweden, September
3, 1854, a son of Berg and Anna (Johanson) Borgeson, both of whom died in Sweden.
It was in the schools of his native country that John Borgeson pursued his education.
In 1879, attracted by the opportunities of the new world, he came to the L^nited States
and for eleven months was a resident of Nebraska. He then removed to Colorado,
where he spent most of his time through the succeeding eight years, after which he
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 403
made his way to the Puget Sound country and also to British Columbia in the year
1882. In 1894 he became a resident of Yakima county and for a few years engaged
in the cultivation of rented land. In 1900 he purchased one hundred and twenty
acres of wild land, situated on the Moxee. and began the development and improve-
ment of this tract. As the years passed he successfully engaged in the raising of grain,
hay and potatoes, converting the place into a valuable farm. He sold that property,
however, in 1913 and in 1914 purchased five acres two miles south of Yakima, all of
which is planted to orchard. He now annually gathers large crops of apples, pears,
peaches, cherries and plums. His trees are in good bearing condition and he utilizes
the most improved and scientific methods in their care and development. He has
built a barn and has added other modern improvements, converting his farm into a
highly productive place.
On the 16th of July. 1900, Mr. Borgeson was married to Miss Anna C. Ander-
son, who was born in Sweden and came to the United States in 1900, their marriage
being celebrated in New York. Mr. Borgeson returned to Sweden in 1900 and
brought his wife-to-be to the United States. Mrs. Borgeson is a member of the
Swedish Lutheran church.
In politics Mr. Borgeson is a democrat and is serving as precinct committeeman.
He takes an active interest in political questions and issues and never hesitates to
give his unfaltering support to any cause in which he believes.
FREDERICK SCHLIEN.
Frederick Schlien, who is engaged in ranching near Mabton, was born in Madi-
son county, Nebraska, on the 22d of April, 1884, a son of Carl and Mary (Price)
Schlien, who were pioneer settlers of Nebraska. The father brought his family
to the Yakima valley in 1901 and purchased ten acres of land near the city of Yakima.
He also bought eighty-five acres on the Naches and after cultivating his land for a
number of years eventually sold the property and retired to Yakima to enjoy a rest
which he had truly earned and richly deserved.
Frederick Schlien engaged in ranching with his father until 1902. He afterward
devoted his attention to the cultivation of rented land until 1910, when he purchased
a part of his father's land near Mabton. He was the third to settle in this section
and when he took up his abode thereon it was all wild and his place was covered
with the native growth of sagebrush. As the years have passed he has greatly im-
proved his farm, converting the place into a rich and productive tract of land, upon
which he has built a pleasant residence and good barn. He has forty acres, on which
he raises grain, hay, beans and other crops, and the efficiency of his methods is indi-
cated in the large harvests which he annually gathers.
In 1905 Mr. Schlien w3S married to Miss Marie A. Abraham, who was born in
Wisconsin, and they have become parents of three children: Frederick Henry, Ches-
ter Carl and Florence Lovina. The parents attend the Presbyterian church and Mr.
Schlien gives his political allegiance to the democratic party, but the honors and
emoluments of office have had no attraction for him, as he prefers to concentrate his
energies and attention upon his business affairs, which, wisely directed, are bringing
to him a good return for his investment of capital and labor.
OVAN A. TAYLOR.
Ovan A. Taylor, an orchardist devoting his attention to the further development
of five acres of land a mile and a half northwest of Buena that is planted to apples,
was born in Queens county. New Brunswick, December 26, 1848, and is a son of John
W. and Rachel (Price) Taylor, who were also natives of that country. The father
was a farmer and lumberman and both he and his wife spent their entire lives in
New Brunswick.
Ovan A. Taylor acquired a public school education in his youth and on starting
404 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
out in the business world sought employment in the Uimber woods, where he re-
mained to the age of twenty-seven. He crossed the border into the United States
in 1871, making his way to Minnesota. He afterward took up government land in
Kingsbury county, South Dakota, in 1881 and there engaged in farming until 1908,
when he came to Yakima county, Washington, and for two years thereafter man-
aged the Hilton ranch. He subsequently spent one year in British Columbia and in
1913 he returned to Yakima county, where he purchased five acres a mile and a half
northwest of Buena, already planted to orchards. He has built a good home upon
this place and personally cares for his ranch, although he has now passed the Psalm-
ist's allotted span of three score years and ten. His land was all in orchards when
he purchased it and he raises Jonathan and Winesap apples.
On the 31st of October, 1875, Mr. Taylor was married to Miss Minda Rundle, a
native of Pennsylvania and a daughter of William and Elizabeth (Edwards) Rundle.
Fraternally Mr. Taylor is a prominent Mason. He became a member of De Smet
Lodge No. 55, A. F. & A. M., in South Dakota, has since taken the Chapter degrees
and is a thirty-second degree Mason. He likewise belongs to the Independent Order
of Odd Fellows, in which he has filled all of the chairs and has served as a delegate
to the grand lodge. His wife is identified with the Eastern Star and with the Re-
bekahs. the ladies' auxiliaries of the Masons and the Odd Fellows. She also has
membership in the Congregational church, while the religious faith of Mr. Taylor is
that of the Baptist church.- In politics he is a republican, giving stalwart support to
the party because of his firm belief in its principles as factors in good government.
He served as deputy sheriff while in South Dakota but has never sought or desired
office in Washington, preferring to concentrate his time and attention upon his
orcharding interests, which arc now bringing to him a substantial income.
WILLIAM L. ROBERTS.
For fifteen years William L. Roberts has been a resident of Washington and dur-
ing this period has contributed in substantial measure to the agricultural development
of the district in which he has lived. He was born in Clay county, Kansas, January
17, 1875, a son of Richard and Sarah A. (Gregg) Roberts. The father was born near
Pittsburgh. Pennsylvania, while the mother's birth occurred in Philadelphia. In
1869 they became residents of Clay county, Kansas, then a frontier district, in which
the father took up government land, which he developed and improved, continuing
to devote the place to general agricultural pursuits until his retirement. His death
occurred in Idana, Kansas. His wife has also passed away.
William L. Roberts pursued a public school education, supplemented by a year's
study in college at Sterling, Kansas. At the age of thirteen years- he began working
for wages. In 1896, when he had attained his majority, he went to Canon City, Col-
orado, and was there employed on cattle and fruit ranches. In February, 1903, he
arrived in Seattle, Washington, and on the Sth of August of the same year removed
to Sunnyside, Washington, where for three years he devoted his attention to the
cultivation of land which he rented. On the 24th of December, 1906, he purchased
twenty acres near Grandview, all of which was covered with sagebrush. He was
also employed by a Mr. Harrison in the development of ranch property and at, the
same time he used every available opportunity to bring his own tract under culti-
vation. In 1909 he removed to Mabton and developed an eighty-acre ranch for
W. W. Sawyer. In September, 1909, he took up his abode upon his own ranch near
Grandview and now has eleven acres planted to orchard, raising apples and pears.
He annually gathers fine fruit and its sale brings to him a substantial income. He
is also engaged quite extensively in the raising of hay, beets and cane for the manu-
facture of sorghum molasses. He owns a sorghum mill and in 1918 the output was
eight hundred and sixty-four gallons. This is the only sorghum mill in the valley.
He makes a very fine grade of molasses and finds this a profitable undertaking. He
likewise produces a large amount of hay and in fact his farm is proving a profitable
one owing to his close application, his well defined energy and his unfaltering per-
severance, i'- i'.^']l \.{i^i
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 405
On the 25th of December, 1901, Mr. Roberts was married to Miss Mary E. Glas-
gow, a native of Missouri and a daughter of Samuel and Rebecca Glasgow, who
removed to Iowa during her girlhood days. She died on the 10th of September,
1918. Her father is now deceased but her mother survives and makes her home in
California. To Mr. and Mrs. Roberts were born three children: Edwin, Helen and
Cecile, members of the Presbyterian church.
Mr. Roberts is much interested in the cause of education and has served on
the school board in his district. He is a member of the Presbyterian church, to
which is wife also belonged. In politics he does not maintain a partisan attitude but
votes independently. He is interested, however, in all that pertains to the welfare
and progress of his community and his cooperation can be depended upon to further
plans for the general good. ,
CLEVELAND R. DUNCAN, M. D.
Dr. Cleveland R. Duncan has been actively and successfully engaged in the
practice of medicine at Wapato for the past nine years and enjoys an enviable rep-
utation in this connection. His birth occurred in Columbus Junction, Iowa, in 1884,
his parents being Joseph and Ida Duncan. The father, who followed general agri-
cultural pursuits throughout his active business career, has passed away, but the
mother still survives and now makes her home in Washington.
Cleveland R. Duncan supplemented his early educational training by a course
of study in the State University of Iowa, which institution conferred upon him the
degree of Bachelor of Science in 1906. ' He then entered the medical department of
the university and three years later won the degree of M. D. The year 1909 wit-
nessed his arrival in Wapato, Washington, where he has followed his profession
continuously to the present time, having built up an extensive and gratifying prac-
tice. His ability is pronounced and has become widely recognized, as he is correct
in diagnosis and has successfully treated many obstinate cases. He is a member of
the Yakima County Medical Society, the Washington State Medical Society and the
American Medical Association, thus keeping in close touch with the progress of the
profession. Doctor Duncan owns an excellent tract of land comprising one hun-
dred and sixty acres which is devoted to diversified farming and which adds mate-
rially to his income.
In 1909 Doctor Duncan was united in marriage to Miss Jennie Kennedy, who is
also a graduate of the State University of Iowa, having completed a course in that
institution with the class of 1908. They have become parents of a son, Bruce Ken-
nedy, who is now five years of age.
In his political views Doctor Duncan is a democrat, exercising his right of
franchise in support of the men and measures of that party. He is a worthy exemplar
of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to the blue lodge at Iowa City, and is likewise
identified with the Knights of Pythias and with the Benevolent Protective Order of
Elks in Yakima. In his profession he holds to the highest standards and in all the
relations of life has proven worthy of the regard and esteem entertained for him.
ARTHUR C. SNYDER.
Arthur C. Snyder, who owns and cultivates eighty acres of land two miles west
of Thorp, was born in Seward, Nebraska, January 1. 1878, a son of Andrew J. and
Lulu (Downs') Snyder, who were natives of Ohio. They removed to Nebraska at
an early day, traveling across the country with ox team, and on reaching their des-
tination took up a homestead in the vicinity of Lincoln. -'Vt a subsequent date, how-
ever, they went to Iowa, establishing their home at Council Bluffs. The father
worked for the Chicago & Northwestern Railway Company for many years or until
he was pensioned by the road in 1915, after having served as an engineer for thirty-
three years.
406 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
Arthur C. Snyder acquired a public school education and for twelve years was
connected with railway work. Thinking to find broader opportunities for the attain-
ment of more substantial results in the west, he came to Washington in January,
1913, making his way to the Kittitas valley, where he cultivated rented land until
1917. Within that period his economy and industry had brought him sufficient capi-
tal to enable him to purchase eighty acres and he is now the owner of a good ranch
property of that size two miles west of Thorp, whereon he raises hay and grain. He
is carefully and systematically developing this place and already it shows his thor-
ough care and progressiveness.
On the 24th of June. 1902, Arthur C. Snyder was married to Miss Alice Chambers,
who was born in Newcastle, England, and came to the United States in her girlhood
days. She is a daughter of John and Alice Chambers, the former a resident of Eng-
land, while the latter has passed away. Mr. and Mrs. Snyder are the parents of three
children: Jack, fifteen years of age; Raymond, aged thirteen; and Earl, aged nine.
Mr. Snyder belongs to the Brotherhood of Railway Trainmen. In politics he is
a republican where national questions and issues are concerned, but at local elections
he considers the capability of the candidate for the office rather than his party affili-
ation. Mr. Snyder ranks with the self-made young farmers of Kittitas county and his
posi-tion is a creditable one by reason of the fact that his success has been worthily
gained through his own eflforts.
ALEXANDER E. McGEE.
Alexander E. McGee, living retired in Yakima after devoting considerable time
and attention to farming interests, is still the owner of valuable property holdings
and is well known as a sheepman of the northwest. He was born in Scotland,
October 11, 1861, a son of Robert and Jennie (Holland) McGee, who came to the
United States in later life. The father was a stockman of Wigtownshire, Scotland,
and is now engaged in farming in the state of New York.
The son, Alexander E. McGee, attended the public schools of his native country
and in 1886, when a young man of twenty-five years, bade adieu to the land of hills
and heather and sailed for the new world. After reaching New York he followed
the blacksmith's trade for four years and in 1889 sought the opportunities of the
Pacific northwest, making his way to Seattle. In 1890 he arrived in Yakima, where
he continued blacksmithing for a year. He next undertook work at the sawmill of
Charles Longmeyer, with whom he remained for a brief period. He afterward
worked for John Cowan in connection with sheep raising for three years and on the
expiration of that period invested his savings in ranch property on the Wenas, where
he resided for six years. Then came the hard times of the Cleveland administration
and Mr. McGee was obliged to herd sheep for three years at a wage of thirty dollars
per month. In 1898 he made his way to the Klondyke, where he remained for two
years, and after his return to the state again located on his farm on the Wenas until
he sold that property. He afterward bought another ranch on the Naches river and
improved it, having there forty acres of good land. Later he bought forty acres from
Jack Kaufman for thirty-eight hundred dollars, which property he afterward sold at
a very substantial advance, securing seventy-five hundred dollars therefor. During
the winter months he devoted his attention to sheep raising. In the fall of 1906 he
sold the farm and purchased a small band of sheep. Since then he has increased his
stock until he now has twenty-four hundred sheep on the range on the Indian reser-
vation. He also has a fine ranch of four hundred and forty acres, well improved.
His fine home in Yakima he sold, its maintenance and care being too burdensome for
Mrs. McGee.
On the 1st of June, 1885. Mr. McGee was united in marriage to Mary McBride
Coulter, a native of Scotland. At the time of his marriage he was serving as oiler
on a steamboat and was thus employed for two years. To Mr. and Mrs. McGee have
been born three children: Margaret, who married R. J. McKinley, a druggist of
Ellensburg; William, a member of the Thirteenth Infantry at Camp Mills, Long
Island, New York; and Genevieve, at home.
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ALEXANDER E. MrtiEE
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 409
Mr. McGee has membership with the Commercial Travelers and is well known in
Masonic circles, belonging to Yakima Lodge No. 24, F. & A. M., and he is a Scottish
Rite Mason, having attained the thirty-second degree. He is likewise a life member of
the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. His political views are in accord with the
teachings and principles of the republican party and his religious faith is that of the
Presb3'terian church. He is deserving of much credit for what he has accomplished
in that he started out in business life empty-handed and by persistent effort has grad-
ually worked his way upward. He has never allowed obstacles and difficulties to
discourage or deter him, but has regarded them as an impetus for renewed efifort
on his part and as the years have passed his progress has been continuous, bringing
him to a creditable and enviable position among the sheepmen of the northwest.
FRED W. BROWN.
Fred W. Brown enjoys a splendid trade in the stationery and jewelry business,
conducting a store of this kind in Sunnyside. He always carries up-to-date goods
and while he sells at reasonable prices he never neglects to see to it that the highest
quality is preserved. He was born in Wood River, Nebraska, April 1, 1878, and is a
son of William A. and Jeannette (Ward) Brown, the former a native of Virginia
and the latter of New York. They became early pioneers of Nebraska and there
the father was for many years a successful wagon and carriage maker. He has now
passed away but is survived by his widow, who makes her home with Fred W. Brown
and has reached the age of eighty years.
Fred W. Brown received his education in Nebraska and subsequently took up
the barber's trade, along which line of business he was engaged in his native state
until 1901, when he came to Washington, locating in Walla Walla, where for one year
he followed his trade. In 1902 he came to Sunnyside and opened a barber shop on
his own account, founding the firm of Brown & Fisk, but he later sold his interest
in the business to Mr. Fisk. He then conducted a shop at Yakima for about three
years but afterward sold out and returned to Sunnyside, where he established his
present business, which has grown very satisfactorily and insures him of a gratify-
ing income. He carries not only jewelry and stationery but also photos and does
photographic developing. His goods are the latest in design and he sells at reason-
able prices because he is a good buyer and knows the wholesale market. In the con-
duct of his business he is most obliging and ever ready to accommodate his patrons
as far as in his power. It is therefore but natural that his business has grown from
year to year and today is one of the best of its kind in the valley.
On the 1st of June, 1906, Mr. Brown was united in marriage to Miss Pearl Wil-
liams, of Sunnyside, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C. Williams, of Mount Morris,
Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Brown are well liked young people of Sunnyside, where they
have many friends.
Fraternally Mr. Brown is quite prominent, being a blue lodge and chapter Mason
and also belonging to the Modern Woodmen of America. He holds membership in
the Commercial Club and is in thorough sympathy with its purposes and active in the
realization of the same. Politically he is a republican and steadfast in support of
the party' although not a politician in the ordinary sense of the word. He is a pa-
triotic .American of high principles and good business sense and is proving a valuable
addition to the business life of Sunnyside.
GEORGE R. BRADSHAW.
George R. Bradshaw, who has been successfully identified with agricultural and
commercial interests in the Yakima valley for the past quarter of a century, is now
engaged in the transfer business at Kennewick, where he owns an extensive stor-
age plant and also deals in coal and wood. His birth occurred in Rogersville. Ten-
nessee, on the 19th of February, 1872, his parents being Benjamin A. and Mary J.
410 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
(Larkin) Bradshaw, both of whom passed away in Tennessee. By occupation the
father was a farmer.
George R. Bradshaw attended the public schools in the acquirement of an edu-
cation and on attaining his majority came to the Yakima valley, arriving in Ellens-
burg, Washington, in July, 1893. He began working as a farm hand for others but
at length took up a homestead and subsequently became the owner of other land, his
undertakings as an agriculturist being attended with gratifying and well merited
nessee, on the 19th of February, 1872, his parents being Benjamin A. and Mary J.
the hardware business at EUensburg, where he conducted an enterprise of that char-
acter for a decade. In 1913 he again bought a farm and was engaged in the work
of the fields until he sold the place in 1916 to become identified with business inter-
ests at Kennewick, purchasing the Kennewick Transfer Company. He has since con-
ducted a large storage plant, as well as dealing in coal, wood, etc., and his business
has steadily grown until it is now one of extensive and profitable proportions. Sound
judgment, enterprise and industry have characterized him in all of his business affairs,
so that he has won a well merited measure of prosperity which places him among
the substantial and representative citizens of Benton county.
On the 12th of January, 1898, Mr. Bradshaw was united in marriage to Miss
Colorado Packwood, a daughter of Samuel T. and Martha Finetta (Holmes) Pack-
wood, who took up their abode at EUensburg in 1874, the father being a pioneer
farmer of the Yakima valley. Mr. and Mrs. Bradshaw have become the parents of
three children, namely: Lizzie, who is the wife of John B. Floyd and resides in Ken-
newick: and Lucretia and Dorothy, both at home.
In his political views Mr. Bradshaw is a stanch republican. He held the office
of city treasurer while a resident of EUensburg and is now serving as treasurer of
Kennewick. making a most excellent record in that connection. Fraternally he is
identified with EUensburg Lodge No. 1102, B. P. O. E., the Knights of Pythias and
the Modern Woodmen of America. He has been an interested witness of the de-
velopment of this section of the state during a quarter of a century and has won many-
friends as the years have gone by.
SAMUEL L. ANDERSON.
Samuel L. Anderson, who since 1904 has resided in the Selah valley, where he is
engaged in the raising of fruit and corn, was born in Randolph county, Indiana, De-
cember 14, 1852, a son of Aaron and Rebecca (Landis) Anderson, both of whom
passed away in Indiana, where the father followed the occupation of farming. He
was born in New Jersey, while his wife was a native of Pennsylvania. The paternal
grandfather, Robert Anderson, became the founder of the family in Indiana, remov-
ing westward to that state in an early day.
Samuel L. .'Anderson, spending his youthful days under the parental roof, mas-
tered the branches of learning taught in the public schools and after completing his
course devoted his attention to farming in connection with his uncle. Badgley An-
derson, for his father had died when Samuel L. .Anderson was but eight years of age.
On attaining his majority Samuel L. Anderson started out to work by the month as
a farm hand and in 1878 he removed to Minnesota, where he resided for a long period.
In 1879 he purchased farm property there and continued its development and im-
provement until 1900. In that year he arrived in Washington and purchased ten
acres of land south of Yakima, adjacent to the fair grounds, of which five acres
was planted to orchard. He there carried on farming for three years, after which
he rented the E. P. Sanford ranch for a year. In 1904 he bought ten acres in the
Selah valley and has since replanted it to pears and apples and has also seeded the
place to alfalfa between the trees. In addition to his seven acres of orchard land he
has three acres planted to corn. He has greatly improved the place and today is
the owner of a fine ranch, carefully and successfully cultivated.
On the 28th of March, 1880, Mr. Anderson was married to Miss Elizabeth Eme-
line Sarfl, a native of Indiana and a daughter of Joshua and Julia (Santbine) Sarff.
The children of this marriage are: Grace A., the wife of M. C. B. Wood, a rancher
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 411:
of the Selah valley, by whom she has four children; and Melvin, who is ranching on
the Indian reservation and has four children.
Mrs. Anderson is a member of the Methodist church. In politics Mr. .Anderson
is a democrat but not an office seeker. Both are well known in their section of the
valley, where their sterling worth of character has established them firmly in the
high respect and warm regard of those with whom they have been associated.
CLAYTON E. UDELL.
Clayton E. Udell, a well known member of the Yakima bar and a prominent
figure in Masonic circles, was born in Cook county, Ilhnois, September 1, 1875, a son
of Thomas C. and Eliza J. (Xoyes) Udell. The father was a native of Kenosha
county, Wisconsin, while the mother's birth occurred in McHenry county, Illinois,
although her parents were from New Y'ork. Removing westward in pioneer times,
her father took up a homestead in Illinois. Thomas C. Udell, who became a farmer
and devoted his life to that occupation, is now living retired at Genoa Junction, Wis-
consin. His wife passed away on March 22, 1913.
During the boyhood days of Clayton E. Udell he accompanied his parents on
their removal to Walworth county, Wisconsin, where he acquired a public school
education which he supplemented by study in Beloit College. He was graduated from
the College of Law of the University of Wisconsin as a member of the class of 1903.
and after completing a thorough course in preparation for his chosen profession he
opened an office in Beloit, Wisconsin, where he remained until June 29, 1906. At
that date he removed to Yakima, where he entered upon the active practice of the
profession in which he has since continued. He is an able lawyer, well versed in
the principles of jurisprudence and correct in his application of his legal knowledge
to the points in litigation. He very thoroughly and carefully prepares his cases and
his presentation of a cause is always clear and logical, while in his reasoning he is
strong and cogent.
On the 5th of October, 1905, Mr. Udell was united in marriage to Miss Alberta
E. Stevens, of Beloit, who was born in Cheboygan, Michigan. They became parents
of a son, Ronald, now nine years of age.
Mr. Udell is a very prominent Mason, holding membership in Yakima Lodge
No. 24, F. & A. M.; Yakima Chapter. R. A. M.; Yakima Council, R. & S. M.; Yakima
Commandery, K. T., and the Consistory. He has filled various offices in the different
branches of Masonry and is grand captain of the guard in the grand lodge of the
Masonic Council. He is also well known as a member of the Knights of Pythias,
has filled all of the chairs in the local lodge and is now a member of the grand lodge.
As a member of the Commercial Club he has taken active part in its work and for
two terms served as a member of its board of trustees. He is a republican in poli-
tics, and while he has never been a politician in the usual sense of office seeking, he
has served for the past two years as a member of the school board of Yakima. His
religious faith is that of the Methodist church and his influence is always given on
the side of progress, right and improvement. Along strictly professional lines he is
connected with the County and State Bar Associations and he gives the major part
of his time, thought and attention to his law practice and is accorded a large amount
of corporation and irrigation cases. In these branches of the profession he is par-
ticularly well versed and his practice is of an important as well as of an extensive
character.
OTTO LAWRENCE ARPKE.
A fine orchard of fifteen acres about two miles southeast of Zillah is the prop-
erty of Otto Lawrence Arpke, who today receives a gratifying income from his place
and is numbered among the prosperous orchardists of his district. A native of She-
boygan county, Wisconsin, he was born January 4, 1864. of the marriage of F. C.
412 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
and Sophia Arpke, pioneers of W'isconsin, to which they were taken as children.
In that state F. C. Arpke built the first flour mill and also the first sawmill in Frank-
lin, being thus connected with the early development of the town. Both he and
his wife have now passed away.
Otto Lawrence Arpke was reared under the parental roof and in the acquire-
ment of his education attended the common schools and subsequently was a student
at Mission House College. .After laying aside his textbooks he assisted his father but
at the age of twenty-five he and his brother bought the mills from their father and
continued to operate them for ten years. .At the end of that period Mr. Arpke of
this review sold out to his brother, and having heard many favorable reports in
regard to the fruit raising possibilities in Yakima county, came to this district in
1906 and acquired title to twenty acres of land two miles southeast of Zillah. Fif-
teen acres of this tract are now in orchard, largely devoted to the raising of apples
and pears, while the balance is in alfalfa. Mr. .\rpkc raises a high grade of fruit and
has closely studied the methods that are applicable to local conditions. He has
erected a handsome home and suitable outbuildings and instituted modern equip-
ment, thus demonstrating that he is an up-to-date orchardist. His energy and in-
dustry have been rewarded with an enterprise from which he now receives a com-
fortable competence.
On .\pril 2. 1891, Mr. Arpke was united in marriage to Miss Clara Lienkaemper,
a native of Wisconsin, and to this union three children have been born; Sophia, Ger-
trude and Albert. In his political affiliation Mr. .Arpke is a republican and has ever
stanchly supported the principles and candidates of that party. He is not, however,
a politician nor desirous of office, although he keeps well informed in regard to the
issues of the day. On the contrary he gives his entire attention to his private inter-
ests, in the upbuilding of which he has been very successful. He and his family are
members of the Presbyterian church, in the work of which they are helpfully inter-
ested, and in every way have proven themselves to be estimable people. They have
many friends in Zillah and vicinity and all who know them speak of them in terms of
praise.
W. R. SPROULL.
W. R. Sproull, the proprietor and able editor of the Independent Record of
Prosser, is a newspaper man of long years of experience and in fact his business
career began in connection with papers, for he started as a newsboy. He was born
in Mount Carmel, Illinois, January 21, 1873, a son of John O. and Alice (Wilson)
Sproull. who took up their abode in Kansas in 1879, when the subject of this review
was but six years of age. The father was a successful railroad contractor and was
engaged in that line of work all over the central west, so continuing until death
claimed him in 1884, his demise occurring in Kansas. He is survived by his widow,
who nQw makes her home in Hutchinson, that state.
W. R. Sproull was reared under the parental roof amid refined surroundings and
in the acquirement of his education attended the public schools. He began the
serious problem of earning a living as a news carrier and naturally drifted into the
printer's trade, which he later learned, following that occupation in Kansas for a
number of years. Having more than ordinary ambition and ability, he soon became
manager and editor of several newspapers in different towns in Kansas, so contin-
uing until 1909, when he came to Washington and located in Prosser in the fall of
that year. Here he leased the Republican-Bulletin and was editor and manager
thereof until 1916, when he purchased the paper. The Independent-Record, of which
he is now editor, has the following history: On the 1st of May, 1913, the Prosser
Record, which was established December 29, 1893, and the Benton Independent,
established in November. 1909, were consolidated -under the name of the Independent-
Record. The Independent was founded by H. A. Wells and L. L. Lynn. George
E. Boomer conducted the Record for many years. It was C. B. Michener who con-
solidated the papers in 1913 and continued the Independent-Record until 1915, when
he failed. On .April 1. 1916, W. R. Sproull, then already the owner, editor and man-
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 413
ager of the Republican-Bulletin, bought the plant and has since published the Inde-
pendent-Record. It is a live six column, eight page weekly, filled with home print
and full of interest to local readers. Its news columns are not only entertaining
but are well put together and so assembled that anything may be easily followed.
In fact the paper furnishes a chronology of the week's happenings practically on any
subject. From a typographical point of view it is an example of good printing. The
editorials are trenchant and to the point, often helpful to the community and full of
suggestions for betterments and improvements, and in that way the paper has been
of great assistance to the city and county. The plant from which it is issued is mod-
ern in every detail. The circulation is about one thousand and its value is fully rec-
ognized by the many successful advertisers of the Independent-Record.
On the 9th of August, 1898, Mr. SprouU was united in marriage to Miss Mayme
Mullin, of Newton, Kansas, and they have two sons: Virgil, who has served two
years in the United States navy; and Noble, at home. Mr. SprouU has always taken
a most active and helpful part in public affairs and at present is serving as one of
the most efficient members of the city council. He is a republican and while he ex-
presses his political opinions through the medium of his paper he is not a politician
or office seeker in the commonlv accepted sense of the word.
ALLEN S. DAVIS.
Allen S. Davis, a representative member of the Yakima bar, came to the north-
west from Ohio, his birth having occurred on the 13th of January, 1877. He is a
son of Charles H. and Hattie E. (Allen) Davis, the former born in Ohio, while the
latter is a native of Massachusetts. The father devoted many years of his life to the
work of the Baptist ministry but is now living retired, making his home in Yakima,
where he took up his abode in 1890. He was the first pastor of a Baptist church in
Yakima but afterward removed to the east in 1893 in order to educate his son Allen
and his brother A. C.
.Allen S. Davis acquired a public school education in Yakima and attended high
school in Gallipolis, Ohio. He afterward was graduated from Denison University of
Granville, Ohio, and on the completion of a law course was graduated at the Western
Reserve University of Cleveland, Ohio, in 1904. He then came to Yakima where he
has practiced since, and through the intervening years, covering a period of four-
teen years, he has won for himself an enviable position at the Yakima bar, his thor-
ough study, his earnestness and tenacity of purpose, his clear reasoning and his logi-
cal deductions gaining for him many favorable verdicts, the court records bearing
testimony of the success which he has won.
In 1910 Mr. Davis was married to Miss Ottie L. Snelling, of Yakima, a daughter
of A. F. Snelling. and they have one son, Scott .Allen. Mr. Davis belongs to the Beta
Theta Pi and the Phi Delta Phi. He also has membership in the Commercial Club
and the- nature of his interests and activities is further indicated in the fact that he
is a member of the Baptist church and a republican in his political views. Along
strictly professional lines he has connection with the County and State Bar Associa-
tions and is treasurer of the former. He enjoys and receives the respect and con-
fidence of colleagues and contemporaries in the profession and he has a very exten-
sive circle of friends in Yakima.
EDWARD D. CROSSMAN.
Edward D. Crossman, an enterprising and successful orchardist living near
Zillah, was born in New Brunswick, Canada, January 18, 1857. a son of William and
Olive (Lewis") Crossman. The father was born in Canada of English parentage and
devoted his life to agricultural pursuits. Both he and his wife have passed away.
Their son, Edward D. Crossman. obtained a public school education but when
only twelve years of age went to Boston, living with an uncle in that city for two
414 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
years. He afterward returned to the home farm, on which he worked until he
reached the age of eighteen and his youthful experiences and training well qualified
him for life's practical and responsible duties. On again leaving home he w-ent to
Maine, where he was employed in the lubmer woods, and later he worked at various
points in New England until about 1879, when he removed westward to Minnesota,
settling in St. Louis county, that state. There he was again employed in the lumber
woods and later he conducted a hotel at Ely, Minnesota, for a period of sixteen years,
winning substantial success while thus engaged. Eventually he sold out and came to
the Yakima valley, where he purchased forty-four acres of land a mile and three-quar-
ters northwest of Zillah. The tract of which he acquired ownership was covered
with sagebrush, which he at once began to clear away. As his land was plowed and
prepared for cultivation he planted orchards and for two years he had to haul water
with a team in order to irrigate his trees. He then got water on the place and now
has forty-four acres in orchard, seven acres in pears, two acres in prunes, an acre in
peaches and thirty-four acres in apples. His trees are all in bearing, producing fruit
of fine size and flavor because of the progressive methods which Mr. Grossman fol-
lows in the care of the trees. He has built a good packing house upon his place, so
that he is able to ship the fruit in excellent condition. He has always practiced
economy as well as industry in the management of his place and has freed it from
all indebtedness. Today he has one of the best orchards of the state and is enjoy-
ing well earned success and prosperity.
In 1881 Mr. Grossman was married to Miss Addie Dupee, a native of Michigan,
and their children were: Sadie, the wife of Earl Price, by whom she has a daughter,
the family residing in Wenatchee, Washington; Myrtle, the wife of M. J. Friend, of
Seattle; and William, who died at the age of two years.
Politically Mr. Grossman is a republican but his time and activities have never
been given to politics. His attention has been concentrated upon the development of
his ranch property and his well directed activity is manifest in the fact that he is
now building a fine house and barn and to his place has added all modern equip-
ment and accessories of the model farm property of the northwest.
CHARLES F. BOLIN.
Gharles F. Bolin, attorney-at-law of Toppenish, was born in Eau Glaire, Wis-
consin, February 22, 1886. His father, Frank G. Bolin, brought the family to the
northwest in 1910, settling first at Portland, Oregon. He has devoted his life to the
lumber trade but is now living retired, enjoying a rest w-hich he has truly earned
and richly deserves. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Annie M. Anglin, has
passed away.
Charles F. Bolin, following the completion of his public school course at Eau
Glaire, Wisconsin, entered the Carleton College at Northfield, Minnesota, from which
he was graduated with the class of 1899. He then pursued a business course in the
Northern Indiana Normal School at Valparaiso and afterward entered the State
L^niversity of Michigan as a law student, being numbered among its alumni of 1906
He located for practice in Jackson, Michigan, where he remained for a year, and in
1907 came to Toppenish, since which time he has been identified with the development
of the west. Here he has continuously practiced, covering a period of eleven years,
and has been accorded a large and distinctively representative clientage. He is very
thorough and painstaking in the presentation of his cases and seems to lose sight
of no feature that has bearing upon his cause, while at the same time he gives due
emphasis to each important point. In the application of legal principles he is seldom
if ever at fault and his knowledge of jurisprudence is comprehensive and exact.
On the 1st of .August, 1911, Mr. Bolin was united in marriage to Miss Maude
Glaire Lillie. a daughter of Nevada H. and Josie (Bowser') Lillie. The father was
the first white settler on the Yakima Indian reservation and Mrs. Lillie was the first
postmistress of Toppenish and was the owner of the townsite. Mr. Lillie was one
of the early stage drivers. A typical pioneer, with large stock interests, he contrib-
uted in substantial measure to the development of this section of the state. For
CHARLES F. BOLIN
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 417
many years he served as United States deputy marshal. Mr. and Mrs. Bolin are
reaiing two children of his wife's sister, Marvin and Rozella Tucker. Their home is
a fine twenty-five thousand dollar residence, one of the most attractive on the reser-
vation, and Mr. Bolin also owns a fine ranch of eighty acres adjoining Toppenish.
The religious faith of the family is indicated by their membership in St. Aloysius'
Catholic church and Mr. Bolin is identified with the Knights of Columbus. He also
belongs to the Elks lodge at Jackson, Michigan, and is connected with the Toppen-
ish Commercial Club as an earnest and active supporter of all those measures which
have to do with the upbuilding of the city and the advancement of its best interests.
He has never had occasion to regret his determination to come, to the Pacific coast
country, for here he has found the opportunities which he sought and in their utili-
zation has won for himself an enviable position as a lawyer and successful business
man.
DAVID WALTERS.
David Walters, the owner of an excellent ranch of one hundred acres near Moxee
City, was born at Grenola, Kansas, April 12, 1877, a son of David and Alice (Wil-
liams) Walters, both of whom were natives of Illinois. The father died in 1877,
while the mother passed away in 1912.
David Walters obtained a public school education in his native state and when
a youth of sixteen years came to Washington. He made his way to EUensburg,
where he became connected with sheep raising as the associate of his brothers, Hub-
bard, Jeff and William, who had made their way to the northwest in the '80s. David
Walters continued at EUensburg until 1903, when the interests of the brothers were
divided and he removed to Yakima county, where he invested in one hundred acres
of land on the Moxee. He has since engaged in raising hay for sheep men and he
winters a large number of sheep each year upon his ranch. His place is supplied
with fine artesian water and he has a splendid orchard of ten acres. He puts up
three hundred and fifty tons of hay annually and is regarded as one of the alert,
energetic and progressive farmers of his district. His business interests are most
wisely conducted and are bringing to him a substantial measure of success.
Mr. Walters married Miss Nettie Gulick, of Kansas, who has passed away,
leaving a daughter, Edna Fay, who is at home. Following the death of his first
wife Mr. Walters wedded her twin sister. Miss Rettie Gulick, and they have three
children: Dorothy, Eugene and Stanley.
Mr. and Mrs. Walters and their children are members of the Congregational
church and guide their lives according to its teachings. They are people of genuine
worth to whom the hospitality of the best homes of the community is freely extended.
In politics Mr. Walters is a republican. He stands behind all projects of progressive
citizenship and is interested in everything that pertains to the public welfare. For
more than a quarter of a century he has been a resident of the northwest and through-
out this entire period has been identified with sheep raising interests and with other
features of agricultural life. Step by step he has advanced and his 'career illustrates
the opportunities that are open to all, for there have been no spectacular phases in
his career and no unusual chances; but by persistent effort he has won success and
the enterprise and integrity of his methods have constituted the basis of his contin-
ued progress.
OLUF S. HANSEN.
Oluf S. Hansen, a prominent orchardist living in the vicinity of Yakima, was born
in Mitchell county, Iowa, January 18, 1864, a son of Christopher and Betsy (Moen)
Hansen, who were natives of the Land of the Midnight Sun. They came to the
United States as young people and were married on this side of the Atlantic, the
wedding being celebrated in Iowa. They lived in Mitchell county throughout their
418 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
remaining days and the father was the first wagon maker of that county. In addi-
tion to following his trade he also owned and operated a fine farm.
Oluf S. Hansen acquired a public school education in Iowa and in 1886 went to
North Dakota, where he was employed as a farm hand for a year. He then took up
government land and began the occupation of farming on his own account. He
secured six hundred and forty acres of fine land in that state and successfully con-
tinued its development and improvement for a number of years. He was also iden-
tified with commercial pursuits, owning a general merchandise store at Wyndmere,
North Dakota.
In 1905 Mr. Hansen arrived in Yakima and the following year purchased twenty
acres of land two miles south of the city. Soon after this he disposed of his interests
in North Dakota and also sold a ranch which he owned in Canada. He has eighteen
acres planted to orchard, making a specialty of apples and pears, of which he pro-
duces splendid crops. He also has planted alfalfa between the trees. He has greatly
improved his ranch, upon which are now found a substantial residence and good
barns. Everything is kept in excellent condition, the buildings are well painted and
everything about the place indicates the careful supervision of a practical and pro-
gressive owner.
In February, 1886, Mr. Hansen was united in ma'rriage to Miss Kate May Faville,
a sister of E. E. Faville, the editor of the Western Farmer. She passed away October
30, 1908. The children of this marriage are: Grace C, now the wife of Lee Johnston,
a resident of Yakima county; and Frank, who resides in Seattle. Having lost his
first wife, Mr. Hansen was married in January, 1910, to Miss Emma L. Remquist,
of Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Fraternally Mr. Hansen is connected with Yakima Lodge No. 24, F. & A. M.,
and with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His religious faith is that of the
Congregational church, while his wife is a member of the Lutheran church. His
political endorsement is given to the democratic party. He belongs to the Yakima
County Horticultural LTnion and is interested in everything that has to do with fruit
growing interests in this section. He met with many discouraging circumstances
during the first few years of his residence in this part of the state, but persevering
in the face of obstacles and difficulties, he has now developed one of the leading
fruit ranches of the valley and is an enthusiastic champion of this section of the
state and its opportunities. Moreover, his sterling worth, his determined nature and
his many excellent qualities have gained for him the respect and goodwill of all.
HUGH STUART.
Hugh Stuart has passed the seventy-first milestone on life's journey but is still
actively identified with horticultural interests in Yakima county. He was born in
Ontario, Canada, November 10, 1847, a son of Alexander and Margaret (Crawford)
Stuart, the latter a native of Ontario, while the former was born in Ireland but was
of Scotch parentage. He crossed the Atlantic to Canada in 1830 and resided for more
than a third of a century in that country. In 1864, however, he became a resident of
Michigan, where he followed the carpenter's trade, being busily identified with build-
ing operations in that state to the time of his death. His wife passed away in
Ontario.
Hugh Stuart acquired a public school education and in early life learned the
carpenter's trade with his father. Through the winter months he worked in the
logging camps, and advancing in that connection, became a logging contractor. He
devoted his energies to that pursuit until 1891, when he made his way to the north-
west. On reaching the Yakima valley he entered the employ of the Sunnyside Ditch
Company and afterward wisely invested his earnings in land. He first bought, ten
acres on the Moxee, which he planted to hops, but that proved an unprofitable ven-
ture. He then again took up carpentering and bridge building and later he planted
some hop vineyards but in that undertaking lost three hundred and fifty dollars. Un-
discouraged, however, he tried again, renting twenty-six acres of land, and on this
occasion his losses amounted to three thousand dollars. He was by this time con-
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 419
vinced that hop-raising was not the vocation for which nature intended him. Again
he followed carpentering and bridge building, taking contract work until 1907, when
he proved up on a homestead in Stevens county, Washington, which he sold in 1907.
In 1901 he had purchased eighty acres of land two and a half miles east of Yakima
before the water was on it. In 1902 the Selah-Moxee canal was built and his ranch
was then well irrigated. He improved the tract of eighty acres, bringing it to a
high point of productivity, and later he sold sixty acres. He has planted eighteen
acres of the remainder to fruit and upon the place has built a fine home.
In 1871 Mr. Stuart was married to Miss Margaret McKay, a native of England
but of Scotch parentage. She is a daughter of John McKay, who served in the
Xinety-second Highlanders for twenty-one years. To Mr. and Mrs. Stuart have been
born five children, namely: Elizabeth, the wife of W. C. Stayt, a resident of Yakima
county; W. A., an attorney residing in Chicago, Illinois: Edith Alberta, who died at
the age of two years: John E., at home; and Eva May, the wife of J. H. Campbell.
In politics Mr. Stuart maintains an independent course, nor has he ever sought
or desired office, preferring to give his undivided attention to his business affairs.
Although obstacles and difficulties have at times confronted him in his career he has
steadily worked his w'ay upward and is now the owner of an excellent fruit ranch in
the Yakima valley.
JOHN H. MIDDENDORF.
Among the prosperous agriculturists of Kittitas county is numbered John H.
Middendorf, who owns a productive, modern and up-to-date ranch about ten miles
northeast of Ellensburg. This is under a high state of cultivation and from it he re-
ceives a gratifying income. Mr. Middendorf was born in New York city, September
13, 1869, a son of Herman and Katie (Sturgens) Middendorflf, both of whom became
residents of New York in their childhood and were natives of Germany. The father
was only fourteen years of age when he came to this country and was largely in-
fluenced in his decision by the view which he and his family took in regard to the
military laws then maintaining in Germany. Having made his way to .America, Mr.
Middendorf went to the middle west and began his independent career by working
as a farm hand, thus acquiring the means which permitted him later to engage in the
grocery and milk business. In 1872 he took his family to Scott county, Illinois, where
he engaged in agricultural pursuits, and there he continued to reside until his death,
which occurred in June, 1898. His widow surviving him for about two years, passed
away in 190O.
John H. Middendorf received his education in New York city and began his in-
dependent career in connection with the grocery business, working for his uncle for
five years. Later he farmed in Illinois for about nine years, or until 1908, in which
year he came to Kittitas county, taking up his residence in Ellensburg. where he re-
mained for eighteen months. He then bought one hundred and sixty acres of land
about ten miles northeast of the city and has since resided upon this farm, which
is in a high state of cultivation and improved with modern buildings. Some time
ago he sold eighty acres of his property but is still giving his undivided attention
to the remaining portion.
On February 8, 1898, Mr. Middendorf was united in marriage to Miss Anna Bur-
bank, a daughter of Samuel and Margaret Burbank, the latter a native of Illinois.
Both became pioneers of Kansas and are now deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Middendorf
have been born two children, a son and a daughter: Russell B., who is nineteen
years of age: and Edith Margaret, aged seventeen.
Mr. Middendorf and his family attend the Methodist Episcopal church, to which
denomination they are devoted and to which he readily gives his financial support.
In his political views he is a democrat but has never sought nor desired public office
although he has served for six years as a school director, the cause of education
always finding in him an earnest champion. Fraternally he is a member of the
Modern Woodmen of America and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Mr.
Middendorf has many friends in Ellensburg and vicinity, all of whom speak of him
A20 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
in terms of high regard, admiring him not only for what he has achieved in life but
also on account of those qualities of character which have made possible his suc-
cess. He is a man of his word who conscientiously fulfills all of his obligations
toward his fellowmen and who holds the bonds of friendship inviolable.
ARCHIE M. PADELFORD.
The attractive home of Archie M. Padelford is situated a mile and a half east of
Sunnyside, where in 1903 he and his father purchased sixty acres of land. He was
born in Minnesota, March 10, 1887, a son of Manley and Roxic (Rhodes) Padelford.
who are natives of New York but became pioneer residents of Minnesota, the father
there following the occupation of farming. In the year 1901 the entire family left the
middle west and made their way to the Pacific coast, settling at Portland. Oregon,
where they lived until 1903 and then came to Yakima county, Washington, at which
time Archie M. Padelford and his father purchased sixty acres of land a mile and a
half east of Sunn.vside. They have built a fine new house and barns and have added
many modern equipments and accessories to the place, utilizing the latest improved
machinery in the development of the fields. Archie M. Padelford cultivates the
ranch and is annually raising good crops of hay. potatoes, corn and sugar beets.
On the 2d of February, 1912, Mr. Padelford was married to Miss Ida Oswalt,
who was born in Indiana, a daughter of Franklin Oswalt, who is now engaged in
ranching near Mabton, having come to Washington in 1905. Mr. and Mrs. Padelford
now have four children, namely; Bessie. Florence, Emily and Feme.
In his political views Mr. Padelford is a republican but without ambition for
■office. His entire time and attention are concentrated upon his ranching interests
and he is regarded as one of the energetic and progressive young farmers of his
section of the state, wisely and successfully directing his interests.
ASA VAN VLECK.
Asa Van Vlcck. who is engaged in the cultivation of eighty acres of land on
Naches Heights, has always lived in the northwest and is actuated by the spirit of
enterprise and progress which has been the dominant factor in the upbuilding of this
section of the country. He was born in Bear Lake county, Idaho. January 13. 1893.
and is therefore a young man, but the success he has already achieved indicates
that his future career will be well worth watching. His parents were Thomas and
Agnes (Hards) Van Vleck, both of whom were natives of England. The mother's
birth occurred in Kent, England, while the father was born in South Staflfordshire.
Thomas Van Vleck came to the northwest in 1884. taking up his abode in Idaho, in
which state he wedded Agnes Hards. The latter was a daughter of George Hards,
who arrived in Yakima county in the early 70s. after residing for a time in Idaho.
He was a florist and continued to reside in Yakima to the time of his death, which
occurred in 1918. He was one of the real pioneers of the valley and contributed in
no small measure to its development and improvement. Charles Simpson, an uncle
of Asa Van Vleck, was also one of the worthy pioneers of Yakima county. His
father, Thomas Van Vleck. removed from Idaho to Alberta, Canada, in 1900 and
there took up a homestead. His death occurred on the 20th of August, 1911. His
widow is still living in Alberta.
Asa Van Vleck accompanied his parents to Canada, acquired a public school
education there and afterward engaged in farming with his father until December,
1915, when he purchased thirty acres of land near Harwood, Washington. He owned
and developed that property until 1918. when he and his brother Amos purchased
eighty acres of land on Naches Heights. Of this they have sixty acres under culti-
vation, devoted to the raising of hay and potatoes. They annually gather large crops
and their efforts are greatly enhancing the fertility of the soil and the value of the
place.
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 423
On the 12th of October, 1918, Mr. Van Vleck was married to Miss Annie Cur-
nock, of Vancouver, British Columbia, a daughter of Dudley Curnock. Politically
Mr. \'an Vleck is a republican and is interested in matters of general concern but
has never been an aspirant for office. He concentrates his efforts and energies upon
his business affairs and has reached a most creditable position for one of his years.
He works steadily and persistently nor is he afraid of hard labor. On the contrary,
he recognizes the truth of the old Greek adage. "Earn thy reward; the gods give
nought to sloth," and he is putting forth every effort to make for himself a creditable
name and place as one of the ranchmen of the Yakima valley.
JAMES E. DAVIS.
James E. Davis, who is successfully engaged in the cultivation of forty acres of
land on the Cowiche, which he owns, was born in Howard county, Kansas, on the 22d
of December, 1881, a son of Isaac and Catherine Davis, both of. whom were natives
of Illinois. After living in that state for a number of years they removed west-
ward, becoming pioneers of Kansas. They established their home in Howard county,
where they lived for some time, but in 1888 they left that section of the country and
made their way to Yakima county, Washington. The father took up a homestead
clairfi on the Cowiche and with characteristic energy began its development and im-
provement. Year after year his land was more highly cultivated and as time passed
on Mr. Davis became the owner of a well improved ranch, which continued to be
his place of residence until his demise. He died in March, 1918, but the mother sur-
vives and resides in Yakima. Mr. Davis had become one of the prosperous ranchers
of the community and was widely and favorably known.
James E. Davis is indebted to the public school system of the state for the edu-
cational opportunities which he enjoyed and when his textbooks were put aside he
engaged in ranching with his father, working for wages. Later he purchased his
farm but eventually sold this and bought forty acres adjoining the old home place.
He is successfully engaged in the production of hay and potatoes and he is also
devoting considerable time to the raising of cattle and other live stock, both branches
of his business proving profitable.
On the 14th of February, 1905, Mr. Davis was united in marriage to Miss Eva L.
Field, who was born in Kansas, a daughter of George and Susan Field. The chil-
dren of this marriage are six in number; Kenneth Edward, Charles Noble, Clifford
Earl, Alfred Clinton, Leonard LeRoy and Myrtle Luella. In the exercise of his right
of franchise Mr. Davis is found as a stanch supporter of the republican party. His
attention and efforts, however, are concentrated upon his business affairs and he has
won a creditable place among the leading farmers of his community.
OSCAR R. SCHUMANN.
Oscar R. Schumann, filling the office of prosecuting attorney at Yakima, was
born in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, August 31, 1885, a son of Ferdinand C. and Bertha
Schumann, the former a farmer of Wisconsin. Oscar R. Schumann, in the acquire-
ment of his education, attended the high school at Beaver Dam and following his
graduation there became a student in the School of Law of Valparaiso University
in Indiana, from which he was graduated with the class of 1906. He then came to
Yakima and in April, 1907, entered upon the practice of his profession, in which he
has since been active. His ability in this direction suggested him for the office of
prosecuting attorney, to which he was elected in November, 1916, and in January,
1917, he assumed the duties of the position for a term of two years. In November,
1918, he was reelected to the office for a two-year term. He had previously served as
deputy prosecuting attorney for five and a half years and had made an excellent
record in" that connection.
On the 6th of August, 1914. Mr. Schumann was united in marriage to Miss Irma
(IS)
424 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
Lum. of Yakima, who is a graduate of the Hllensburg (Wash.) Xorniai School and
is a lady of culture as well as liberal education. By her marriage she has become the
mother of a daughter, Roberta.
Fraternally Mr. Schumann is connected with the Knights of Pythias and has
filled all of the chairs in his lodge. He is also connected with the Independent Order
of Odd Fellows, the Modern Woodmen of America and the Benevolent Protective
Order of Elks. His political allegiance has always been given to the republican
party and he is a stalwart advocate of its principles. He belongs to the English
Lutheran church and along the line of his profession his membership relations are
with the County Bar Association and the State Bar Association. Thoroughly im-
bued with the enterprising spirit of the west, he stands for progress and improvement
and is making steady advancement in his profession.
ALEXANDER TAYLOR.
Alexander Taylor is living in Yakima but is still the owner of valuable ranch
property and employs a number of men in the conduct of his farming and stock-rais-
ing interests. He was born in Kincardineshire, Scotland, on the 1st of February,
1872, and is a son of William and Jane (Copeland) Taylor. The father was a stock-
man but both he and his wife have now passed away.
The son pursued his education in the schools of Scotland and was a young man
of twenty-four years when in 1896 he arrived in Yakima. Later he made his way
to the Sound country, where he remained for a year, but on the expiration of that
period returned to the Yakima valley and became identified with the sheep industry
in 1900. He has since developed his interests to large proportions, having about ten
thousand head of sheep at the present time. He ranges in the hills of Wenas. Blewett
Pass and other districts. He has also purchased the Parker ridge for a winter
range and he leases from four to five townships of land for a winter range, besides
owning several sections. Since July, 1905, he has made his home in Yakima and
from this city directs his business interests. He employs from fifteen to twenty-five
men throughout the year. He has altogether five diflferent ranches and his proper-
ties are very valuable and well equipped. On them are found substantial buildings
and a spirit of progressiveness and enterprise characterizes the different places. Mr.
Taylor gives to these his personal supervision, directing the eft'orts of his men, and
his sound judgment is manifest in the excellent results secured.
In 1904 Mr. Taylor was married to Miss Annie Smith, also a native of Kin-
cardineshire, Scotland, and they have become the parents of three children: Jessie
Jane, .William James and Allister Robert. In his political views Mr. Taylor has
been a republican since becoming a naturalized American citizen. He and his family
occupy a l)eautiful home in Yakima which stands in the midst of five acres of land,
beautifully adorned with trees and shrubs. His record is indeed a creditable one,
' showing what may be accomplished by persistent efifort. He came to the new world
empty-handed, but by judicious investment and indefatigable energy he has steadily
advanced until he is today one of the men of affluence in the Yakima valley.
FRANK H. GILBERT.
Frank H. Gilbert, a successful and leading orchardist near Tieton, in the Yakima
valley, comes of a family that has a long and distinguished war record. His ances-
tors participated in the Revolutionary war, the War of 1912 and the Civil war, in
which three members of the family fought on the L^nion side. He was born in
Steuben county. New York, June 11, 1852, his parents being Joseph and Esther (Gil-
bert) Gilbert, natives of Ontario county. New York. The Gilberts were among the
earliest families to settle in America, having come to this country in the same year
the Mayflower brought the Pilgrims, from England. The great-grandfather, Thomas
Gilbert, participated in the Revolutionary war, while the grandfather, Franklin Gil-
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 425
bert, took part in the War of 1812. Joseph Gilbert, the father of our subject, defended
the cause of the Union in the Civil war, as did two brothers of our subject. The
father was a teacher and later gave his whole attention to agricultural pursuits. In
1852 he made his way from the Empire state to Wisconsin, remaining there four
years, at the end of which period he returned to New York, where he lived until
1862. He then returned to Wisconsin, being a resident of Green county until 1876.
He ne.xt removed to Oregon, that state, where he was connected with agricultural
pursuits until 1884. In that year he and his family, including our subject, removed
,to Barren county. Wisconsin, which remained his home until death claimed him. His
wife has also passed away.
Frank H. Gilbert was reared amid farm surroundings and in the acquirement of
his education attended the public schools of New York and Wisconsin. He then
turned his attention to the carpenter's trade and became a successful contractor in
Wisconsin. He also owned farms, having invested his earnings in land. In 1909 he
came to Yakima county and acquired title to ten acres of valuable land on the Tie-
ton which at that time, however, was all sagebrush. Two years later he located
on this ranch and planted it to apples and pears. He has since brought this prop-
erty to a high state of cultivation, making many improvements, and now derives a
very gratifying income therefrom in return for his industry and foresight. He has
erected suitable buildings, including a handsome farm residence, and his property
is now considered one of the most valuable in his part of the valley.
On May 5, 1872, Mr. Gilbert was united in marriage to Miss Clara L. Tait. a
native of Wisconsin and a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Tait. To this union
were born seven children, of whom two are deceased. The others are as follows:
Roy. a successful rancher, who has a half interest in the ten-acre fruit farm of his
father, is married and has four children; J. W., managing editor of the Post-Intelli-
gencer of Seattle, is married and has two children; Edith is the wife of H. E. Bcck-
with. by whom she has one child, and they reside at Chetek, Wisconsin; Percy, who
is serving as secretary of the Industrial Insurance Commission, resides at Olympia
with his wife and two children; Kenneth, city editor of the Seattle Post-Intelligencer,
is married and has one child. Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert take an active part in the social
life of their community and ever e.xert their efforts in order to bring about uplift
and improvement along various lines which make for a higher plane of humanity.
In his political aftiliations Mr. Gilbert is a democrat and fraternally he is con-
nected with the Masons, being a member of the blue lodge. He is likewise identi-
fied with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Mystic Workers, the hon-
orable and brotherly principles underlying these organizations guiding him in his
conduct toward his fellowmen. .At present he is not connected with any public office
but while a resident of Wisconsin served as secretary of the local board of education.
He is enterprising and progressive and gives his aid readily to worthy measures in
order to promote development and advancement. He does not regard party issues
as of paramount importance, but supports measures and candidates that he deems of
the greatest value. Along his line of occupation he is a member of the Yakima
County Horticultural Union, through which association he often receives valuable
information by the interchange of opinions witli other members, thus bringing fruit-
raising eiiforts to a higher and more productive stage. There is great credit due Mr.
Gilbert for what he has achieved, as he is in the best sense of the word a self-made
man who has attained his substantial position in life entirely through his own efforts.
He has many friends in Tieton and vicinity who appreciate him as an upright, re-
liable and enterprising man.
ANTOINE LA FRAMBOISE.
For twenty years Antoine La Framboise has been a resident of Yakima county
and throughout this entire period has been engaged in blacksmithing. .At the present
time als6 he has important farming and dairy interests and his activities along those
lines are now claiming the greater part of his time and attention. He has become
the owner of a valuable property, well improved, and his realty possessions are the
426 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
visible evidence of his life of well directed energy and thrift. He was born near
Montreal, Canada. December 2, 1877, a son of Joseph and Angeline La Framboise,
who in 1879 became residents of Crookston, Minnesota, where the mother passed
away. The father came to Yakima county in 1904 and here spent his remaining
days, his death occurring October 18, 191S. He purchased twenty acres of land on
the Moxee and devoted his attention to farming.
Antoine La Framboise acquired a public school education in Minnesota, having
been but two years of age when taken by his parents to that state. There he resided
until twenty-one years of age, when he left home and made his way to Yakima
county, where he arrived on the 12th of April, 1898. He located on the Moxee and,
having previously learned the blacksmith's trade, entered the employ of the Moxee
Company, for which he worked at blacksmithing for seven years. He then opened a
shop of his own. which he 'has since conducted. He has also become interested in
agricultural pursuits and dairying, purchasing first seven acres of land in 1903. In
1912 he bought another tract of thirteen acres and in 1915 added twelve acres more to
his possessions, while in 1917 he became owner of thirteen acres, making forty-five
acres in all. His farm is devoted to hay and the production of the crops best adapted
to soil and climate and in addition he has some good stock and is conducting a profit-
able dairy business. He has built a fine home upon his place and has a well improved
property. His success is well deserved, as it has all come to him through his per-
severance and industry.
On the 1st of May, 1903, Mr. La Framboise was married to Miss Eugenie Lebis-
sonierc, a native of Red Lake Falls. Minnesota, and their children are: Philip, Dolores,
Leon and two w-ho died in infancy. The parents are members of the Holy Rosary
Catholic church of Moxee and Mr. La Framboise is identified with the Knights of
Columbus and the Modern Woodmen of America. His political endorsement is given
to the republican party.
JOHX D. CORXETT.
John D. Cornett is closely associated with banking interests of the Yakima val-
ley and is president of the Traders Bank of Toppenish. No man in the community
occupies a more enviable position in business and banking circles than he, not alone
by reason of the success he has achieved, but also owing to the straightforward busi-
ness policy which he has ever followed, his course at all times measuring up to the
highest standards. He has never wavered in facing difficulties and obstacles in his
path have become stepping-stones to something higher.
Mr. Cornett is of Canadian birth. He was born in Ontario on the 4th of October.
1853, a son of William and Sarah (Reed) Cornett, who came to Washington about
1898 and spent their remaining days in Yakima. The father had followed farming in
Canada and after his removal to the northwest engaged extensively in fruit growing
in the Yakima valley.
John D. Cornett acquired an academic education in Canada and when a youth
of fourteen years went to New York city, where he was engaged in clerical work
until 1874. He afterward returned to Canada, where he remained for two years, and
then once more crossed the border, becoming a resident of Huron county, Michigan,
in 1876. For four years he engaged successfully in teaching school and then entered
the employ of R. C. Ogilvie at Port Hope, Michigan, where he continued until 1887.
That "year witnessed his arrival in Yakima and for one year he was connected with
George Donald in railroad construction work. In May. 1888, he organized the
Yakima National Bank in company with several other substantial business men and
continued as its cashier for twenty years, or until November, 1907. For a brief
period he then lived retired, but indolence and idleness are utterly foreign to his
nature and he could not remain content without some active business interests. In
1908, therefore, he organized the Traders Bank of Toppenish, of which he has since
remained the president, and in 1909 he became the organizer of the First National
Bank of Zillah, of which he is also president. He is likewise a director of the First
National Bank of Toppenish and was one of the organizers and still remains a stock-
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 427
holder and director of the Bank of Sunnyside. His name has thus figured promi-
nently in connection with the development of the banking interests of the Yakima
valley for many years and there is no man in the district more familiar with every
phase of the banking business. He tempers his progressiveness by a safe conservat-
ism, ever recognizing the fact that the bank is most worthy of public support that
most carefully protects the interests of its depositors. He is a man of sound and dis-
criminating judgment and his enterprise has reached out over a broad field, resulting
in the benefit of various districts as well as in the upbuilding of his individual for-
tunes.
On the 9th of March, 1880, Mr. Cornett was married to Miss Jessie Donald, a
sister of George Donald, of Yakima, mentioned elsewhere in this work. They became
the parents of four children: Jean, the wife of Guy C. Mills, a resident of Seattle;
George W.. a physician and surgeon now on active duty with the national army;
John Donald, who is with the Ninety-first Division of the army and who prior to his
entrance into the war was assistant cashier of the Traders Bank; and William, who
is a student in the State University. The wife and mother passed away in June,
1905, and in 1909 Mr. Cornett was married to Mrs. Ida Powell, of Yakima.
Mr. Cornett is a prominent Mason, belonging to Yakima Lodge No. 24, F. &
A. M.; Yakima Chapter No. 2L R. A. M., of which he is the first past high priest;
Yakima Commandery No. 13, K. T., and to all the Scottish Rite bodies up to and
including the thirty-second degree. He has also crossed the sands of the desert with
the Nobles of Afifi Temple of the Mystic Shrine. He is a past grand chancellor of
the Knights of Pythias, past exalted ruler of Yakima Lodge No. 318, B. P. O. E.,
and in that order has also attained high official rank, being a past district deputy
.crand exalted ruler and the first to occupy that position in the district. He became
a charter member of the Toppenish Commercial Club and is also one of the charter
members of the Yakima Commercial Club, being one of the two remaining members
who formed that organization. His religious faith is that of the Presbyterian church
and his political allegiance is given to the republican party. For several years he
served as treasurer of Yakima and he has done other important public work, having
served on the board of trustees of the State Normal School at Ellensburg for many
years, being president of the board at the time he resigned. He is a man of well
balanced capacities and powers and his strong character inspires confidence in others.
He has never claimed to possess genius or any phenomenal characteristics, his being
the record of a straightforward, progressive American business man, capable of ma-
ture judgment of his own capacities and of the people and circumstances that make
up his life's contacts and experiences. Eminently a man of business sense, he avoids
the mistakes and disasters that come to those who, though possessing remarkable
faculties in some respects, are liable to erratic movements that result in unwarranted
risks and failures. He is possessed of sufficient courage to venture where favoring
opportunity is presented and his sound judgment and even-paced energy have carried
him forward to the goal of success.
ERNEST W. FRY.
Ernest W. Fry, who has now been a resident of Prosser for over fourteen years,
has not only one of the most important grain and produce establishments of the town
but also is the owner of a modern alfalfa mill with a capacity of about four thousand
tons per year. A native of New Y'ork, Mr. Fry was born in Mount Vision, June 20,
1874, and is a son of Walter and Eleanor N. Fry, the former deceased, while the latter
still makes her residence in New York. The father was a Presbyterian minister.
Mr. Fry of this review was reared amid the refining influences of a Christian
home and received his education in the public schools of New York. He decided
upon a business career as best suited to his tastes and ability and entered upon life's
active work as a clerk in a hardware establishment at Utica, New York, where he
rernained for four years. At the end of that time he opened a hardware store in
LItica but sold out and later entered the butter, egg and poultry business in the same
city. He continued in the east until March, 1904, when he came to Prosser and
428 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
established a grain and hay business with Ezra Kemp. This partnership was profit-
ably continued for about five years, or until 1909. when Mr. Fry acquired the interest
of Mr. Kemp. The business has since been under his sole management and he has
proven himself an able business man of high principles. In his dealings he always
sets honor before profit and has therefore earned the trust and confidence of those
who have dealings with him. His word is as good as his bond and is taken as such.
The building in which his business is located covers a space of sixty-four by three
hundred feet and belongs to Mrs. Kemp, from whom Mr. Fry leases. He largely buys
hay and grain for the market and is engaged in the sale of feed. In 1916 Mr. Fry also
built an alfalfa mill covering a ground space of one hundred by fifty feet and another
building one hundred and twenty by twenty feet. In 1917 his property was destroyed
by fire but he replaced the buildings immediately with new ones. His mill, which is
turning out alfalfa meal, has a capacity of about fifteen tons per day. He employs
from six to fifteen men. according to necessity. Mr. Fry also has a warehouse at
Grandview and owns a modern elevator at Whitstrand. Washington, and a ware-
house at Mabton. All this serves to indicate the magnitude of his business. In 1918
he shipped one thousand carloads of hay alone besides ninety-five cars of alfalfa
meal and twenty-five cars of wheat. His business in this line is one of the largest
in his section of the state and in its administration and management Mr. Fry has
shown keen perception and especial executive talent. Moreover, in all his dealings
he is guided by the highest principles. While shrewd in his business dealings he
never takes undue advantage and in many instances has extended generous trealmerit
to his clients and customers. In short, he is not only an able business man, but he
is a big man, taking his character from every point of view, and is in the truest
sense a self-made American.
In 1897, in LTtica, New York, Mr. Fry was united in marriage to Miss Mary
Evans and they have seven children: Walter, nineteen years of age: Paul, aged
seventeen; Kenneth, sixteen; Ernest, twelve; Mary, eight; Wilfrid, six; and an infant
daughter unnamed. The family enjoy a high social standing in the county and their
home is renowned for its bounteous liospitality. Mrs. Fry takes an active part in all
church and charitable projects and in the newer movements connected with war
service.
In politics Mr. Fry is independent, giving his support to such measures and
candidates as he deems most worthy of his support. He is a Presbyterian in his
religious belief and his fraternal connections are with the Modern Woodmen of
America. While he has attained prosperity for himself, he has done much good
in furthering the development of Prosser and Benton counties by his extensive
business enterprise and he is ever interested in any measure which may prove of
benefit to the district and is ever ready to give of his means and of his services in
order to promote such measures. He is a man of vision who preconceived the possi-
bilities of Benton county and has made good use of the opportimities which pre-
sented themselves to him. While he has become one of the leading business men of
his part of the state, no other fortunes were wrecked in order to attain his ends.
On the contrary, he has always been considerate of the interests of others and has
often gone out of his way to let the other man live. All who know him speak of
him with the highest respect, recognizing in him a man of more than ordinary quali-
ties as men go, one with fine business acumen, with a strong character, with a sense
of justice and with the best qualities of heart.
HENRY F. RODEXBECK.
Henry F. Rodenbeck owns and occupies a beautiful home which he built in 1911.
It stands in the midst of a ranch of eighty-one acres in the Naches valley — a well
developed property which in its neat and thrifty appearance indicates the careful
supervision of a practical and progressive owner. Mr. Rodenbeck was born in Min-
den, Nebraska, February 26. 1879. a son of Frank and Lenora (Miller) Rodenbeck,
who were early settlers of that state. They experienced many of the hardships and
privations of pioneer life and on one occasion were in the midst of a terrible prairie
HENRY F. RODENBECK
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 431
fire, and it wr.s only their sod house that saved them. In the early '80s Mr. Roden-
heck removed to Cleveland, Klickitat county. Washington, and subsequently to Gold-
endale, this state. He next became a resident of Fort Simcoe, Washington, in 1893.
He was a miller by trade and he conducted a mill for the government at Fort Simcoe
for five years. In 1898 he removed to the lower Xaches and purchased one hundred
and twenty acres of land whereon he still resides. He has reached the age of eighty-
two years, while his wife is now seventy-two years of age. He has improved his
farm and has thereon engaged in the raising of stock and fruit, and throughout his
life his business activities have been carefully conducted
Henry F. Rodenbeck acquired a public school education and early began ranch-
ing in connection with his father, whom he continued to assist for many years. He
took up a homestead adjoining his father's ranch, securing one hundred and sixty
acres, and later he purchased his father's tract of one hundred and twenty acres.
When the Tieton canal was l)uilt, it supplied his entire ranch with water. He has
since sold much of the property however, and his holdings now amount to eighty-one
acres. He has eight acres planted to orchards, while the remainder is hay and pas-
ture land and he raises a few sheep. His comfortable home was erected in 1911.
It is one of the attractive residences of the district and in the rear stand large and
substantial barns and all necessary buildings for the shelter of grain and stock. In
fact his farm work is conducted along the most progressive lines. H:e is actuated
by the spirit of modern development and improvement and whatever he undertakes
he carries forward to successful completion.
On the 25th of December. 1910. Mr. Rodenbeck was married to Ida Baily, a
daughter of B. F. and Susan (Shriver) Baily, both of whom were natives of Penn-
sylvania, whence they removed to Iowa at an early day, settling there in 1866. The
father, who devoted his life to the occupation of farming, is now deceased, but the
mother survives and is living in Seattle. In the latter part of his life, the father lived
retired from active business.
Mr. Rodenbeck belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and also to
the Brotherhood of .American Yeomen. His religious faith is indicated by his mem-
bership in the Christian church and he is interested in all that pertains to the welfare
and progress of the community in which he resides, giving active and helpful sup-
port to many measures for the public good. In politics he votes independently, cast-
ing his ballot for men and measures rather than for party. His has been an active
and useful life fraught with good results and today he is the possessor of a hand-
some competence that enables him to enjoy all of life's comforts and some of its
luxuries. From his home he commands a splendid view of the Naches valley in the
development of which he has largely participated and in the years passed he has
witnessed its transformation from a wild tract of land covered with sagebrush into
rich and productive ranch properties yielding golden crops of grain, while each fall
the orchards hang heavy with fruit that is shipped to all parts of the country and
even abroad.
ROBERT C. SCHREIBER.
Robert C. Schreiber is the secretary and treasurer of the Sunset Fruit & Produce
Company. With the development of the orchards of the Yakima valley horticulture
has become one of the chief industries of this section and has afforded splendid
opportunities for the men of strong commercial sense and enterprise, who in handling
the products of the valley have won substantial success. To this class belongs Mr.
Schreiber, whose efforts as secretary and treasurer of the Sunset Fruit & Produce
Company have made him widely known.
Mr. Schreiber was born in Chicago. May 15, 1880, a son of Arnold and Ever-
dine (Arends) Schreiber. About 1866 the father established his home in Chicago,
where he engaged in clerical work, and in 1881 he removed with his family to St.
Joseph. Michigan, where he owned a fruit farm. Both he and his wife there passed
away. The son acquired a public school education and also attended the Benton
Harbor College, after which he took up the profession of teaching, which he fol-
432 HISTORY OF YAKIMA \'ALLEY
lowed for four years. He then spent two years and a half in the employ of Marshall
Field & Company in their wholesale house and afterward engaged in general build-
ing and contracting and the manufacture of cement building blocks, which he fol-
lowed through the winter months, while in the summer seasons he was connected
with the fruit business in Michigan until January, 1909. Making his way to the
northwest, he spent a few months at Twin Falls, Idaho, and afterward went to Mon-
tana, where he remained a short time, when he came to Washington. He was in
Spokane until November of that year when he removed to Tacoma, while later he
took up his abode at Sunnyside, Washington, where 'he engaged in the contracting
business until 1912. In that year he became a resident of Yakima and was with the
Yakima County Horticultural Union for one season. He devoted the years 1913 and
1914 to the contracting business and from June, 1915, until June, 1917. was con-
nected with the Yakima Milling Company. He then became identified with the
Sunset Fruit & Produce Company, which was incorporated on the 21st of March,
1917, with J. A. Davis as the president, B. L. Blood as vice president and R. C.
Schreiber, secretary and treasurer. They built a warehouse sixty by one hundred
and fifty feet, one story in height with basement. It is of brick and cement and has
a storage capacity of one hundred carloads of fruit, there being eighteen thousand
feet of floor space. One of the activities receiving a considerable portion of the
company's attention is the handling and marketing of apples, which they sell under
the "Golden Glow" and "Silver Spray" brands. The former brand applying to the
extra fancy grade and the latter to the fancy grade. They also handle other fruits
under the trademark name of the Sunset Fruit & Produce Company and handled alto-
gether over one hundred and fifty carloads of fruit in 1917. They operate locally and
their products are also sold all over the United States and in British Columbia. They
buy in the open market and have brokerage arrangements with eastern firms. This
is a close corporation and the business from the beginning has constantly grown
and developed. From the beginning Mr. Schreiber has been the secretary and
treasurer and as one of the chief executive officers has bent his energies to the devel-
opment of the trade, which has steadily grown and has now reached gratifying
proportions.
On the 6th of November, 1912, Mr. Schreiber was married to Miss Trece A.
Davis, a daughter of J. A. Davis, of Yakima. Mr. Schreiber is a member of the
Masonic lodge at St. Joseph. Michigan. In politics he maintains an independent
course, voting for men and measures rather than for party. He belongs to the
Brotherhood of American Yeomen and also to the Christian church and in these
associations are found the rules which govern his conduct and shape his course in
his relations to his fellowmen. His sterling worth is widely acknowledged by all
who know him and his enterprise has gained him an enviable position in commercial
circles of Wapato.
JOHN ZENTENHORST.
John Zentenhorst is now practically living retired from business, occupying an
attractive home on a five-acre tract of land near Yakima. He was born in Holland,
May 24, 1861, a son of Gerritt and Diana Zentenhorst, who in 1872 left the land of
the dikes and came to the new world, settling in Sioux county, Iowa, where they
spent their remaining days, the father becoming a successful farmer of that locality.
John Zentenhorst was a lad of but eleven years when brought by his parents
to the new world and he completed a good public school education in Iowa. Through
vacation periods and after his schooldays were over he assisted his father in the
work of the farm and continued to engage in agricultural pursuits in that state until
1889, when he sold his property there and made his way to the northwest, attracted
by the opportunities of this section of the country. He journeyed to Yakima and
soon afterward purchased forty acres of land on the Moxee. This was all wild and
undeveloped and he at once began its improvement. His labors soon wrought a
marked change in the appearance of the place and added much to its productive-
ness. After a time Mr. Zentenhorst sold twenty acres of his original tract to his son
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 433
Gerritt. He purchased sixty acres more in connection with his son and improved
the entire tract. He at one time sold twenty acres of this but later bought it back
again. He now his about sixty acres, all in fine shape, and on this he raises alfalfa,
corn and potatoes. In 1914 he erected a fine home on a five-acre tract of land and
there he is living practically retired, leaving the active work of the fields to others,
while he is enjoying a well earned rest.
On the 8th of April, 1884. Mr. Zentenhorst was united in marriage to Miss June
Zentenhorst, also a native of Holland and a daughter of Peter Zentenhorst, who came
to the new world in 1871, settling in Iowa, where the marriage of our subject and his
wife occurred. To them have been born seven children: Peter, engaged in ranching
on the old homestead farm, is married and has one child; Gerritt, also a rancher, is
married and has three children: Albert, who follows ranching on the Moxee, has a
wife but no children; Jennie is the wife of R. S. Meyer, who owns a ranch in Yakima
county, and they have three children; Diana is engaged in nursing; Alice is the wife
of Gerritt Jongewaard, a resident of Sunnyside; Hattie is at home.
Mr. Zentenhorst and his family are members of the Dutch Reformed church and
are people of genuine worth who are held in high regard wherever they are known.
Mr. Zentenhorst has voted with the republican party since becoming a naturalized
American citizen on questions affecting the welfare of the country but at local elec-
tions, where no political issue is involved, casts an independent ballot. He is a self-
made man and the energy and persistency which he has displayed in his business
career have constituted the foundation of his present prosperity.
CHARLES C. WINGER.
Charles C. Winger has a tine ranch near Mabton. where he owns an excellent
home and also has commodious barns, his buildings and the prosperous condition
of his land bespeaking his industry and thoroughness. A native of Switzerland, he
was born June 18, 1880, his parents being Chris and Elizabeth Winger, who in 1883
crossed the Atlantic and settled in Indiana, where the father turned his attention to
agricultural pursuits, so continuing until the early '90s, when he removed to .-Athens,
Wisconsin. There the family made their home for many years and the mother there
passed away, but the father is now living in Minnesota.
Charles C. Winger began to earn his own livelihood at the early age of eight
years, when he left the parental roof to which he never returned. It is therefore but
natural that his educational facilities were limited, but being of a studious nature, he
has acquired much knowledge in the school of experience and is today a well in-
formed man. As soon as old enough he began to work for wages, and, diligently
saving his earnings, he was soon enabled to rent land, thus increasing his annual in-
come. Having been much impressed with the reports of the favorable opportunities
presented in the far west, in 1908 he decided to migrate to the Pacific coast and in
that year came to Yakima county, where he acquired five acres of land near Grand-
view. To this he gave his assiduous attention, improving it greatly and subsequently
selling. He then acquired title to ten acres near Grandview, which he also sold, and
bought a forty-acre ranch which later passed into other hands. He next acquired
twenty acres, which are still his, and he also cultivates thirty acres of land which
belong to his father-in-law, and there he and his family now reside. He has erected a
fine residence and good barns, has installed modern machinery and other facilities
and in every way has proven himself an up-to-date agriculturist of the twentieth cen-
tury. He raises hay, grain and corn and in fact devotes himself to general agricul-
tural pursuits.
In 1903, at the age of twenty-three. Mr. Winger was united in marriage to Miss
Gertrude Corah, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Corah. Her father is now
engaged in farming in Indiana but for a short time resided in the Yakima valley,
purchasing a portion of our subject's ranch, to which he still holds title, although Mr.
Winger is now cultivating this property. To the latter and his wife have been born
three children: Katherinc. Carl and Louise.
Mr. and Mrs. Winger are devoted members of the Christian church, in the work
434 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
of which they are helpfully interested. In his political affiliations Mr. Winger is a
republican and is steadfast in his support of the party. He is deeply interested in
the cause of education, of the value of which he is thoroughly convinced, and is now
serving as trustee of the school board, doing everything in his power to improve
local school conditions.
J. LEXOX WARD.
J. Lenox Ward, a member of the Yakima bar, at which he has practiced since
1904, was born at Shellrock, Iowa, September 15, 1874, a son of Z. R. and Matilda
(Myers) Ward. The father secured a homestead in South Dakota in pioneer times
and removed his family to that state in 1882. He then began the development of his
land, which he converted into a rich and productive farm. He and his wife resided
at Parker. South Dakota, until called to their final rest.
J. Lenox Ward acquired a high school education at Parker, South Dakota, and
afterward attended college, becoming a student in the L^pper Iowa University. Later
he was graduated from a law school. The same year he sought the opportunities
of the growing northwest, making his way to Yakima, where he opened a law office
and has since engaged in practice. His developing powers through the intervening
years have gained for him a most liberal clientage, as he has ever recognized the
necessity for thorough preparation of cases.
On the 21st of June, 1900, Mr. Ward was married to Miss Mabel Penney, of
Stacy ville, Iowa, and to them have been born two children: Roland C, sixteen years
of age; and Robert F.. a lad of eleven years.
Mr. Ward is a well known Mason, belonging to Yakima Lodge No. 24. F. & A. M.,
and to Yakima Chapter, No. 21, R. A. M. He is also identified with the Benevolent
Protective Order of Elks and politically he is a republican. He served for seven
months as county clerk by appointment and for four years, from 1908 until 1912, he
occupied the position of prosecuting attorney, making an excellent record by the
faithfulness and ability with which he defended the interests of the county in that
connection. He has long enjoyed a large and distinctively representative clientage
and is concentrating his efforts and attention upon general practice, also specializing
largely in criminal law. He is a member of the County Bar Association.
ERNEST G. TERRY.
Ernest G. Terry, whose well developed fields are indicative of the progrcssix e
spirit which actuates him in his farming operations, came to Yakima county in 1908
and has since made his home within its borders. He was born in Norwich, New York,
February 2, 1859, a son of Elnathan K. and Emily L. (Stone) Terry, both of whom
were natives of the Empire state. The paternal grandfather bore the name of Ben-
jamin Terry and was a native of New York or of Connecticut. The father became a
druggist, carrying on business along that line in the east, but later followed farm-
ing in Wisconsin, to which state he removed in 1865. He afterward engaged in
clerking in a drug store from 1872 until 1880 and then became a farmer of Kansas,
where he resided from 1881 until 1910. In the latter year he came to Washington and
both he and his wife died at the home of their son, Efnest G. The Terry family
has been represented in America from early colonial days and members of the
family served in the Revolutionary war. The line of descent comes down from Isaac
Terry through Benjamin Terry and Elnathan K. to Mr. Terry of this review.
Ernest G. Terry acquired a public school education in Illinois and afterward
engaged in farming with his father in Kansas. He came to the northwest in 1908,
making Yakima county his destination, and on his arrival purchased forty acres of
land a mile and a half northwest of Outlook. Here he has developed an excellent
ranch property, having an attractive home, large and substantial barns and all modern
improvements, including the latest machinery to facilitate the work of the fields.
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 435
He annually produces good crops of hay. corn, potatoes and beets and also conducts
a small dairy and his place is characterized by an air of neatness and thrift that
indicates his practical and progressive spirit.
On the 15th of June, 1887, Mr. Terry was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary
Louise Tabcr, a native of Sterling. New York, and a daughter of Lewis and Sarah
Taber, of Rhode Island. To Mr. and Mrs. Terry have been born three children, as
follows: Louise Elizabeth, who died at the age of two years; Ethel Josephine, the
wife of Van L. Graham, a ranchman, by whom she has five children: John J.. Etliel
Terry, Ernest Elnathan, Robert Eugene and Bruce MacDonald; and Margaret Emma,
at home.
Fraternally Mr. Terrj- is connected with the Ancient Order of United Workmen
and both he and his wife are members of the Baptist church. In politics he casts an
independent ballot nor has he ever sought or desired political office. He has served,
however, for many years as a member of the school board and the cause of education
finds in him a stalwart champion. In fact his aid and influence are always found
on the side of progress and improvement and his cooperation is given with hearti-
ness to any plan or project for the welfare and upbuilding of the district in which
he lives.
REUBEN M. OSBORK.
.\ third of a century has passed since Reuben M. Osborn took up his abode in
the Kittitas valley. In the early days he was identified with sawmilling and later
turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, purchasing his present farm property
in 1898. He was born in Ingham, Michigan, September 15, 1856, a son of John and
Lucinda (Matteson) Osborn, the former a native of New York and the latter of
Ohio. They removed to Michigan about 1842 and the father took up government
land, casting in hislot with the pioneer settlers of that region. There he resided to
the time of his death, which occurred when his son Reuben was but nine years of
age. He left five children, of whom Reuben was the second in order of birth. Three
years later the mother passed away, so that Mr. Osborn of this review was a lad of
but twelve years when left an orphan. His mother was a daughter of Jesse and
Mary Matteson. who after the death of Mr. Osborn lived upon the Osborn farm and
took care of the children who had been early orphaned. Both the grandparents, how-
ever, passed away by the time that Reuben M. Osborn was twenty-two years of age.
He had been reared upon the old home farm and had little opportunity to attend
school. He worked in the fields through the summer months and only in the winter
seasons did he have the chance to pursue an education. After the death of the
grandparents the farm was sold and the money divided. Reuben M. Osborn then
went to Kansas, where he resided for a year, after which he returned to Michigan
but later became a resident of Dakota, .^t a subsequent date he again went to
Michigan and during these years was engaged in the cultivation of rented farms.
Once more he became a resident of Dakota and there resided until 1886, when he
made his way to the northwest, reaching Kittitas county on the 6th of December.
For three years thereafter he worked in a sawmill and later he rented farm land for
a few years. By the careful cultivation of rented land he acquired the capital that en-
abled him to purchase property. In 1898 he bought fifty acres adjoining Thorp and
built thereon a fine home and substantial barn. His attention is given to the raising
of hay and grain and he also makes live stock a feature of his place.
On the 1st of May. 1888. Mr. Osborn was married to Miss Jennie B. Goodwin, a
daughter of Thomas B. Goodwin, of whom extended mention is made on another
page of this volume. They have a son. Rex, who married Mildred McCormick, of
Yakima, by whom he has two children: Lavera, aged three; and Billie, two years
of age. Rex Osborn cultivates his father's ranch. In 1906 Mr. and Mrs. Osborn
adopted a little girl. Pansy, who was then only six weeks old and is now in school.
Mr. Osborn belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and has passed
through all of the chairs in the local lodge. In fact he was one of the organizers of
Tanum Lodge No. 155. of which he has been treasurer for many years. He joined
436 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
the order when twenty-one years of age and has always been active therein. He be-
longs also to the Woodmen of the World, while his religious faith is that of the
Christian church, with which his wife and son are likewise affiliated. Politically he
is a democrat where national questions and issues are involved but at local elec-
tions casts an independent ballot, considering the capability of a candidate of greater
importance than his party connection. He has served for many years on the school
board and the cause of education finds in him a stalwart champion. In fact his aid
and influence are always on the side of right and progress and he is esteemed and re-
spected as a self-made man, while his personal characteristics and qualities are such
as make for popularity among those who know him.
EMERY EATOX.
While a city has manifold business interests, there are those who attain to
leadership in each particular line — men who by reason of their enterprise and dili-
gence do away with obstacles and steadily press forward to the goal of prosperity.
Such a one is Emery Eaton, now a well known dairyman of Yakima. He was born
in Mercer county, Ohio, on the 19th of February, 1879, a son of William and Sophia
Eaton, who were farming people. The father devoted many years to agricultural
pursuits but has now passed away. The mother now resides at Berne, Indiana.
Emery Eaton acquired a public school education and during vacation periods
worked in the fields, continuing to assist in the further development and improve-
ment of the home farm until he had attained his majority. After reaching man's
estate he determined to try his fortune on the Pacific coast and in 1901 arrived in
Yakima, where he entered the employ of Bert Wilcox. In 1903, however, he returned
to the Mississippi valley, settling at Huntington, Indiana, where he worked at the
dairy business until 1904, gaining valuable experience in that connection during that
period. He then started in business on his own account, organizing the Clover Leaf
Dairy Cotnpany and conducting his interests under that name until 1907. .-^gain,
however, he heard and heeded the call of the west and returning to Yakima pur-
chased the Golden Rule Dairy, which he has since conducted. He has also bought
a fine ranch of eighty acres near Selah and upon his place he has forty milch cows.
In the conduct of his dairy, however, he buys the product of three hundred cows.
He now has space of his own in the Cascade building, supplied with all modern
equipments for the conduct of a progressive and sanitary dairy. He handles milk
and cream for both the wholesale and retail trade. At one time he had one hundred
and seventy-five head of milch cows of his own. He operates three wagons and one
truck for the collection and delivery of milk and he enjoys a very extensive patron-
age by reason of the excellence of the product which he handles and his reliability
in all business transactions.
On the 10th of June, 1909, Mr. Eaton was married to Miss Edna Evans, of Yakima,
who was born in Minnesota, and they have one child, Emery B. Mr. Eaton is a
member of the Elks Lodge No. 318 and politically he is a republican where national
issues and questions are involved but at local elections casts an independent ballot.
He has never had occasion to regret his determination to cast in his fortunes with
the citizens of the northwest, for here -he has found the business opportunities which
he sought and in their utilization has steadily progressed. He is now one of the
foremost dairymen of Yakima, having built up a business of gratifying proportions,
his course proving that success and an honored name may be won simultaneously.
ARTHUR E. LOWE.
The fine ranch property of .\rthur E. Lowe adjoins Grandview and is splendidly
improved. His is one of the attractive homes of the district and all of the equip-
ment and accessories of the model ranch are found upon his place. Mr. Lowe is a
native of DeKalb county, Illinois. He was born June 12, 1878, a son of Oliver and
EMEBY EATOX
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 439
Laura (Knight) Lowe, the former a native of New York, while the latter was born
in Illinois and was a daughter of Samuel Knight, of Maryland, who made the trip
to Illinois with ox team and wagon in early pioneer times and took up government
land. He then developed a farm, to which he devoted his energies for many years.
spending his remaining days in that state. The paternal grandfather, Benjamin
Lowe, was a native of Xew York, and also made farming his life work, always con-
tinuing a resident of the Empire state. Oliver Lowe was reared in New York, where
he remained to the age of nineteen years and then made his way westward to Illinois,
where he has since carried on farming, becoming one of the progressive agricultur-
ists of that state. His wife has passed away.
The youthful experiences of Arthur E. Lowe were those of the farmbred boy.
He divided his time between the acquirement of a public school education and the
work of the fields during his youthful days and afterward took up farming in Illinois,
where he resided until March, 1903, when he came to Yakima county, Washington.
He purchased land five miles west of Sunnyside and in the fall of 1904 sold that
property. He then bought a relinquishment on a homestead nine miles southeast of
Sunnyside, thus acquiring one hundred and sixty acres of land that now adjoins
Grandview although the town had not been established at that time. It was a wild
tract covered with sagebrush, but he recognized tlic possibilities of the district and
has profited by his investment. He has since sold all but fifty acres of his land and
in 1910 disposed of forty acres of the tract that was entirely wild and undeveloped for
twelve thousand dollars. He is engaged in raising hay, grain and sugar beets, to-
gether with other crops. In 1912 he erected one of the fine homes of the district
upon his place and in 1914 built a large barn. He has also built two silos and added
other modern improvements. He hauled the lumber for the first building in Grand-
view, which was the postoffice, and he has been closely associated with the develop-
ment and progress of his section of the county for more than fourteen years.
On the 28th of October, 1901, Mr. Lowe was married to Miss Cora M. Cheney, a
native of Illinois and a daughter of Alonzo Cheney. Their children are five in num-
ber: Harold, Glenn, Florence, June and Laura. The religious faith of the family is
that of the Methodist church and in politics Mr. Lowe is a republican. He has never
sought nor desired political office but has served as a member of the school board,
and his aid and influence are always given in behalf of those activities and interests
which are looking to the benefit and welfare of the community. He has been am-
bitious to develop his farming interests along profitable lines and has accomplished
much in that direction.
THOMAS H. WILSON.
Thomas H. Wilson, engaged in law practice in Yakima, was born in Jackson
county, Illinois, on the 11th of August, 1865. His parents were Robert and Sarah E.
(Rolens) Wilson, the latter a native of Ohio, while the former was born in Liverpool,
England, and was of Irish parentage, being a son of Thomas and Rebecca (.\rm-
strong) Wilson. The latter was a daughter of Captain Armstrong. Thomas Wilson,
removing to the middle west, settled in Quincy, Illinois, about 1842, casting in his lot
with the pioneer residents of that section of the state. His son, Robert Wilson, was
noted as an athlete when a young man. He became a coal miner at Murphysboro,
Illinois, and there engaged in the business for more than a half century. He has
now departed this life but is survived by his widow.
Thomas H. Wilson of this review obtained a public school education in his native
state and supplemented it by a course of study in the Valparaiso college, in which
he prepared for the bar. He was graduated on the completion of the law course
as a member of the class of 1890 and seeking the opportunities of the growing
northwest, he made his way to Washington. For a time he practiced at Olympia and
later maintained a law office in Portland. He also practiced at other points in the
northwest and went to northern Idaho, where he retnained for ten years, serving during
that period as prosecuting attorney of Kootenai county. Idaho. In 1908 he arrived
in Yakima, where he has" since remained, and during the intervening decade he has
440 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
become well established as an able representative of the Yakima bar. He belongs
to the County Bar Association, lie has not specialized along a single line but has
continued in the general practice of law and has ever recognized the necessity for
thorough preparation of his cases. He has closely studied every point bearing upon
his cause and he presents his case with a clearness and force that enables judge or
jury not only to recognize the strong points but his every fine gradation of meaning.
On the 15th of April. 1902, Mr. Wilson was married to Miss Alctha Barr, of Des
Moines, Iowa, and they have one son, Wendell Thomas, now thirteen years of age.
Mr. Wilson belongs to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and has served as its
chaplain for the past two years. He is also a member of Yakima Lodge No. 24,
F. & .\. M., and of the Modern W^oodmen of America, while along strictly profes-
sional lines his connection is with the County Bar Association. In politics he is a
republican, interested in the questions and issues of the day but not an office seeker.
Those who know him, and he now has a wide acquaintance in Yakima, esteem him
highly as a man of genuine worth and ability and the bar numbers him among its
able representatives.
WILLIAM MIERAS.
Holland has furnished a substantial and desirable quota of citizens to Washing-
ton and the number includes William Mieras, who is the owner of an improved farm
property on the Moxee. He was born in Holland, September 2, 1868, a son of Adrian
and Dina Mieras, who came to the United States in 1890, settling at Maurice, Iowa,
where both the father and mother passed away. They were farming people and en-
joyed the respect of all with whom they were brought in contact.
William Mieras spent the days of his boyhood and youth in his native country
and was about twenty years of age when on the 7th of June, 1888, he came to the
United States. Making his way across the country, he took up his abode at Maurice,
Iowa, and in that locality engaged in cultivating a rented farm until 1900. The
stories which he heard concerning the opportunities of the northwest led hiin to the
determination to try his fortune in this section of the country and he made his way
to Yakima county, where he invested in twenty acres of wild land on the Moxee. He
has since improved this place, erected thereon an attractive home and good barns,
and he has five acres planted to apples, pears, peaches, prunes and cherries. He also
makes the raising of full blooded Holstein cattle an important feature of his busi-
ness and is conducting a good dairy. Each branch of his business is proving profit-
able owing to his capable management and wise business discernment.
In September, 1898, Mr. Mieras was united in marriage to Mrs. Nellie Boland, a
native of Iowa, and to them have been born two children: Myrtle, the wife of William
Alexander, of Yakima; and Pearl, at home.
In his political views Mr. Mieras is a republican but not an office seeker. Fra-
ternally he is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in which he
has filled all of the chairs, and also with the Modern Woodmen of .America. He
belongs to the Yakima County Horticultural Union and is interested in all that has
to do with the development and improvement of fruit growing conditions in this
section of the country. In his work he follows very progressive methods and the
results achieved are most gratifying.
ALBERT D. ROBINSON.
While Albert D. Robinson has been engaged in fruit raising in the Selah valley
for three years, he has already made for himself a creditable place in this connection.
It is characteristic of him that he carries forward to successful completion whatever
he undertakes and in his vocabulary there is no such word as fail. That his labors
are being attended with prosperity is indicated in the very attractive residence upon
li's ranch and the excellent condition of his orchards. •
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 441
Mr. Robinson was born in Brown county, Indiana, March 19, 1865, a son of
'Jeorge B. and Ann (Gootlet) Robinson, the former a native of Kentucky, while the
latter was born in Missouri. They removed with their family to Douglas county,
Illinois, about 1869 and the father there engaged in farming on rented land. Subse-
quently he took up his abode at Clay City, Indiana, and later he again became a resi-
dent of Douglas county, Illinois. At a subsequent period he once more located in
Clay county, Indiana, where he remained until his death, which occurred on the
13th of July, 1912. His wife died in the same year.
Albert D. Robinson of this review is indebted to the public school system of the
middle west for the educational opportunities which he enjoyed. He divided his
time between Illinois and Indiana and after his textbooks were put aside he engaged
in farming in Clay county of the latter state, where he had one hundred and ninety-
two acres of land, constituting one of the valuable farms of that locality, which he
hrought under an advanced state of cultivation. In the spring of 1911 he sold out
there and removed to the northwest, making the Yakima valley his destination. He
took up his abode in the city of Yakima, where he lived until 1915 and then pur-
chased twenty acres of orchard land in the Selah valley, on which he erected a resi-
dence at a cost of four thousand dollars. This is one of the modern and attractive
homes to be found upon the ranches of that district. It is supplied with hot and
cold water and every modern convenience and is tastefully furnished, while the spirit
of hospitality which there prevails makes it a favorite resort with the many friends
of the family. Upon the place there is also a fine packing house, good barns and in
fact all modern accessories and conveniences. Water is piped all over the ranch for
irrigation purposes and everything is in excellent condition. Most of the land is
seeded to alfalfa between the trees and the entire tract of twenty acres is in orchard.
On the 26th of September, 1887, Mr. Robinson was married to Miss Carrie
Griggsby, a native of Indiana and a daughter of George and Sarah (Hansen) Griggs-
by. Mr. and Mrs. Robinson became the parents of four children: Georgia now the
wife of ,MIie Huf¥, who is farming with his father-in-law upon the home ranch and
by whom she has one child. Helen Margery; Frankie, deceased; .Albert, who was
born October 26, 1902; and Donald, born July 13, 1906.
Albert D. Robinson is a member of the Yakima lodge of Odd Fellows and his
family attends the Methodist church. His political endorsement is given to the
democratic party. He is a stockholder in the Yakima County Horticultural Union
and his interest centers upon the development and upbuilding of this section of the
state in connection with horticultural interests. His purpose is unfaltering, his
methods are progressive and what he possesses is the result of successful achievement
on his part.
A. Z. CASE, SR.
A. Z. Case, Sr. is engaged in agricultural pursuits upon a farm situated about
five miles from Sunnyside and at one time conducted a harness shop in that city but
sold out in 1919. He was born in Keokuk county, Iowa, December 18, 1855, a son
of John and Hannah (Edey) Case, the latter a daughter of William Edey, who
was one of the pioneers of Keokuk county, having removed there in 1843. Mrs. John
Case was one of the tirst white women to settle in Keokuk county, the family having
taken up their residence there in 1845. Mr. Case was a son of John Case, Sr., a pio-
neer of New -Albany, Indiana. Throughout his life the father of our subject fol-
lowed agricultural pursuits and also operated flour mills. Subsequent to the Civil
war he removed to Missouri and later, in 1876, to Kansas, where his death occurred
that year. His wife passed away six years later in Keokuk county, Iowa.
-A. Z. Case. Sr., spent the first ten years of his life in Keokuk county, where he
began his education. He then proceeded with his father to Kansas but afterward
went to Texas and later retraced his steps to Iowa. In 1880 he took up his residence
in Missouri, which state remained his home until 1883, when he again removed to
Kansas. Three years were spent in the Sunflower state at this time and in 1886 he
once more went to Missouri, where he remained until 1888. In that year he came
442 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
to the state of Washington, making his home in Snohomish for a time, and then re-
moving to Salem, Oregon, where he remained from 1890 until 1896. In the latter
year he came to Yakima county and settled near Outlook, where he gave his atten-
tion to agricultural pursuits for two years. In 1899 he proceeded to Adams county,
Washington, and there he located on a homestead, upon which he continued until
1907, when he opened a harness shop in Franklin county, but remained owner of
his farm. In 1909 he traded his homestead for land located five miles from Sunnyside.
and in March, 1912, he opened a harness shop in that city, which he sold in 1919. The
farm is devoted to diversified farming.
On March 1, 1882, Mr. Case was united in marriage to Eliney J. Buzzard, a native
of Iowa and a daughter of Len Buzzard of Virginia. To this union were born seven
children, namely: Eliney L.. who married Roy McChesney, of Adams county, Wash-
ington; D. Susan, the wife of C. C. Rouse, a resident of Sunnyside; A. Z., Jr., who is
a successful farmer residing at Mountain Home, Idaho; John L., whose home is in
Sunnyside; Ida. who married Julius Christianson, of Prosser, this state; Elbert L.,
who is serving his country as a member of the United States cavalry; and Clarence
yet at home. The family are highly respected in the Yakima Valley where they have
many friends.
Mr. Case is a republican in his political aftiliations and the religious faith of the
family is that of the Christian church. He is a member of the Commercial Club,
readily cooperating in all of its projects and he belongs also to the Fraternal Order
of Eagles and the Modern Woodmen.
JOSEPH FESER.
Joseph Feser makes his home in Fruitvale, where he has an excellent ranch of
twenty-seven and a half acres devoted to the raising of various kinds of fruit. He
also has other property interests, including eighty acres in the Moxee valley and
valua1)le mine holdings in the Cascades, and in the management of his business affairs
he displays sound judgment and unfaltering enterprise. He was born in Germany,
April 24, 1864, a son of Gregor and Philippina ( Bauknecht) Feser, who came to the
United States in 1881, settling at Independence, Ohio. They resided there for three
years and then removed to Glen Ullin. North Dakota. Both Joseph Feser and his
father took up homestead and preemption claims there and resided in that section of
the country until 1899, when they sold their property in North Dakota and came to
Yakima county. The father purchased ten acres of land in Fruitvale and Joseph
Feser bought one hundred and sixty acres in the Moxee valley. He afterward dis-
posed of that property, however, and invested in ten acres in Fruitvale. He and his
father also purchased forty acres on Nob Hill, which later they sold. They both
improved the Fruitvale ranches and became well known in connection with the
development of horticultural interests in this section of the state. The father dis-
posed of his property in 1912, selling his ranch to his son Joseph, after which he
removed to Oregon, where he is now living at the ripe old age of eighty-three. His
wife passed away in 1915.
Joseph Feser received thorough business training under his father's direction and
they were associated more or less closely in business affairs for many years. At
length purchasing his father's land, the son has since added thereto until he now
'has twenty-seven and a half acres in Fruitvale, constituting one of the valuable fruit
ranches of the Yakima valley. The entire place is planted to fruit and he has in his
orchards splendid apple, pear, peach, plum and cherry trees which bring forth fruit
in abundance. Upon this place he has made all of the improvements himself, having
never employed a carpenter as he is a mechanic of no mean ability. Mr. Feser also
owns an eighty acre tract of land in the Moxee valley and has heavily invested in
mining projects in the Cascade mountains. These properties are of a high order
and are not only confidently looked upon by the stockholders but deserve the encour-
agement of the state at large and especially of the people of Yakima since these
holdings are located practically at their front door.
On the 28th of October, 1890, Mr. Feser was married to Miss Julia Geek, who
JOSEPH FESER
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 445
was born in Germany and came to the United States with her parents, the family
settling in Detroit. Michigan, in 1881 and subsequently removing to Xorth Dakota.
Mrs. Feser passed away September 23, 1898. The children of that marriage are as
follows: Anna Julia, who was born February 7, 1892, and is the wife of Frank Abhold,
a rancher of the Yakima valley, by whom she has four children, a son and three
daughters: Margaret Katherin, who was born April 25, 1893, and is the wife of Mr.
Joseph Rochel, a rancher living on Nob Hill; Joseph John, who was born November
24, 1894. and is at home; and Lawrence Francis, who v.-as born June 28, 1897, and is
also at home. Mr. Feser was again married January 7, 1899, his second union being
with Margarctha Lutz, who was born at Torontal Setchany, Austria-Hungary, March
9,. 1883. They becatne the parents of three children but all have passed away.
Mr. and Mrs. Feser are communicants of St. Paul's Catholic church and he is
identified with the Knights of Columbus. H|e concentrates his activities and interests
upon his business aflfairs and he is a member of the Yakima County Horticultural
Union and of the Yakima Commercial Club. Every phase of the development and
progress of fruit raising in this section is familiar to him and he has kept in the
vanguard with those who have been the leaders in the advancement of horticultural
interests in this section of the state.
MORAND D. COOKE.
One of the most successful and prosperous ranch owners of Kittitas county is
Morand Deliss Cooke, who has witnessed the entire growth of the Yakima valley,
as this section was yet untouched by man's labor when he arrived, while today it is
one of the richest agricultural districts of the state. Mr. Cooke is now considered
one of the most prosperous farmers in his vicinity, having many acres in hay and
grain and also giving considerable attention to stock raising, ranging over seven
hundred head of cattle.
He was born in Polk county, Oregon, November 27, 1855, and is a son of Charles
P. and Susan E. (Vander Cooke) Cooke, honored pioneers of Oregon. In 1849 the
father made the long trip to California, where he expected to profit through gold
mining, but soon thereafter removed to Oregon. Both he and his wife were born in
Ohio. He had enlisted from Ohio for service in the Mexican war, serving in that
conflict with the rank of lieutenant. Mrs. Charles P. Cooke had removed to Oregon
in 1850, by the overland route, the family locating in Independence. The father of
our subject was for many years a successful farmer in that state, having taken up a
preemption claim. In 1867. however, he came to Yakima county, Washington, where
for three years he farmed on the Moxce, at the end of which period he removed to
the Kittitas valley, where the Cooke family was the third to settle. Wild game was
plentiful at this time and many Indians were yet roaming the wilds. Cariboo creek
then had the name of Salaham and Cooke creek was called Pachunme, while Cole-
man creek had the name of Altapus creek and Wilson creek that of Xanum creek.
Those were the original appellations and the creeks have since been renamed. In
their part of the valley the Cooke family were the first settlers, although there were
two families living at some distance away. With them they brought one hundred
and seventy-five head of cattle and the father became one of the large cattle raisers
here. In the early days all the supplies had to be brought from The Dalles, a long
journey of about two hundred and twenty-five miles. This hazardous trip was under-
taken every fall and enough provisions were brought in to last for a year. At that
time the cattle were taken to the Pacific coast, where they were sold and in order
to take them there they had to be trailed across the Cascades. That the rural deliv-
ery system was not yet in operation may be inferred from the fact that while they
were residing on the Moxee their postoffice was one hundred and thirty miles re-
moved, as they had to get their letters from Umatilla. At that time members of four
families took turns to ride to the postoftice about every two weeks in 'order to get
the mail. When the Cooke family made their way to the Kittitas valley they had.
to move along on the Indian trails, as no roads or bridges were in existence, and for
three vcars after they had settled here they rarely saw a white man. Upon locating
(16)
446 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
on the Pachuiime creek they renamed it Cooke creek and that name has been used
ever since. In their relations with the Indians they were fortunate, as the family
always treated them w^ith consideration and justly. The Indians therefore remained
friendly except during the period of the Umatilla war, when all of the settlers had to
retire into the fort and hostile Indians made raids through the valley. The settlers
armed themselves with two hundred Springfield army rifles, taking them from the
eight hundred at the fort and each settler was given fifty rounds of ammunition.
Thus they were well fortified to await further developments and depredations, but
only twelve hostile Indians passed through the valley, stealing sixty horses. The
Perkins family, however, was murdered during this uprising. At that time Morand
D. Cooke and his brother-in-law were camping out with a pack outfit but somehow
they escaped the watchfulness of the Indians, who passed their camp at night within
a few hundred feet. Mr. Cooke well knew old Chief Joseph, who often camped on
his ranch. He was chief of the Umatillas and one of the leading Indians of his time.
He was at the head of hundreds of them who were permitted to camp upon the
Cooke ranch each spring. In the pursuit of game they still used bows and arrows.
Near the ranch of Mr. Cooke, Sr., grew in profusion the camas or tub lily, the great
Indian vegetable. These were eagerly gathered by the Indians, who came here for
that purpose by the thousands. The roots of these lilies were dug up. dried and
afterward made into flour. They also used to have great horse races here and Mr.
Cooke himself learned to speak the Indian language well. Charles P. Cooke lived to
the age of eighty-eight years and is still survived by his widow, who has now reached
the venerable age of eighty-seven years. He not only took a most prominent part
in the early agricultural development of his section but also was deeply interested
in public affairs and his prominence is easily gleaned from the fact that he served
for four terms in the territorial legislature, ably performing his duties in framing
the laws of the state and well taking care of the interests of his constituents and sec-
tion. In this way his activities became part of the history of the Yakima valley. In
conjunction with Mortimer Thorp, Elvin Thorp and Charles Splawn, C. P. Cooke
organized the original Yakima county, which then extended from The Dalles, Oregon,
to the British line. He subsequently also assisted in organizing Kittitas county and
during all of his career held numerous public offices, the duties of which he ever dis-
charged with faithfulness and ability. Even when he was a member of the territorial
legislature he stood for woman's rights and throughout his active political career
maintained that standpoint. He was a democrat by persuasion and faithfully sup-
ported that party. He also had the distinction of having been instrumental in found-
ing the first school in the Kittitas valley, when he hired a private tutor in order to
instruct members of his family. His importance along agricultural lines is evident
from the fact that it was he who planted the first timothy hay in the valley and
also set out the first fruit trees, thus laying the foundations for two industries which
have proven of the greatest value to later settlers. From the beginning success at-
tended the efforts of Mr. Cooke, for he was ever circumspect, industrious and per-
severing and closely studied conditions. It was he who built the first irrigation
ditch in the Kittitas valley in 1870, taking it from Cooke creek to his orchard, which
thereby was greatly benefited.
Morand D. Cooke was reared under the parental roof and received his first les-
sons of life under the guidance of his good parents, w'ho instilled in him those prin-
ciples of honesty, industry and perseverance which have been the foundation of his
success. He received his first education through the private tutor which his father
had provided and also attended schools of the neighborhood and at Independence,
Oregon, remaining upon the home farm and assisting his father in its work until
twenty-one years of age, thus becoming thoroughly acquainted with the latest and
most resultant methods of agriculture. Having reached his majority, Mr. Cooke
started upon his independent career, which has been devoted exclusively to farming.
In the course of time he has owaied three farms, of which he has disposed, however,
but now has a fine ranch eleven miles northeast of Ellensburg which is largely de-
voted to stock interests. He is one of the most prominent horse and cattle men of
his section and now has over seven hundred head of cattle, being very successful in
the range cattle and stock business. Keeping thoroughly informed in regard to
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 447
market conditions, he disposes of his cattle to the best advantage, displaying in all
of his business activities, sound judgment and keen discrimination. With the details
of the live stock business he is thoroughly familiar and it is therefore but natural
that prosperity has come to him. When a young man of only nineteen years, in
1874, Mr. Cooke and his brother-in-law, Charles Coleman, were the first assessors of
the Wenatchec valley, property there being put upon the assessor's books in that
year for the first time.
In 1888 Mr. Cooke was united in marriage to Miss Belle Fulton, a native of Idaho
and a daughter of Frank and Belle (Clemmons) Fulton, pioneers of Idaho, who
later removed to Texas and thence to the Kittitas valley about 1887. To Mr. and
Mrs. Cooke were born six children: Lester B., a graduate of Pullman College, who
during his university days was renowned as the greatest athletic star of his school,
is now following ranching near Sunnyside, Washington, is married and has one
child; Frank attended Pullman College for two, years and is now engaged in the
creamery business in Bremerton, Washington, he is also married; Charles P., twin
to Frank, remains upon the home farm, being in partnership with his father; Earl
is also at home and now, at the age of twenty-one, is attending Pullman College;
Edna, at home, is a graduate of Wilson's Modern Business College at Seattle; Ruth,
the youngest of the family, is the wife of Cecil Houser, who is a rancher of the
Kittitas valley. Mrs. Cooke attends the Christian church, which denomination she
readily supports.
Mr. Cooke, who not only enjoys a high reputation as a substantial citizen but
also is honored as a pioneer, has witnessed the entire growth of the Yakima and
Kittitas valleys, to which growth he has largely and helpfully contributed through
his valuable activities. Politically he is independent, voting according to the dic-
tates of his judgment. Of his valuable stock fami he now has one hundred and
seventy-four acres in hay, most of which he uses in feeding his stock. He has many
friends in the valley, all of whom admire him as a man of sterling character whose
word is as good as his bond. His and his family's history are a part of the history
of the state in which he resides and are closely interwoven and his record is there-
fore of interest to all those who have now become settlers of this prosperous valley.
THOMAS J. LOCKETT.
Important orcharding interests claim the attention of Thomas J. Lockett, whose
ranch is located near Zillah. Moreover, he has ever taken a helpful part in the de-
velopment and upbuilding of his district and in many ways has given his aid to public
measures which have proven of benefit to his community. Mr. Lockett is a western
man by birth and inclination. He was born in Baker county, Oregon, February 4,
1878, a son of Robert .\. and Mary E. (Owens) Lockett, the former a native of Ken-
tucky and the latter of Missouri. Both became early residents of .Oregon, in which
state they were married, and there the father for many years took an active part in
the public affairs of the commonwealth, having twice served as a member of the Ore-
gon state legislature. His wife has now passed away.
Thomas J. Lockett was reared in the state of Oregon, where he attended the
public and high schools. Having duly prepared for life's arduous duties, he then
assisted his father in the live stock business until he was twenty years of age. As
a live stock dealer he was then quite successful but in 1905 sold his Oregon interests
and removed to Goldficld, Nevada, where he was connected with mining. This
venture did not prove successful but on the contrary Mr. Lockett lost a great deal
of money and he also had the misfortune to lose his right arm in a mill accident. In
June, 1910, he came to Yakima county and at that time acquired ten acres of land
near Zillah, of which two and a half acres was bearing orchard and five and a half
acres new orchard, while the remainder was in alfalfa. The whole ten acres are now
in bearing, thanks to the energy and industry of Mr. Lockett. and in 1915 he acquired
an additional ten acres two iniles southeast of Zillah, which is planted to apples and
pears, also having on it a few prune trees. Closely studying the subject. Mr. Lockett
has become one of the most successful orchardists of his neighborhood.
448 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
On August 10, 1901. Mr. Lockett was united in marriage to Miss Edythe Rickard,
a native of Winnemucca. Nevada, and a daughter of L. L. Rickard. a pioneer of that
state. To this union has been born a son, Schirley, who is now sixteen years of age.
Mr. Lockett gives his political allegiance to the democratic party but has never
desired public office, although he is interested in politics and public affairs. His
whole time is taken up with his private business, although he is ever ready to give
his aid to movements which he considers of value to the general public. Both he
and his wife have many friends in Zillah and their pleasant home is a temple of
hospitality for all who know them.
D. V. MORTHLAXD.
D. \'. Morthland. attorney-at-law of Yakima, is a native of Missouri, his birth
having occurred in Warren on the 6th of February. 1880, his parents being Joseph
M. and Mary E. (Frederick) Morthland. The father w'as a farmer and stock raiser,
devoting his life to that occupation. He passed away in Missouri but his widow is
yet living.
D. V. Morthland acquired a public school education and afterward attended the
Missouri State University for the study of law, winning his LL. B. degree there upon
graduation with the class of 1907. Upon his diploma was inscribed "Cum Laude."
Mr. Morthland entered upon the practice of his chosen profession in St. Joseph
Missouri, where he remained until March, 1908, and then came to the northwest,
settling at Yakima, where he has since practiced, covering a period of ten years. He
has gained a liberal clientage during this time and while he continues in the general
practice of law, he also specializes in irrigation and probate law.
On the 30th of June, 1909, Mr. Morthland was united in marriage to Miss Nelle
A. Lane, of Palmyra. Missouri, and to them have been born three children: Lane,
Mary Frances and Mildred. Mr. Morthland is identified with two college fraterni-
ties, the Delta Tau Delta and the Theta Kappa Nu. He likewise belongs to the
Commercial Club of Yakima and to the County Bar Association. His political alle-
giance is given to the republican party and he is a recognized leader in its ranks,
having served since 1917 as state senator from the fifteenth district. He is proving
an able member of the upper house, taking active interest in promoting necessary
legislation at this critical period when most vital problems connected with the war
are continually coming up for consideration. His patriotism knows no bounds and
his loyalty to duty remains unquestioned.
OVIDE BRULOTTE.
Ovide Brulotte, who since 1901 has made his home in Yakima county, is actively
and successfully identified with farming interests on the Moxee and also has agri-
cultural interests elsewhere in the state. He was born near Quebec, Canada, .\ugust
22, 1881. a son of Ferdinand and Ida (Blae) Brulotte, who in 1884 left Canada and
established their home in Polk county, Minnesota, where they resided until 1901.
In that year they became residents of Yakima county, Washington, and the father
purchased forty-four acres of land on the Moxee. This he owned and cultivated
until 1912, when he sold that property and removed to Alberta, Canada, where he
and his wife now reside, his attention being given to the live stock business.
Ovide Brulotte acquired a public school education and in 1901 left Minnesota
with his parents and came to Washington. He has since lived in Yakima county.
He was twenty years of age at the time of his arrival. He soon afterward purchased
fort}' acres of land on the Moxee and began its development, for it was a vv'ild tract
upon which not a furrow had been turned nor an improvement made. In this under-
taking he was associated with his brother and their labors transformed the unde-
veloped tract into one of rich fertility. Later the brother sold out but Ovide Brulotte
still retains thirty acres of the land and in addition he has a one hundred and sixty
acre ranch in connection with his brother, J. E. Brulotte. on the Columbia river.
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 449
Sixty acres of the tract is planted to alfalfa and beans and the place is conducted by
J. E. Brulotte. On his home place on the Moxcc. Ovide Brulotte engages in the
raising of hay. hops, potatoes, beans and hogs. He annually produces large crops and
also raises a large number of hogs and both branches of his business are proving
profitable.
On the 15th of February, 1907, Mr. Brulotte was married to Miss Zelia Couil-
lerier, a native of Polk county. Minnesota, and a daughter of Xoah Couillerier, who
came to Yakima county in 1898. Their children are Harvey, Walter, .^mos and
Marcelline. The family are members of the Holy Rosary Catholic church at Moxee
City. In politics Mr. Brulotte maintains an independent course, voting for men and
measures rather than for party, nor has he -ever sought or desired political office. He
served, however, for one term as school director. He is a self-made man and one
who owes his advancement entirely to his personal efTorts, determination and abil-
ity. He has worked persistently and energetically and has gained a place among
the men of aflluence in his community.
ALBERT JOXGEWAARD.
Albert Jongcwaard is the owner of a valuable farm property of nineteen acres,
devoted to the raising of fruit and vegetables, and the progressive methods which he
follows in this undertaking are making his work very profitable. A native of Oregon,
he was born on the 10th of January, 1865, a son of Arie and Dora (Van Rossum)
Jongcwaard, who took up their residence in Oregon in 1864 and spent seven years
in that state, the father there passing away. The mother afterward returned with
her family to Iowa and continued to make her home in Sioux county, that state,
until her death.
.Albert Jongcwaard acquired a public school education in Iowa and through the
period of his boyhood and youth worked upon farms in that state. He early became
familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops and his
early diligence and industry constituted the foundation upon which he has built his
later success. After working for others for some time he rented farm land, which he
cultivated on his own account. The lure of the west, however, was upon him and
in 1901 he came to Yakima county, where he purchased twenty acres of land. He
afterward sold one acre of that tract for school purposes. His place was all wild
land but he at once began to cultivate it and his labors soon brought about a marked
change in its appearance and in its value. He still owns this tract of nineteen acres
and he has four acres planted to apples and pears, while the remainder of the farm
is used for the raising of corn, potatoes, beets and hay.
On the 16th of June, 1904, Mr. Jongcwaard was married to Miss Kate Swier, who
was born in Holland and came to the L'nited States when eleven years of age. The
tour children of this marriage are Margaret, George. Ethel and Donald.
The parents and their children are members of the Dutch Reformed church and
in social circles of the community they occupy an enviable position. Mr. Jongcwaard
votes with the republican party. He has never regretted his determination to leave
the Mississippi valley and try his fortune in the Pacific coast country. He has here
found the opportunities which he sought and in their utilization has worked his way
steadily upward, becoming one of the substantial and successful business men of
Yakima county.
M.\RTL\ A. SAXDVIG.
Martin A. Sandvig. whose time and attention are given to the further develop-
ment and care of tine apple, pear and prune orchards which are the principal feature
of his home ranch near Zillah, was born in Crookston, Minnesota, May 15, 1883, a
son of Mads R. and .Anna Sandvig, who were natives of Norway. They were
married there and came to the United States in 1874, at which time they took up
450 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
their abode near Crookston, Minnesota, where the father devoted his attention to
the occupation of farming until 1894. He then succumbed to the lure of the north-
west and made his way to Great Falls, Montana, where he again followed farm-
ing. His next removal took him to Kalispell, Montana, and thence he made his
way to Spokane, Washington, after which he came to the Yakima valley in 1899.
Here he purchased twentj- acres of land a mile and a half northwest of Zillah. It
was covered with sagebrush when it came into his possession but the earnest labor
which he spent upon the place soon wrought a marked transformation, inasmuch as
his labors were supplemented by the energy and determination of his sons. The
father died in the year 1900, after which Martin A. and his brother, Robert Sandvig,
continued the work of clearing the farm and built thereon a fine home. The death
of Robert Sandvig occurred in 1907, since which time Martin Sandvig has carried on
the work of the place. He has also rented one hundred and sixty acres of land on
the Yakima Indian reservation and is devoting that tract to the raising of grain and
stock. The home farm is nearly all planted to orchard, particularly apples, pears
and prunes.
In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Mads R. Sandvig were ten children: Robert, men-
tioned above; Martin A., of this review; Olaf, who is now with the medical depart-
ment of the United States army in France and w^ho was graduated from the law
department of the University of Washington and was practicing in Yakima at the
time he joined the colors; Adolph, who was in an automobile school at Kansas City
but who recently returned and will work at Yakima; Josephine, at home; and five
who have passed away. The parents were members of the Lutheran church and
were ever regarded as people of the highest respectability and worth in the various
communities in which they lived.
Martin A. Sandvig has always maintained an independent course in politics, vot-
ing for the candidates whom he regards as best qualified for office. He has never
been ambitious to serve in political positions, for his time and energies have been
fully occupied by his business affairs. He was a youth of sixteen when he came to
the Yakima valley and with his father's death the following year the responsibility
of caring for and developing the home ranch largely fell upon him. In the inter-
vening years he has proven his right to be classed with the progressive and suc-
cessful orchardists and ranchmen of the northwest.
HEXRY WAYENBERG.
Holland made a valuable contribution to the citizenship of Yakima county by
sending many of her substantial residents to this section. Among those who can
claim to have had their birth in that interesting little kingdom, whose humanity and
level-headedness have been so strongly manifest during the recent world war, is
numbered Henry Wayenberg, whose birth there occurred on the 3d of March, 1858,
his parents being Tennis and Grace (Van de Brake) Wayenberg. In the year 1867
the parents bade adieu to friends and native country and sailed for the new world,
taking up their abode in Wisconsin, where they resided until 1871 and then went to
Sioux county, Iowa. In the latter district the father took up a homestead and de-
veloped and improved his claim, converting it into an excellent farm property,
whereon he resided until called to his final rest. Both he and his wife passed away in
1898.
Henry Wayenberg acquired a public school education and afterward took up the
occupation of farming, to which he had been reared. At a subsequent period, how-
ever, he engaged in the agricultural implement business, conducting a store of that
kind at Sioux Center, Iowa, for ten years. The favorable reports which reached him
concerning the northwest, its opportunities, its growth and its development, led him
to come to Washington in the fall of 1896. at which time he made his way to the
Yakima valley and purchased twenty acres of land on the Moxee. He then under-
took the task of interesting other Hollanders in this country and in the work was
associated with George Rankin and J. W. Clarke. He succeeded in interesting in
this district, several hundred families and assisted in selling thousands of acres of
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 453
land to them and helping them to become well locates in this region. In fact his
work has been one of the main features in building up the Moxee country with a
very desirable and substantial class of citizens, who have utilized the natural resources
and opportunities of the district and converted it into a very productive and valu-
able section of the state. Mr. Wayenberg purchased more land until he became
owner of eighty acres in all. He has built a fine house upon his ranch and has one
of the splendidly improved properties of the district. There is no accessory or con-
venience of the model farm of the twentieth century that is not found upon his place.
He has been very successful as a horticulturist and now has thirty-tive acres of splen-
didly bearing orchard, planted to apples and pears. His work has been guided by
sound intelligence that enables him to readily recognize the possibilities and oppor-
tunities of a business situation and to quickly discriminate between the essential and
the nonessential. He is now well known as one of the successful farmers of the
Yakima valley and his work in bringing aljout the settlement of the district cannot
be overestimated.
On the 12th of January, 1882. Mr. Wayenberg was united in marriage to Miss
Rena Raak, who was born in Grand Haven, Michigan, a daughter of Gerrit and Ida
(Winter) Raak. Mrs. Wayenberg passed away March 7, 1918, her death being
deeply regretted 'by many friends as well as by her immediate family. She had
become the mother of five children: Tennis A., who is engaged in ranching on the
Moxee, has a wife and two children; Grace is the wife of Peter Zeutenhorst and has
one child; they reside on a ranch on the Moxee; Peter H.. is a member of the United
States army; Ida M. is at home; and William H. is married and also resides upon the
old homestead farm.
Mrs. Wayenberg was a consistent and loyal member of the Reformed church, to
which Mr. Wayenberg also belongs. In fact he was one of the founders of the First
Reformed church of Yakima and has always been active and earnest in its work,
doing everything in his power to promote its progress. His political allegiance is
given to the republican party and he has served as justice of the peace. He has also
been officially connected with the schools as a director and he is interested in every-
thing that has to do with public progress and improvement, cooperating heartily in
all those projects which are a matter of civic virtue and of civic pride. He belongs
to the Yakima County Horticultural Union and is interested in everything that per-
tains to the development of this section of the state as a fruit producing center.
His work has been most wisely directed, the results have been valuable and far-
reaching and the valley owes much to his progressive spirit and the effective work
which he did in bringing Holland settlers to this section of the state.
I. \. MUELLER.
I. X. Mueller, a well known undertaker of Kennewick, comes to the northwest
from Iowa, his birth having occurred in Carroll county, that state, in 1880. He is a
son of H. G. F. and Mary Mueller, residents of Des Moines, Iowa. He obtained
his education in the public schools and afterward became connected with the hard-
ware and undertaking business at Auburn, Iowa. In 1906 he arrived in Kennewick,
Washington, and secured employment in a hardware store, of which he afterward
became one of the proprietors. The Kennewick Hardware Company was organized
in 1903 by the firm of Sherman & Anion, vvho sold to H. A. Bier, and later Mr.
Mueller purchased an interest in the business from Mr. Bier, becoming one of the
owners in 1913. Five years later Mr. Bier took part of the stock and removed to
Ritzville. Washington, while Mr. Mueller continued the business in Kennewick. He
carried a general line of shelf and heavy hardware and his enterprising methods and
earnest desire to please his patrons were salient features in his success. In 1918 he
removed his stock to the store by the postoffice, where he occupied a room twenty-
five by one hundred feet until the 1st of September of that year, when he sold out
to C. F. Winkenwerder. He also conducted an undertaking business and now de-
votes his entire attention to that enterprise, being the only undertaker in the town.
In 1909 Mr. Mueller was married to Miss Anna Anion, of Kennewick, and they
454 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
have become the parents of four children: Veidella, Ruth, Anion and Frank. In his
fraternal relations Mr. Mueller is an Odd Fellow and is also identified with the
-Artisans and the Modern Brotherhood of .America. In politics he is a republican and
he belongs to the Commercial Club, which indicates his interest in all that pertains
to the welfare and upbuilding of his community. He is an alert, energetic business
man, constantly watchful of opportunities pointing to success, and his progressive-
ness has gained for him a creditable position among the representative business men
of his section.
GEORGE E. MEHL.
George E. Mehl is the owner of an excellent ranch property of one hundred and
five acres near Xaches and his place is the visible evidence of his life of well directed
energy and thrift. He owes his success entirely to his individual effort and enter-
prise and he has become a well known and highly respected citizen of Yakima
county, where he dates his residence from 1908. He was born in Mitchell county,
Kansas, November 22, 1876, a. son of John and Ida (Peavey) Mehl, the former a na-
tive of Indiana, while the latter was born in Iowa. They became pioneer residents
of Nebraska, where they were married, and in 1874 they removed to Kansas, where
the father took up the occupation of farming. He and his wife are still living in that
state.
George E. Mehl acqTiired a public school education and became actively identified
with farming interests in Kansas, where he resided until 1908, when he sought the
northwest with its constantly broadening opportunities. He had learned the car-
penter's trade and after arriving in Yakima county he built and sold houses in
Yakima, continuing in speculative building until May, 1913. when he purchased one
hundred and seventy acres of land on Xaches Heights. Soon afterward he sold a part
of this but now has one hundred and five acres, sixty of which is irrigated and under
cultivation. He is engaged in the raising of potatoes, hay, alfalfa and wheat and
annually gathers good crops as the result of his careful and systematic methods of
carryihg on the work of the ranch. He is very thorough in all that he undertakes
and his enterprise and business ability have brought him prominently to the front.
On the 23d of December, 1900, Mr. Mehl was married to Miss Carrie Guptail,
who was born in Kansas, a daughter of Frank and Jennie Guptail, who were pioneer
people of the state. The children of this marriage are Helen and Caroline. In poli-
tics Mr. Mehl is a republican and fraternally he is connected with the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows and .the Modern Woodmen of America. He is well known,
being highly esteemed throughout the community in which he established his home
more than a decade ago. His plans have been carefully formulated and promptly
executed and his enterprise is bringing to him gratifying success.
SYDXEY LIVESEY.
Yakima has always been distinguished for the high rank of her bench and bar.
Her lawyers have ever been capable of crossing swords in forensic combat with the
ablest representatives of the profession anywhere. For nine years Sydney Livesey
has been practicing in Yakima and his ability has brought him prominently to the
front, connecting him with much important litigation heard in the courts of the
district.
Mr. Livesey is a native of England, his birth having occurred in Wirksworth,
Derbyshire, on the 3d of March, 1880, his parents being John T. and Alice (Bates)
Livesey. The father came to the L'nited States in 1887 and made preparations for his
family, after which the mother brought their children to the new world in 1889 and
the family home was established in .-Vugusta. Wisconsin, where John T. Livesey was
engaged in the creamery business for some time. His death there occurred, after
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 455
which his widow removed to St. Paul, Minnesota, and spent a number of years in
thai state but ultimately came to the Pacific coast and is now living in Bellingham.
Sydney Livesey. pursuing his education in the schools of Wisconsin, was grad-
uated from the high school at Augusta, that state, and afterward attended the State
Xormal School at Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He then carefully reviewed the broad
field of business in order to determine upon an occupation or profession which he
wished to make his life work. He at length resolved upon law practice and with
that end in view entered the St. Paul Law School, from which he was graduated in
June, 1906. Making his way tjD the northwest, he settled in Seattle, Washington,
where he remained for two years and for a part of the time was employed in law
offices. In 1909 Tie came to Yakima, where he has since remained, and through the
intervening period he has made steady progress in his chosen calling.
On the 19th of September, 1913, Mr. Livesey was married to Miss Hazel G.
Hughes, a teacher of Yakima, who was born in Kalkaska, Michigan. They now have
two daughters, Dorothy May and Hazel Margaret.
Mr. Livesey belongs to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. His political
allegiance is given to the republican party and he is a member of the executive board
of the republican central county committee. In 1913 he was called to the office of
deputy prosecuting attorney under H. B. Gilbert and filled that position until 1917.
While he continues in the general practice of law, he devotes much time to transpor-
tation law and is thoroughly versed upon that department of jurisprudence.
WESLEY P. CREWS.
Wesley P. Crews, who is engaged in general farming and to some extent in
fruit raising at Tieton, was born in Livingston county, Missouri, April 30. 1853, a son
of Dawson T. and Margaret (Yates) Crews. The father was born in Madison county,
Kentucky, and the mother in Howard county, Missouri. The paternal grandfather
was Robert Crews, of Kentucky and of Scotch descent. He became one of the pio-
neer settlers of Missouri, establishing his home there at a very early day, and Daw-
son T. Crews and Margaret Yates were the first couple married in Medicine town-
ship, Livingston county. The mother died in Missouri and the father spent his last
days in the Boise valley of Idaho.
Wesley P. Crews acquired a public school education in Missouri, pursuing his
studies in one of the old-time log schoolhouses with its slab desks and rude seats
around the walls. He took up the occupation of farming in his native state and in
1872 went to Burlington, Iowa, where he remained for a year, engaged in the livery
business. He next turned his attention to farming in Lee county, Iowa, where he
remained for eight years, after which he returned to Livingston county, Missouri.
In 1902 he came to Yakima county, where he lived for three years on the Splawn
ranch, and in 1904 he took up a homestead of sixty-six acres under the Tieton. He
has three acres planted to orchard and the balance of his land is devoted to general
farming, in which connection he makes a specialty of the raising of alfalfa, beets and
potatoes.
On the 10th of September. 1893, Mr. Crews was married to Miss Margaret
Elizabeth Thompson, who was born in Pickaway county, Ohio, in 1870. a daughter
of Thomas and Elizabeth (Boyd) Thompson, the father also a native of Pickaway
county, Ohio, while the mother was born in L'niontown, Pennsylvania. The grand-
father of Mrs. Crews was John Thompson, a native of Ireland, who came to the
United States in young manhood. Her father went to Missouri in February, 1883,
and in 1901 came to Yakima county, where he purchased a farm on the Cowiche,
there residing until his death, which occurred .\ugust 19, 1913, when he was seventy-
seven years of age. His wife died February 17, 1914, at the age of seventy-nine years.
Mr. and Mrs. Crews have become the parents of three children: Thompson; Robert,
a student of veterinary surgery; and Paul.
The religious faith of the family is that of the Methodist church and in politics
Mr. Crews maintains an independent position, voting for men and measures rather
than party. His wife is a woman of artistic temperament and well known locally
456 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
as a writer of both prose and poetry. It was Mrs. Crews who established the first
Sunday school in Tieton in 1907 and she has been very active in the social life of
the community.
CARL G. STRAND.
Carl Ct. Strand, identified with the ranching interests of the northwest since 1903.
was born, in LaCrosse county, Wisconsin, on the 17th of December, 1867. He is a
brother of Julius O. Strand, in connection with whose sketch, found on another page
of this work, is made mention of his parents and the family. He engaged in farming
with his father until he reached his majority. In 1890 he removed to Pipestone
county, Minnesota, where he carried on a general merchandise business at Ruthton
until 1893. He then went to Cottonwood, Minnesota, where he published a news-
paper and was also assistant cashier of the Bank of Cottonwood. At a subsequent
date he became cashier of the Quarrymen's Bank of Sandstone, Minnesota, where
he remained until 1900, when he removed to the northwest. Making his way to
Tacoma, he spent three years as superintendent with the Northwestern Conserving
Company of that place and in 1903 arrived in Yakima county, where in connection
with his brother, J. O. Strand, he purchased two hundred acres of land on the
Cowiche. Later they sold that property and Carl G. Strand purchased forty acres
adjoining and also forty acres nearby, making eighty acres in all. He now has twelve
acres planted to apples and his orchards are in fine condition, so that he annually
gathers a large amount of fruit. The remainder of his land is planted to corn, hay
and sugar beets and he gathers large crops each year. He is also engaged in the rais-
ing of hogs, which forms a profitable feature of his business. L^pon his ranch he
has built a good house and substantial barn and made other improvements, so that
his place is today one of the excellent properties of the locality.
On the 14th of August, 1894, Mr. Strand was married to Miss Emma Gunderson,
a native of Iowa and a daughter of Gano and Randy (Torgerson) Gunderson. The
children of this marriage are: Mildred, who is a teacher and resides at home; Ger-
trude, the wife of Charles Mayo, a rancher in the Cowiche valley, now with the
LTnited States army, by whom she has one child, Leland William: Adolph, who is
with the Students' Army Training Corps at Pullman, Washington; Raymond, Ralph
and Marjorie, all at home. The parents are charter members of the Lutheran church
and take an active part in its work. In his political views Mr. Strand is a republican.
He is classed with those self-made men to whom opportunity has ever been the call
to action. He has for a number of years been accounted one of the successful farm-
ers of the Cowiche, for throughout his entire life he has utilized every chance to make
a forward step and each forward step has brought him a broader outlook and wider
opportunities. There have been no esoteric phases in his career. His course has
always been straightforward and the reliability and enterprise of his methods have
constituted the broad foundation upon which he has built his prosperity.
ABRAM VERSTRATE.
For twenty-one yea;-s Abram Verstrate has been a resident of Yakima county
and since 1900 has lived upon his present farm on the Moxee. He was born in Hol-
land, August 25, 1862, and is a son of John and Katherine Verstrate, who came to
the United States in 1880. Making their way to Michigan, the father there took up
the occupation of farming and he and his wife continued residents of that state until
called to their final rest.
Abram Verstrate, spending his youthful days under the parental roof, pursued
his education in the schools of his native country and was a lad of eighteen when he
accompanied his father and mother to the new world. He afterward worked upon
farms in Michigan until 1897, when thinking that he would have better business
opportunities in the northwest, he made his way to Washington and has since re-
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 457
sided within the borders of this state. He took up his abode in Yakima county and
for two years he cultivated rented land on the Ahtanum. On the expiration of that
period he secured a homestead claim on Black Rock but did not prove up on the
property. He was afterward employed by others for a short time and then made
investment in twenty acres of wild land on the Moxee, securing this place in 1900.
He has since resided thereon and his labors have made it a very productive and valu-
able property. He has proven, as many others have done, that this is an excellent
fruit producing district and he now has five acres planted to apples and pears. The
remainder of his land is devoted to the raising of hay and to various crops well
adapted to soil and climatic conditions here, and he also conducts a fine dairy, keep-
ing high-grade cattle for this purpose. .\11 branches of his business are proving a
gratifying source of income, for he is practical in anything that he undertakes and
his progressiveness has also led to the acquirement of desired results.
In 1886 Mr. Verstrate was united in marriage to Miss Nellie De Kraker, of
Michigan, who is a native of the Netherlands. To them have been born eight chil-
dren, namely: John, who is a member of the United States army; Kate, who is the
wife of George Currey, of Yakima; Joseph, who is also in the United States army;
and Herman, James, Kathryn, Chris and Jeannette, all at home.
Mr. and Mrs. Verstrate are members of the First Reformed church and are
people of genuine worth who enjoy the warm regard of those with whom they have
been brought in contact, while the hospitality of the best homes of the neighborhood
is freely accorded them. Mr. Verstrate's persistency of purpose and unflagging in-
dustry have been the salient features in the attainment of his success.
HARVEY HUSS.
It was in 1885 that Harvey Huss, a native of Ohio, came to the Kittitas valley,
where he has now been successfully engaged in farming for thirty-four years. He
owns a valuable ranch of two hundred and forty acres about twelve miles northeast
of Ellensburg which is principally devoted to hay and grain. A native of the Buckeye
state, he was born in 1840 and is therefore now seventy-nine years of age. He is a
son of Elisha and Elizabeth (Zook) Huss, natives of Pennsylvania, whence they
removed to Ohio among the pioneers of that state in 1838. Later the family went to
Missouri and there both Mr. and Mrs. Elisha Huss passed away.
Harvey Huss accompanied his parents from Ohio to Missouri, receiving his edu-
cation in both states, and in the latter he grew to manhood upon his father's farm.
The opportunities of the west beckoning to him in 1865 after the close of the Civil
war, he decided to take advantage of them and went to Idaho, which state remained
his home for several years, but in 1869 he removed to the Willamette valley of Ore-
gon. He took up his residence in Grant county, Oregon, in 1872, but not being quite
contented there, he came to the Kittitas valley in 1885, arriving at his present loca-
tion on the 2d of June and bringing with him a valuable herd of cattle. He bought
two hundred and forty acres of land about twelve miles northeast of Ellensburg and
to its cultivation he immediately turned his attention. As the years have passed and
his means have permitted he has made valuable improvements and installed modern
equipment, so that his property is numbered among the best of the neighborhood.
His land is devoted to hay and grain, of which he raises large crops. Not only has
Mr. Huss been successful as a farmer but also as a business man, always studying
market conditions, and he has therefore always sold his crops at most advantageous
prices. The farm home which he built is substantial and modern, proclaiming the
prosperity of its owner. He now rents his farm and is practically living retired.
In 1883 Mr. Huss was united in marriage to Miss Dorcas Jane Graham, a native
of Missouri, and to this union were born ten children, all of whom are living with
the exception of one. William, who is married and has three children, resides at
Ellensburg; Katharine married Harrison Houser, a rancher of the Kittitas valley,
and they have two children; Edward, deceased, was a successful rancher of the Kit-
titas valley; James is married and is connected with the sawmill business; Mary
married Lee Purden, who is with the United States expeditionary force in France,
458 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
and she is now residing in Yakima; Xanna is the wife of James Roach, who is ranch-
ing near Tacom,-;, and they have nine children; Frank is married and follows farm-
ing in the Kittitas valley; Oscar is at home; Bird, who is married and has one child,
also follows farming in the Kittitas valley; Ray Anthony, who is married and has
three children, is a resident of Ellensburg.
Mr. and Mrs. Huss are highly respected in Ellensburg, all who know them
speaking of them in terms of the highest regard. In his political afifiliations he is a
democrat but not an office seeker, preferring to perform his citizen's duties in a
private capacity. However, he has ever been ready to give his support to worthy
public movements and by developing a valuable property has himself contributed to
the upbuilding and growth of his section.
GEORGE KER.
George Ker is numbered among the substantial citizens that Scotland has fur-
nished to the state of Washington. He was born in that country on the 26th of
February, 1861, a son of John and Marion (Balfour") Ker, who spent their entire lives
in Scotland, whore the father was professor of mathematics in Glasgow University
and ranked with the distinguished educators of that country.
George Ker had the liberal educational training of Glasgow LTniversity, from
which in due course of time he was graduated. He had attained his majority when
in 1882 he bade adieu to friends and native land and sailed for -America, attracted by
the opportunities of the new world. He first made his way to Pennsylvania but in
1883 removed to Texas, where he resided until 1886. In May of that year he arrived
in Yakima, and, turning his attention to the cattle business, was therein successfully
engaged until 1892. In the latter year he purchased eighty acres of land four miles
east of Yakima and planted it to hops, since which time he has been successfully
engaged in the cultivation of that crop. He also manages the aflfairs of the Moxee
Company, which owns fifteen hundred acres of land on the Moxee, twelve hundred
acres of it being under cultivation.. One hundred and eighty acres of the tract is
planted to hops and the remainder is in hay, grain and pasture, Mr. Ker is thus
very extensively identified with agricultural interests in the valley and displays marked
enterprise and notable progressiveness in the conduct of the business interests under
his care. In 1892 upon his own place he erected a fine residence and also built large
barns and has a most modern equipment.
In 1893 Mr. Ker was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Wheeler, a native of
North Carolina and a daughter of Junius Beal Wheeler, military instructor at West
Point. Her death occurred .-Xpril S, 191. S. The only 'child of that marriage was a
son, John, who died in 1900.
In the year 1898 Mr. Ker went to Alaska and returned in 1900, after spending two
winters in the far north. He is now a member of the Sour Doughs, an organization
formed of people who have been residents of Alaska. He also belongs to Yakima
Lodge No. 318, B. P. O. E., and his political allegiance is given to the republican
party. Alert and energetic, wide-awake to every opportunity offered in the business
world along the line in which he engages, he has so directed his efforts and energies
that success in substantial measure is now his and he is ranked with the leading bus-
iness men of his section.
EDWIN M. CONDON.
Edwin M. Condon, a merchant of Toppenish, is conducting business under the
firm style of the E. M. Condon Company and specializes in Indian trading. In the
conduct of his business he displays the spirit of western enterprise which has been
the dominant factor in the upbuilding of this section of the country. He is a western
man by birth, training and preference. He was born in Yakima, February 25, 1884,
and is a representative of old pioneer families of the northwest. His father, Harvey
GKORGE KKR
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 461
C. Condon, was born on the Hood river in Oregon and was a son of Thomas Con-
don, one of the pioneer attorneys of The Dalles. After attaining man's estate Harvey
C. Condon took up ranching near Tacoma. He married Emma Mclteeny, who was
born in Boise City, Idaho, and removed to Walla Walla, Washington, when pioneer
conditions existed throughout the state and there her stepfather took up sovernment
land. Mr. and Mrs. Condon now make their home in Toppenish.
Edwin M. Condon, after mastering the branches of learning, taught in the
grades at Yakima, continued his education in the high school at Vaughn, Washing-
ton, from which he was graduated. Later he pursued a business course in Seattle
and afterward was engaged in logging on the Sound as timekeeper. In 1913, how-
ever, he returned to Yakima and was employed by the Yakima Grocery Company
for a year. On the 1st of September, 1915, he arrived in Toppenish, having accepted
the position of manager with the firm of L. M. Tyrrell & Son. He continued in that
connection until the 1st of September, 1917, when he purchased the business and
assumed the firm style of the E. M. Condon Company. He is now enjoying an ex-
tensive trade in dealing with the Indians, handling a full line of goods salable to
them, including wearing apparel and groceries. He receives the patronage of the
Indians from throughout the northwest and has a large acquaintance among them.
His business methods are thoroughly reliable and the red men know that they can
trust him in the slightest particular.
Mr. Condon gives his political allegiance to the republican party, which he has
supported since attaining his majority, but the honors and emoluments of office have
had no attraction for him. Fraternally he is connected with the Elks lodge No. 318,
of Yakima. He has a wide acquaintance in this part of the state and is accounted
one of the alert, energetic young business men whose future will be well worth the
watching.
IRVIX J. BOUNDS.
Irvin J. Bounds, an active member of the Yakima bar, is a native son of the
city in which he is successfully practicing and his life record stands in contradistinc-
tion to the old adage that a prophet is never without honor save in his own country,
for in the city of his birth Mr. Bounds has won a creditable place and a large client-
age. He was born September 17, 1881, a son of P. A. and Ella (Davern) Bounds.
The father was one of the pioneer settlers of Oregon, having crossed the plains to
that state with his parents during his boyhood days. He became a stock man and
cattle raiser and is still active in that line. Some years ago, however, he became a
resident of Washington and the Yakima valley has long numbered him among its
representative citizens. While prominently known as a stock man. he is also a
director of the Yakima National Bank.
Irvin J. Bounds attended the Sisters school of North Yakima, being one of the
three boys who were students in that institution. He afterward continued his edu-
cation in the high school of Tacoma and later became a student in the University
of Santa Clara at Santa Clara, California, from which he was graduated in 1903 with
the Bachelor of Arts degree. Anxious to gain still broader educational training, he
then matriculated in Stanford University, where he pursued a course in political
economy, which he completed with the class of 1905. His preparation for the bar
was made in the Harvard Law School and he is numbered among its alumni of 1908.
Thus with most liberal educational advantages, he returned to his native city and
entered upon active practice in connection with H. J. Snively. His progress has
been continuous. While giving his attention to general law practice, he is also the
owner of a tine fruit ranch, which he regards rather as a diversion than as an occu-
pation. With the passing years he has witnessed the marvelous development and
upbuilding of his section of the country and belongs to a family that has taken prom-
inent part in empire building in the west. His father was in early times a mail car-
rier and Indian scout.
On the 12th of January, 1914, Mr. Bounds was united in marriage to Miss Laura
T. Taylor, a daughter of O. P. Taylor, of Seattle, and they have one child. Betty.
462 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
Fraternally Mr. Bounds is connected with the Elks and is a past exalted ruler of the
lodge. He belongs to the Country Club, of which he is a trustee, and he gives his
political allegiance to the democratic party but has never been an aspirant for office.
He has membership in the county and state bar associations and of the former was
at one time treasurer. Unhampered by custom, precedent and useless convention-
ality, he is associated with those men of the west who have builded a great empire
in this section of the country. The learning of the cast and the enterprise and
opportunities of the west form a wonderful combination and, realizing the advantages
and possibilities of this section of the country, Mr. Bounds has contributed to its
remarkable growth and at the same time in his professional career has made for him-
self a most enviable name and place.
WILFRID R. DUFFIELD.
Wilfrid R. Duffield has not only wisely and successfully directed his business
interests in the attainment of prosperity but has also worked earnestly ' for the im-
provement of conditions bearing upon the development of farming interests in this
region and has thereby contributed to the progress and prosperity of his fellowmen.
He was born at Great Yarmouth, England, September 18, 1875, a son of Isaac Robert
and Caroline (Pettengill) Duffield, who in later life crossed the Atlantic to Canada,
where the father lived retired from business.
Wilfrid R. Duffield obtained a public school education and on crossing the border
from Canada into the United States took up his abode at Granger, Iowa, in 1893.
There he secured employment as a farm hand at a wage of fifteen dollars per month
and thus he made his initial start in the business world in the United States. Seven
years later he was married and continued to engage in farming in Iowa until March,
1910, when he made his way to the Pacific northwest with Yakima county as his
destination. On reaching this district he purchased thirty-iive acres of land in con-
nection with Edwin Drake and began the improvement of the place, each building
a house thereon, besides barns and other necessary buildings that form features of
progressive farming. They have since been identified in their business interests, and
Mr. Duffield, in addition to his own property, is farming fifteen acres of
land belonging to Mrs. Drake, thus having charge of fifty acres in all. He
has twelve acres of his place planted to fruit and among the attractive features of
his farm are his apple and pear orchards and his vineyards, for he is successfully
engaged in raising grapes. The remainder of his land is given to the raising of
alfalfa and cereals. He likewise has a fine dairy upon his place and keeps graded
and full-blooded Holstein cattle and also raises a large number of high-grade hogs.
.-Ml branches of his business are proving profitable owing to the fact that he displays
sound judgment in the conduct of his affairs, possesses unfaltering energy and is at
all times untiring in his work.
On the 30th 6f August, 1899, Mr. Duffield was married to Miss Lucy Andrews,
who was born at Granger, Iowa, a daughter of William Andrews, the latter a son
of Nathan .Andrews, who settled in Iowa in pioneer times, taking up government
land when the work of progress and development had scarcely been begun in that
state. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Duffield are Constance, Raymond, Faye. Leland,
Kenneth and Russell.
Fraternally Mr. Duffield is an Odd Fellow and has filled all of the chairs in the
local lodge. He is also active in the work of the Grange and was the first master
of Moxee Grange. No. 112, which was organized in 1911. He continued to act as
master for three years and largely promoted the work and usefulness of that or-
ganization. In politics he is a democrat where national questions and issues are in-
volved but at local elections casts an independent ballot. He has served for five
years as a member of the school board in his district and was its chairman for three
years. The cause of education finds in him a stalwart champion and one who is
willing to put forth every effort to promote the interests of the schools and raise
the educational standards of the community. He has also served as president of the
Moxee District of the Yakima County Fruit Growers Association and his aid and
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 463
influence are always on the side of progress and improvement. He was for three
years a director of the Moxee-Selah Canal and is a most prominent and influential
resident of his part of the valley. He has done most earnest and effective work
on behalf of good roads and his position as a public-spirited citizen has never been
questioned. He is now chairman of the Moxee District of the Federal Farm Loan
Association and he has done much good work in connection with the Liberty Loan
and War Savings Stamps drives.
RICHARD M. JOHNSON.
Richard M. Johnson concentrates his attention upon farming but to a consider-
able extent is living retired at the present time, having won substantial success
through years of former business activity. He was born in London, Ohio, in 1864,
a son of Thomas and Sarah (Townsend) Johnson, both of whom passed away in
the Buckeye state, where the father had followed the occupation of farming as
a life work.
Richard M. Johnson acquired a public school education and when his textbooks
were put aside learned the carpenter's trade and for nine years was engaged in con-
tracting and building in Ohio, after which he removed to Alabama, where he spent
eleven years in the same line of business. In February, 1906, he came to Washing-
ton, settling at Wapato. being among the first residents of the town. He has leased
and owned land, bought and sold property and has farmed as high as two hundred
and forty acres. He now cultivates a tract of eighty acres and makes his home in
Wapato. He is recognized as a man of business enterprise whose labors are crowned
with successful achievement. For a time he was local manager of the fruit and
produce firm of Robinson & Company, acting in that capacity from 1913 until they
sold to the Charles H. Lilly Company, He continued with the latter until the 1st
of January, 1918, but farmed much of that time and is now devoting his entire atten-
tion to general farming.
In 1884 Mr. Johnson was married to Miss Miranda Clark, of London, Ohio, and
they have seven children: Inez, the wife of J. W. Rutland, residing in Wapato;
Edna, the wife of C. H. Morrison, also of Wapato; Lloyd, who is with the Eighth
Regiment of United States Marines; Clark, a member of the One Hundred and
Fiftieth Corps of the First Machine Gun Replacement Battalion of the United States
Marine Corps, now with the .Army of Occupation in Germany; Ersel, deceased:
Clyde, who died at the age of sixteen years; and Earl, who is twelve years of age.
Mr. Johnson is a member of Wapato Lodge, No. 171, A. F. & A. M., of which
lie was the organizer in 1907 and served as its first master. He filled that chair for
three terms. He also belongs to the Royal .\rch chapter and the Knight Templar
commandery and in his life exemplifies the beneficent spirit of the craft, which
is based upon a recognition of the brotherhood of mankind and the obligations thereby
imposed. In politics he is an independent democrat, for while he usually votes with
the party, he does not consider himself bound by any party ties. His religious faith
is that of the Presbyterian church, to the teachings of which he is loyal. His worth
as a man and citizen is widely acknowledged and throughout the community in which
he resides he has gained the warm friendship of many.
MARIO CHIOSTRI.
Mario Chiostri, actively identified with ranching interests near Outlook, was
born in Italy, November 12, 1864, a son of Leopold and Zoraide Chiostri, who spent
their entire lives in Italy, where the father was engaged in business as a druggist.
The son pursued a university course in Italy and, coming to the new world in
1885, made his way to Chicago, where he resided for twelve years. He afterward
spent four years in Minnesota, where he engaged in the wholesale fruit, tobacco and
confectionery business, having his establishment at Austin, that state. The year
1901 witnessed his arrival in Yakima county, where he and his twin brother, N. P.
464 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
Chiostri, became owners of fifty-seven acres of land three miles north of Outlook,
for which they paid thirty-two and a half dollars per acre. It was at that time all
covered with sagebrush and there was httle indication that it would ever be con-
verted into rich and productive fields, but owing to the labor and care bestowed
upon it by the owners, it is today worth more than three hundred dollars per acre.
Up to the time of his arrival in Yakima county Mario Chiostri had never been upon
a farm, but the thoroughness which he displays in everything that he undertakes
enabled him readily to master the work that devolves upon him in this connection.
He hired men to clear and seed the land and he has since given his time, energies
and supervision to the further development and improvement of the farm In 1903
he built a good residence upon his place and also substantial and commodious barns
Six acres of the land is planted to fruit and his orchards are in excellent condition.
The remainder of the land is devoted to the cultivation of hay, corn and other crops
and he also raises registered Holstein cattle. His is a fine ranch, splendidly devel-
oped, and is the visible evidence of his life of well directed energy and thrift.
His brother still owns a half interest with him in the ranch but is a daughtsman
in the L'nited States Reclamation Service at Yakima. He is a civil engineer by pro-
fession and continued to work along that line in Chicago until September, 1918. He
had done engineering work and purveying over California and Washington in the
'80s. In Chicago, Mario Chiostri devoted two years to the study of art in the Art
Institute of that city and his leisure hours are devoted to painting. He possesses a
high degree of skill in that connection, combined with the love of art which is sa'
characteristic of the Italian people. He has traveled extensively over the world and
has made a most valuable collection of paintings — the work of European artists.
The brothers have a sister in Italy, Ines Chiostri. who is a writer of note.
Fraternally Mr. Chiostri is connected with the Masons, belonging to the lodge
and chapter at Sunnyside, and is also identified with the Grange. In politics he main-
tains an independent course. Viewed from a business standpoint, he may well be
termed a self-made man and a successful rancher, but he has never regarded the
accumulation of wealth as the sole end and aim of his life. He has found time and
opportunity for those things which are of cultural value and his highly developed
artistic sense enables him to enjoy to the fullest the beauties of nature. His is there-
fore a well balanced character and one that gleans much of the joy of life.
THOMAS J. REDMOX.
Thomas J. Redmon, inventor and manufacturer, who is now giving his time
largely to the manufacture of an irrigation pipe which he perfected and placed upon
the market, is thus closely associated with the industrial interests of Yakima. He is
numbered among the citizens that Illinois has furnished to the valley, his birth hav-
ing occurred in that state in 1865, his parents being Peter G. and Rosa .\. Redmon.
who in the year 1872 left Illinois and removed to northwestern Missouri, where their
remaining days were passed, the father there devoting his attention to the occupa-
tion of farming in order to provide for the support of his family.
Thomas J. Redmon obtained a public school education supplemented by study
in the Military Naval Academy at Oxford, Maryland. He afterward took up the
profession of teaching, which he successfully followed for seven years, imparting
readily and clearly to others the knowledge that he had acquired. He next entered
the hardware business at Craig, Missouri, where he remained until 1890, when he
came to Yakima and for two years was employed in this city in connection with the
hardware trade. Subsequently he entered the grocery business and continued active
in the commercial circles of Yakima until 1897, when he took a drove of horses to
Missouri, after which he was upon the road as a traveling salesman for ten years,
selling whips. In 1899 he built a steam automobile, his inventive genius culminating
in this form. He used the car for seven years, being the first traveling salesman in
the L'nited States to own and use a motor car. He had never seen an automobile
at that time and designed the entire machine. He designed a chain exactly like the
weed chain and he drove his car one hundred thousand miles. He afterward designed
THOMAS J. REDMOX
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 467
a four-cylinder gas car in 1902 and attempted to organize a company to build the
car but could not do it. as men with capital laughed at him. not believing that the
motor car would ever come into general use. The blue prints of his car show it to
be almost a duplicate of the Ford. Mr. Redmon then entered the hardware trade in
Idaho, where he remained for a short time but in 1910 returned to Yakima and began
the manufacture of irrigation pipe after designs of his own invention. Studying on
the question of irrigation, he invented and patented a lock joint pipe for irrigation
purposes and now manufactures this in Yakima, employing from thirty to forty men
and selling the product all over the west. He also conducts a large automobile trans-
fer business.
In 1892 Mr. Redmon was married to Miss Belle Dunn, who passed away in 1894.
and in 1906 he was married again, his second union being with Dora Read, of Yakima.
They have become parents of three children: Fred G., Dorothy and Thomas D.
Mr. Redmon is a Mason and belongs also to the Independent Order of Odd Fel-
lows and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. He is likewise a member of the
Commercial Club but in politics maintains an independent course. Nature endowed
him with mechanical ingenuity and he has developed his powers to a high point of
skill and efficiency, resulting in the development of new and progressive ideas which
have taken tangible form in inventions and his attention and energies are now given
to the marketing of one of these inventions, which is proving of great value to the
western country.
MAHAN BROTHERS.
Among the best known automobile firms in their part of the state is that of
Mahan Brothers of Prosser, composed of E. H. and W. B. Mahan. They not only
maintain a very large garage and a general repair shop but have the agency for the
Ford cars, tractors and trucks, the Federal trucks, and also sell the Studebaker
machines. An indication as to the extent of their business is the fact that in 1917
the overturn exceeded one hundred thousand dollars.
E. H. Mahan was born in Charleston, West Virginia, in 1879, a son of William
R. and Emma (Sparr) Mahan. The father was one of the early pathfinders of the
west, over which he traveled when a young man. He participated in the Modoc
war and during that time had "Captain Jack" under his care. In 1879 he removed
to Bozeman, Montana, and thence in 1881 to Red Lodge, where he was the first white
settler. There he remained for twenty-two years, or until 1903, engaging in the stock
business and being very successful along that line. He sold out in that year and
spent the winter in the south but in 1905 came to Prosser, having been elected to
the office of sheriflf of Benton county. He died while in office and his wife has also
passed away.
For five years E. H. and W. B. Mahan were engaged in the hardware business
but at the end of that time they sold out. E. H. Mahan served as deputy sherilT
under his father and next wnth his brother for the full two terms, proving himself
a fearless, faithful and capable official. Upon the death of the father W. B. Mahan
succeeded him in the office of sheriff and so capably did he discharge his duties in
this connection that he was subsequently reelected. E. H. and W. B. Mahan later
entered the garage business, which they now have made such a successful and
profitable enterprise.
On the 20th of June, 1908, E. H. Mahan was united in marriage to Miss Grace
Crook, of Benton county, and both he and his wife are prominent socially in their
community. He is a republican in politics but not committed to the party as far
as local affairs are concerned, preferring to follow his own judgment in regard to
measures and candidates. Four fraternal organizations claim Mr. Mahan as mem-
ber—the blue lodge of Masons, the Knights of Pythias, the Brotherhood of American
Yeomen and the Woodmen.
W. B. Mahan was born in Bozeman, Montana, in 1881, and has been connected
with his brother in business and public life throughout his whole career. His
father having died while sherifT of Benton county, the public honored him and it-
(17)
468 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
self by asking him to fill out the unexpired term and this he did to such good pur-
pose that at the expiration of the term he was reelected for the full term as sheriff
of Benton county, serving the public with unflagging zeal. In fact the days when he
was sheriff are still remembered by many in Benton county, all of whom have for him
the greatest respect. Many of the worst characters were driven out of the county
during his incumbency and many a gang of bad men was laid fast by his alert-
ness, zeal and cleverness in apprehending them, ably assisted by his brother. In De-
cember, 1914, the Mahan brothers established the fine garage which they now own,
although it needed rebuilding in 1918, its capacity having already proved too small.
It is made of cement blocks and the floors are also of cement. There is a floor
space of fourteen hundred square feet, with a storage capacity for sixty cars. The
garage is in every way modernly equipped and a complete repair department is
maintained. Mahan Brothers have the agency for the Ford cars, tractors and trucks
and the Federal trucks and also sell the Studebaker autos. Their district covers
upper Benton county and they have an extensive trade in this section of the state.
The enormous growth of their business must be largely ascribed to the ability and
foresight which both brothers possess. Moreover, there is no doubt that a great
deal of their prosperity is due to their close cooperation. In fact, their partnership
is an ideal one. They have many friends in Prosser and Benton county and all
who know them speak of them in terms of the highest regard. They take part
in all movements for the public good and always stand for progress, ever ready to
give of their means to worthy measures undertaken for the benefit of the community.
While ably building up an enterprise of this magnitude they have not only served
themselves but have largely contributed toward making Prosser the center of enter-
prise which it is today in the Yakima valley.
GEORGE M. McKAY.
George M. McKay, a successful agriculturist, owning a valuable property near
Mabton, has been particularly interested in social betterment and development of
his community. He has likewise been active politically and has served in public
positions, discharging his duties to the great satisfaction of all concerned. He has
well merited the confidence of the public and has made many friends since coming
to this section of Yakima county.
A native of Ontario, Canada. Mr. McKay was born in Oxford county, February
17, 1857, his parents being George and Isabella (McDonald) McKay, both natives
of Scotland. The father was born in 1818 and was a son of John McKay, also a native
of Scotland, who took his wife and ten children to Canada in 1822. George McKay
died at the ripe old age of eighty-nine years, in 1907, having survived his wife about
a decade, the death of the latter occurring in 1898. Both passed away in Canada
on the old family hom'estead. The father followed agricultural pursuits throughout
his life.
George M. McKay was reared under the parental roof and in the acquirement
of an education attended the public schools of the Dominion. In 1879, at the age
of about twenty-two, he removed to Manitoba, taking up a homestead claim near
Crystal City, where he devoted his efforts to the cultivation of his land for about
ten years. In 1889 he removed to North Dakota, where he took up a homestead.
For fourteen years, or until 1903. he resided in that state, becoming quite success-
ful as a farmer. In the latter year, however, he sold out. and having thoroughly
studied local conditions and opportunities, bought forty acres five miles west of
Grandview, where he now owns a fine home and has also erected good barns. He
has ever followed the most progressive methods and now has his land under a high
state of cultivation, raising beans, corn, potatoes and hay. He likewise gives some
attention to live stock, preparing hogs for the market, and also runs a small dairy.
He has been successful in all of his activities and his farm is today considered one
of the most valuable properties of the neighborhood.
The marriage of George M. McKay and Eleanor Gosmell took place May 16,
IRS.i Mrs. McKay is a native of Highgate, Ontario, Canada, and a daughter of
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 469
James and Katie (Barker) Gosmell. By her marriage she has become the mother of
the following named: William, a rancher near Grandview, who is married and
has three children: Edward, who is married and resides in Seattle; Katherine, the
wife of Ross P. Haney, a hardware merchant of Sunnyside; Eva, who is not only
a graduate physician and surgeon but has also studied osteopathy and is practicing in
Mabton, where she has acquired a high reputation and a large practice; and Lois,
who is attending high school.
The family, who are highly respected and esteemed by all who know them, are
prominent members of the Presbyterian church, to which denomination they are most
devotedly attached. Mr. McKay has served as elder for the past sixteen years
and through his valuable efforts and tiinely aid has largely contributed toward the
success of the local church. In his political affiliations he is a democrat, and, in-
terested in the cause of education, has served as school director. For two ana a half
years he has also been road overseer. While a resident of North Dakota he served
for three years as county commissioner; was township supervisor for four years;
and served on the county central committee. There is great credit due him for
what he has achieved as he has attained the prosperity that he now enjoys entirely
through his own efforts. He has never regretted the step he took when he crossed
the border into the L'nited States and in the rich valley of the Yakima he has found
the opportunities which he sought, through the utilization of which he has become
one of the substantial citizens of his neighborhood. Many are the friends he has
made here and all are agreed as to his high qualities of heart and mind.
FRED A. MORGAN.
Fred A. Morgan is a prominent and successful seed merchant of Yakima, con-
ducting business as a member of the Morgan-McKaig Company. He was born in
New Hampshire, August 13, 1859, his natal town being Tuftonboro. His parents were
Henry B. and Martha A. (Jones) Morgan and his ancestors were among the old
colonial families of New England. His paternal grandmother belonged to the Avery
family, long prominent in that section of the country. Henry B. Morgan was in
the express business and spent his last days in honorable retirement at Sacramento,
California.
Fred A. Morgan acquired a public school education in the Old Granite state
and then entered the employ of Henry B. Scuddy in the capacity of errand boy. He
worked along various lines and ultimately took up clerking in the store. When
twenty-one years of age he made his way westward to Sacramento, California, where
he was employed in clerkships for six years. On the expiration of that period he and
his brother, Frank Morgan, opened a produce store in Sacramento, where later they
engaged in the ice business for three years. They afterward established an ice
trade in Seattle and in Tacoma, but eventually Mr. Morgan of this review sold his
interest and in 1903 came to Yakima, where he established the business in which
he is now engaged and which was organized under the style of the Morgan-McKaig
Company in 1910. It was founded as F. A. Morgan & Company in 1903 and in 1905
he entered into a partnership arrangement that led to the adoption of the firm style
of Morgan & McKaig. In January. 1910, articles of incorporation were taken out
for the Morgan-McKaig Company, with D. F. McKaig as the president, F. .A.. Mor-
gan, vice president and treasurer, and J. H. De Young as secretary, J. H. Hysom also
being a stockholder. On the 11th of January, 1911. Mr. De Young sold his interest
to O. D. Thygeson and in June, 1917, Mr. Morgan purchased the interest of Mr.
Thygeson. He also purchased a part of the stock owned by Mr. Hysom. In July,
1917, he was elected to the presidency of the company, while Elizabeth H. Morgan
became one of the directors and C. W. Marlin was made secretary but is not a
stockholder. The business was located on the corner of First avenue. South, and
Yakima avenue. West, and later a removal was made to No. 304 West Yakima avenue
in 1910. In 1914 new quarters were secured at No. IS North First street, where the
company has one floor and basement in a building twenty-five by one hundred and
forty feet. They handle seeds, spray materials, Hardie sprayers, hand pumps and
470 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
all fruit growers' supplies. This is the oldest firm in their line in the valley and
they conduct an extensive business, their patrons coming from all points in the
valley. They also sell to the wholesale trade. They are general agents for the In-
secticide manufactured by the General Chemical Company and they also handle the
Black-Leaf Forty. Their business has steadily and constantly grown, meeting the
needs as the orcharding of the district developed, and today the Morgan-McKaig
Company ranks with the leading commercial enterprises of this section.
In 1888 Mr. Morgan was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth H. Hanscom,
of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and they have two children: Ray, who was born
in 1890 and is now in the LInited States Signal Corps, having enlisted for active
service in March. 1917; being on duty at the present time at Nulato, Alaska; and
Ruth, who is pursuing a training course as a nurse.
Mr. Morgan is prominently known in Masonic circles, belonging to Yakima
Lodge, No. 24, F. & A. M., of which he served as worshipful master in 1913. He
also belongs to Yakima Chapter, No. 21, R. A. M., to Yakima Commandery, No. 13,
K. T., and to Afifi Temple of the Mystic Shrine. He is an active supporter of the
republican party and a firm believer in its principles. He belongs to the Commercial
Club and co-operates heartily in its well defined plans and purposes for the upbuilding
of the city, the extension of its business relations and the development of its civic
affairs. Aside from his interests as a seed merchant Mr. Morgan has developed
a fine fruit ranch of twenty acres on the Tieton and he is able to speak with authority
upon the best methods of fruit culture and the protection of the trees.
ALFRED S. HILLYER.
The Sunnyside Sun, of which Alfred S. Hillyer is editor and manager and also part
owner, is one of the best, biggest and most popular newspapers of this section of the
state. In the success of the publication Mr. Hillyer has had a leading part and has
thereby readily demonstrated his ability as a newspaper man and publisher. He was
born in Portsmouth, England, January 15, 1884, a son of Alfred S. and Marie (Pettit)
Hillyer, both of whom are deceased. The father held a prominent position under the
British government as an engineer for many years, his work being in connection with
the construction of dock-yards, torpedoes, submarines, etc.
.Alfred S. Hillyer received his education in his native land, where he attended the
public schools to the age of thirteen and a half years, when he began to learn the
printer's trade and served until the age of twenty-one. He was employed by Wyman
& Sons, the well known railroad and government printers and the largest firm of its
kind in England, and remained with them until 1907. In that year he crossed the At-
lantic in order to join his brother, Jones G. Hillyer, in Toppcnish, Washington, where
the former had located in 1897 and had become a well known fruit buyer of the Yakima
valley. Mr. Hillyer of this review remained in the fruit, business for a year and then
returned to his trade, joining the force of the Toppenish Review, with which he remained
for eighteen months. At the end of that time, on July 1, 1910, he established the Zillah
Free Press, a weekly, of which he was editor and proprietor. This proved quite a suc-
cess under the able managment of its owner and received a w-ell merited patronage,
Mr. Hillyer continuing to conduct it until March, 1918, when he sold out and acquired an
interest in the Sunnyside Sun. of which he is now editor and manager. This paper was
established in 1901 by William Hitchcock and is the foremost weekly of the valley.
It comprises eight pages of home print and its equipment is the biggest, most modern
and best selected in the valley. They also give considerable attention to general print-
ing and the latest machinery is to be found in their establishment in order to facilitate
the work, even folding machines being used in their binding department. The news-
paper is ably conducted by Mr. Hillyer, who by his editorials, which are trenchant and
to the point, has greatly contributed toward the development of this section, while
his criticisms have been equally important in eradicating evil or spurring on measures
of value. The local news is always written in an interesting style and is eagerly read
by the subscribers, who comprise the greater part of the population of the locality. It
is therefore but natural that the circulation is considerable and that the Sunnyside Sun
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 471
has become a valuable advertising medium as well, patronized by all farseeing merchants
and business men of the section. In fact it is conceded by all that the Sun has the
largest paid-in-advance circulation of any weekly in Yakima county, its subscribers
exceeding one thousand, which means that the paper goes to the homes of one thous-
and of the best families in the valley. Mr. Hillycr has not only demonstrated his aliility
as a newspaper man and as a practical printer but also as able business manager. Only
a high class of printing is done and the excellent equipment of the shop permits him
to turn out all kinds of printed matter.
On the 29th of November, 1912, Mr. Hillyer was united in marriage to Miss Olive
Frakcs. who was born in Joseph, Oregon, and is a daughter of J. G. and Helen Frakcs
well known and honored pioneers of that state and also of Washington. To this union
have been born two children: Charles Edwin, now five years of age; and Virgil .Mfred,
two years old. Mr. and Mrs. Hillyer are numbered among the popular young people of
the valley and their entrance into the best homes is assured. They are met in circles
where intellectual and pleasant intercourse are the passports to good society and the
friends they have made in Sunnyside are many.
In 1914 Mr. Hillyer assisted in organizing the Yakima and Benton Counties Press
Association, which consists of fifteen weekly newspapers, and for the past two years
he has served as president of this organization. He also served as police judge at
Zillah and in that office always discharged his duties fairly and impartially, receiving
the commendation of the public. Fraternally he is connected with the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows and the Woodmen and also is a member of the Ancient Order
of Druids. His religious faith is that of the Episcopal church and in his political aitll-
iations he is a republican, steadfastly supporting its principles and candidates. He is
a member of the Sunnyside Commercial Club, with whose aims and purposes he is
in hearty accord, and ably sustains the organization through the columns of his paper.
Mr. Hillyer does not in the least regret the step he took in crossing the ocean to seek
a home in the western part of America and in Sunnyside has found a field which not
only brings to him a gratifying income but which has gained for him the esteem and
respect of his fellow citizens.
EDWIN DRAKE.
-- The development of Yakima county into a rich agricultural and horticultural dis-
trict is due to the eiiforts of such men as Edwin Drake, who for some years has been
a prominent factor in farming interests in this state. He was born in Polk county,
Iowa, -August 12, 1883, a son of Whitfield and Minnetta (Elliott) Drake. The father
was born in New Jersey and the mother in Indiana. She removed westward to Iowa
in 18,S3 in company with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. .'Abraham Elliott, who cast in their
lot among the pioneer settlers of that state. It was in 1866 that Whitfield Drake es-
tablished his home in Iowa and there he formed the acquaintance of Minnetta Elliott,
whose hand he sought and won in marriage. They were married in the Hawkeye
state, where Mr. Drake passed away, since which time his widow has come to Yakima,
where she is now living.
Edwin Drake acquired a public school education in Iowa, his youthful days being
spent in the usual manner of the farm-bred boy. He early became familiar with the
work of the fields and continued active along that line in Iowa until 1908, when at-
tracted by the opportunities of the growing northwest, he made his way to this section
of the country and purchased land in Yakima county, taking up his abode in the Selah
valley. He afterward sold that property and next bought land in connection with
W. R. Duffield in the year 1909. This is situated on the Moxee and together they
began the development of the place. Mr. Drake took up his abode upon the farm
in 1909 and Mr. Diiffield joined him the next year. However, he lived in Yakima
in 1908 and also a part of 1909.
On the 5th of March, 1907, Mr. Drake was married to Miss Millicent Dufticld, a
sister of W. R. Dufiield. She came to the United States in 1902 and they were mar-
ried in Iowa. To Mr. and Mrs. Drake was born but one child, who died in infancy.
Fraternally Mr. Drake is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows
472 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
and also with the Grange. His pohtical endorsement is given to the republican party
where national questions are involved and at local elections he votes independently.
He has served as overseer but is not ambitious to hold office, preferring to concentrate
his efforts and attention upon his business afifairs, which are wisely directed. He has
been continuously associated with Mr. Duffield and they are in partnership in the owner-
ship and conduct of an excellent farm property of fifty acres. Their interests are wisely
and carefully directed and the results achieved have placed them among the leading
farmers of their part of the state.
GEORGE CHALMERS GOWDY.
Ccorge Chalmers Gowdy is a well known representative of the farming interests
of Yakima county. He was born in Enfield, Illinois, July 2, 1861, a son of William
M. and Adeline (Hunsinger) Gowdy. The father has now departed this life but
the mother survives and is living in Illinois at the advanced age of eighty-five years.
William M. Gowdy devoted his time and energies to merchandising at Enfield and
was one of the respected residents of that locality.
George C. Gowdy acquired a public school education and after his textbooks
were put aside entered the jewelry business in connection with his brother at En-
field, their commercial association there covering three years. In 1888 George C.
Gowdy made his way to the northwest with Tacoma as his destination and in that
locality engaged in ranching until 1893. He next entered railway work, in which he
engaged until 1904, when he came to Yakima county and purchased forty acres of
hay land in the lower valley and ten acres in the Tieton district, which he devotes
to general farming. Recently Mr. Gowdy purchased one hundred additional acres of
valuable land located north of Outlook. He also cultivates a tract of thirteen acres
in Fruitvale, which belongs to his brother-in-law, L^nited States Senator Jones. His
farming interests are wisely and carefully conducted and the results achieved are
very satisfactory, for he displays sound judgment and unfaltering enterprise in all
that he undertakes.
In March, 1889, Mr. Gowdy was united in marriage to Miss Milda Nelson, of
Enfield, Illinois, a twin sister of the wife of Senator Jones. They have but one son.
Felix, who is a member of the L'nited States army, located at Hoboken. New Jersey.
In politics Mr. Gowdy is independent, voting for the man rather than for party,
and at all times he is loyal to the best interests of his community, standing for
those plans and projects which he believes are of the greatest public benefit.
EDWARD J. BRYANT.
Edward J. Bryant, active in the real estate field in Yakima, where he has con-
ducted business since 1906, was born in Newton, Iowa, December 17, 1879, a son
of David and Ann (Edwards) Bryant. The family removed to Roslyn, Washington,
and later, in 1890, the father took up a homestead at Grandview, this state. In 1905
he established his home at Ellensburg, where he remained until 1912, living with his
daughter, Mrs. E. J. Mathews, and after that date he resided upon a farm at Grand-
view with the same daughter to the time of his death, which occurred October 27,
1916. He had long survived his wife, who died in 1895. They were the parents of a
large family of twelve children, six of whom are yet living.
Edward J. Bryant is the youngest of his family. He was but a young lad when
his parents came to Washington and his education was acquired in the public schools
of Roslyn and of Ellensburg. He afterward took up the profession of teaching, which
he followed for two years, after which he became accountant for the Northwest Im-
provement Company of Roslyn. In 1906 he removed to Yakima, where he entered
the real estate business on his own account and has since been active in this field,
gaining a large clientage as the years have passed. He has negotiated many im-
portant property transfers and his sales have been satisfactory to his clients and at
GEORGE C. GOWDY
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 475
the same time have brought to him a substantial reward for his labors. He handles
all kinds of property, including city real estate and ranch lands, and there is no one
more thoroughly familiar with realty values in this section.
Mr. Bryant was married in 1901 to Miss Leona Latimer, of Ellensburg, and to
them has been born a son, Richard Milton, who was five years of age on the 21st
of August, 1918. Mr. Bryant belongs to Roslyn Lodge, No. 52, F. & A. M., and also
to the Elks lodge of Yakima. In politics he is a republican and a warm admirer
and supporter of Roosevelt. His position upon any vital question is never an equiv-
ocal one. He stands loyally for what he believes to be for the best interests of the
individual and the community at large and he has cooperated with many movements
which have been of the greatest value to the district in which he now makes his
home.
GEORGE M. CHASE.
George M. Chase was born in Seneca county. New Y'ork, April 10, 1862, and
comes of ancestry that has been distinctively American in both lineal and collateral
lines through many generations, while the more remote ancestry is of English origin.
His parents were George and Eliza (Robinson) Chase. The father was born in
Seneca county. New York, in 1832 and passed away in 1864. He was a son of Isaac
Chase, a native of England, who in young manhood crossed the Atlantic to New
Y'ork, where he followed the occupation of farming. His son, George Chase, Sr., was
reared and educated in the Empire state and after arriving at years of maturity wedded
Eliza Robinson, also a native of New York and a daughter of Morgan Lewis and
Amanda Malvina (Daball) Robinson. In the maternal line the ancestry is traced
back to a very remote period. Morgan L. Robinson was a son of Giles Robinson and
a grandson of Elisha. and Sarah (Sanford) Robinson, who were descendants of the
Rev. John Robinson, who was born in 1576 and lived in Norwich, England. He was
a Puritan pastor in Nottingham county in 1606 and in 1607 he went to Amsterdam.
In 1610 he removed to Leyden, where he passed away March 1, 1625. In 1629 his
widow and two sons, Isaac and John Robinson, made their way across the Atlantic
and joined the Plymouth colony. Isaac located at Scituate, Massachusetts, while
John Robinson took up his abode near Cape Ann and their descendants remained
residents of New England for many years. The Daballs can also be traced back
through many generations. Amanda Malvina Daball Robinson, the grandmother of
George M. Chase, was born in Groton, Connecticut, April 13, 1806, and was the only
daughter of John Miner and Patty (Miner) Daball, who were married June 2, 1801.
The latter was born December 7, 1781, and passed away on the 10th of November,
1852. In the Miner line the ancestry is traced back to Thomas Miner, who was the
second son of Clement Miner and was born in Charta Magna, Somerset county,
England, April 2, 1608. He came to America in 1630 on the good ship Arabella with
his relative. Governor John Winthrop, and was married April 20, 1633, to Grace
Palmer. Their seventh child was Menaseth Miner, who was born in New London,
Connecticut, in 1647 and on the 26th of September, 1670, was married to Lydia Moore.
They were parents of Elnathan Miner, who on the 21st of March, 1694, married Re-
becca Baldwin, and the line of descent is traced on down to their son, Samuel Miner,
who was born December 21, 1694, and on the 3d of December, 1719, married Eliza
Brown. They were the parents of Elnathan Miner, who was born July 16, 1721,
and was married March 7. 1751. to Sarah Smith. Their son, Richard Miner, was
married January 11, 1776. to Catherine Holman. He was born September 10. 1753,
and died' March 19, 1847. His daughter, Patty Miner, was born December 7. 1781,
and died on the 10th of November, 1852. It was on the 2d of June, 1801, that she
became the wife of John Miner Daball and they had one daughter, Amanda Malvina
Daball, who was born in Groton, Connecticut, April 13, 1806, and passed away August
24, 1883. In Auburn, New York, on the 13th of August, 1826, she became the wife
of Morgan Lewis Robinson and they were parents of five sons and two daughters.
This number included Eliza Jane Robinson, who became the wife of George Chase
and the mother of George M. Chase of this review. George Chase made farming
476 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
his life work and continued his residence in New York until called to his final rest
in 1864. His widow afterward became the wife of Joshua Douglas, who in 1875
removed with the family to Nebraska and in 1892 came to Washington, settling
in Zillah. There Mrs. Douglas died in 1902, while the death of Mr. Douglas occurred
in 1903. The line of descent is thus traced down from several of the oldest New
England families.
George M. Chase, having incurred the disfavor of his stepfather at the age of
seven, was not permitted to attend school with the rest of the children and had
attended less than six months up to his sixteenth birthday, when he left home.
From then on he worked for farmers summers and attended the rural schools a
short time during the winters until he was of age. In 1875 Mr. Chase went with
his parents to Red Cloud, Nebraska, and in 1881 he worked on a sheep ranch in
Kansas one year for one hundred and five dollars. In 1882 he went to Martin county,
Minnesota.
On October 15, 1885, Mr. Chase was united in marriage to Miss Mattie May
Frisbie who was born in Louisa county, Iowa, July IS, 1862. She is a daughter of
Ichabod a.nd Hanna (Patmor) Frisbie. Her mother was a native of Ohio. Her father
was born in Southington, Connecticut, December 8, 1835, and died at Red Cloud,
Nebraska, August 24, 1918. He enlisted in the Thirty-fifth Iowa regiment in 1861
and served four years during the Civil war. In 1875 he moved to Red Cloud, Ne-
braska, where he was engaged in the milling business for forty-three years.
Mr. and Mrs. Chase started their married life at Welcome, Minnesota, and re-
mained there until 1903, when on account of Mrs. Chase's health they removed to
Zillah, Washington, where they bought and developed a thirty-three acre ranch,
which they later sold. In 1907 Mr. Chase took charge of the "Grandview Orchard
Tracts," which were then all in sagebrush. Grandview consisted of a postofiice, a
general store and a bank which opened its doors one day each week for business.
In 1910 Mr. Chase took charge of Northern Pacific Railroad officials' "Cherry Lane
Orchard" at Prosser, where he remained for four years. Then he returned to
Grandview where he is now getting settled on his Meadow Brook stock farm, where
he plans to make his home the rest of his days. Mr. and Mrs. Chase think the
Yakima valley a fine place for a home and the United States of America the best
place on earth for a young couple to start out in life. What they have they have
earned together and believe any young couple can do as well, if they will give up
the idea of trying "to eat their cake and keep it too."
To Mr. and Mrs. Chase have been born six children: Charles Lc Roy, now
deceased; Fannie, at home; twins, who died in infancy; and Daisy and Marvin, also
at home.
Mr. Chase, feeling the loss of his schooling, became a stanch supporter of the
public schools and determined that his children should have what he had missed
in the line of education. Fannie had one year at Whitworth college and then grad-
uated from Ellensburg Normal; Daisy graduated from \\"Iiit worth college; and Mar-
vin is now a junior at Pullman State College. The religious faith of the family is that
of the Presbyterian church, and in his political views Mr. Chase is a republican.
JAMES LUTHER CURTIS.
For only a comparatively brief period has James Luther Curtis lived in Washington,
dating his residence in the Yakima valley from February, 1912, but through the inter-
vening period he has made a creditable place as a capable, enterprising and alert orchard-
ist, living on Pleasant hill. He was born in Porter county, Indiana, October 14, 1867,
a son of H. L. and Mary V. (Curtis) Curtis, the former a native of New York city,
while the latter was born in Connecticut. They became residents of Indiana when
young people and in 1868 removed to Douglas county, Minnesota, making the journey
to that state by team. The district in which they settled was largely a frontier region
and the father purchased land from the government upon which not a furrow had been
turned nor an improvement made. He performed the arduous task of developing the
tract and converting it into rich and productive fields which would yield harvests
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 477
sufficient to supply him with all of the necessities of life. Thereon he made his home
to the time of his demise.
James Luther Curtis acquired a public school education and took up the occupa-
tion of farming in Minnesota, where he had one hundred and sixty acres of land. He
was busily employed in the further cultivation of his crops there until February, 1912,
when he came to Yakima county and purchased a ten acre orchard on Pleasant hill,
where he has since engaged in raising apples and pears. He is diligent and determined.
He works industriously and liis pcrserverancc and energy have enabled him to over-
come all obstacles in his path and advance steadily toward the goal of success.
On the 26th of November, 1890, Mr. Curtis was married to Miss Mabel Alice Ells-
worth, who was born in Douglas county, Minnesota, being the first white child born
in Belle River township. Her parents were .\ndrew and Delia (Griffin) Ellsworth,
who were natives of Massachusetts and became pioneer residents of Minnesota. Mr.
and Mrs. Curtis have had four children; Hazel, who died at the age of seven years;
Willis, who was born August 12. 1893, and is now with the United States Army in
France as a member of Battery E, Three Hundred and Forty-sixth Field Artillery;
Phillip, who was born April 12, 1895, and is a member of the same command; and
Grace, who was born August 16, 1898. and is at home. She is a graduate of the Selah
high school. The parents have every reason to be proud of the two sons, both of
whom enlisted in 1917 and about the 13th of July, 1918. sailed for France, where they
have since engaged in active duty, defending not only American interests but also
taking their part in bringing about the democratization of Europe. The elder son,
Willis, married Zada Krabill.
Mr. and Mrs. Curtis and their daughter are members of the Methodist church, and
in politics Mr. Curtis is usually a republican but does not consider himself bound by
party ties and at local elections frequently casts an independent ballot. The family is
highly esteemed in the community where they make their home, substantial traits of
character gaining for them high regard.
L. O. HOOD.
L. O. Hood, manager of the Golden Rule Store at Cle Elum, was born in Lucas
county, Iowa, in 1878. a son of A. J. and Phoebe Hood, both of whom were natives
of Indiana, where they were reared and married. They became pioneer settlers of
Lucas county, Iowa, where they resided for a numbr of years, and in 1894 they ar-
rived in Yakima county, Washington. Mrs. Hood was a neice of George Taylor, one
of the pioneers of Yakima county. On reaching the northwest A. J. Hood purchased
a fruit ranch and thereon resided to the time of his death, while his widow passed
away in Yakima in 1916.
L. O. Hood spent the first sixteen years of his life in his native county and dur-
ing that period acquired a good public school education. He then accompanied his
parents to Yakima, where he made his initial step in the business world as a clerk in
a store. He was afterward employed for several years in the post office and even-
tually he embarked in business on his own account, conducting a grocery store in
Yakima for a short tinle. He then secured a position in the Golden Rule Store at
Yakima, entering upon that connection in 1915. He had previously clerked for sev-
eral of the leading stores in Yakima and in 1918 he became manager of the Golden
Rule Store at Cle Elum. This store was established in .August. 1915. by Snyder,
Callahan & Barney and was one of a chain of over three hundred stores. Mr. Snyder
was manager until January. 1918, when Mr. Hood purchased his interest in the local
store, of which he has since been manager. He is now wisely, carefully and success-
fully directing its interests.
On the 25th of December, 1903. Mr. Hood was united in marriage to Miss Florence
McWain. who passed away in 1905. On the 3d of January, 1918, Mr. Hood wedded
Fannie Beardsley, of Yakima. He has a daughter born of the first marriage. Helen.
Mr. and Mrs. Hood are members of the Christian church and his political support
is given to the democratic party. They are people of genuine worth, enjoying the
high regard of all with whom they have been brought in contact. Mr. Hood has
478 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
made steady progress since starting out in the business world and, directing his
efforts and attention along a single line, has constantly promoted his efficiency and
broadened his experience.
LENOX GILLILAND.
Lenox Gilliland owns twenty acres of land near Zillah, of which ten are in orchard.
Recently the Northern Pacific Railroad has placed a switch on his ranch and the sta-
tion has been named in honor of our subject. Mr. Gilliland was born in Van Wert
county, Ohio, July 4, 1850, and is a son of Robert and Henrietta Caroline (Marsh) Gilli-
land, natives of ilaryland and Connecticut respectively. They became pioneers of Ohio,
in which state they lived during its early history. The father was a prominent lawyer
in his locality and was often employed by the United States government and also by
his county and state. He took a most helpful interest in politics, and held many offices
of distinction. He assisted in establishing the Insane Asylum at Dayton, Ohio, among
many other public measures which have proven of benefit and in which he took part.
Both parents passed away in Ohio.
Lenox Gilliland was reared in his native state and there he received his primary
education, subsequently attending college at Niagara Falls, New York, and also at Ford-
ham, that state. After completing his studies he worked in a clock factory in Con-
necticut and subsequently taught school in Ohio. Later he became superintendent of
a stave mill in Ohio and was afterward connected with a similar enterprise in Indiana.
The year 1907 marked his arrival in Yakima county and in 1908 he acquired twenty
acres of land a mile southeast of Zillah, having previously investigated local conditions
and found everything to his liking. He has ten acres in orchard, devoted to apples,
pears and prunes, while the remainder of the land is under the plow and in hay. He
has erected a handsome residence and substantial barns and outbuildings and every-
thing about the place denotes the up-to-date agriculturist.
In 1879 Mr. Gilliland was united in marriage to Miss Amanda C. Kopp, a native
of Pennsylvania, and to this union were born the following children: Bertha, the wife
of E. J. Brand, of Grandview, Washington, by whom she has two children; Henry,
a rancher near Zillah, who married Susie Bush, by whom he has two children; Hiram,
who wedded Miss May Allsbarry and has one child, their home being in Zillah; Katie,
who married M. O. Thomas, a rancher near Zillah. and they have three children;
and one who died in infancy.
Mr. and Mrs. Gilland and their family are highly respected by all who know them,
having proven themselves valuable, public-spirited citizens. In politics he is a re-
publican, stanchly upholding the principles of the party but has never been an office
seeker. The branch station, Gilliland, which has been placed upon his property by
the Northern Pacific Railroad, promises to make the place more valuable and is there-
fore to be considered highly advantageous. There is great credit due Mr. Gilliland for
what he has accomplished in life, as he started out practically empty-handed and is
now numbered among the prosperous orchardists of Yakima county.
WILLIAM MINER THOMPSON.
William Miner Thompson, who since his admission to the bar in 1890 has engaged
in the practice of law in Yakima, was born April 14, 1870, upon the present site of the
city of Pueblo, Colorado, his parents being William Joseph and Ellen (Winter) Thomp-
son, the former a native of Vermont, while the latter was born in London, England.
The father went to Colorado in 1866 after having previously participated in the Civil
war as a stanch advocate of the Union cause. He spent a brief period in the west and
then returned to Elmira, New York. In 1888, however, he made his way to the Pacific
coast, reaching Tacoma, Washington, where he cast in his lot with the pioneer busi-
ness men. He became a merchant there, establishing the first wholesale grocery house
of tliat city. He remained at Tacoma for about five years and in 1893 he removed to
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 479
Yakima, purchasing a ranch, upon which he resided until he retired from active busi-
ness. He passed away in February, 1914, and is still survived by his wife, who yet
makes her home upon the ranch. Mr. Thompson was very active in Colorado politics
as a supporter of the republican party at an early day. He became widely and favor-
ably known during the period of his residence in the Yakima valley and was classed
with its substantial and representative citizens.
William M. Thompson after pursuing his education in the public schools of Elmira,
New York, attended the Free Academy there and later entered upon preparation for the
bar as a law student in the office and' under the direction of Hon. Mahlon Pitney, an
attorney of Morristown, New Jersey, now one of the justices of the supreme court of
the L'nited States, whom he afterward served as private secretary for three years while
Mr. Pitney was a member of congress. Mr. Thompson was admitted to the bar in May,
1900. in the state of Washington, having completed his studies here under the tutelage
of H. J. Snively, of Yakima. He then opened an office and entered upon the practice of
his profession, in which he has since continued, making steady progress as he has dem-
onstrated his ability to successfully cope with the intricate problems of the law. He
has never specialized along a certain line but has continued in general practice and has
conducted many important cases.
On the 23d of July, 1901, Mr. Thompson was married to Miss Minnie Alice Leach,
a native of California and a resident of Yakima. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson became pa-
rents of two children, William Lisle and Thelma Bernice, aged respectively fifteen and
fourteen years.
Mr. Thompson belongs to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and for five
years served as its organist. He is active as a member of the County Bar Association
and was its first secretary. His political allegiance is given to the republican party
and he has filled the office of city councilman and also that of deputy prosecuting attor-
ney. He has been a delegate to various local, state and national conventions, including
the one at which William Howard Taft was nominated for the presidency. He has
marked characteristics which render him a natural leader of public thought and opinion
and his work in behalf of progressive citizenship in Yakima has been pronounced and
resultant.
OSCAR JOSEPH SIMON.
Oscar Joseph Simon, whose ranch property on the Moxee bears every evidence of
careful supervision and practical cultivation, was born in Norton county, Kansas, De-
cember 17, 1887, a son of J. D. and Olive S. (Olds) Simon, the former a native of Ken-
tucky, while the latter was born in Iowa. When young people they removed to Kansas
and in 1888, after living for a number of years in the Sunflower state, made their way to
Tenino, Washington, traveling across the country with mule team. They were four
months and seventeen days en route, bearing all the hardships and privations incident
to travel in that manner and at that period. After reaching the northwest Mr. Simon
purchased an eighty-acre ranch, upon which he resided until 1897, when he came to the
Yakima valley and took up a homestead of eighty acres on the Moxee. He proved up on
that property, which he afterward sold and then invested in twenty acres of land, which
he also later sold. His next purchase made him owner of forty acres under the
Selah-Moxee canal, the tract being entirely wild and undeveloped, however, when
it came into his possession. He at once began its improvement and cultivation
and his labors wrought a marked change in the appearance of the place, which he
converted into a fine farm and which he sold in 1917. He now resides upon a new
ranch on the hills south of the Moxee valley.
Oscar J. Simon was brought to the northwest when but a little child and
acquired his education in the schools of the Moxee valley. In 1909 he purchased
twenty-seven acres of wild land on the Moxee and has since concentrated his atten-
tion upon its development and improvement. He now has twenty-five acres of the
tract under cultivation, devoted to the raising of hay, corn and beans. By reason
of his practical methods, his progressive spirit and his enterprise he has made this
a valuable tract of land, from which he annually harvests good crops.
480 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
On the 20th of June. 1908. Mr. Simon was married to Miss Bertha Vivian
Phipps, who was born at Bickleton. Washington, a daughter of Ellis and Laura
(Mathews) Phipps. They now have two children, .Archie Lawrence and Clyde
Ernest. Mr. Simon votes independently nor does he seek office. He has never
sought to figure prominently in any public connection but has given undivided
attention to his business affairs, and energy and enterprise have constituted the
salient features in his success.
EDWARD HAMLON HARREL.
Edward Hamlon Harrel. deceased, was for a number of years actively identi-
fied with with ranching interests in the vicinity of EUensburg and won for himself
a place among the substantial and highly respected citizens of that community. A
native of Tennessee, he was born in Hawkins county on the 18th of July, 1874, a son
of Thomas and Julia Harrel, who are now engaged in ranching in Kittitas county.
Edward H. Harrel acquired a public school education and was reared to the
occupation of farming, early becoming familiar with the best methods of tilling the
soil and caring for the crops. He was actively identified with agricultural interests in
his native state until 1902, when he came to the Kittitas valley and in 1906 he pur-
chased a ranch nine miles east of EUensburg, which he sold in 1912. About 1910 he
had purchased eighty acres eight and a half miles northwest of EUensburg and re-
moved to this place. He purchased other land from time to time until within the
boundaries of his farm were comprised one hundred and eighty-two acres. His at-
tention was given to the raising of grain and hay and he annually gathered good
crops as the reward of the care and cultivation which he bestowed upon his fields.
He also made a specialty of raising cattle, handling the Hereford and Holstein
breeds.
On the 11th of February, 1896, Mr. Harrel was united in marriage to Miss Julia
Derrick, a native of Tennessee and a daughter of -\ndrew and Julia (Winegar) Der-
rick, both of whom have passed away. To Mr. and Mrs. Harrel were born five chil-
dren: Arley, who is married and resides upon the home farm, which he manages: Ella:
William: Ervan and Claude. The family circle, however, was broken by the hand
of death when on the 14th of May, 1918, Mr. Harrel was called to his final rest, leav-
ing behind him not only family and relatives to greatly mourn his loss but also mkny
friends. He was a republican in his political views and fraternally was connected
with the Masons. He was always loyal to the teachings of the craft and his life was
guided by the beneficent principles upon which the order is founded. Mrs. Harrel
is a member of the Christian church and, like her husband, shares in the high regard
of friends and neighbors.
ISRAEL RABIE.
Israel Rabie, who since 1899 has engaged in farming in Yakima county, was
horn in Montreal, Canada, January 11, 1859, a son of Mitchell and Margaret Rabie,
the former of Canadian birth. The mother died in Minnesota but the father passed
away in Canada.
Israel Rabie acquired a public school education and in early life learned the tin-
smith's trade. He afterward went to Nevada in 1877 and there worked in a sawmill
for about two years, when he went to California, where he took up his abode about
1879. He spent six years in the Golden state at Sacramento and worked on a
farm for a similar period. He afterward removed to Crookston, Minnesota, where
he took up a homestead and also purchased land, concentrating his efforts and
attention upon agricultural pursuits in that locality for thirteen years. When that
period had elapsed he came to Yakima county, where he arrived in 1899. He
purchased twenty acres of land on the Moxee and has purchased twenty-four acres
additional since that time. He also bought twenty acres, which he gave to one
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 483
son, and a ten-acre tract, which he gave to another son. He has engaged extensively
and successfully in raising hay. potatoes and corn and also conducted a dairy busi-
ness keeping a large number of good cows for this purpose. He has now sold his
dairy, concentrating his efforts and attention upon the cultivation of his fields and
In" 1886 Mr. Rabie was united in marriage to Miss Philomena Danaharant, of
Minnesota. The children of this marriage are; Albert, who is engaged in ranch-
ing on the Moxee and has a wife and two children; Albertina, the wife of Ed Pat-
tcnande, a rancher on the Moxee, by whom she has five children; Valentine, who
married' Nick Seebaat. who also follows ranching on the Moxee, and has three
children; Amanda, who is the wife of Joseph Fortert, a ranchman on the Moxee,
by whom she has four children; Florida, who mrrried Lucian Scharrow, who also
is ranching on the Moxee, and they have three children; Henry, who carries on
farming on his father's ranch and is married and has two children; Thomas, at home;
Uldege! who is attending Wilson's College at Seattle; and two who died in Minne-
sota in childhood.
Mr. and Mrs. Rabie are members of the Catholic church at Moxee and Mr.
Rabie gives his political allegiance to the democratic party. He is a self-made
man and one whose success is the direct outcome of his persistency of purpose and
unfaltering labors. He has met many difficulties and obstacles as the years have
gone by, but has recognized the fact that these could be overcome by determined
purpose and eflfort and has worked continuously to gain the substantial place
which he now occupies as one of the prosperous farmers of his district.
ROBERT McCORMICK.
A tract of twenty-five acres of sagebrush land was acquired by Robert McCor-
mick in 1903. The way in which he has occupied his time since then is evidenced
in the appearance of his place at the present. The gray sage has been replaced by
fine orchards and crops of various kinds, in the midst of which stand an attractive
residence and substantial barns that he has built. In a word, all modern equip-
ment and accessories of the model ranch property of the northwest are found upon
his place and are indicative of his enterprise and progressive spirit. Mr. McCor-
mick is a native of Ontario, Canada. He was born October 20, 1868, a son of John
and Ellen (Keley) McCormick. who were also natives of Canada. The father was
a carpenter and contractor, following that pursuit to the time of his death.
Robert McCormick acquired a public school education and when twenty-one
years of age went to Buffalo. New York, where he worked for wages on a dairy
farm. He afterward removed to Michigan, where he was employed in the lumber
camps, and subsequently he worked in the lumber woods of Minnesota for a period
of three years. It was on the expiration of that period taht he sought the oppor-
tunities of the Pacific northwest and made his way to Yakima county, where he
arrived in February, 1900. Still his financial resources at this time were not suffi-
cient to enable him to engage in business on his own account and he again sought
employment, working for wages through the succeeding three years. Diuring that
time he carefully saved his earnings until his industry and economy had brought
him sufficient capital to purchase property and be acquired a twenty-five acre ranch
two and a half miles northwest of Zillah. which he has since owned and occupied.
He surveyed the tract with prescience of what could be accomplished in his mind
and he saw in prospect the sagebrush uprotted and supplanted by bearing fruit trees.
He at once began making this vision a tangible one and today he has fifteen acres
in orchard, growing fine apples, pears and peaches. He has built thereon a com-
modious and attractive residence with large barns to furnish ample shelter for
grain and stock. He also has a portion of his land planted to hay, corn and pota-
toes, of which he annually gathers good crops.
In April, 1903, Mr. McCormick was niarried to Miss Rachel Furman, a native
of Minnesota and a daughter of C. H. and Ella fHopkins) Furman. Her father is a
484 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
resident of Zillah but her mother died in August, 1918. Mr. and Mrs. McCorniick
have three children: Robert John, Rachel and Blanche.
. The religious faith of the family is that of the Catholic church and Mr. McCor-
mick is identified with the Knights of Columbus. He votes with the republican
party, which he has supported since becoming an American citizen, but his interest
and attention center upon his business affairs and the thoroughness with which
he does his work has been a basic element of his growing success, gaining him place
among the leading orchardists in the vicinity of Zillah.
CHARLES C. HAWORTH, D. D. S.
Dr. Charles C. Haworth is a successful dentist of Kennewick, where he is
accorded an extensive and gratifying practice in recognition of marked skill and
ability in the line of his profession. His birth occurred in Chambersburg. Indiana,
on the Sth of July, 1876, his parents being Lewis and L. Jane (Sherwood) Haworth.
The father, engaged in business as a contractor, is an honored veteran of the Civil
war, in which he participated as a member of Company D, Sixty-sixth Indiana Vol-
unteer Infantry. He was a foster son of William Chambers, a prominent pioneer of
the Hoosier state and a veterinary surgeon by profession. The town of Chambers-
burg, Indiana, was named in honor of a brother of William Chambers.
Having determined to make the practice of dentistry his life work, Charles C.
Haworth attended the Louisville College of Dentistry at Louisville, Kentucky, for
three years and then entered the Western Dental College of Kansas City, Missouri,
from which he was graduated with the class of 1905. He first practiced at Lees-
Summit, Missouri, for four years and on the expiration of that period decided to-
come to the Pacific northwest, making his way to Spokane, where he successfully
carried on the work of his profession from 1909 until 1917. In February of the
'atter year he came to Kennewick, where he has since maintained his ofticc and lias
already built up an extensive and profitable practice. He is particularly skilled in
the use of the many delicate little instruments required in modern dentistry and his
office is equipped with the latest improvements and appliances. In 1919 he pur-
chased the building in which his office is located on the main business street of the
town and has remodeled the same. He also owns a fine fruit ranch near Kenne-
wick which adds materially to his income.
On the 18th of January, 1909. Doctor Haworth was united in marriage to Miss
Sue Rhodes, of Butler. Missouri, by whom he has a son, Charles, who is now five
years of age. In politics the doctor is independent, always considering the capa-
bility of a candidate rather than his party affiliation. He is a member of the Kenne-
wick Commercial Club and actively interested in all that has to do with the work
of progress and upbuilding in the community. His acquaintance is a wide one and
the circle of his friends has grown in proportion therewith.
JOHN N. SHAWVER.
Agricultural and horticultural interests of the Yakima valley have an able rep-
resentative in John N. Shawver, who now owns a valuable property in the Tieton-
district, comprising twenty acres. Although he took up his residence on this ranch
only about six years ago he has in that comparatively short time transformed it
into one of the richly bearing properties of the valley. He was born in Stafiford
county. Kansas, on the 29th or December, 1877, a son of George and Sarah Eliza-
beth (Baker) Shawver, natives of Iowa and Missouri respectively. During pioneer
times they took up their abode in Kansas, where Mr. Shawver acquired title to
government land, and there he successfully followed agricultural pursuits until
death called him. His wife has also passed away.
Mr. Shawver of this review was reared in Kansas and under the able guidance
of his parents early in life became acquainted with the arduous duties in connection!
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 485
with the operation of a farm. He received his education in the public schools and
subsequently assisted his father with the farm work until old enough to start out
for himself. He remained in his native state until the fall of 1902, when, at the age
of twenty-five, he made his way to Sand Point. Idaho, which remained his home
until 1906, when he again moved westward, going to Palousc, Washington,, where
he spent four years. The next two years were passed at Ellensburg, this state, and
during all of this period he was engaged in farming, thus thoroughly acquainting
himself with local conditions. In 1908, having in the meantime acquired the capital
necessary for the purpose, he bought thirty acres of rich land on the Tieton and in
1912 moved upon this property. Since then he has brought his land to a high state
of cultivation and also rents forty acres, the tract being largely devoted to the rais-
ing of hay, grain, potatoes and beans, while ten acres are in orchard. From his
crops Mr. Shawvcr receives a gratifying annual income. He has ever followed
progressive methods, and using up-to-date macinery and equipment has brought
his land to a high state of cultivation, his farm being one of the most valuable in
the neighborhood.
On the 11th of June, 1908, Mr. Shawver was united in marriage to Elizabeth
Calvert, who was born in Palouse, Washington, and is a daughter of John and Rena
(Van de Walker) Calvert, natives of Nebraska and Oregon respectively. John Cal-
vert was a son of Mark Calvert, who left his Kentucky home in 1852 and crossed
the plains to California and later removed to Oregon, where he died. Mrs.
Shawver's father made his way to Palouse, Washington, about 1877 and there he
was not only engaged in ranching but was also in the warehouse and insurance
business, continuing thus active until his demise in 1910. Mrs. Rena (Van de
Walker) Calvert was a daughter of William and Olive (Dimmick) Van de Walker,
natives of New York and Ohio respectively. During the earliest history of Ore-
gon they crossed the plains to that state, taking up their abode in Marion county
in 1847, and there Rena Van de Walker, was born. She now lives at Brooklyn,
Washington. Mr. and Mrs. Shawver have three children: Walter, Thelma and
Norma. The parents are devoted members of the Presbyterian church, in the
work of which they are always helpful.
In politics Mr. Shawver is a democrat but outside of performing his duties as
an American citizen has not been active in public life, preferring to give his whole
attention to his private interests. While he has attained a substantial position, he
has ever given his aid and influence to worthy movements in order to promote
progress in his neighborhood and is highly respected by all who know him.
A. M. DEAN.
A. M. Dean, organizer and promoter of the Dean Clothing Company of Yakima,
was born in Lapeer, Michigan, August 30, 1870. His parents, John W. and Avis
(Morris) Dean, came to Yakima with their family in 1893 and the father took up the
occupation of farming in this section of the state but is now living retired in
Longbeach, California.
A. M. Dean was a public school pupil in Michigan and in South Dakota, for
during his boyhood days his parents removed to the latter state. When he had
completed his public school course he spent ■ two years as a student in the Agri-
cultural College at Brookings, South Dakota. He made his initial step in the
business world as a clerk in .Aberdeen, that state, and there remained until 1895,
when he followed his parents to the northwest with Yakima as his destination.
Here he entered the employ of Coffin Brothers, with whom he remained for ten
years, having charge of the clothing department of their store, in which wqs car-
ried an extensive line of dry goods, clothing, boots and shoes and caps. He has
been manager of the Dean Clothing Company since its organization. In fact he
was active in the organization of the business and opened the store at No. 11 East
Yakima avenue, whence a removal was made in 1914 to No. Ill East Yakima avenue,
where the first floor and basement of a building twenty-five by one hundred and
ten feet was secured. They now employ three men and carry an extensive stock
486 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
of men's ready-to-wear clothing, furnishings and shoes; in fact, they handle "Every-
thing worn by man," which is the slogan of their advertising. Their stock is attrac-
tive in style and workmanship as well as quality and their business is steadily
growing.
On the 31st of December, 1902, Mr. Dean was married to Miss Elnora Alice
Morgan, of Yakima, a daughter of Robert Morgan, who came to this city in 1888
and in pioneer times was engaged in farming and in the commission business. He
was born in Missouri and passed away in Yakima in 1910. To Mr. and Mrs. Dean
has been born a daughter, Helen Rose, now fourteen years of age.
In his fraternal connections Mr. Dean is a Mason, belonging to Yakima Lodge
No. 24, F. & A. M.; Yakima Chapter No. 21, R. A. M.; Yakima Council, R. & S. M.;
and. Yakima Commandery No. 13, K. T. He is a past high priest of the chapter and
is a life member of Afifi Temple of the Mystic Shrine at Tacoma. He also belongs
to the Elks Lodge No. 318, of Yakima and for twenty years has been a valued mem-
ber of the Commercial Club. His political endorsement is given to the republican
party. As a progressive merchant he has contributed to the continuous upbuild-
ing of the city along commercial lines. He has one of Yakima's attractive com-
mercial establishments, upholding the business status of the city and adding to the
attractive appearance of its trade center.
JAMES KERR.
James Kerr, dating his residence in the Yakima valley from 1910, and now widely
known as one of its successful orchardists, was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, March
6, 1851, a son of James and Isabella (Williamson) Kerr. The father was colonel of
the First Madras European Regiment and served in India for more than thirty-seven
years. In his later life, however, he returned to Scotland, where both he and his wife
passed away.
James Kerr of this review was a schoolmate of Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig
at Clifton Banks and was a particular friend of his elder brother, John W., who has
recently written to Mr. Kerr a letter concerning conditions "over there" and throw-
ing many an interesting sidelight upon the war. After mastering the elementary
branches of learning Mr. Kerr attended the University of St. Andrews and entered
upon his business career in connection with the firm of Duncan, Fox & Company of
Liverpool. Later he went to India in 1878, expecting to go into the indigo business,
but instead he became connected with the tea trade as a representative of Octavius
Steel & Company of London and Calcutta. He was manager of several of their
plants, his position being one of large responsibility. Later he was with McLeod
& Company as manager of their plant at Lungla Sylhet and later of their plant at
Washabarri, continuing with that firm until 1905. He was also one of the stockhold-
ers of the company. In 1905 he returned to England, where he resided until 1910,
when he came to the LJnited States, making his way to the Yakima valley, where he
purchased twenty-five acres of land on the lower Naches. Twenty acres of this is
planted to orchard, mostly apples, and his property is today a very valuable one. his
orchards being in excellent bearing condition. He has remodeled the house, which is
now equipped with hot and cold water and all modern conveniences.
On the 30th of November. 1889, Mr.' Kerr was married to Miss Fannie W. Black,
a native of Scotland and a daughter of John and Frances (Hedger) Black. The
father was provost of Greenock, on the Clyde, near Glasgow, but both he and his wife
have now passed away. Mr. and Mrs. Kerr are parents of a son, James Trevor,^ who
was born at Washabarri, India, Decemlicr 8, 1894, and is a corporal in the pigeon
carrier department of the Signal Corps in France, He attended King William Col-
lege on the Isle of Man and was liberally educated. Mr. and Mrs. Kerr are members
of the Episcopal church. His military record covers service as captain of the Cachar
Sylhet Mounted Rifles while in India. He has taken out naturalization papers, „be-
coming an American citizen. His has been a most interesting career, bringing him
broad and varied experiences. Hie has a silver golf cup won at Carnoustie. Scotland,
in 1871, in a tournament open to the world. Mr. Kerr receiving second prize. He also
MKS Ki:i(li.
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 489
has a polo challenge cup won three years in succession in India. He was captain of
the polo team which was the champion team for three years and gave him the cup
as their leader, about 1887. He has also several cups won at horse racing and has
taken part in wild boar hunting, in tiger shooting and in sports of all kinds. Life
has been to him a succession of interesting experiences and wide travel has made him
a man of broad knowledge, bringing to him the liberal education and culture that is
never gained in any other way as quickly and as surely as in travel.
PERRY O'NEAL.
Perry O'Neal is the owner of forty acres of land on the Cowiche and is making
good profit in the raising of grain and hay. In fact he is numbered among the suc-
cessful farmers of that district and, moreover, he is entitled to distinction as one
of the first to win success in the cultivation of potatoes as a commercial crop. Mr.
O'Xeal comes to the northwest from Iowa. He was born in LeGrand township,
Marshall county, Iowa, July 10, 1862, a son of James and Mary Anne (McCool)
O'Neal. The father was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, while the mother's birth oc-
curred near Dayton, that state. They became pioneer residents of Iowa, where they
settled in 1856, and the father engaged in business as a bricklayer, having learned
the trade in early life. He also owned and cultivated a farm. His parents were
James and Maria (Ogden) O'Neal, both of whom were born in Ohio, their people
being pioneers of Cincinnati. They never left that state but their son, James O'Neal,
sought the opportunities of the growing west and continued a resident of Iowa to
the time of his demise.
Reared under the parental roof. Perry O'Neal acquired a good public school
education while spending his youthful days in Iowa, where he was early trained to
the work of the home farm, becoming familiar with all the duties and labors inci-
dent to the developrnent and cultivation of the fields there. He afterward removed
to Faulk county, South Dakota, where he took up a homestead, upon which he lived
for three years, and later he spent four years in Dawes county, Nebraska. He next
returned to Iowa and for seven years was a resident of Palo Alto county but in the
fall of 1898 came to Yakima county, Washington, and rented land on Nob Hill. He
afterward bought land near the present site of Selah. He was one of the pioneers
of that district and located there when it was entirely wild and undeveloped. He
built the first house on Selah Heights that was painted and plastered — a little dwell-
ing of five rooms. He began the raising of potatoes and was so successful in the
production of that crop that he was nicknamed "Spud" O'Neal, for he was one of
the first in the valley to make good money on potatoes. He now resides at Selah
but sold the Selah ranch and purchased forty acres on the Cowiche, which is de-
voted to the raising of hay and grain. In all of his operations as a farmer he has
been very successful and has contributed in no small measure to the development
of this section of the state.
On the 9th of July, 1883, Mr. O'Neal was united in marriage to Miss Ida
McLaughlin, who was born in Maquoketa, Jackson county, Iowa, a daughter of the
Hon. .Alvin and Esther (Traver) McLaughlin. Her father, who was a successful
merchant and stockman, was also prominent in public affairs and was called upon to
represent his district in the state legislature. He died at the home of a son in Spo-
kane, Washington, at the advanced age of eighty-five years, and his wife has also
passed away. To Mr. and Mrs. O'Neal have been born three children: Beatrice, the
eldest, is the wife of O. E. Elliott, a rancher of the Cowiche valley, and they have
five children; Raymond, a policeman of Yakima, is married and Has a daughter,
Lois; Bert is now in France with the United States army, serving as a sergeant
in Conipany E, Three Hundred and Sixteenth Ammunition Train of the Ninety-
first Division.
Mr. and Mrs. O'Neal are consistent and faithful members of the Christian
church and in politics he is a republican. With many events that have had to do
with shaping the pioneer history of this section he has been closely associated and
he has contributed in no small measure to the agricultural progress of the region
(IS)
490 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
Throughout his entire life he has been actuated by a laudable ambition that has
prompted unfaltering effort in the attainment of success and his energy has enabled
him to overcome all difficulties and obstacles in his path.
FRED C. SCHNEBLY.
Fred C. Schnebly, who owns a well improved and valuable farm of two hundred
and four acres in the vicinity of Ellensburg, has been a lifelong resident of Kittitas
county and has become widely recognized as one of the leading stockmen of the
valley. His birth here occurred on the 12th of November, 1880, his parents being
P. H. and Eliza F. (Cooke) Schnebly, extended mention of whom is made on an-
other page of this work. He supplemented his early education by study in Pullman
College, which institution he attended for two years. After putting aside his text-
books he concentrated his entire time and attention upon general agricultural pur-
suits, first cultivating land which he rented from his father. Subsequently he pur-
chased property and at the present time has a tract of two hundred and four acres
which he has brought under a high state of cultivation, while he also owns three
thousand acres of range land. He raises high-grade cattle and horses and has
gained a well deserved reputation as one of the leading stockmen of his section, his
wisely directed business affairs having been attended with a gratifying measure of
success.
On the 27th of September, 1905, Mr. Schnebly was united in marriage to Miss
Marguerite A. Nelson, a daughter of J. P. Nelson. They now have four children,
namely: Wanetta, Loila, Fred and Henry. Fraternally Mr. Schnebly is identified
with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows while his political allegiance is given
to the republican party. His present enviable prosperity is attributable entirely to
his own efforts and that his career has ever been upright and honorable is indicated
in the fact that he enjoys the high regard and esteem of the people of the com-
munity in which his entire life has been spent.
G. D. DAHLMAN, D. D. S.
Dr. G. D. Dahlman, actively engaged in the practice of dentistry in Toppenish,
is numbered among the native sons of Washington, his birth having occurred in
Cowlitz county on the 9th of January, 1886. His parents were William and Chris-
tine Dahlman, who came from Gotland, on the Swedish coast of the Baltic sea.
They crossed the Atlantic when young people and became residents of Castlerock,
Washington, in the year 1870. The father followed the occupation of farming and
took up a homestead, while subsequently he purchased railway land. He is still
engaged in farming there and has brought' his fields under a high state of cultiva-
tion. His wife passed away in 1895.
Doctor Dahlman at the usual age entered the public schools, but his opportuni-
ties were somewhat limited owing to the necessity of providing for his own sup-
port when a boy of but ten years. He was ambitious, however, to secure a good
education and afterward worked his way through high school at Castlerock and
his earnings during that period also assisted him through college. Ambitious to
enter upon a professional career, his labors supplied him with the capital necessary
to pursue a college course. He entered the North Pacific Dental College at Port-
land and is numbered among its alumni of 1907. Following his graduation he
located for practice at Castlerock, where he remained until April, 1909. and then
came to Toppenish, being the second dentist of the town and now the oldest in
years of continuous practice here. His office is supplied with the latest dental
equipment and he utilizes the most modern methods in the care and preservation
of the teeth. He is thoroughly familiar with all the scientific principles which under-
lie his work and broad reading keeps him in touch with the trend of modern
scientific thought and investigation. He is also a member of the State Dental So-
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 491
ciety and through the discussions in its meetings broadens his knowledge. Aside
from his practice he has other business interest, being a director of the First Na-
tional Bank of Toppenish.
In 1916 Doctor Dahlman was united in marriage to Miss Iris Wirth, of Ellens-
burg. Washington, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Wirth. She is a lady of
liberal education who was graduated from the EUensburg Normal School and for
three years successfully engaged in teaching prior to her marriage.
Doctor Dahlman's Masonic connections are with Toppenish Lodge No. 178,
A. F. & A. M., of which he is a charter member and was the second worshipful
master. He is also identified with the Scottish Rite bodies of Yakima, having
attained the thirty-second degree, and he is also a member of Afifi Temple, A. A.
O. X. M. S. He belongs to the Commercial Club, of which he has been a very
active member, serving at the present time as its president. His political endorse-
ment is given to' the republican party, but he has always preferred to do his public
service as a private citizen and has been active along various lines that have been
directly beneficial in the upbuilding of Toppenish and the advancement of its wel-
fare.
CORNELIUS JONGEJAN.
Cornelius Jongejan is numbered among the substantial citizens that Holland
has furnished to the Yakima valley. He was born in Holland, September 16, 1852,
a son of Thomas and Cora Jongejan, both of whom have now passed away. He
was reared in his native country, pursued his education there and had reached the
age of thirty-six years when in 1888 he came to the United States. He first made
his way to Sioux county. Iowa, where he resided until 1899, and was employed at
railway work during that period. The opportunities of the northwest, however,
attracted him and i.n 1899 he made his way to Yakima county, where he rented
land for two years. During that period he carefully saved his earnings and by 1901
the sum had become sufficient to enable him to purchase twenty acres of wild land
on the Moxee. This he at once began to develop and improve. The land was
plowed and he planted twelve acres of it to orchard but afterward took out three
acres. He now has a nice orchard, in which he has line apples, pears and grapes.
The remainder of the place is devoted to the cultivation of grain and alfalfa and
he has made it one of the attractive farm properties of the district. Upon it he
has erected a fine home and there is no accessory or convenience of the model farm
of the twentieth century that is lacking upon the place. Its neat and thrifty ap-
pearance indicates his careful supervision and his practical and progressive spirit.
In his vocabulary there is no such word as fail. He carries forward to successful
completion whatever he undertakes and his life record illustrates what may be ac-
complished through individual efifort and unfaltering perseverance.
On the 16th of May, 1878, Mr. Jongejan was married to Miss Jennie Van do Star,
a native of Holland, where they were married and began their domestic life, living
m that country for ten years ere they came to the new world. To Mr. and Mrs.
Jongejan have been born nine children: Coba is the wife of Orval Sullivan, who is
engaged in ranching at Wenatchce, Washington; Fannie is the wife of William Gcr-
ritsen, a rancher of Moxee; Jennie is the wife of C. M. Sweney; Elizabeth is the
wife of Robert T. Kelley and resides in California; Jane and Annie are at home;
Tillie married William Huibregtse; Thomas is engaged in ranching on the Moxee.
One child died in infancy.
Mr. and Mrs. Jongejan are members of the First Reformed church and its
teachings guide them in all the relations of life. In politics he is a republican, inter-
ested in the success of the party but never ambitious to hold office himself. He
belongs to the Yakima County Horticultural Union and closely studies all ideas put
forth in relation to the development of the fruit raising interests of this section.
During the summer of 1918 Mr. Jongejan and his family were the victims of an
automobile accident on the Naches river. He had purchased a Buick car and in
passing along a narrow road on the mountain his car rolled over and down the side
492 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
of the mountain, rolling over three and a half times ere at length it landed in a
deep ditch filled with water. Mr. Jongejan and his family were in the car. His
son Thomas had a leg broken, while the daughter Jane had one of her ribs broken.
Mr. Jongejan was badly cut about the head. The family certainly very narrowly
escaped death and it is impossible to determine how they managed to escape with
their lives. The water was live feet deep in the ditch. William and Jane were caught
under the car in the water but managed to extricate themselves. It seemed a
miracle that the results were not more serious. The account of the accident was
written up in all of the papers and people came for miles to see the place, for the
car rolled sixty feet down the mountain side and was badly broken, but it seemed
that a kind Providence interferred to save the lives of those who were riding in
the machine at the time. Mr. Jongejan deserves great credit for what he has ac-
complished in a business way since coming to the new world. His capital was
very limited at the time when he crossed the Atlantic but he possessed ambition
and energy and his wife, too, constantly encouraged him to put forth his best
efforts. As the years have passed their united labors have brought about most ex-
cellent results. Mrs. Jongejan wisely directing the affairs of the household, while
Mr. Jongejan has carefully and successfully managed the work of the farm until
he is now numbered among the men of affluence of his community.
WILLIAM RATTEN.
Farming and fruit raising have been a profitable source of income to William
Hatten, who is a prominent agriculturist of the Tieton district. A native of West
Virginia, he was born in Wayne county on the 6th of February, 1851, and is a son
of Edmund and Mary (Hines) Hatten, also natives of that state. The paternal
grandfather, Phillip Hatten, who was born in England and was a veteran of the
War of 1812, died in West Virginia. The parents of William Hatten, being much
impressed with the excellent opportunities offered by the middle west, removed to
Minnesota, in 1865, at the close of the Civil war, locating in McLeod county. Dur-
ing the conflict the father had espoused the Union cause, taking his place among
the rank and file of the northern army in order to keep the Stars and Stripes afloat
oved all the republic. After spending some time in McLeod county he took up a
homestead near Fort Ripley, in Morrison county, Minnesota, and there both parents
subsequently passed away.
William Hatten was reared ainid the refining influences of a good home, re-
ceiving in his early life valuable lessons from his good parents. His book knowl-
edge was acquited in the public schools of his neighborhood and when old enough
he began to assist his father with the farm work. He subsequently followed agri-
cultural pursuits independently in Morrison county, Minnesota, but in October,
1906, came to Yakima county, Washington, and for five years worked for wages.
In 1911, having acquired the means to do so by carefully saving his earnings, he
bought eighteen acres of rich land on the Tieton and of this four acres are in or-
chard, the remainder being under the plow. He has made a number of valuable
improvements, has instituted good machinery and has erected substantial build-
ings and a fine home, everything about the place indicating a progressive rancher
of the twentieth century. He is not afraid to try out new ideas and has thoroughly
studied climate and soil conditions here, so that he has become one of the leaders
in his occupation. His income is now steadily increasing and his prosperity is as-
sured.
In 1883 Mr. Hatten was united in marriage to Miss Ella May Straw, a native of
Morrison county, Minnesota, and a daughter of Calvin and Sophia Straw. By a
former marriage Mr. Hatten had two children: Elsie, deceased, and Luella, the
wife of Fred Spalding, of Sunnyside, by whom she has one child. The children of
the second marriage are: Libby, who married Joseph Quadt, a rancher in the Tie-
ton district; Sophie, who married Wallie Jennie, a rancher of Island county, Wash-
ington, by whom she has four sons; Howard, who operates a sawmill on the Tieton
and who married Zoe Slavin; Harold, who married Helen Knoll and is at home,
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 493
assisting in the work of the ranch; and Mila May, also at home. Mr. and Mrs. Hat-
ten and their family are well known in their neighborhood and enjoy the highest
respect. They have many friends in Yakima county, all of whom speak of them in
terms of appreciation.
In his political views Mr. Hatten is a prohibitionist, believing thoroughly in
the enforcement of this measure as a means of bettering humanity. He has deeply
studied economic and social conditions and is thoroughly versed in the issues of
the day but is not an office seeker, preferring to give his undivided attention to his
private interests. There is great credit due him for what he has achieved, as he
began life without special advantages and now is numbered among the substantial
residents of his neighborhood. He is therefore entitled to the honorable appellation
of a self-made man, having demonstrated in his life's course energy, honesty, fore-
sight, ability and adaptation — qualities upon which his success has been built.
PETER J. ESCHBACH.
It is a trite saying that there is always room at the top, but manv there are who
do not seem to comprehend this or who do not possess the enterprise and initiative
which enable them to reach an advance position in business circles. Peter J.
Eschbach. however, turning his attention to contract work at the age of thirty-eight
years, has become one of the foremost representatives of this line of business in
the northwest. He is now a member of the Nettleton, Bruce & Eschbach Com-
pany, which has had some of the most important contracts for railroad and tunnel
Iniilding and for the building of water power plants. The story of his life is tlie
story of earnest endeavor, leading to substantial success and prosperity.
Mr. Eschbach was born in Minnesota, December 17, 1862, a son of John P.
and Barbara Eschbach, the former a farmer by occupation, and both now deceased.
The son acquired a public school education and through the periods of vacation
worked in the fields, becoming thoroughly familiar with all the phases of farm
life. In 1884 his father removed with the family to the Yakima valley settling
in the Ahtanum. where his remaining days were passed. With the work of the
old homestead Mr. Eschbach of this review was closely associated until he reached
the age of twenty-eight years. He then purchased a farm for himself in the Naches
and gave his attention to its further development and improvement untl he reached
the age of thirty-eight, when he started in the contracting business on his own-
account. He has since conducted business interests of this character to the amount
of millions of dollars and the firm with which he is connected now has an invest-
ment of more than three hundred thousand dollars in equipment. The officers of
the Nettleton, Bruce & Eschbacli Company arc: Peter J. Eschbach, president: Clark
M. Nettleton, of Seattle, secretary and treasurer; and J. M. Bruce, of Seattle, vice-
president. The company has its main office in Seattle, with a branch office at
Yakima. This company succeeded to the business of the Eschbach-Brucc Com-
pany in 1912 and they in turn were successors of the firm of Case & Eschbach.
which was organized in 1902 by N. H. Case, who became secretary of the firm, and
Peter J. Eschbach, president. These two gentlemen were residents of Yakima.
They organized their business to engage in railway contract work and began the
building of the North Coast Railway. During the construction of this line. J. M.
Bruce and C. M. Nettleton bought the interest of N. H. Case and the firm was re-
organized as the Eschbach-Bruce Company, which built eighty-seven miles of
the grade. The Eschbach-Bruce Cotiipany. in which Mr. Eschbach was associated
with J. M. Bruce and C. M. Nettleton built the line through the Palouse canon, the
heaviest grading on the entire road. They were eighteen months in building seven
and a half miles of the road and the contract price was over eight hundred and
fifty tliousand dollars for the seven and a half miles. In the conduct of the work
they established fourteen camps in that district and there were five tunnels in a
mile and half. They employed on an average fifteen hundred men for fourteen
months. Later the Nettleton, Bruce & Eschbach Company built the Cedar River
dam for Seattle at a cost of more than a million dollars. This dam is more than
494 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
one hundred and eighty feet wide on the bottom and rises to a height of one hun-
dred and ninety feet. The width at the top is twenty feet and the length is four
hundred and fifty feet. It is of solid masonry, a spillway built through solid rock
on one end, with an outlet tunnel seven hundred and fifty feet long lined with rein-
forced concrete. The water is then piped five and a half miles and is used for
power, while the reservoir is used for storage. They employed an average of two
hundred and fifty men on this job. At the same time the company put in a four
hundred thousand dollar sewer at Edmonton, Alberta, Canada,, and also had the
contract for a steam shovel job on the Canadian Pacific Railroad at Revelstoke, for
which they received two hundred and fifty thousand dollars. They v/ere awarded
the contract for twenty-five miles of railway grading on the Canadian Northern
on Vancouver island and they have executed many other important contracts of a
most extensive nature. They are now building a railroad which is the Grace Harbor
branch of the Oregon Western Line, in connection with which they are putting in
seven bridges. One of these has four spans and another eight spans, with eight
miles of grading. The bridges extend from two to eight spans. The company is
now driving eight tunnels for the Naches-Selah Irrigation District, one tunnel
having been just completed. These tunnels will be from seven hundred to nineteen
hundred feet in length. They also will be lined with concrete and there will be
two and a half miles of canal. Such contracts indicate the nature of the business
accorded the Nettleton, Bruce & Eschbach Company, ranking with the foremost
contractors on the Pacific coast, and all this has been accomplished by Mr. Esch-
bach since he reached the age of thirty-eight years. He has since done many mil-
lion dollars worth of business and has also been active in the development of sev-
eral hundred acres of land, building his own ditch through the property. He had a
great number of teams and he not only put through that project but was also given
a contract to help build the Wapato ditch by Robert Strahorn, who later promoted
the North Coast Railway. Mr. Eschbach then went ahead with the railroad work,
interesting Mr. Case, another farmer, in the project. Later Mr. Nettleton and Mr.
Bruce purchased Mr. Case's interest in the business, the former being a financier,
while Mr. Bruce is a contractor. Thus was formed the present firm, of which Mr.
Eschbach is the active directing head, managing the actual work of the company.
In 1891 Mr. Eschbach was married to Miss Elizabeth Brecht, of Minnesota, and
they became parents of two daughters and a son: Alida, who died at the age of
nine years; Cyril, twenty-two years of age, who is manager of his father's ranch;
and Florence.
The family are communicants of St. Joseph's Catholic church and Mr. Esch-
bach is identified with the Knights of Columbus. He also belongs to the Benevo-
lent Protective Order of Elks and has membership in the Commercial Club. In
politics he is a republican, but it is a self-evident fact that he has not been an active
participant in political work owing to the extent and importance of his mammoth
contracting interests. Since entering the contracting field his labors have been a
most important element in the development and improvement of the state. He has
lieen connected with some of the most important building projects in the field of
railway operation and the .value of his labors can scarcely be overestimated. He
undertook this work with the thoroughness that has ever characterized him in all
that he has done and steadily progressing, he ranks with the foremost contractors
of Washington.
HOWARD B. AMES.
Howard B. Ames, an orchardist of Selah, who is also interested in mining prop-
erties in Alaska, comes to the northwest from Peterboro, New Hampshire, where
he was born on the 2d of August, 1874. the width of the continent therefore sepa-
rating him from the place of his birth. He is a son of Marshall K. and Jennie (But-
man) Ames, the former also a native of Peterboro, New Hampshire, while the
latter was born in Milan, Ohio. Her death occurred in the year 1876. Marshall K.
-\nies had gone to Michigan as a young man, and he and his wife were on a visit in
l^^^^^^^^^^^^^^B^fr
HHHHL l& 1
HOWARD B. AMES
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 497
New Hampshire at the time of the birth of their son Howard. In 187S the father
removed to Russell, Kansas, and built the first flour mill in that section. The fam-
ily were there residing at the time of the mother's death. Later Mr. Ames went to
Colorado, where he took up his abode in 1883 and entered the iT''"''ng business. He
still makes his home in Denver.
Howard B. Ames was but nine years of age when he began assisting in the mines
through vacation periods. His education was acquired in the public schools and at
the age of fourteen years he accompanied an uncle to the Puget Sound country.
They made their way to Seattle and he continued his education in the public schools
of that city. He afterward attended the University of Washington, where he pur-
sued a course in mining engineering, and while still a resident of Seattle he made
his initial step in the business world by securing a position in the Washington Na-
tonal Bank of Seattle. In 1898 he went to Juneau, Alaska, where he was employed
for a year and then made his way to the Yukon, where he worked for wages. In
1903 he went to Nome, Alaska, where he purchased property, and in his investments
in real estate there he won substantial success. Again taking up the banking busi-
ness, he became manager of the Bank of Cape Nome and was identified with both
banking, and mining interests for a considerable period. In 1909 he returned to
Seattle and in 1910 he came to Yakima county. Here he purchased eighty acres in
the Selah valley on the Yakima river and has the' entire tract planted to apple
orchards. The successful management of his business in this connection has made
him one of the prominent orchardists of the region. His orchard is highly developed
along practical lines, his place being equipped with all the modern facilities for
handling fruit on a commercial basis. He still has his mining interests in Alaska
and goes to that country bienially to superintend his business affairs there. A. F.
Guinan, also an orchardist of Selah valley, is associated with our subject in dredge
mining at Nome, Alaska.
On the 10th of August, 1904, Mr. Ames was married to Anna Brown, a daughter
of Amos and Annie (Peobles) Brown, of Seattle. Her father was one of the pioneers
of the Puget Sound country, and her mother, with her sister, a Mrs. Mcintosh, came
to Seattle by sailing vessel around Cape Horn at an early day. She came west to
teach school. Their children are three in number: Marshall, thirteen years of age;
Donald, aged seven, and a baby girl.
Mr. Ames has always given his political allegiance to the republican party and
was one of the organizers of the Young Men's Republican Club of Seattle in the
early days. Fraternally he is identified with the Masons. In' the latter he has
attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite and has also crossed the sands
of the desert with the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He likewise belongs to the
.A-rctic Club of Seattle and to the Arctic Brotherhood and the "pioneers of -"Maska."
He was one of the pioneers of Alaska, being among those who at an early date
penetrated into the far northwest to develop its mining interests and take advantage
of the business opportunities offered in its development along various lines. His
experiences have been broad, varied and interesting. There is no phase of the
development of the northwest vvith which he is not familiar and he has been actively
connected with progress in Washington. He is now a prominent representative
of orcharding in the Yakima valley and is today the owner of valuable property of
that kind near Selah.
MRS. A. E. ORMSBY.
Mrs. A. E. Ormsby, the owner of ranch property in the vicinity of Outlook,
is a native of Ohio and a daughter of John Alfred and Elva (Brown) Wright. Her
father was born in Frederick county, Maryland, on the 10th of December, 1839, and
the mother's birth occurred in Ohio. The paternal grandfather, Albert Wright,
was a native of Virginia. John Alfred Wright enlisted for service in the Civil war,
becoming a member of Company E, Eighteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He ren-
dered valuable aid to his country and after his military services were no longer
498 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
required he took up the occupation of farming in Ohio and later followed the same
pursuit in Missouri.
His daughter, Mrs. Ormsby. acquired her education in the public schools of
Missouri and in that state was married to Solon Ormsby, who there passed away in
1896. It was in May, 1911, that Mrs. Ormsby became the owner of ranch property
in the northwest, purchasing forty acres two miles northwest of Outlook. She has
erected an attractive residence upon this place, together with barns and outbuild-
ings, and she rents the ranch to her brother, James Wright, who is cultivating it
in the raising of hay, corn and potatoes.
Mrs. Ormsby's father lives with her upon the ranch, but her mother passed
away on the 18th of July. 1914. John A. and Elva .(Brown) Wright became the pa-
rents of five children: Arthur is a machinist residing at Macomb, Illinois, and is
married and has five children; Mrs. Ormsby is the second of the family; Charles,
who follows ranching near Outlook, wedded Rosie Guder and has two children,
Eva and Ruth; Jessie, a trained nurse, is the wife of Samuel Enoch, who follows
ranching in the same locality; James is also a rancher, renting the land from his
sister, Mrs. Ormsby, he married Sadie Roady, a native of Kansas, and they have
three children, Jessie Margaret, Glen and Bruce. A nephew of Mrs. Ormsby, Elvyn
Allen Wright, the son of her eldest brother, became chief gunner on a warship and
has been on active duty during the war. The boat on which he was doing duty was
torpedoed, but he escaped.
Mrs. Ormsby and her father are members of the Methodist church and he gives
his political allegiance to the democratic party. He is a well preserved man and of
most lovable character. He has long traveled life's journey, being now in the eigh-
tieth year of his age, a man whose well-spent life has ever gained for him the high-
est respect of all with whom he has been associated.
HENRY SCHUT.
Only a few decades ago the Yakima valley was a tract of wild land, largely
sand and sagebrush, but enterprising men saw its possibilities and progressive
citizens have established their homes within its borders, transforming it into most
productive fields and orchards. Actively engaged in this work is Henry Schut, who
was born in Fond du Lac county, Wisconsin, July 31, 1879, a son of John and Jean-
nette (Van Hull) Schut, both of whom were natives of Holland, ( whence they came
to the new world in the 70s, making their way into the interior of the country
until they reached Wisconsin. After living in that state for several years they re-
moved to Sioux county, Iowa, in 1881, and there the father rented farm land. He
continued to engage in general agricultural pursuits in that locality for twenty years
and in 1901 he came to Yakima co.unty, Washington, and purchased ten acres on the
Moxee, a tract of wild land covered with sagebrush. To look upon this place one
could scarcely believe that it would ever produce anything, but progressive meth-
ods, indefatigable effort and energy soon converted it into a productive farm, to
which the father added many improvements. He resided thereon to the time of his
death, which occurred July 26, 1917. He had long survived his wife, who passed
away in 1892.
Henry Schut, whose name introduces this record, acquired a public school edu-
cation in Iowa and through the period of his boyhood and youth assisted his father
in the work of the farm. In fact he was thus engaged until 1903, when he started
out in life independently by purchasing five acres of wild land. To this he after-
ward added ten acres more, which, however, he later sold. In the fall of 1917 he
invested in a twenty-acre tract and now has a good property. Three and a half
acres of his land is planted to apples and pears and he is one of the progressive
orchardists of the community. He raises splendid fruit owing to his care of the
trees and the thoroughness with which he cultivates his land. The remainder of
his farm is devoted to the raising of hay, corn and other cereals. He also has a few
cows upon his place and altogether his is one of the desirable farm properties of the
locality.
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 499
On the 26th of October, 1905, Mr. Schut was united in marriage to Miss Anna
Swier. a daughter of D. and Alice Swier, who came to the Moxee in 1901, where the
father purchased a tract of wild and undeveloped land, which he converted into a
good farm. To Mr. and Mrs. Schut have been' born four children: Richard William,
eleven years of age; Jeannette Alice, seven years of age; Emily Melinse. aged four,
and Kenneth Henry, who is in his first year.
The family are members of the First Reformed church and are people of
sterling worth, enjoying the high esteem and warm regard of all with whom they
have been brought in« contact. They are worthy representatives of the people of
Holland birth or nativity who have contributed so largely to the improvement and
settlement of the Yakima valley.
WALLACE L. CROWELL.
Wallace L. Crowell, conducting a feed mill at Wapato, was born in Rahwax,
New Jersey, in 1857, a son of Joseph T. and Electa Crowell, both of whom passed
away in New Jersey. The father was editor of a paper at that place and was also
prominent in political circles. He served as city treasurer of Rahway and was
called by his fellow citizens to act as their representative in the United States
senate.
Wallace L. Crowell acquired a business college education and also attended
Rutgers College. In young manhood he engaged in farming and was also em-
ployed in his uncle's carriage factory. In 1876 he went to California and in 1881
arrived in Lincoln county, Washington, where he proved up on a homestead, resid-
ing in that locality until 1913, when he removed to Wapato. Here he purchased a
farm and also leased land for five years, devoting his attention to general agricul-
tural pursuits. In 1916 he also established a feed mill at Wapato and after two
years sold his farm.
Mr. Crowell is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and has-
membership in the Farmers Union. In politics he maintains an independent course,
never seeking nor desiring political preferment but giving his time and attention
to his duties of citizenship as well as to business affairs. He is enterprising and
progressive, accomplishing what he undertakes, and is numbered among the rep-
resentative business men of Wapato.
THEODORE E. BROCKHAUSEX.
Theodore E. Brockhausen, a well known merchant of Prosser, is a member of the
firm of Brockhausen & Hoch, which business was established in 1911. He was born
in Lansing, Iowa, March 16, 1878, his parents being Dr. B. and Louisa Brockhausen,
the forrrter a physician and surgeon by profession. They now make their home in
Frceport, Illinois.
Theodore E. Brockhausen was reared under the parental roof and in the acquire-
ment of his education attended the public schools of his native state, rounding out
his learning by taking a course in the Wisconsin Business ITniversity at La Crosse.
Being thus well prepared for life's arduous and responsible duties, he started out in
his business career as a clerk in a dry goods house and continued along that line in the
middle west until he came to the state of Washington in 1898, making Spokane his
objective point. He was in the employ of others until 1905. when he came to Prosser,
and he and Paul Hoch established a bakery and lunch counter, which they successfully
conducted until 1911. Careful management and high busin.ess principles guided them
in this enterprise and they derived a gratifying return from their investment. In 1911
they established a grocery store, which has since been conducted under the firm name
of Brockhausen & Hoch. Mr. Brockhausen's ability has been an important factor in
the success of the business, which is conducted according to the highest plane of busi-
ness standards. The customers are treated with great politeness and all their wants are
500 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
carefully looked after. The firm carries a well assorted line of staple and fancy gro-
ceries and always sees to it that the goods are in the best condition and as represented.
It is therefore but natural that their trade has increased from year to year and today
the firm is considered one of the best business houses of its kind in the city.
On December 11, 1907, Mr. Brockhausen was united in marriage to Miss Pauline
Sicht, a native of Missouri, and to them were born two children, Genette and Karl.
In his political views Mr. Brockhausen is independent. Fraternally he is a member of
the Knights of Pythias, the Foresters and the Modern Woodmen of America. Always
interested in the growth and development of his city, Mr. Brockhausen is ever ready to
give his support to worthy measures and lend aid to any movement undertaken for
the benefit of the city. He is a clear-sighted, high-minded business man of most
honorable purposes and since coming to Prosser has made many friends, all of whom
speak of him in the highest terms.
HARl^Y N. PAUL.
Harry N. Paul, one of the prominent agriculturists of the younger generation, is
residing near Mabton and has been very successful along divers lines of agriculture.
A valuable farm, known as Happy Home, stands as the visible evidence of his indus-
try and energy. He was born in Sarpy county, Nebraska, January 2, 1878, a son of
Charles C. and Caroline M. (Rosenstihl) Paul, the former born in Otsego county.
New York, and the latter in Virginia. Her father, Jacob Rosenstihl, conducted the
first blacksmith shop in Omaha, whither he had made his way by wagon, being one
of the historic pioneers of that place. Charles C. Paul, the father of our subject, was
in Chicago at the time of the great fire there and barely escaped with his life when he
tried to save his trunk during that terrible conflagration. About 1875 he removed to
Nebraska, where he farmed acquiring wild land which he placed in a good state of
cultivation. He subsequently conducted a wagon and repair shop at Omaha for sev-
eral years but in the '80s went to Douglas county, Nebraska, where he again followed
farming until 1900, when he came to the state of Washington, settling in Seattle. That
city remained his residence until 1911, when he went to Medford, Oregon, living in
that city for six years. In 1917 he returned to this state and took up his residence in
Sunnyside, where he now lives retired. His brother. Dr. C. H. Paul, was the first
dentist in Omaha.
Harry N. Paul grew up amid pioneer conditions in Nebraska and in that state
attended the pubic schools. L'pon laying aside his textbooks he assisted his father
until 1898, when, being influenced by the glowing reports which he heard regarding
the far west, he went to Spokane, where he attended a business college. He provided
for his expenses by his own labors, thereby displaying the spirit of enterprise which
has ever been one of the salient characteristics that have greatly contributed toward
his later success. He also studied assaying during this period and followed that oc-
cupation for about four years, but because of cyanide poisoning he then took up farm
work, his health precluding further activity along mining lines.
In 1902 Mr. Paul came to Yakima county and he and his brother, Charles C.
Paul, Jr., then bought sixty acres of land four and a half miles north of Mabton which
at that time was in a wild state, lieing covered with a dense growth of sagebrush.
The brother later sold out and Mr. Paul of this review has since bought forty acres
more, making a total of seventy acres, all of which is in a high state of cultivation. He
has erected suitable barns and a fine home, thus making his one of the valuable prop-
erties of the neighborhood. He raises hay and corn and also gives considerable
attention to the live stock end of farming, specializing in blooded Percheron horses
and Holstein cattle. Moreover, he is a large bee keeper and now has four hundred and
seventy-five stands, which are located in a ten-mile circle all around the home. He
produces the well known and justly celebrated Happy Home honey and in 1918 sold
over thirteen tons of extracted honey. From this source Mr. Paul is deriving a very
gratifying addition to his income and has become an authority in the apiary line and
is often consulted upon subjects relating thereto. He does his own extracting and
sells the product to jobbers entirely. The farm, which is one of the most modern
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 501
and up-to-date in the vicinity of Mabton, is known as the Happy Home farm and
Mr. Paul may well be proud of the success which he has achieved here as it is entirely
due to his own labor, his energj' and industry.
In 1904 Mr. Paul was married to Miss Clara E. Scott, a native of Whitman county,
Washington, and a daughter of J. A. M. Scott. To this union four children were
born, Allen, Vance, and Helen and Harold, twins. Mr. and Mrs. Paul are well and
favorably known socially in Mabton and vicinity, being welcomed in the best homes
of the neighborhood and often entertaining their friends at their own fireside.
In politics Mr. Paul is not bound to any party but follows his own judgment,
voting for men and measures according to his lights, taking into consideration only
their qualifications. He has ever been interested in the cause of education and mental
and moral development and has served on the local school board. Great credit is due
him for what he has achieved, as his success has been built upon his own efforts and
he therefore is entitled to be numbered among the self-made men of the state.
NORVAL STUART JOHNSON.
Nerval Stuart Johnson was one of the prominent hotel men of the northwest,
becoming proprietor of the Yakima Hotel in Yakima, with which he was connected
to the time of his demise. He was born in Richmond, Virginia, in 1860 and his life
record covered the intervening period to 1904. His forefathers were among the earli-
est settlers of ichmond, as he was descended from one of the distinguished families
of England, a picture of his great-great-grandfather hanging now in the house of
parliament in London.
Mr. Johnson pursued his education in the south and early in his business career
became conected with the Simmons Hardware Company of St. Louis, Missouri, for
which house he traveled for several years. He represented that business in California
and subsequently he became the traveling representative of a western hardware com-
pany. At a later period he resided for five years in Tacoma and in 1901 he and his
wife purchased the Yakima Hotel, with which he was connected to the time of his
death.
It was in 1888 that Mr. Johnson was united in marriage to Miss Bertha B. Benson,
a native of Sweden and a daughter of Johannes and Lena Benson, who came to America
when Mrs. Johnson was a young girl. They engaged in the hotel business and Mrs.
Johnson had experience along that line throughout her early life. After her mar-
riage she and Mr. Johnson purchased a hotel and following their removal to Yakima
they built an addition to the Yakima Hotel. Mrs. Johnson is well known in hotel
circles throughout the northwest. She has been the owner of hotels at Seattle, Tacoma
and elsewhere and the one which is now being conducted by herself and her son is one
of the leading hotels of Yakima, containing seventy-five rooms, many with bath, and
four sample rooms. She was formerly connected with the St. Francis Hotel of Seattle,
also the Rochester Hotel of Tacoma for five years, and she now has the Samuels
Hotel at Wallace, Idaho. She has closely studied the question of hotel management
and conduct and knows just what is demanded by the traveling public. She arranges
everything possible for the convenience and comfort of guests and maintains her hotels
on the highest standards. She is conducting the best furnished and most attractive
hotel in Yakima and displays the most progressive methods in the management of her
interests.
To Mr. and Mrs. Johnson were born three children: David, who is manager of
the hotel of Wallace, Idaho, a five story brick structure; Norval Stuart, who is now
a member of the United States army; and William O., who is in the Aviation Corps.
The sons are fine looking men of whom the mother has every reason to be proud
and they are making an excellent record as defenders of the cause of democracy.
Mr. Johnson's many friends referred to him as a man of attractive personal
qualities, of splendid business ability and of sterling worth. His business throughout
life was principally that of a traveling salesman, while Mrs. Johnson managed their
property interests. She possesses marked business acumen and enterprise and has
given proof of splendid executive ability in the conduct of all of her aflairs. In ad-
502 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
dition to the hotels in which she is interested she has a fine fruit farm and a most
attractive country home called Johnson's Corner on Xob'Hill boulevard. She owns
much city and country property and has large garages. In the early days she pur-
chased property from time to time even when her frieftds doubted the wisdom of her
course, but time has proven her sagacity and business insight, for as the years have
passed this property has greatly increased in value and has brought to her a most
substantial income. She now ranks among Yakima's capitalists who have made their
fortunes in the city and, like others, she has done much for the development of the
valley. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson traveled quite extensively. He was a member of the
Elks and a most popular man wherever known, having the attractive social qualities
which won him friends wherever he went. Mrs. Johnson has always had charge of
the property which she and her husband acquired and she has added largely to her hold-
ings in the meantime. She has had the assitancc of her sons in later years until the
two youngest joined the colors, having prepared for active service with the national
army. Alert and energetic, Mrs. Johnson has carried out her purposes in a business
way and her labors have been productive of most gratifying results. She is well
known sociallv in Yakima and is a most influential and valued resident of the valley.
C. H. M. GRONVOLD.
The late C. H). M. Gronvold was well known as manager of the Grand Hotel
of Yakima. He was born in Copenhagen, Denmark, March 9, 1869, a son of Chris-
tian and Mary Gronvold. The father has departed this life, but the mother is still
living in Denmark. The son acquired a public school education in his native country
and came to America in 1887, when a youth of eighteen years. He made his way
first to Chicago, Illinois, then to Denver, Colorado, and later settled in Pueblo, that
state. Subsequently he became one of the pioneers in the Cripple Creek district,
where he engaged in mining for seven years, and afterward he was at Xelson and at
Rossland, British Columbia, where he followed mining for three years. In 1900 he
was married and spent his honeymoon in Alaska, after which he returned to Seattle.
Later he went to Skagway, Alaska, where he devoted a year and a half to mining,
and next was at Valdez, .\laska. where he continued in mining for a year and a
half. On returning to Washington he became connected with the hotel business in
Astoria, where he spent live years, after which he was proprietor of the Princess
Hotel in Portland. Oregon, for two years. Removing to Roseburg. Oregon, he con-
ducted the McClellan Hotel of that place for a year and then again spent a year in
Portland. In 1913 he arrived in Yakima and became proprietor of the Grand Hotel, so
continuing until his death on September 9. 1918. The hotel was established in 1912.
It is a five-story structure, one hundred and twenty-five by one hundred and forty-
three feet, and contains two hundred rooms. It is a brick and cement building with
basement and of steel and fireproof construction. It has forty-nine rooms with bath
and there are three public baths on each floor. A cafe is carried on in connection
with the hotel, which is conducted on the European plan. A fine auto bus meets all
trains and the hotel is steam heated throughout, with hot and cold water in each room
and telephone connection to each room. About thirty people are employed and
everything is strictly modern and conducted to the utmost point of comfort for the
guests. All this had been brought about through the unceasing activities of Mr.
Gronvold, who thus won a well deserved reputation as a leading and popular hotel
proprietor in the northwest. In addition to bis hotel business he was the owner of
valuable properties, including three fine ranches, one in the Yakima valley and
two in Oregon.
In 1900 Mr. Gronvold was married to Miss Anna Josephine Bott. who was born
in Leavenworth. Kansas. They had one child. George, whose birth occurred in Skag-
way. Alaska, in 1901. and who is now in Siberia with the Canadian army, having
been refused enlistment in the United States army on account of his age. Mr. Gron-
vold belonged to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, to the Independent Order
of Odd Fellows, to the Commercial Club, to the Yakima Valley Busmess Mens
C. H. M. GEONVOLD
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY SOS
Association and to the Sour Doughs, an Alaskan society. In politics he was an in-
dependent republican. He possessed a genial, social nature which constituted an
element in his success as hotel manager and at the same time he was well endowed
with those business qualifications — executive ability and administrative direction — •
which are so essential in the conduct of interests such as claimed his time and at-
tention. His death, which was quite sudden, came as a distinct shock to his many
friends as well as his wife and son, and in him Yakimn lost a most progressive and
valuable citizen. His memory will long be cherished Ijy those who knew him more
intimately and who thus were able to judge of his noble traits of character. In his
friendships he was ever steadfast and true, but he was above all else deeply devoted
to his family.
Mrs. Gronvold is now very ably carrying on the business, the years of collabora-
tion with her husband having brought her the needed experience. With pride she
anticipates the return of her son from foreign battlefields, who then will assist her
in the conduct of the large enterprise, thus relieving her of much of the burden
■which her manifold duties now lay upon her.
DE WITT DAVID CLARK.
De Witt David Clark, engaged in fruit raising and general farming near Grand-
view, is one of the enterprising young orchardists of this section to whom oppor-
tunity is ever a call to action — a call to which he makes ready response. He was born
at Brush Prairie, Washington, September 21, 1892, a son of Edmond Howard and
Susan Annie (Harris) Clark. The father was born in Iowa and the mother's birth
occurred at Cedar Rapids, that state. When a lad of but nine years Edmond H.
Clark crossed the plains with his father, Alvin Clark, in the year 1852 and the family
home was later established at Brush Prairie. Washington, where they were among the
earliest of the pioneer settlers. The grandfather continued to reside in that locality to
the time of his death and devoted his attention to ranching and also engaged in
preaching as a minister of the Baptist church. Edmond H. Clark was there reared
amid the scenes and environment of pioneer life and assisted in the arduous task of
developing new land, upon which not a furrow had been turned nor an improvement
made when the place came into their possession. Later he removed to the Palouse
country and afterward took up his abode at Sunnyside, Washington, about 1902. He
then purchased land and at once began to farm it, continuing its cultivation and further
development until his demise.
In early manhood Edmond H. Clark had married Susan Annie Harris, a daughter
of Samuel C. Harris, who was also one of the pioneers on the Pacific coast. He
brought his family to this section of the country by way of the Isthmus of Panama
in 1869, with Brush Prairie as his destination. He then began farming and continued
in active identification with the agricultural interests of that region until the time of
his demise. His daughter was reared in this locality and is still living, but her hus-
band, Edmond H. Clark, passed away on the 14th of October, 1914.
This worthy couple were the parents of seven children: Francis, a farmer re-
siding at Sunnyside, who is married and has si.x children: Laura, the wife of Herbert
K. Oliver, living at Hood River, Washington: Edwin H., deceased; Jessamine, who
is the wife of Roy A. Johnson, occupying the old home ranch in Yakima county, and has
one child; Lawrence, an orchardist living near Grandview, who is married and has
four children:: .Alvin. an orchardist, also residing near Grandview, who is married
and has two children; and De Witt David, of this review, who makes his home with
his mother.
The last named acquired a public school education and through the period of his
boyhood and youth assisted in the development of the home ranch. In the fall of
1915 he and his mother purchased seven acres of land at Grandview, of which three
and a half acres is planted to orchard, while the remainder is plow land. They have
a nice home and there are also good barns upon the place, in fact the equipment of
the place is that which is found upon a model ranch property of the twentieth century
and Mr. Clark is very successfully engaged in raising fruit, being now well known as
506 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
one of the representative young orchardists of the community. Mrs. Clark is a mem-
ber of the Christian church. The son gives his political allegiance to the republican
party and keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day but does not
desire public office as a reward for party fealty. He prefers to concentrate his efforts
and attention upon his business affairs, and the thoroughness and progressiveness of
his mehtods have brought to him substantial success.
THOMAS L. MARTIN.
Thomas L. Martin, president of the Yakima Abstract & Title Company and also
engaged in the insurance business in Yakima, was born in Dodbridge county, West
Virginia, in 1867. a son of Luther and Ann M. (Harrison) Martin. The parents, leav-
ing the Atlantic coast, made- their way across the country to Yakima and spent their
remaining days in the Pacific northwest, both being laid to rest here. The father was
engaged in the lumber business in West Virginia for forty years.
Thomas L. Martin acquired a public school education, supplemented by study in
the West Virginia L'niversity. He arrived in Yakima on the 1st of December, 1888,
and served as deputy sheriff under D*an Lesh. He was afterward active along various
lines of business until 1903, when, in connection with Fred Chandler, he purchased the
business of the Yakima Abstract & Title Company, which was organized in 1882 by
Mrs. Kate Tyler, formerly Kate Fuerbach, who was one of the early auditors of the
county. This was the first abstract company formed in Yakima county. The busi-
ness had passed through various ownerships, being ultimately taken over by the firm
of Chandler & Martin, but Mr. Chandler sold his interest to Mr. Martin, who now
conducts the abstract business alone. He is also interested in the insurance business
as a member of the firm of Martin & Miller.
On the 14th of January, 1904, Mr. Martin was married to Mrs. Dora (.\llen)
Brooke, of Yakima, and they now have a daughter, Virginia Harrison. Mr. Martin
votes with the republican party, having long supported its principles and with firm
belief in its policy. He belongs to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and in
Masonic circles has attained high rank, having membership in the lodge, chapter and
commandery at Yakima and in Afifi Temple of the Mystic Shrine.
PATRICK H. TYRRELL.
Patrick H. Tyrrell has the care of a twenty acre orchard in the Selah valley, of
which he became the owner in 1907, and in connection with the cultivation of apples
he is engaged also in raising alfalfa. Thus his time is busily spent and his com-
munity finds in him an active and representative citizen.
Mr. Tyrrell was born in Chisago county, Minnesota, July 28, 1864, a son of
James and Margaret Tyrrell, who were natives of Ireland and became residents of
Chisago county in early life, their marriage being there celebrated. It was in 1864
that James Tyrrell settled in Minnesota, where he engaged in farming throughout
his remaining days, his death there occurring in 1916. His widow still occupies the
old homestead in that state, where for more than a half century she has lived.
No event of special importance occurred to vary the routine of farm life for
Patrick H. Tyrrell in his boyhood days. He acquired a public school education and
remained at home until he had attained his majority, after which he worked at the
barber's trade for a few years. He was later engaged in the drug business in Minne-
sota for thirteen years and in 1907 came to Yakima county, purchasing twenty acres
of land in the Selah valley, for which he paid twelve thousand dollars, the tract being
planted to apples. He has it all seeded to alfalfa at the present time and is thus
producing a good crop of hay as well as apples.
On the 14th of May, 1898", Mr. Tyrrell was married to Miss Mary Irene Burns, of
Stillwater, Minnesota, a daughter of Daniel and Ann (Shortle") Burns. They have
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 507
become the parents of nine children: Gerald, at home; Catharine R., who is deceased;
Theodore; Nathalie; Phillip; Patricia; Daniel; Helen and Elizabeth.
Mr. Tyrrell and his family are members of St. Joseph's Catholic church, and he
also belongs to the Knights of Columbus. He is likewise connected with the Modern
Woodmen of America and the Brotherhood of American Yeomen. In politics he is
a republican and while living in Minnesota he served for two years as a member of
the city council of Linstrom. He has never sought public office since removing to
the northwest, preferring to concentrate his attention and his efforts upon his busi-
ness affairs. He is today the owner of an excellent property, highly developed, and
the progressive methods which marked his grain raising in the Mississippi valley are
equally manifest in the care of his orchards in the Pacific northwest. His plans
are well defined and promptly executed and the faithful performance of each day's
duty as it comes to him gives him strength, inspiration and encouragement for the
labors of the succeeding day.
JOHN J. LUDENS.
John J. Ludens, who has departed this life, was born in Gibbsville, Wisconsin,
October 14, 1872. and was called to his final rest on the 2d of December, 190S. His
parents. Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Ludens, were both natives of Holland. They made the
long voyage across the Atlantic and established their home in Wisconsin.
After acquiring a public school education John J. Ludens engaged in farming
with his father in his native state and afterward became a resident of Sioux county,
Iowa, where he lived until 1900, when he made his way to the northwest. Attracted
by the opportunities which report told him were to be found in Yakima county, he
traveled to this district and made investment in twenty acres of land, to which he
afterward added another twenty acre tract. His place is situated on the Moxee and
thereon he erected a comfortable residence and made other substantial improvments
in accord with the spirit of modern progressive agriculture at the present day. His
time and attention were devoted to farming interests here until his death.
On the 28th of February, 1895, Mr. Ludens was married to Miss Bertha Bakker,
who was born in Holland in 1872, a daughter of Jacob and Grace (Stavinga) Bakker,
who in 1890 became residents of Sioux county, Iowa, where the mother passed away,
but the father is now living in Yakima county. Mr. and Mrs. Ludens' children are
Nellie, the wife of Rev. R. Kroodsma, residing at Clymer. New York; and Gertrude,
Jacob, John and Jeannette, all at home.
The family are all members of the First Reformed church. Mrs. Ludens and the
children manage the old homestead and arc meeting with substantial success in the
conduct of the property. Mr. Ludens was one of the pioneers of the Moxee valley
and became widely and favorably known in that section of the state, leaving behind
him many friends when he was called to his final rest and leaving to his family the
priceless heritage of an untarnished name.
CHARLES F. WHIPPEY.
Charles F. Whippey, who now owns a valuable apple orchard of fifteen acres,
one and a quarter miles east of Zillah. his whole tract comprising twenty acres, has
had a most interesting career as a navigator of racing yachts. Many were the races
in which he participated and many are the victories that stand to his credit. A native
of Nantucket. Massachusetts, he was born March 28. 1862, and is a son of Henry C. and
Hannah M. (Bates) Whippey. also natives of that state. The father was a son of
Frederick Whippey, who was also born in Nantucket and was descended from a long
line of American ancestors, the original one of whom came from Wales in the third
ship after the Mayflower. The father and grandfather of our subject were carpenters,
the former making his home in New York for many .years, where he was engaged in
contracting and building.
508 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
Charles F. Whippey received a public school education in New York and at the
age of sixteen years went to sea. Many and interesting were his experiences in that
connection, as for twenty years he led the life of a sailor, of which period twelve years
were spent as captain or as captain and part owner. He was principally engaged in
the West Indies and South American trade and three times he was shipwrecked, los-
ing one of his ships in the heavy gales of 1898. He was navigator for John O'Brien,
the famous shipowner on the Atlantic. Captain Whippey was engaged at that time
in "gun running," that is carrying guns and ammunition to Cuba before the Cuban
war in order to furnish the natives with weapons to throw ofl their oppressors. His
boat was taken over by the Spanish government but subsequently, through the efiorts
of the British consul, released, all of the crew testifying that they were Nova Scotia
men. Before their release was eflfected, however, they were cast into a Spanish prison.
During one of the shipwrecks on the Atlantic coast which Captain Whipey experi-
enced he was picked up unconscious, his leg and ribs having been broken. He went
through the yellovi' fever epidemic, as he was running at that time out of Mobile,
Alabama. His captain died with the fever and Mr. Whippey was made captain for
the first time, this being in the early '80s. From that time until he gave up his sea-
faring life he held that rank. For several years he was navigator of private yachts
belonging to capitalists and during this period won twenty-six out of twenty-eight
yacht races on the Atlantic. Among these was one memorable race against Charlie
Barr, the famous yacht racer.
It was in the fall of 1899 that Captain Whippey arrived in Yakima county, Wash-
ington, and here he acquired title to twenty acres of land one and a quarter miles east
of Zillah, the tract being covered with a dense growth of sagebrush. Although he had
never been on a farm before and knew nothing of orcharding he undertook this new
enterprise with courage and soon his indomitable spirit won out. He at first planted
a few cantaloupes and potatoes, gradually clearing his ranch and also working for
wages. Fifteen acres of the tract are now in bearing orchard, which is largely set out
in apples, and today he receives a most gratifying income from his ranch, the remain-
der of which is planted to alfalfa.
In 1898 Captain Whippey was united in marriage to Miss Marie Nicola, a native
of Switzerland, and to this union has been born a daughter, Dorothy, who married
Charles V. Weddle, who served in the L^nited States army during the World war and
received his honorable discharge in February, 1919.
Captain Whippey is prominent in fraternal circles, having held all of the chairs
in the subordinate lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He also be-
longs to the encampment of that organization. In politics he is independent, preferring
to follow his own judgment instead of party dictation. In the progress and develop-
ment of Yakima county he is deeply interested and is ever ready to lend his aid and co-
operation to measures which are undertaken on behalf of the general good. He has
■closely studied the subject of orcharding and, following progressive methods, has
succeeded in more than ordinary measure. All who know him speak of him in terms
of high regard, as he is a man of character who faithfully discharges all of life's
■obligations.
JOHN A. McDONELL.
John A. McDonell has been actively identified with horticultural interests in the
Selah valley for the past decade and now owns twenty-five acres of land devoted
to the growing of apples, pears, peaches ana prunes. His birth occurred in Glen-
garry county, Ontario, on the 14th ot June, 1852, his parents being Alexander and
Annie (McRay) McDonell, who were also natives of Canada and are now deceased
By occupation the father was a farmer.
John A. McDonell attended the public schools in the acquirement of an edu-
cation and after his textbooks were put aside turned his attention to general agri-
cultural pursuits. The year 1888 witnessed his arrival in Washington but he did not
remain in the state at that time, removing to Idaho at the end of a year's residence
in Seattle. He was identified with mining interests in Idaho for eighteen years and
JOHN A. McDONELL
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 511
on the expiration of that period purchased twenty acres of land in the Selah valley
of Washington, where he took up his abode in 1908. A decade later he purchased ar,
additional tract of five acres, so that he now owns twenty-five acres, all planted to
apples, pears, peaches and prunes. His efforts as a horticulturist have been attended
with gratifying and well deserved success and he has long been numbered among the
representative fruit growers of his section. He has remodeled his residence, making
It a most attractive and comfortable home.
On the 18th of July, 1878, Mr. McDonell was united in marriage to Miss Hen-
rietta McDonald, a native ot Canada, by whom he has seven children, as follows:
Alexander, who is connected with mining interests in Idaho; Lawrence, who is en-
gaged in ranching in the Selah valley; Finlcy, a resident of the Squaw Creek country;
Frank, at home; Jane, the wife of William Rohr; Annie, who gave her hand in mar-
riage to Edward McNamamra; and Catherine, a thome.
In politics Mr.. McDonell fs a stanch republican, supporting the men and meas-
ures of that party at the polls. He is a de'-out communicant of St. Joseph's Cath-
olic church and also has membership relations with the Knights of Columbus anc'
the Woodmen of the World. His career has ever been straightforward, upright and
honorable, winning for him the esteem and high regard of all with whom business
or social relations have brought him in contact.
CHARLES GUSTAFSON.
Charles Gustafson is the owner of an excellent farm property of three hundred
and sixty acres, which he has brought under a high state of cultivation and to which
he has added many modern improvements. That he is practical as well as progressive
in all of his idtas is indicated in the excellent results which have attended his labors.
He was born in Sweden, September 9, 1873, a son of Gustave and Charlotte Larsen.
The father is now deceased but the mother survives and is still a resident of Sweden.
Through the period of his boyhood and youth Mr. Gustafson of this review re-
mained a resident of his native country. He was a young man of nineteen years when
in 1892 he crossed the Atlantic and made his way to Iowa, where he worked out. He
afterward went to Minneapolis and later to Chicago, where he was employed on the
drainage canal. Subsequently he secured work in the lumber woods of Michigan and
afterward went to Moorhead, Minnesota, where he was employed at farm labor for a
few years. .Althougli he Iiad previously worked in tlie lumber woods, he decided on
removing to Minnesota that he would secure employment in the harvest fields. A
farmer who offered him a job asked him if he could run a binder. He replied that
he could, although he had never done such a thing. That he made good in the posi-
tion is indicated in the fact that he was retained in the service of that farmer for
four years. He readily adapted himself to any task that was assigned him. He
closely studied the demands and the opportunities of each situation and day by day
learned valuable lessons which have been of the greatest worth to him in later years.
He continued a resident of Minnesota until 1900, when he made his way to the north-
west, settling in Kittitas county, Washington, where he was employed by others for
a year. He then bought one hundred and sixty acres of land eight and a half miles
northeast of EUensburg and to his original purchase he has added from time to time
until withm the boundaries of his farm are now comprised three hundred and sixty
acres. Of this he has two hundred acres planted to hay and grain and he also has
a fine dairy, splendidly equipped according to modern methods. In addition to the
cultivation of the soil he raises cattle and horses and both branches of his business
are proving prohtable. He has erected all of the buildings upon the place which in-
clude a fine home and large, substantial barns and sheds, and his business affairs
have been wisely, carefully and systematically conducted, bringing to him well earned
success.
On May 17, 1901, Mr. Gustafson was united in marriage to Miss Mary Anderson
a native of Norway, who came to the United States during her girlhood days. By
her marriage she has become the i^oth-r of four children: Andy, Carl, Ruby and
Koland.
(19)
512 ■ HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
Fraternally Mr. Gustafson is connected with the Modern Woodmen of America.
His political allegiance is given to the republican party and he lends earnest support
to its principles. He is a self-made man in that he started out in the business world
empty-handed, coming to America without financial resources. Steadily he has worked
his way upward and each forward step has brought him a broader outlook and wider
opportunities. Believing that he might secure the best chance in the great and grow-
ing northwest, he made his way to this section of the country — a step that he has
never regretted, for here he has made steady progress along lines that have placed
him with the substantial agriculturists of Kittitas county.
JOHX A. YEARWOOD.
John A. Yearwood, who since 1898 has occupied his ranch near Thorp, where he
is engaged in dairying as well as in the cultivation of the soil, is numbered among
those men who by individual effort win success. He started out in the business world
empty-handed and has made steady progress since that day. He was born in Ala-
bama. April 7, 1862, a son of John and Alpha Ann (Clarke) Yearwood. The father
died prior to 1864 and the mother afterward went to Tennessee with her son, John.
Later she became the wife of J. R. Mathews in 1869 and in 1879 they removed to
Texas. In later life they became residents of Kittitas county Washington, where
both passed away.
It was in the spring of 1887 that John A. Yearwood arrived in Kittitas county,
where he was employed for two years. He then took up a homestead near Thorp
and later purchased seven hundred and twenty acres of railway land and also other
land, having more than eight hundred and thirty acres at one time, but in 1914 he
sold that ranch. In the meantime, or in 1898, he had purchased sixty acres of land
near Thorp and has since lived thereon. He now has a fine home, substantial barns
and all modern equipments upon his place, which is devoted largely to the raising
of grain and hay. He also makes dairying an important feature of his business, and
though he started out in life empty-handed, he is today one of the substantial citi-
zens of the district.
In January, 1889, Mr. Yearwood was married to Miss Etta May Page, a daughter
of Hcman and Rachel Fage, who were pioneers of Kittitas county. The children
of this marriage are: Alfred, who is now a member of the United States army;
Susie, the wife of Andy Beers, who resides near Cle Elum, w^here he is engaged
in ranching; Rachel, the wife of Bert Christncr. a resident of California; Amanda,
the wife of Ben Ellis, who is engaged in ranching in Kittitas county; Lucy, John.
Etta May and Merle, all at home. The youngest is now ten years of age.
Mr. Yearwood is a democrat in his political views and fraternally is connected
with the Modern Woodmen. His present condition is in marked contrast to the
condition of the early period of his residence in Washington, for at an early day
he cut and split wood at three dollars per cord and then hauled it a distance of
eighteen miles. A period of unremitting toil, fraught also with many hardships and
privations, brought him at lengeth to a point from which he has advanced steadily
toward the goal of prosperity.
PETER PATXODE.
Washington had long been settled and various natural resources of the state
developed before it was recognized that it might become a rich agricultural district.
There were great stretches of land covered only with sagebrush and it was believed
that the desert could not be developed. Men of vision and of enterprise, however,
took up the task and demonstrated the possibilities for successful farming and fruit
raising in various sections of the state, including the great Yakima valley. Among
the number now w^isely. carefully and profitably engaged in farming on the Moxee
is Peter Patnode. who purchased a tract of land of twenty-six acres, most of which
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 513
was wild, and began its development. That he has accomplished splendid results is
indicated in the tine apearance of his place. Mr. Patnode was born at Red Lake Falls,
Minnesota. September 8, 1872, a son of Moses and Philamene Patnode, who were
natives of Canada and removed to Minnesota as a part of the first French settlement
in that state. There they continued to reside throughout their remaining days and
the father successfully followed farming.
In the year 1901, Peter Patnode. then a young man of about twenty-nine years,
wlio had been reared and educated in Minnesota, came to Yakima county and pur-
chased twenty acres of land near Moxce City. It was a wild tract covered with
sagebrush, and he was one of tlie first of the French colony to locate here. With
characteristic energy he began tlu- development and improvement of his land, which
he carefully and successfully cultivated until 1911. He then purchased twenty-six
acres by the Selah-Moxec canal, most of which was also wild. His previous ex-
perience enabled him to know just how to go about its development and soon his
labors wrought a marked transformation in the appearance of the place. The prop-
erty is now highly cultivated in the production of hay. hops and potatoes and each
year he gathers good crops. In the midst of his farm he has erected an attractive
and substantial residence and he has added many modern improvements to his
place, success attending him as the years have gone by.
In 1898 Mr. Patnode was married to Miss Antonia Brulotte and their children
are Moses, Elvina, Leah. Florine. .Amie. Doris and Eli, all yet at home. The parents
and children arc members of the Holy Rosary Catholic church at Moxee City and
Mr. Patnode gives his political allegiance to the republican party. He has never
had occasion to regret his determination to come from the Mississippi valley to the
Pacific coast, for here he found good opportunities and in their utilization has worked
his way steadily upward until he is now in affluent circumstances and is a creditable
representative of that class of men who have done so much to develop the agricultural
interests and thus enhance the prosperity of the Yakima^ valley.
WALTER C. BALL.
Walter C. Ball is vice president and general manager of the Sunnyside Undertak-
ing Company, which conducts one of the most modern and up-to-date establishments
of the kind in the Yakima valley. The company was organized in 1906 by B, F.
Centwright. who has passed away; M. D. Clark, also deceased: and Walter C. Ball
of this review, then general manager. The officers now are: W. B. Royce, presi-
dent: Amelia Ball, secretary and treasurer: and Walter C. Ball, vice president and
general manager.
Walter C. Ball was born in London. England, in 1876, a son of George Cornelius
and Annie Elizabeth (Jones) Ball. The father was also an undertaker. In fact our
subject is in the fifth generation of the family to be connected with the business.
Cnder the parental roof in London he spent his boyhood days, later assisting his
f;ither in the undertaking business, beginning at the age of fourteen and learning
all the details from the ground up. In the old establishment in the mother country
they even made their own caskets and other accessories which are now generally
bought factory made. The opportunities oflFered on this side of the Atlantic attracted
Mr. Ball, however, and he decided to seek his fortune in America. Having crossed
the ocean, Mr. Ball was for a time engaged in the undertaking business in Duluth,
Minnesota, but in 1905 came to Sunnyside and shortly afterward organized the Sunny-
side Undertaking Company, which is the outgrowth of three former firms. He has
since given his undivided attention to the conduct of this business, which has become
one of the leading establishments of the kind in this part of the state, its equipment
including fine auto service and a Winton Six hearse, which is very beautiful. In the
establishment there is a display room for caskets, etc.. and an operating room on
the first floor. The modern and beautifully decorated chapel has seats for seventy-
five. The firm also maintains a branch at Mabton, which was established in 1917.
and Mr. Ball is the manager of both places. Mrs. Ball was one of the first women
514 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
to receive a license as an undertaker in the state of Washington and is ably assisting
her husband in his work.
In 1897, at the age of twenty-one. Mr. Ball was united in marriage to Miss .Amelia
Drewett, of Duluth. Minnesota, where they resided while the former was engaged in
the undertaking business in that city. To this union were born the following chil-
dren: Herbert C. eighteen years of age. who assists his father: Percival George.
aged fourteen: and Margaret Ethel.
Mr. Ball is a member of the Masonic order, belonging to the lilue lodge, and his
religious faith is that of the Episcopal church. In his political affiliations he is a re-
publican, steadfastly supporting the principles and candidates of the party but without
desire for office. He has readily cooperated with all projects instituted for the
development and upbuilding of his section of the state and is ever ready to give finan-
cial aid to any undertaking for the betterment and welfare of the general public. He
has many friends in Sunnyside. all of whom speak of him in terms of the highest
respect.
DAVID A, RAYL.
David A. Rayl. largely devoting his time and energies to orcharding near Zillah.
conies to the west from Ohio. His birth occurred near Ada, that state, on the 23d
of April. 1877. his parents being Cornelius and Sabina (Wade) Rayl. who were also
natives of the Buckeye state. The father was a son of John Rayl, one of the pioneers
of Ohio, where he reared his family. Cornelius Rayl, after living through the period
of his minority and early manhood in Ohio removed with his family to Harrison
county, Iowa, in 1877 and there purchased land, continuing to make his home in that
district until he was called to his final rest. His widow still survives and is now
living with a daughter in the Yakima valley.
David A. Rayl is indebted to the public school system of Iowa for the educational
oportunities which he enjoyed and on reaching the age of seventeen years he started
out in the business world on his own account. For a time he was employed at farm
labor, and then, feeling that his age and experience justified his engaging in business
on his own account, he rented land in Iowa. In March. 1901. he removed to the
northwest, making the Yakima valley his destination, and here he worked for wages
for four years. Carefully saving his earnings, he then purchased ten acres two miles
northwest of Zillah. at which time the tract was planted to alfalfa. Today he has
si.x and a half acres of that place planted to apples and pears, while the remainder
is devoted to the raising of hay and diversified crops. He has built a good home
upon the place and his labors are productive of substantial results.
On the 20th of May. 1903. Mr. Rayl was married to Miss Myra Moody, who was
born in Missouri, a daughter of James and .\. E. Moody, who removed to the Yakima
valley in 1900 and became identified with its ranching interests, but the father has
since passed away.
Mr. and Mrs. Rayl are members of the Christian church, and in politics he main-
tains an independent course. He is not remiss in the duties of citizenship, however,
but gives his aid and support to various measures for the general good. In the
acquirement of success, however, he has had to concentrate every efTort and his un-
divided attention upon his business affairs and the results which he has obtained
are most gratifying.
TOHX R. BELL.
John R. Bell is still engaged in farming although he has now passed the seventy-
third milestone on life's journey. He was born in Scotland, January 28. 1846. a son
of Irving and Jean (Robson") Bell, who spent their entire lives in Scotland, where
the father devoted his attention to the occupation of farming.
John R. Bell acquired a public school education and remained in his native coun-
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 515
try until 1864. when, at the age of eighteen years, he went to Australia. Later he
removed to Xew Zealand and in both countries followed farming. The year 1884
witnessed his arrival in the Yakima valley, when the work of progress and improve-
ment had scarcely been begun in this section of the state. He cast in his lot with
the pioneer settlers of the district and was engaged in farming on the Cowiche. .At a
subsequent date he took up his abode on a ranch of the Moxee Company, residing
thereon for two years, but was ambitious to engage in business independently and
in 1891 invested his earnings in twenty acres of land on the Moxee and has since
occupied this place, covering a period of more than twenty-seven years. For a
considerable time he was engaged in cattle raising but afterward devoted his atten-
tion more largely to the production of hay, grain and other crops. He has also
at different periods rented land but is now concentrating his efforts and attention
upon the cultivation and further improvement of his twenty acre tract.
On the 23d of October, 1874, Mr. Bell was united in marriage to Miss Jennie
Cochran, a native of Scotland and a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Patterson)
Cochran. Mr. and Mrs. Bell have become parents of eight children: twins who died
at birth; Irving, now deceased: Lily, the wife of Thomas Evans, a resident of Alaska;
John, living in Yakima; William, who is a ranchman living on the Yakima reserva-
tion and is married and has one child; George, who died in 1915 at the age of twenty-
seven years; and one who died in infancy.
Mr. and Bell are members of the Presbyterian church and are most loyal to its
teachings, doing everything in their power to promote the growth of the church and
extend its influence. His political endorsement is given to the republican party, which
he has supported since becoming a naturalized American citizen. He has lived in
the Yakima valley for more than a third of a century and there is no one more
familiar with the story of its improvement and development as the years have passed
on. His memory goes back to the time when this was a great wild and unsettled
region without railroads or improvements and very few of the now flourishing towns
and cities of the valley had then sprung into existence. He rejoices in what has
been accomplished and through his own farm work has contributed to the agricultural
development of the region. He has ever been thoroughly reliable as well as enter-
prising in his business and throughout his entire life he has displayed substantial
qualities which have gained him a high place in public regard both as a man and as a
citizen.
THOMAS B. ZIMMERMAN.
Thomas B. Zimmerman has for more than a decade resided in the Yakima valley.
He comes to the northwest from Illinois, his birth having occurred in Jackson county,
that state, on the 25th of .April, 1879, his parents being William and Louise (Freed)
Zimmerman, who were pioneers of that state. They were born in Pennsylvania but
removed to the Mississippi valley during the early epoch of its development. They
were farming people of Illinois and lioth spent their remaining days in that state.
Thomas B. Zimmerman pursued his education in the public schools and assisted
bis father in the work of the home farm until he reached the age of twenty-one years.
He then devoted a year to the study of electricity in the Highland Park College
at Des Moines, Iowa, after which he purchased an interest in the Illinois Engineering
& Machine Company at Carterville, Illinois. He remained a director and the treas-
urer of that company for a period of five years, but the opportunities of the growing
northwest attracted him and in .April. 19()8, he came across the country to Yakima
county, Washington. He worked for wages at the carpenter's trade in Yakima for
live years and then invested his savings in 1913 in twenty acres of land in the Cowiche
valley. He built a house and barns upon the place and began the active work of its
further development and improvement. The land is now devoted to the raising of
hay. grain and potatoes and he annually harvests good crops. He is also the owner
of a hay baler, which he operates throughout the valley.
On the 16th of March, 1907, Mr. Zimmerman was united in marriage to Miss
Lillian B. Bandy, .who was born in Williams county, Illinois, a dauglitcr of B. P. and
516 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
Elizabeth (Epperson) Bandy, who came to Yakima connty in 1909 and now reside
in the citj- of Yakima. Mr. and Mrs. Zimmerman have become the parents of four
cliihiren: Charlotte Marie, deceased; Louise Elizabeth; Robert; and Billy.
In exercising his right of franchise Mr. Zimmerman considers the capability
of the candidate rather than his party ties. In other words he casts an independent
ballot. Both he and his wife are members of the Christian church and are people of
sterling worth, enjoying the high regard, confidence and good will of all who know
them.
CARL WALTERS.
The fine orchard which Carl Walters developed on the Tieton is said to be one
of the most valuable within that whole section of the state. It is the largest in the
Tieton district and is modernly equipped and highly cultivated, bringing rich returns
to its owners. Mr. Walters always took the greatest pride in its cultivation and
development and so well did he succeed that the high reputation which he enjoyed
as an orchardist was fully deserved. Many were the friends who mourned his death
when, on the 24th of April, 1916, he passed away, leaving a bereaved family who
keenly felt this great loss. His memory remains with them and the good name which
he left continues as a consolation to them.
Mr. Walters was a native of Sweden and came to America at the age of about
twenty years. Crossing not only the ocean but the entire continent, he took up his
abode in Seattle, Washington, where at first he engaged in carpentering. Later he
successfully operated a sawmill at Stanwood, Washington, not only proving himself
thoroughly competent in lumber work but also displaying great natural ability for
business transactions. Although Mr. Walters was ever shrewd and careful in his
dealings, he never took advantage of another and his whole career reflects honor
upon his name. In 1900 he changed his occupation entirely, acquiring one hundred
and twenty acres on the Tieton and also forty acres on the Ahtanum, in addition to
eighty acres on the Indian reservation. He took up his residence at Everett and
developed the property, planting sixty acres to orchard, this being the largest in the
Tieton valley. Ever progressive and alert, Mr. Walters made this one of the most
valuable fruit-raising properties in the state, the family now deriving a most gratifying
income as a result of his untiring labor and business foresight. He made many valu-
able improvements, instituting up-to-date equipment and erecting modern buildings.
Xot only did he work for himself and his family' but contributed by his labors to
general development along horticultural lines, thus demonstrating what may be
achieved when singleness of purpose combines with natural ability, thoroughness
and experience. The large interests are now managed by Mrs. Walters and her sons.
Mr. Walters was united in marriage to Anna Anderson, a native of Norway and
a daughter of Andrew and Annie (Olson) .'Anderson, the former of whom passed
away in Norway. Subsequently the mother came to the United States with her fam-
ily but she is now also deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Walters were born five children,
of whom Percy and Deena, the two eldest, have passed away. The others are Chal-
nier. Earl and Carl. The family are highly respected in their neighborhood, enjoying
the full confidence of all who know them.
Mr. Walters was a loyal and devoted Mason, being a member of the blue lodge,
the Royal Arch chapter and the commandcry. Helpfulness, which is one of the
fundamental principles of this organization, ever guided him in his life's work. He
\vz^ also a member of the Knights of The Maccabees and the Ancient Order of Uni-
ted Workmen. In politics he was a republican but was never an office-seeker. He
was thoroughly in accord with all movements for progress undertaken by the party
and readily gave his support to such measures. Public office, however, did not at-
tract him as his private interests demanded much of his time. Success came to him
because of his inherent qualities and also because of that industry and thrift which
he ever practiced. He left not only a fine example of what may be accomplished in
this section of the country but he also left a name which stands out as that of a loyal,
true '-itizen, a man who was ever faithful to his word. Such prosperity as came to
CARL WALTERS
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 519
him was but his just reward. Many were those who regretted his passing and who
still niss him, but his loss was most sincerely felt by his loving family, who revere
his memory as hallowed.
J. W. TAPP.
J. W. Tapp, now a successful orchardist in the Tieton district, has for years been
closely connected with evangelical work, having traveled over a large section of the
country as a singing evangelist. He has also been a leader of note in band music
as well as in choirs and has been prominent in Sundayl school work in connection
with the Christian church. By his efforts he has contributed largely toward directing
the people to the fundamental principles of religion and has therefore wrought much
good in the communities in which he has been active. He is a man of refined tastes,
a close student of human nature, tender in his ministrations where help and aid are
needed, yet he is vigorous and never loses sight of the goal to which he aspires, and
thus is combined in him a personality that at one and the same time makes him a
genial companion as well as a forceful leader. His progressiveness. faithfulness, fore-
sight and energy have in late years been equally applied to his present task of de-
veloping one of the profitable orchards of his neighborhood.
Mr. Tapp was born in Mount Sterling, Kentucky, April 22, 1864, a son of John
and Amanda (Myers) Tapp, both natives of Kentucky. His paternal grandfather,
Harvey Tapp, was a native of England and was numbered among the pioneers of
the Blue Grass state. Throughout his life the father followed farming and in the
'70s removed to Montgomery county, Indiana, where he continued in the same line
of occupation quite successfully until death claimed him. His widow is still living
at the age of eighty-four years.
J. \V. Tapp was reared under the able guidance of his parents. In the acquire-
ment of his education he attended the common schools, rounding out his elementary
knowledge by a course at the Ladoga (Ind.) Normal School, from which institution
he was graduated. L'pon laying aside his textbooks he decided upon an agricultural
career as most suited to his tastes and ability and continued to engage in farming
in connection with his father until twenty-one years of age. In 1893 he went to
Chicago and in that city assisted in the erection of the famous P^erris wheel at the
World's Fair. This completed, he turned his attention to sawmilling and also was
in the lumber business, being thus occupied until thirty-tive years of age, vifhen he
became a singing evangelist, having developed remarkable talent along that line.
Great success attended his labors in the ten years he was connected with Brooks
Brothers and others in evangelical work. In 1911 he came to Yakima county, where
in the previous year he had acquired title to ten acres of land on the Tieton. Later
he bought ten acres more and he now has fourteen acres in orchard, the remainder
being under the plow. This property is in a good state of cultivation, as Mr. Tapp
has ever followed the most progressive methods, has carefully read up on the sub-
ject of horticulture and has instituted modern facilities and equipment. L^pon his
farm is a fine residence, modernly equipped. The success that has come to him is
diie to his rare foresight, executive ability, thoroughness in regard to detail and
all those higher qualities that make up the modern business man and horticulturist.
In 1911 he removed to Yakima and became financial secretary, superintendent of
the Sunday school and choir and Nvas also a director of the Christian church until
May, 1918. In these connections he did much toward assisting the organization and
his eflforts have been of the greatest benefit to the church.
On the 20th of September, 1893, Mr. Tapp was united in marriage to Miss Anna
Kirk, a native of Crawfordsvillc. Indiana, and a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert
Kirk. To this union has been born a son, Horace, who is an able musician and is
now serving with the United States army in Siberia, holding the rank of corporal
and acting as secretary and librarian with the Thirty-first Regimental Band.
Mr. and Mrs. Tapp are very prominent socially, as they are people of refinement
and superior tastes, Mr. Tapp is often called upon to make use of his fine baritone
voice and is much in demand as a leader of choirs, his rare musical ability being
520 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
duly recognized by all who know him. Fraternally he is a Mason, belonging to the
blue lodge, and he is also identified with the Knights of Pythias and the Modern
Woodmen of America, while his religious faith is that of the Christian church. In
politics he is a democrat but is not an active party worker, although he keeps well
informed in regard to the issues of the day. The Tieton valley is to be congratu-
lated upon having such a valuable citizen as Mr. Tapp, who has ever exerted his
efforts in order to raise social as well as economic standards in his neighborhood.
By his activities along various lines he has contributed to material as well as to
mental and moral development and is therefore esteemed, respected and honored
by all who know him.
CHRISTOPHER A. LIVEXGOOD.
A valuable farm of one hundred and forty acres stands as evidence of the life
work of Christopher A. Livengood, who is numbered among the successful ranchers
of the Tieton district. A native of Yakima county, he was born in the Cowiche
valley July 18, 1889, and although only thirty years of age he has already attained
a degree of prosperity which is highly commendable. He is a son of Mr. and Mrs.
Ira Livengood, who are mentioned to a greater extent on another page of this work.
Christopher A. Livengood in the acquirement of his education attended the public
schools, subsequent to which time he assisted his father with the ranch work, thus
learning the fundamental methods of farming as pertaining to local conditions. At
the early age of fourteen he started to work for wages, and, carefully saving his earn-
ings, he was enabled in 1912 to buy a ten acre ranch on the Cowiche, on which seven
acres were devoted to apples. This he later sold and in 1917 acquired title to one
hundred and forty acres on the Tieton, where he raises grain and hay, in fact engages
in general farming, and also gives considerable attention to stock raising, deriving
a gratifying part of his income from this source. He is progressive in all of his
undertakings and as he is painstaking and industrious he has already made his
property a valuable one.
On October 30, 1912, Mr. Livengood was united in marriage to Miss Delia Parker,
a native of Kansas. Her parents, R. W. and Emma (Breaght) Parker, were Kansas
pioneers, who in 190O removed to Yakima county, where the father bought a ranch
on the Xaches, later acquiring title to another ranch on the Nile, where he is now
extensively engaged in cattle and horse raising. He is prominent in his neighbor-
hood and respected by all who know him. Mr. and Mrs. Livengood are the parents
of a son, Christopher Robert. They are highly respected in their neighborhood,
where they have many friends. Both are interested in the moral progress and take
part in all movements for the uplift of humanity. Mr. Livengood has ever taken
a laudable interest in promoting material prosperity here and has given his close
attention to measures which are undertaken for the benefit of the public. In his
political affiliation he is a democrat but has never aspired to office.
U. JEFFERSOX DAVIS.
D. Jefferson Davis is one of the business men of Toppenish, where he is con-
ducting the creamery interests of the Mutual Creamery Company of Salt Lake. The
story of his life is the story of endeavor crowned by success. He was born on the
18th of March, 1888, and the year 1894 witnessed his arrival in Idaho when a youth of
but six summers. The completion of his public school course awakened the ambition
to enjoy better educational opportunities and after earning the money necessary to
meet his tuition and other expenses he entered the Idaho University. He there pur-
sued a special course in dairying and since that time has given his attention to dairy
work with excellent results.
In September, 1915, Mr. Davis came to Toppenish and established a creamery
which in 1918 he sold to the Mutual Creamery Company and remains as local manager
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 521
of the business at this point. The corporation which he represents has twenty-six
plants over the northwest. The business was established at Toppenish as a receiving
station and in 1917 the company erected a new building sixty by one hundred and
twenty feet and one story in height. It is a cement structure well equipped for the
purposes used. The company has its own ice plant here with a capacity of seven
tons for every twenty-four hours and a condenser with a capacity of ten thousand
pounds of milk per day. The cheese factory has a capacity of sixteen thousand pounds
of milk and the butter-making department handles two thousand pounds per day.
There is also an ice cream manufactory as a department of the business and this
turns out three hundred gallons of its products daily. The company employs at
Toppenish from eight to ten people in addition to the manager, who directs all of
the activities of the concern at this point. .-X good business is being conducted, the
plant at Toppenish using the product of eight hundred cows. The output of the
creamery is sold largely locally and refrigerating rooms have a capacity for two
carloads of the products. The plant has all the most modern machinery for carrying
on the business and everything is arranged in a systematic manner, neatness and
sanitation characterizing every department of the work.
On the 29th of May, 1915, Mr. Davis was united in marriage to Miss Frances
Dysart, a native of Idaho, and they now have an interesting little son, Richard S.
Mr. Davis is a member of the Improved Order of Foresters. Politically he maintains
an independent course, voting for men and measures rather than for party. He is
actuated, however, by a public-spirited citizenship that prompts his active cooperation
in all measures and movements for the general good. Those who know him, and he
has gained a wide acquaintance during his residence here, entertain for him high
regard, speak of him as a most progressive business man and enjoy his friendship.
RA LOUIS BROWN.
Ira Louis Brown, conducting one of the leading shoe stores in Yakima and
actuated in all that he does by business enterprise, progressiveness and initiative, was
born in Elizabeth, New Jersey, January 17, 1888, a son of Edward and Emma Brown.
The father was a shoe merchant and both he and his wife are now deceased. The
family removed to El Paso, Texas, in 1902 and there Ira L. Brown supplemented
his public school training by a business college education. He made his initial step
in commercial circles as clerk in a shoe store owned by his uncle, J. L. Brown, who
was a general merchant of E! Paso, Texas. He afterwards spent two years in
Douglas. Arizona, and a similar period in Cleveland, Ohio, and in both places was
connected with the shoe trade. In 1909 he came to Yakima and for two years was
employed by the Barnes-Woodin Company. He then embarked in business on his
own account on Front street and in November, 1915, bought out the firm of .\llen &
Mackey, proprietors of a shoe store in the Miller building. At a subsequent period
he removed to the Yakima Hotel building and in November, 1917, established his
business at No. 216 East Yakima avenue, where he occupies the first floor and base-
ment of a building twenty-five by one hundred and thirty feet. His trade has steadily
grown, necessitating the employment of six clerks. He handles the Ncttleton, Doug-
las. Packard, Utz & Dunn, Hervey E. Guptill and other lines of shoes, carrying an
extensive stock of men's, women's and children's footwear. He demands the most
courteous and obliging treatment on the part of all of his employes, and his earnest
efiforts to please his patrons, combined w^ith his honorable business dealings, have
made him one of the prosperous merchants of the city.
On the 6th of July, 1913, Mr. Brown was married to Miss Rebecca Lippman. of
Seattle, and they had one child, Emily, who is now four years of age. Mrs. Brown
passed away on December 17, 1918, her death being a great blow to her husband
and causing sincere sorrow among her many devoted friends, as she was a woman of
the highest character and accomplishments. Her memory will remain as a benedic-
tion to all who knew her. Mr. Brown belongs to the Benevolent Protective Order
of Elks, also to the Knights of Pythias and Modern Woodmen of .America. His
522 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
political allegiance is given to the republican party and his interest in community
affairs is indicated by his connection with the Commercial Club. He belongs also
to the Young Men's Christian Association and is a member of the Washington State
Guard — connections that indicate his support of state and national interests. He has
ever manifested the utmost loyalty to his country and her cause and has done every-
thing in his power to promote national and community progress.
WALTER PRICE.
Walter Price, a well known rancher living near Outlook, was born near State
Center, Iowa, July 19, 1860, a son of William O. and Martha (Trame!) Price, who
were natives of Pennsylvania and of Indiana respectively. They became pioneer
residents of Iowa, the father removing to that state in 1855, while the mother had
gone to the west in 1852. She had accompanied her parents on their removal with
o.x teams from Indiana and her father had purchased thirteen hundred acres of land
in that state. Three years later William O. Price became a resident of Iowa and
there he formed the acquaintance of Martha Tramel, whose hand he sought and won
in marriage, .^t the time of the Civil war he responded to the country's call for aid
and joined the Twenty-third Iowa Infantry, in which he served as sergeant. With
his return to Iowa he took up the occupation of farming, which he followed continu-
ously in that state save for a period of four and a half years spent in California during
the '70s. He was long numbered among the progressive and representative argicul-
turists of Iowa, where he continued to make his home until his death.
Walter Price acquired a good public school education in his home locality and
was associated with his father in the development and improvement of the latter's
farm until he attained his majority. He then started out in life on his own account.
In the spring of 1885 he went to South Dakota,_ where he took up a homestead, pre-
emption and desert claim, and his wife also secured a claim of one hundred and si.xty
acres, so that they had six hundred and forty acres in all. He became a successful
farmer of that district, carefully and systematically developing and cultivating his
fields there until the fall of 1903, when he sold his property in that state, attracted
by the opportunities of the growing northwest. He then made his way to Yakima
county and bought forty acres of land two miles northwest of Outlook. This he
partly cleared and has improved the place, developing it into an excellent ranch. The
summer seasons find his fields green with good crops of corn, potatoes and hay,
which, ripening in the fall, find a ready sale upon the market, bringing to him a sub-
stantial annual income. He also makes a specialty of handling hogs and cattle and
conducts a dairy business. He is interested in the most progressive methods of farm-
ing, which he employs in the further development of his property, and for four years
he was president of the Outlook Irrigation District. He has closely studied irriga-
tion problems as well as the questions relative to the methods of farming his land
and caring for the crops and he is able to speak with authority upon many problems
relative to the agricultural interests of this section of the state and its water supply.
On the 31st of December, 1886, Mr. Price was united in marriage to Miss Mary
Hartman, who was born in Iowa, a daughter of Valentine and Christina Hartman,
the former a native of Switzerland. He became a pioneer settler of Iowa, taking up
his abode first near Burlington and afterward removing to Keokuk county. To Mr.
and Mrs. Price have been born ten children: Clinton P., who is engaged in ranching
near Outlook; Ethel, the wife of Axel Lennstrom; William, who was an ensign and
was connected with the staff of the Officers' Training School in the Naval Training
Station at Seattle, teaching navigation; but has now been discharged; Alfred, who
in April, 1918, went to France as a member of Battery C, Twelfth Field .Artillery,
Second Division, but is now on the Rhine with the American Army of Occupation;
.A.lbcrt, twin brother of Alfred, who died at the age of seven years; Martha, who
is attending a business college of Yakima; Stella, who is engaged in teaching school;
Frances W., who died at the age of eighteen months; Herbert; and Russell.
Mr. Price is a prominent member of the Grange and was deputy state master of
the Grange of Washington in 1915. He has done much public speaking in behalf
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 523
of the organization and upon other vital public questions. He is a socialist and was
a candidate for Congress in South Dakota. He has been active in the
people's party and was itc candidate for the state senate in South Dakota in
1892. He has twice been a candidate for congress on the socialist ticket in Wash-
ington and he fearlessly and earnestly espouses the cause in which he believes.
He served as postmaster and also as town clerk while in South Dakota and at the
present time he is a member of the school board. He is the possessor of a fine
library, reads broadly and thinks deeply. He possesses the most important his-
torical works of the world and after thorough reading and investigation he forms his
opinions, which he presents clearly and cogently.
WILLIAM L. WRIGHT.
The productivity of the Yakima valley in regard to fruit raising has been one
of the marvels of the northwest. The early visitors to this region found a wild and
undeveloped land largely covered with sagebrush. The rainfall was so slight that
nothing but the sage would grow and the most farsighted could scarcely have
dreamed that in time the sunny slopes would be covered with fine orchards, pro-
ducing fruit equal if not superior to that raised in any other part of the country.
William L. Wright is numbered today among the successful orchardists, for science
and man have wrought what was seemingly an impossibility. He has resided in the
Yakima valley since 1894. His birth occurred in Stephenson county, Illinois, Novem-
ber 29, 1850, his parents being Pascal and Jane (Lawson) Wright, both of whom
were born in Pennsylvania. They went to Illinois by team in 1838 and settled near
Freeport, where the father took up government land. That, too, was a wild and
undeveloped tract upon which not a furrow had been turned nor an improvement
made. Only six years had passed after the Black Hawk war was fought, which
determined the right of the white race to rule in that region, and pioneer conditions
everywhere existed. Mr. Wright, however, braved the trials and privations of settle-
ment on the frontier and gave his attention to general agricultural pursuits, continu-
ing to there engage in farming until his death. His wife also passed away in Illi-
nois.
William L. Wright acquired his public school education in Stephenson county,
Illinois, and following the death of his father he purchased the old homestead farm,
which he continued to further develop and improve until 1894, when, attracted by
the opportunities of the northwest, he came. to Yakima. Looking over the district,
he soon invested in twenty acres lying a half mile west of Yakima. It was just as
it came from the hand of nature, being all covered with sagebrush, but Mr. Wright
recognized the possibilities of the country and began its development. Later he
and his son purchased a ten-acre fruit ranch on the Naches and subsequently Mrs.
Wright bought an eighteen acre ranch on the Naches. Upon his place Mr. Wright
erected a fine home and around it he planted cottonwoods for shade trees that in
1918 had reached a height of about ninety feet. He planted his orchard according
to the most progressive and scientific methods and his care and cultivation of his
trees have resulted in the attainment of notable success in fruit raising. In the year
1917 his sales of fruit from twenty acres of land amounted to twelve thousand dol-
lars. His orchards are also all seeded to alfalfa and thus he is manifesting the spirit
of intensive farming that takes into consideration the possibilities of the full de-
velopment and utilization of the soil.
There is no man in the community who is better informed concerning horti-
cultural problems or the opportunities of the state in this direction. His prominence
in this field is indicated in the fact that he was chosen to serve as horticultural
commissioner at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, held in St. Louis, and also at the
exposition held at Portland, Oregon, and the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific exposition. He
was likewise state fair commissioner of Washington for three years. He became
one of the organizers of the Yakima County Horticultural Union, of which he is
still a member and of which he served as president during the first three years of its
existence. In 1910 he organized the Wright Fruit Company, which was incorporated
524 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
in 1914. This company now has a large warehouse ninety by ninety feet and two
stories in height with basement. It is frost-proof and there is a side track running
up to the door, thus greatly promoting the shipping facilities. The company buys
and sells fruit and handles from one hundred and fifty to two hundred carloads an-
nually. The officers of the company are: Howard Wright, president and manager;
and William L. Wright, secretary and treasurer.
On the 11th of March, 1874, Mr. Wright was united in marriage to Miss Lura
Buckley, who was born in Mount Carroll, Illinois, but was reared in Freeport, that
state. She is a daughter of Thomas and Esther (Foster) Buckley, the former a
native of Williamsport, and the latter of Union county, Pennsylvania. On leaving
the Keystone state they cast in their lot with the pioneer settlers of Illinois. To Mr.
and Mrs. Wright have been born foutvchildren. J. Howard, a ranchman living near
Yakima, is married and has one child. He is a veteran of the Spanish-American
war and participated in eleven engagements. William Clifford follows ranching
near Yakima. Helen is the wife of Samuel Hawkes, a jeweler of Yakima, and they
have one child. Grace Esther, the youngest of the family, died at the age of three
years, in 1894.
Mr. Wright gives his political endorsement to the republican party and while
a stanch supported of its principles he has never been an aspirant for office. He and
his family are members of the Presbyterian church and are widely and favorably
known, the hospitality of the best homes of this section of the state being freely
accorded them. Mr. Wright has made for himself a most creditable position in
business circles of the valley and the sterling worth of his character, as well as his
business enterprise, has placed him in a most enviable position in public regard.
MRS. SARAH BAKER.
Mrs. Sarah Baker, a capable business woman, conducting a variety store at
Wapato, was born May 23, 1872, a daughter of August and Wilhelmina Kanne, who
at an early day settled in Minnesota, but later removed to Oregon, where the father
died July 1, 1918, and where the mother still lives. They had a family of ten chil-
dren, of whom Mrs. Baker is the third in order oi birth. She acquired a public
school education in Minnesota and was never engaged in business up to the time that
she established the variety store in 1909. She erected a building for this purpose
which she has since enlarged and it is now twenty-five by one hundred feet. She
carries a stock of groceries, dry goods and notions and is assisted in the conduct
and management of the store by her daughter, Clella, who is also a high school
student and is very proficient in music. The store is conducted on a strictly cash
basis and Mrs. Baker displays marked ability and efficiency in its management. She
closely studies the needs and wishes of the people and makes judicious purchases and
therefore profitable sales.
ARMEXT P. ESCHBACH.
' Arment P. Eschbach is now living retired in Yakima but for a considerable
period was actively identified with ranching interests in the valley and achieved
success through close application and indefatigable energy — a success that now
enables him to rest from further labor. Mr. Eschbach is a native of Alsace, France.
He was born March 31, 1850, in a regie,.*, which in the World war was traversed by
the contending armies, its beauty and resourcefulness being despoiled by Germany's
ruthless depredations. He is a son of John P. and Mary (Beddinger) Eschbach.
who on coming to the new world, crossed the continent as far as Washington county,
Iowa, where they took up their abode. Their home was forty-five miles from Bur-
lington, which was their nearest market. The family cast in their lot with the
pioneer settlers of the district in which they lived and shared -in the hardships and
privations of frontier life. They remained residents of Iowa until 1856 and then
ABMENT P. ESCHBAOH
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 527
went to Mankato. Blue Earth county. Minnesota, where they resided until 1884, when
they removed to Washington. In this state John P. Eschbach spent his remaining
day. His first wife died in October, 18.S6, and he afterward married Barbara Sugg,
a native of New York, who passed away in Yakima in 1916, at the advanced age of
eighty-five years.
Arment P. Eschbach acquired a public school education in Minnesota and there
carried on farming to the age of thirty-one. when he married and removed to the
Pacific coast. It was in the fall of 1881 that he reached the city of Yakima and soon
afterward he purchased farm land on the Naches. acquiring one hundred and sixty
acres, w-hich he devoted largely to the raising of hay and stock. As the years passed
he developed an excellent property, upon which he made his home until 1917. He
then retired and took up his abode in Yakima, where he is now enjoying well-earned
rest. The years that passed were years of intense and well directed activity. He
worked strenuously in the development of his farm and as time passed on he har-
vested good crops, for which he found a ready and profitable sale on the market,
being able to add year by year to his savings.
On the 19th of September, 1881, Mr. Eschbach was married to Miss Rosa Mosser,
a native of Minnesota, who had been his schoolmate in childhood. They have be-
come the parents of a large family, namely: Josephine, now the wife of Frank
Kreskey, living at Moxee City and by whom she has three daughters and four sons;
Edward A., who married Irene Sandmeyer and they have three children and reside
upon his father's old farm, which he has purchased; Rose, deceased, who was the
wife of Charles Bartlett, an hydraulic engineer of Olympia, by whom she had two
daughters; Leona, the wife of Bud Bartlett, a civil engineer, and they have three
children; Levina, who is a trained nurse; Olivia, who is engaged in teaching school;
Eugenia, attending business college in Yakima; and John H., who was the third in
order of birth and who died at the age of six years.
Mr. Eschbach and his family are communicants of St. Joseph's Catholic church,
in the work of which he has always taken an active and helpful interest. His politi-
cal allegiance is given to the democratic party. For many years he successfully fol-
lowed farming and his life record illustrates what can be accomplished by deter-
mined, individual effort, for he started out empty-handed and his success has come
to him as the merited reward of persistent and earnest labor.
WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON WEATHERWAX.
William Henry Harrison Weatherwax, an architect of Yakima who has done
important professional work in various sections of the country, especially in con-
nection with the great expositions held in different parts of the United States, has
in this way become known throughout the length and breadth of the land. Since
1910 he has maintained a private office in Yakima. He was born in Saratoga Springs,
New York, May 7, 1856. a son of David N. and Lovina (Weatherly) Weatherwax.
both of whom were natives of the Empire state. The father was a representative
of one of the old colonial families that was founded in America during the early
part of the seventeeth century by three brothers who came from Holland. David N.
Weatherwax was a carpenter by trade but at the time of the Civil war, feeling that
his first duty was to his country, he put aside business interests and became a sergeant
with the Union troops at the front. Both he and his wife have now passed away.
After his public school education was completed William H. H. Weatherwax
turned his attention to the study of architecture. About 1873 he left the cast and
removed to Marshalltown, Iowa, where he spent six years. In 1879 he became a
resident of Chicago and followed his profession in that city until after the World's
Columbian Exposition, in connection with which he became foreman of the draft-
ing room and served in that capacity for three and a half years. When his work
along that line was ended he went to Omaha to take charge of the architectural de-
partment in connection with the construction of the exposition buildings in that
city and was so engaged for twenty months. While in Chicago he was also foreman
of the architectural department of the school board. From Omaha he went to Buffalo
528 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
for further work in connection with exposition buildings, important duties and re-
sponsibilities devolving upon him there. He afterward took charge of the same work
in St. Louis for the Louisiana Purchase Exposition and continued in that city for
three years. He was next called to Jamestown, Virginia, in connection with the
exposition there held and not only was chief draftsman of the architectural depart-
ment but also assistant director of works. Called to Seattle, Washington, he there
designed three-fourths of all the concession buildings on the grounds of the Seattle-
Alaska-Yukon Exposition. At length he came to Yakima in 1910 and opened an
office for the private practice of his profession. Here he has since remained save
that he went to San Francisco, where he was the head of the architectural depart-
ment for the Pan-.Amcrican Exposition of that city. His has certainly been an un-
usual career, for he has been identified with every exposition of importance as the
head of the architectural department since 1893 save the exposition at Portland and
that was because his services were engaged in connection with the St. Louis exposi-
tion. Since his removal to Yakima he has designed the Taft building, the Cofifin-
Rundstrom building, the Y. W. C. A. building, the fire engine house, the Yakima
Trust Company building, the Mowery service station, the Bell-Wyman building, the
Cascade Creamery Company building and the residences of George Harris, E. W.
Brackett and V. M. Persons. He was also the architect of the Earl warehouse, the
ice plant, the Holsinger warehouse, the Jefferson school building, the school near
Moxee, the grade school at Prosser, the high school at Zillah, several warehouses at
Selah, two warehouses at Grandview, a warehouse at Wapato, the Liberty theatre at
Yakima and many other notable buildings and residences. In a word he stands as
one of the foremost architects not only of the northwest but of the entire country,
with a reputation that has made him known from coast to coast.
In 1889 Mr. Weatherwax was united in marriage to Miss Flora F. Toomer, a na-
tive of Iowa. They have a son, Lee A., twenty-seven j-cars of age. who married Miss
.'Mice Smith, of \ew Bedford, Connecticut, and has two children. Robert and Harry.
Lee A. Weatherwax was graduated from the Boston School of Technology and worked
with his father for many years, during which time they designed the Armory at
Yakima. He is now secretary of the Hendrickson Construction Company of Seattle.
Mr. Weatherwax votes with the republican party, which he has supported since
age conferred upon him the right of franchise. His fraternal relations are with the
Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. He is a member of the Commercial Club and
is thoroughly alive to the oportunities and advantages of the west, becoming an
active factor in its upbuilding and improvement, while in the utilization of his pro-
fessional skill and expert knowledge he has added much to its beauty.
WILLIAM F. CARPENTER.
For more than a third of a century William F. Carpenter has lived in the north-
west and from boyhood days has been identified with ranching interests. He was
but five years of age when brought bj' his parents to Washington, at which time
the family home was established in Kittitas county, where he has since lived. He
was born in Hampton, Franklin county, Iowa. .August' 28, 1878. a son of Edmund A.
and Eva A. (Spittler) Carpenter, who were pioneer settlers of Iowa. The father was
born in New York, while the mother is a native of Pennsylvania, and both are still
living at the age of eighty-one and sixty-eight years respectively, their home being
in EUensburg, where Mr. Carpenter has retired from active business life. In June,
1883, he came with his family to the Kittitas valley and in 1889 he purchased one
hundred and sixty acres of land eight miles northeast of EUensburg. It was all
covered with sagebrush and not a furrow had been turned nor an improvement made
upon the place. With characteristic energy he began its development and his labors
soon wrought a marked transformation in the appearance of the land, which lie
converted into rich and productive fields. He continued to reside thereon till the
time of his retirement about ten years ago.
William F. Carpenter of this review w-as a lad of but five years when brought to
Washington and in the public schools near his father's home he acquired his educa-
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 529
tion. When not busy with his textbooks he worked with his father upon the home
ranch and in 1903 he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land adjoining the
old homestead. L'pon this he has built a very modern and beautiful residence, has
also fenced his land and by well kept fences has divided it into fields of convenient
size. He also cultivates his father's ranch, which he rents, and he raises hay and
grain and also buys and -sells cattle, which has become an important feature in 'his
business. He is energetic and determined and his persistency of purpose has brought
to him well deserved success.
In 1903 Mr. Carpenter was united in marriage to Miss Adeline Cummings, a native
of Wisconsin and a daughter of Lawrence and Hattie Cummings, who were early
settlers of this section of the country. Mr. and Mrs. Carpenter have three children:
Lawrence, twelve years of age; William, a lad of six; and Harriett, who is in her
first year.
In politics Mr. Carpenter is a republican, well infonned on the questions and
issues of the day, but has never been ambitious for office. He has always preferred
to concentrate his efforts and attention upon his business affairs and his capable
direction of his ranching interests has brought to him a substantial measure of
prosperity.
JOHN SUDWEEKS.
John Sudwecks. who has extensive and valuable ranching interests near Mab-
ton, Wasliington. is a native of Canada, his birth having occurred in the province of
Ontario. Xovcmlier 20. 1849. His parents were Edward and Mary (Emerick) Sud-
weeks. tlic former a native of England and the latter of Canada. The father for many
years followed agricultural pursuits but both he and his wife have now passed away.
John Sudweeks was reared amid farm surroundings in the Dominion and attended
the public schools of that country in the acquirement of his education. Having
duly jirepared for life's arduous duties, he decided to cross the border into the Lhiited
.States and became identified with lumber camps in Michigan. In 1870. at the age of
twenty-one years, he went to Kansas, where he was numbered among the pioneers
of Wabaunsee county, there taking up a homestead. This he cultivated and improved
and also practiced law^ to some extent until 1904, which year marked his arrival in
Yakima county, where he acquired a ranch in the southern end of the county, to which
he gave his attention for some time. Later he sold that place and in 1908 bought
forty acres of valuable land four miles north of Mabton, which through his efforts
has become a valuable property. He has now, however, given part of his land to
his sons but has retained ten acres. He has ever been progressive in his farming
methods and has made modern improvements upon the property, which is devoted
to the raising of corn, potatoes, beans, hay and alfalfa.
On November IZ. 1873, Mr. Sudwecks married Sarah M. Pratt, a native of Indiana
and a daughter of George and Harriet (Sisson) Pratt. Her father was one of those
loyal sons of the country who when the Union was in danger took up the cause of
the north and entered the Civil war, giving his life for his country in that great con-
flict. His wife has also passed away. To Mr. and Mrs. Sudweeks were born the
following children: one who died in infancy; Mabelle. the wife of Edward Swart-
ing, a rancher of Yakima county, by whom she has two children; Josie. deceased;
John W., who is ranching on the old home farm and is married; James E., a well
known rancher of Yakima county, who is also married and has four children; and
Charles P., who is engaged in operating the home ranch in partnership with his
brother, James E.
The family are highly esteemed in their neighborhood and socially prominent
and all of the children occupy honorable positions in life. Of these Charles P. was
born in Wabaunsee county, Kansas. June 23, 1888, and in the acquirement of his
education attended the public and high schools, subsequently becoming a student in
the Washington State College, having come to this commonwealth with his father in
1904, He then taught school for ten years, being for three years of this time prin-
cipal of a school at Wenatchee, and he has a life state certificate. In January, 1908,
530 HISTORY (3F YAKIMA VALLEY
he and his brother James acquired title to thirty acres of land five miles south of
Sunnyside which at that time was covered with sagebrush. There Charles P. Sud-
weeks has spent part of the time and has also hired help in order to develop the prop-
erty, which is now highly improved and very valuable. The brothers raise hay.
g-rain, corn and beets upon their ranch and also conduct a dairy. They also give
considerable attention to live stock interests, specializing in registered Holstein cat-
tle. In 1916 they bought two hundred acres of fine land two miles south and west of
the old home place and are developing this into a fine alfalfa ranch. In former years
Charles P. Sudweeks also traveled for John W. Graham & Company, of Spokane,
selling school furniture and thus acquiring a good business training which has stood
him in good stead in the conduct of his agricultural interests. He is a successful
young man, well entitled to all the prosperity that has come to him, and his future
career will prove of interest to many in the neighborhood as he has already become
a leading agriculturist and is well known as a successful teacher.
John Sudweeks of this review, besides being successfully engaged in farming in
his earlier years, read law and was admitted to the bar. For fifteen years he suc-
cessfully practiced at Eskridge, Kansas. He has ever taken a great interest in public
affairs and has deeply studied political as well as public situations, keeping in close
touch vi-ith the issues of the day. He is a republican and while in Kansas served as
justice of the peace. He was also county commissioner and represented his district
for one term in the state legislature, taking an active interest in all bills coming up
during that session and thus assisting in putting valuable laws upon the statutes of
the state. Fraternally he is a member of the blue lodge of Masons, practicing the
principles of that organization in his conduct toward his fellowmen. He also be-
longed to the Odd Fellows but has demitted from that organization. Both he and
his wife are devoted members of the Methodist church, in the work of which they
are helpfull}' interested. In fact they have ever given much attention to moral and in-
tellectual development and upbuilding and have proven valuable members of society.
In his younger years Mr. Sudweeks taught school in Kansas and was quite successful
along that line. He is now, however, to some extent enjoying a rest to which he is
well entitled, as he is nearing his seventieth birthday. His career has been a most
creditable one and he can look back upon it with great satisfaction as every phase
thereof has been filled with honorable activity and has been productive of good re-
sults not only to himself but to his fellowmen and the communities in which he has
resided.
HENRY E. ANGEL.
Henry E. Angel, a prominent and successful orchardist and stock raiser, owning
a valuable ranch near Wapato, was born in Muscatine county, Iowa, May 31. 1863, a
son of Charles Giles and Eleanor Catherine (Hargravcs") Angel, who were natives
of New York and of Pennsylvania respectively. Removing westward, they became
residents of Iowa in 1848 and there the father devoted his attention to farming for
about three decades. In 1877 he established his home in Kansas, where both he and
his wife spent their remaining days. They were closely associated with the pioneer
development of the middle west and were recognized as people of genuine worth
in the communities in which they lived.
Henry E. .'Xngel acquired a ptiblic school education. He began his studies in
Iowa and was a lad of fourteen years at the time of the removal of his parents to
Kansas. Through vacation periods he worked in the fields and continued to assist
his father until he reached the age of nineteen years, when he started out in the
business world on his own account. For a time he was employed as a farm hand by
others but eventually rented land and became a successful farmer. He lived in Kan-
sas until the fall of 1898, when he came to the Yakima valley and the following year
he purchased twenty acres of land near Yakima and in addition to its improvement
worked at the carpenter's trade. In 1905 he sold his original ranch and in 1906
he bought forty acres on Parker Heights, at which time the tract was covered with
sagebrush. He afterward sold twenty acres of this place but later bought ten acres
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 533
more and he now has a vahiable property of twenty-eight and a half acres, of which
eighteen acres is in fruit. His orchards show fine pear, apple, peach and cherry trees,
which yield abundantly in season. In 1909 he built one of the best homes in his
part of the valley and in 1910 erected a large barn with modern equipment. He
also has an excellent silo upon his place and stock raising is made a feature of his
business. He has twenty-six head of horses and colts and twenty-one head of reg-
itered Guernsey cattle and is conducting- an excellent dairy. Viewed from every
standpoint his is one of the finest ranches of the valley and in its conduct Mr. Angel
has ever displayed a most progressive spirit. His is the only pure bred herd of
Guernsey cattle in the valley. Two of his cows were imported from England and
are very fine stock. He also has thoroughbred Morgan horses and is the owner of
a stallion, Quesal, which won the first prize and the champion prize at both the
Cascade horse shows and also at the Oregon state fair and four times at the Wash-
ington state fair. He is likewise the owner of the registered Morgan mare, Sedge-
sparrow, which has made a trotting record of 2:16. Mr. Angel is a lover of fine stock
and has owned some of the finest horses and cattle to be found in the Yakima
valley and has done much to stimulate an interest in the breeding of fine stock. His
place is called the Rancho San Angelo. Mr. Angel planned the buildings upon the
place, which were erected under his immediate supervision. His home commands a
magnificent view of Mount Rainier and Mount .Adams, the two great rnountain peaks
which dominate the landscape, and he can also see clear across the Yakima Indian
reservation and over the beautiful Parker Bottoms. His place is notable from the
fact that he is the only man in the Yakima valley who possesses an orchard of the
highest standard and also raises fine registered stock. In addition to his cattle and
horses already mentioned he makes a specialty of handling registered Duroc hogs.
What he undertakes he accomplishes and his enterprise is unfaltering.
•In 1891 Mr. Angel was married to Miss Emily Cline, a native of Illinois and a
daughter of Thomas and Josephine (White) Cline, who were farming people. For
about six years her parents lived in the Yakima valley but Mr. Cline died at Yuma,
Arizona, and Mrs. Cline passed away at Twin Falls, Idaho. Mr. and Mrs. .Angel have
become parents of four children: Josephine, the wife of Burton Frasher, a resident
of La Verne, Los .Angeles county, California, and the mother of one son; Walter
E.. who was drowned in 1918, when twenty years of age: Arthur Desko and James
Roscoe, both at home.
Mr. .Angel is identified with the Woodmen of the World and his wife has mem-
bership with the Royal Neighbors. In politics he is a democrat with independent
tendencies. He is neglectful of no duty of citizenship and cooperates heartily in
well devised plans and measures for the general good. .At the same time he has
carefully and wisely directed his business atifairs and, actuated by laudable ambition,
he has taken a position of leadership in regard to orcharding and stock raising in the
district in which he makes his home. His is a nature that could never be content
with mediocrity nor does he ever choose the second best. Holding to the highest
standards, he has advanced in his business career and while upbuilding his own for-
tunes he has followed constructive methods, his path never being strewn by the wreck
of the losses of others. Throughout his entire career he has displayed qualities
\yhich have commanded for him the highest regard and he certainly deserves men-
tion among the representative residents of the Yakima valley.
FR.ANK E. MOREAU.
Frank E. Moreau. numbered among the pioneer farmers in the vicinity of Ellens-
burg, was born near Brussels, Belgium, on the 4th of January, 1855, a son of Alex-
ander and Susie Moreau, who in 1861 removed to_ Luxemburg, where they spent their
remaining days, the father there devoting his attention to farming. In 1882, when
a young man of about twenty-seven years, Frank E, Moreau came to the L^nited
States. He made his way to St. Louis, Missouri, where he lived for a few months
and later spent two years in Rice county, Minnesota. In 1884 he arrived in the
Kittitas valley and took up a homestead near Spraguc, Washington, but soon after-
(20)
534 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
ward sold that place. He next purchased eighty acres of land in the Kittitas valley,
becoming owner of that tract in 1898. In the meantime he had worked for two years
for the \orthern Pacific Railroad during the construction of the line through this
district and afterward continued in the employ of the corporation for a period. His
original investment in land was followed by the purchase of two hundred acres more,
which he has since sold to his two eldest sons. He is engaged in raising hay, grain
and stock, handling both cattle and horses. His fields are carefully and systematically
cultivated and in all of his farm work he is practical and progressive.
On the 13th of January, 1896. Mr. Moreau was united in marriage to Miss Angela
Bieren, a native of Scott county, Minnesota, and their children are: Marie, who
is now a teacher; .Alfred, who is engaged in ranching in the Kittitas valley; George,
eighteen years of age. also a rancher of the valley; and Roy, at home.
Mr. Moreau and his family are members of St. Andrew's Catholic church. In poli-
tics he maintains an independent course, voting for men and measures rather than
party. As one of the pioneer farmers of this section of the state he has witnessed its
entire development and progress and in considerable measure has contributed to its
upbuilding.
H. A. SHAW.
H. -\. Shaw, manager of the undertaking business of Shaw & Sons at Yakima,
was born on the 23d of February, 1883, in the city where he still makes his home,
his parents being A. J. and Alice (Hawkins) Shaw. The latter, a native of Wash-
ington, was born near Vancouver. The father was born in Oregon, a son of William
Shaw, of southern Illinois, who crossed the plains in 18S3 and located in Oregon. He
and his family suffered many hardships incident to the settlement of the frontier.
At one time, while crossing the plains, they nearly died from a lack of water and it
was only after suffering extreme privations and enduring almost untold hardships that
they reached their destination. The grandfather moved into the Yakima valley in
the later '70s and took up government land. The family built the Shaw ditch in an
early day, this being one of the first irrigation projects of the section. Outside of
business A. J. Shaw was prominent in public affairs. He served as sheriff of Yakima
county in U97 and 1898 and later filled the position of mayor of the city. He did
much to promote progressive movements during that period, resulting to the benefit
and upbuilding of the community. He is a member of the Benevolent Protective
Order of Elks and of the Modern Woodmen of America. One of the pioneers of the
valley, he has done much to develop its interests and promote its growth in many
ways. His father and three of his brothers, as well as himself, took up a homestead
about four miles west from the present site of Yakima and now owned by the
Congdon estate; and there they became pioneers in the reclamation of the district
for the purposes of civilization.
H. A. Shaw, whose name introduces this review, acquired a public school edu-
cation and after his graduation from the high school of Yakima attended a business
college at Seattle. He also spent two years in the State University as a student
of civil engineering and then joined his father in business. The firm of Shaw &
Sons, undertakers, was established in 1905 as successors to the North Yakima Furn-
iture Company, which was established in 1899 by Andrew Jackson Shaw at No.
15 East Yakima avenue, who there opened a general furniture and undertaking busi-
ness. Later a removal was made to the corner of Third street and East Yakima
avenue and the next location of the firm was at Nos. 16 to 20 North Second street,
where they continued until 1914. In that year the business was removed to Second
and B streets. In 1908 the firm closed out the furniture department and concen-
trated upon the undertaking business, for the conduct of which they utilize a large
corner residence in the midst of beautiful grounds. Their place contains a chapel
with a seating capacity for one hundred and fifty and they have operating rooms on
the ground floor, with display rooms on the second floor. The firm has an auto
hearse, an ambulance and touring cars for use at funerals. The father, A. J. Shaw,
who was the founder of the business, retired in 1908 and is now living in Top-
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 535
penish. Washington. He was succeeded in tlie management by H. A. Shaw, who
has since continued at the head. He is thoroughly familiar with every branch of the
business and utilizes the most scientific methods in the care of the dead. Those who
know him, and he has many friends, esteem him as a man of genuine worth and one
whose enterprise has brought him steadily to the front in the line of his chosen en-
deavor.
In 1907, H. A. Shaw was united in marriage to Miss Dora Bradrteld, of Tacoma,
and to them have been born four children; Stanley, Elizabeth, Gilbert and Herbert
A., Jr. The personnel of the firm of Shaw & Sons is as follows: Mrs. .\licc Shaw,
mother of H. A. Shaw; and Lester S. Shaw, in connection with the subject of this
review. Lester S. Shaw is now in the quartermaster's department of the United
States army. He was graduated from the Yakima high school and has been with
the business since a boy. In addition to his other business interests H. A. Shaw has
a fine fruit and hay ranch, which is carefully developed and cultivated and brings to
him a good income annually.
Mr. Shaw is a Royal Arch Mason, belonging to the Yakima lodge and chapter.
He is also connected with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Knights
of Pythias lodge, in which he is a past chancellor commander, and the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows. He likewise belongs to the Country Club and the Commercial
Club, while his political allegiance is given to the democratic party. As a represen-
tative of one of the pioneer families of this section of the state he deserves mention,
but more than that is entitled to representation in this volume as one of the pro-
gressive business men and loyal citizens. He is interested in all that has to do w'ith
public welfare and belongs to that class of men whose substantial worth is manifest
not in any spectacular phase but in the daily performance of duty and in the con-
stant and reliable support of men and measures that are seeking to bring about the
public good.
J. HOWARD WRIGHT.
J. Howard Wright, prominently identified with horticultural interests at Yakima,
is the president and manager of the Wright Fruit Company, extensive buyers and
shippers, and at the same time is largely engaged in fruit production, having forty
acres of land planted to orchards. He came to the northwest when a youth of sixteen
years and has since been a resident of the valley. His birth occurred in Freeport,
Illinois, December 21, 1878, his parents being Mr. and Mrs. William L. Wright, who
are mentioned at length on another page of this work. He acquired a public school
education, which was begun in his native state and continued in Yakima following the
removal of the family to the northwest. He was graduated in the second class of the
Yakima high school and in 1898, when a young man of twenty years, he responded to
the country's call for military aid and became a member of Company E of the First
Washington Infantry Regiment of Volunteers for active service against Spain. He
was with the army for eighteen month in all, spending one year of that time in active
service in the Philippines. From the time of his enlistment to the close he served as
sergeant.
When the country no longer needed his aid Mr. Wright returned to Yakima and
became the assistant of his father in the propagation and care of orchards which
have made the name of Wright well known in connection with the fruit raising inter-
ests of the Yakima valley. He also purchased ten acres of wild land and took up
the arduous task of developing it for the purposes of raising fruit. Succeeding in this
initial venture, he afterward purchased ten acres more and in addition he rents twenty
acres of his aunt. He has the entire forty-acre tract in fruit, mostly in apples. He
has built upon his place a pleasant residence and substantial barns and there are no
equipments of the model fruit ranch that are not found upon his property. He also
joined his father in organizing the Wright Fruit Company, of which he is the president
and manager. They have a large warehouse, two stories in height and basement
ninety by ninety feet. They both buy and sell fruit and their shipments reach from
one hundred and fifty to two hundred car loads annually. The most progressive
536 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
methods are followed by Mr. Wright in the development of his orchards, which show
the most thorough and systeinatic care and which are producing fruit unsurpassed in
size, flavor and beauty in the northwest.
On the 16th of July, 1904, Mr. Wright was married to Miss Hulda Mann, who
was born in Michigan, a daughter of J. H. and x\melia Mann. They now have one
son, William H., who was born July 1, 1909. and is thereore ten years of age.
In his political views J. Howard Wright has always been a republican since at-
taining his majority and in 1916 he was made the nominee of his party for the state
legislature. He is interested in all matters of public concern and gives his aid and
support on the side of every plan and project calculated for the general benefit, yet
the major part of his time and attention is concentrated upon his business affairs
and through well directed effort he has gained a position as one of the leading orchard-
ists of the Yakima valley.
ALLEN N. BROWN.
For three decades Allen X. Brown has been a resident of the northwest, living
at various points in W'ashington, while at the present time he makes his home near
Grandview, where he is successfully engaged in orcharding. He was born in Wash-
ington county, Wisconsin, May 24, 1864, a son of Charles Darwin and Lucy (North)
Brown, both of whom were natives of New England. They became pioneer settlers of
Wisconsin, where they arrived in 1843. there remaining until called to their final
rest.
Allen N. Brown acquired a public school education and took up farming in con-
nection with his father. He came to Washington on the 19th of April, 1889, arriv-
ing at Centralia, where he remained for a year. He afterward lived near Rochester.
Washington, and proved up on a homestead in that locality, .■\fter converting much
of the land into a cultivable and productive tract he sold the property and later
worked in the lumber camps. In 1907 he bought twenty acres of land near Grand-
view and is still the owner of this property, upon which he is engaged in raising
hay and corn. He also conducts a small dairy business but the greater part of his
land is successfully cultivated in the production of the crops indicated.
On the 30th of September, 1912, Mr. Brown was married to Miss Mina Butler,
who was born in Wisconsin and is a daughter of James Butler. Fraternally Mr.
Brown is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, while his political
opinions accord with the teachings and the platform of the republican party and
therefore he gives to it stalwart support. During thirty years residence in the north-
west he has largely witnessed the growth and development of this state and at all
times has been much interested in its progress, cooperating heartily in all move-
ments for the benefit of the locality in which he lives.
J. MARTIN BORGERSON.
-\niong the successful merchants of Sunnyside is J. Martin Borgerson, who con-
ducts a variety store in which he carries the most modern lines of goods, having
always a great assortment on hand in order to meet practically any taste of the public.
His carefulness and close attention in catering to his customers has greatly added
toward making his business the first class establishment that it is today. He was
born in Faribault. Minnesota, January 12, 1886, a son of Sophus and Amelia Borger-
son. natives of Norway, who in early life crossed the ocean and settled in Minnesota.
The father passed away in 1894 and is still survived by his widow, who makes her
home in Egeland, North Dakota.
J. Martin Borgerson received a public school education in his native state and at
the early age of thirteen years set out upon his business career, clerking in various
establishments in Faribault. In 1902 he proceeded to North Dakota and there re-
mained for five and a half years, at the end of which period he removed to Montana.
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 537
That state remained his residence until 1912, in which year he came to Sunnyside,
where for two years he was a salesman. On August IS, 1914, he opened a variety
store, which he has ever since conducted with growing success. His place is twenty-
live by one hundred and forty feet, in dimensions, giving ample room for the display
of his goods. He carries complete lines of the various articles found in an establish-
ment of this character and is nearly always able to meet the wants of his customers.
The greatest courtesy toward them is observed and he always bears in mind the
saying that a customer once pleased is always a customer.
On January 18. 1911, Mr. Borgerson was married to Delia M. Sheaben, of Grand-
view, Wasliington, who was born in South Dakota and is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
.\lbert Sheaben. To Mr. and Mrs. Borgerson have been born two daughters, Juanita
and Morence. The family attend the Methodist church.
Politically Mr. Borgerson is a republican and, always interested in local progress
and advancement, readily gives his services as a member of the city council in order
to promulgate measures for the improvement of Sunnyside. In the Commercial
Club of the city he is also very active and has been secretary of the organization.
Fraternally he belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. From the fore-
going it may be seen that Mr. Borgerson is one of the valued citizens of his com-
munity, a man who has not only made a success of his business but who is ever
ready to give of his time and means in order to serve the general public.
HENRY W. NELSON.
Henry W. Nelson, who since 1905 has represented the St. Paul & Tacoma Lumber
Company, having charge of their yards at various points in the state, has during the
past four years acted as manager of the yard at Kennewick. He was born in Moor-
head, Minnesota, on the 18th of September, 1883, his parents being John A. and
Anna Nelson, who have resided in Yakima since 1907 and are well known and highly
esteemed throughout the community.
Henry W. Nelson supplemented his early educational training by a course in a
business college. After attaining his majority, in the spring of 1903. he made his
way westward to Washington, settling at Yakima, where he entered the service of the
St. Paul & Tacoma Lumber Company, with which he has been connected continu-
oush- to the present time. His ability soon won recognition and during the year 1907
he acted as relief manager of their yards at Prosser. .Alfalfa, Mabton, Kennewick
and Yakima. From May, 1908, until March 1, 1914, he served as manager of the yard
at Finley, Washington, and on the latter date was transferred to Kennewick, where
he has since remained, wisely and ably conducting the interests of the company at
this point. He also owns a fine fruit ranch at Yakima and has won a substantial
measure of success by reason of well directed industry, sound judgment and enter-
prise.
On the 24th of February, 1909, Mr. Nelson was united in marriage to Miss Edith
A. Kingsley, of Wheatland, North Dakota. Politically he is an independent republican
and fraternally is identified with the Odd Fellows and the Rebekahs. He also be-
longs to the Kennewick Commercial Club and his aid and cooperation can ever be
counted upon to support movements and measures instituted for the benefit and
upbuilding of the community. All who know him speak of him in terms of warm
regard, while the circle of his friends is constantly broadening.
OWEN B, CRONKHITE.
The fine home of Owen B. Cronkhite was built in 1917 and stands on an excellent
ranch property of twenty acres which he purchased ten years before. Through tlie
intervening period he has concentrated his efforts and attention upon the further de-
velopment of his property and now has excellent orchards which bring forth large
crops. Mr. Cronkhite cames to the northwest from Iowa, for he was born in Jones
538 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
county, that state. November 26, 1870, a son of Levi G. and Ellen (Cronkhite) Cronk-
hite, both of whom were natives of Indiana. The father was a veteran of the Civil
war and after faithfully serving his country in defense of the Union he removed to
Iowa about 1866 and there purchased land. Later he sold that property and es-
tablished his home in Marshall county, Minnesota, in 1880. He again became identi-
fied with farming and was busily engaged in tilling the soil until death terminated
his laliors in 1903. His widow survived him for about six years, passing away in
1909.
Owen B. Cronkhite acquired a business college education after completing his
public school course and through vacation periods he worked with his father on the
old homestead and continued to assist him until he attained his majority. He was
then ambitious to engage in business on his own account and purchased a farm of
four hundred and eighty acres which he planted to wheat, having one of the valu-
able farms of that character in his section of Minnesota. He continued to make his
home in that state until 1907, when he sold his interests there and came to Yakima
county, Washington. Here his investment in land made him owner of twenty acres
in the Selah valley, of which ten acres was already planted to orchards. He now
has the entire tract in fruit and is successfully raising apples, pears, prunes and other
fruits. Nearly the entire tract is also seeded to alfalfa. He has greatly improved
the property since taking possession thereof, adding good buildings and fences. In
1915 he erected a fine barn and this was folowed in 1917 by the erection of his at-
tractive modern residence.
On the 9th of April, 1891, Mr. Cronkhite was married to Miss Minnie E. Sanders,
a native of Minnesota and a daughter of William H. Sanders. Their children are:
Earl, who resides on his father's ranch and has a wife and four children; Emma, the
wife of Horace Hall, of Seattle; LeRoy, who is a lieutenant of the One Hundred and
Sixty-first Regiment now in France; Leone, living in Seattle; Edwin and Ray, at
home; and Donald, four and a half years of age, who completes the family.
The religious faith of Mr. and Mrs. Cronkhite is that of the Methodist church
and fraternally he is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. In
politics, however, he maintains an independent course, voting for men and measures
rather than party. His activities are directed along business lines with the result
that success in substantial measure is attending his labors.
WILLIAM WALTER SCOTT.
The life history of William Walter Scott is a most interesting one, for it is the
story of earnest purpose crowned with successful achievement. He has done much
that is worthy of note and his name is perhaps most widely known by reason of
the fact that he is the originator of the Rainier apple, which has been characterized
by the LTnited States government as the best grown in the United States. He is
most successfully engaged in horticultural pursuits and his business ability and pro-
gressive spirit have won him a place among the foremost orchardists of the Yakima
valley.
Mr. Scott was born at Blackjack, Hopkins county, Texas. July 12. 1849. a son
of R. H. and Mary E. (Smith) Scott. The father was born in New Madrid, Mis-
souri, while the mother's birth occurred in Maysville, Kentucky, and they were
married in Texas. R. H. Scott was a pioneer physician of Texas, going to that state
in the early '40s. In the Civil war he was very active in support of the Union cause
and in 1863 he was threatened with hanging on account of his support of the federal
government. In fact the plans were all perfected for his execution, but a woman
warned him and he left home the day before the plans were to be carried out. He
traveled on horseback a distance of four hundred miles to Little Rock, Arkansas,
where he hid in the garret of the home of Conway Scott, a planter who lived about
fourteen miles from Little Rock. While there he forged a pass that carried him
beyond the Confederate lines and also a lot of letters to indicate that he was in the
Confederate army. He afterward sent these letters to his wife, who used them to
WILLIAM W. SCOTT
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 541
get out of Texas. She left that state with a hack and horses, and two yoke of oxen
and drove four hundred miles overland to Mr. Conway Scott's place in Arkansas.
Her food supply gave out and in going through Arkansas she found that the people
were very poor, living largely on corn ground from hand mills, and on wild game and
wild hogs. There was no cofifee. tea or sugar to be had. After the family reached
Little Rock they started from that place to Memphis, whither it was supposed Doctor
Scott had gone. They made their way through miles of swamps and met many hard-
ships and privations, for they were out of food. Coming across a man with some
corn and bacon, they bought four pounds of bacon and a peck of corn. This saved
them from starvation as they — mother and si.x children — were making the trip.
Finally on the 4th of July, 1863, they reached Hopelield, across the Mississippi rrver
from Memphis, but the town was all burned. Mrs. Scott was carrying the letters to
show that her husband was a dead Confederate soldier. The federal army was
at that time in Memphis and the commander sent some of them with a boat across
the river to get the family and took them to Memphis. The general in command of
the Lf'nion forces then had them taken to the best hotel in the city, recognizing
the sacrifices they had made, for the family had given up everything for the Union
cause. When Mrs. Scott and her children reached Meinphis there was no word from
her husband and they thought he was dead. They therefore prepared to return to
Texas but about two weeks after them arrived the provost marshal and informed Mrs.
Scott that he knew where her husband was, saying that he was at Mount Carmel,
Illinois. The family were in a pitiable condition. Some of the children could not
walk on account of fever and the starvation conditions which they had been through.
From Memphis they took the steamer Colonel Anderson for the north. The boat
was loaded with wounded soldiers. They had cabin passage and William W. Scott
of this review, on account of overcrowding, slept in the ladies' cabin. During the
night the boat caught hre and he was the first to notice it. He called the watchman
and thus saved the boat, for quick assistance was summoned and the flames were
extinguished. At length the family landed at Cairo. Illinois, and thence proceeded
by train to Sumner. Illinois, twenty-five miles from Mount Carmel. At that point
William W. Scott took a horse and started to find his father at the latter town. He
succeeded in his mission, at length reaching the father, who did not know that the
family liad left Te.xas. They then both went back to Sumner, Illinois, the next day
and it was a most happy reunion of parents and children after all the hardships and
dangers through which they had passed. Six months later they removed to Cen-
tralia, Illinois, and there Mr. and Mrs. Scott spent their remaining days, the father
reaching the age of sixty-five years, while the mother was sixty-six years at the
time of her death. Mr. Scott's instructions to his sons upon his deathbed were,
"Be loyal to the flag of the country," and "Believe in a future life."
William V\'alter Scott acquired a public school education in Centralia. Illinois,
and in his youthful days was employed as a farm hand and as a clerk in stores. He
afterward turned his attention to the cultivation of strawberries, having one hun-
dred acres planted to that fruit. At a later date he opened a fine grocery store and
he also bought and sold fruit. He subsequently became a partner in the ownership
and conduct of a department store at Centralia, Illinois, and in 1907 he disposed of
his business interests in that part of the country and made his way to the Yakima
valley. Here he purchased eleven and three-quarters acres of land in Fruitvale and
now has splendid orchards of apples, pears and peaches. He has done notable work
in the propagation, development and improvement of the fruit, studying the question
from every possible standpoint, and he made a distinct and valuable contribution
when he originated the Rainier apple, which is unsurpassed by anything produced in
the United States, according to government report. His fruit is of such size, quality
and flavor that it commands the highest price paid in the valley. He is today recog-
nized as one of the prominent and well known ranchers of his section of the state.
There have been many and varied experiences in his life. While he was in Texas
he knew the leaders among the inen who were hanging the Union sympathizers and
while at the little postofiice in his town he heard them plotting to hang his uncle,
Burrill Sheppard, and Dr. C. D. Hampton. Mr. Scott told his father of this and the
warning was given to Mr. Sheppard and Doctor Hampton, who through this aid got
out of Texas. Doctor Scott being gone two months in order to assist the men in get-
542 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
ting to the north. Cyclone Davis, now in congress from Texas, was born six miles
from the home of William \V. Scott and they are warm friends.
In 1875 Mr. Scott was married to Miss Ellen Maddux, of Jefiferson county, Illi-
nois, and their children are: Frank W., professor of journalism and English in the
University of Illinois, who is married and has two children: Minnie, now Mrs. Fred
L. PafTaf, residing in Centralia, Illinois; Mary, the wife of Lauren C. Farr, of Selah,
Washington: Lilly Bell: Goldie, now Mrs. Mark C. Cunningham, of Centralia, Illi-
nois: Eva, who is the wife of V. O. Xicholson, of Sunnyside. Washington: and one
child who died in infancy.
Mr. Scott is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and for the
past forty-two years has been affiliated with the Knights of Pythias. His political
allegiance is given to the republican party and he has never faltered in his support
of the old flag, obeying in every way his father's behest in this particular. His loy-
alty is one of his marked characteristics and his devotion to duty is manifest in all
public connections in Yakima county. Me is also a trustee of the Yakima County
Horticultural L'nion and throughout the entire period of his residence in the north-
west he has been a contributing factor to the material, intellectual, social, political
and moral progress of this section of the state.
RALPH T. AND EDWIN R. BALLARD.
Ralph T. and Edwin R. Ballard, constituting the firm of Ballard Brothers, are
numbered among the prominent orchardists of the Yakima valley, having extensive
and important interests in this connection. They are natives of Kentucky and sons
of Samuel R. and Blanche T. (Thompson) Ballard, the former a native of Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania, while the mother was born in Kentucky. The Ballard family has
long been represented on this side of the .'Atlantic, one of the ancestors having served
in the Revolutionary war. The grandfather, Robert Fames Ballard, was born in
Nashua, New Hampshire, and removed from that state to Peimsylvania, where his
last days were passed. The patriotic spirit which has ever been characteristic of the
family was manifest by him in active service in the Civil war. His son, Samuel R.
Ballard, removed from Pennsylvania to Kentucky in 1889, settling at Louisville,
after which he engaged in the steamboat business. He continued a resident of that
state until 1913, when he passed away in Harrisburg. He had been married on the
22d of December, 1887, to Miss Blanche V. Thompson, a daughter of Edwin Vivian
and Jane Lilly (Thirlwell) Thompson. The father was born at Christchurch, Eng-
land, and was reared on the Isle of Wight. He came to the United States when a
youth of fourteen years with his father. Joseph Anson Thompson, who on leaving
England with his family established his home in Kentucky. He carried with him
letters of introduction to Henry Clay. The Thompsons were landscape gardeners of
England. Edwin Vivian Thompson was reared to manhood in Kentucky and after-
ward wedded Jane Lilly Thirlwell, a native of L^niontown, Pennsylvania. It was
their daughter, Blanche T., who became the wife of Samuel R. Ballard.
Of this marriage there were born three children. Henrietta, whose birth occurred
in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, became the wife of Charles Leigh Hunt, who is now in
the traffic department of the telephone company at Seattle, where they make their
home. Ralph T., born in Kentucky, May 19, 1891. is a graduate of the Louisville
preparatory school and is now managing the ranches owned by Ballard Brothers in
the Yakima valley. Edwin R. is in the Officers' Training Corps of the field artillery
at Camp Zachary Taylor in Kentucky and this camp is partly situated on land which
was formerly owned by the family.
It was in September, 1909. that Mrs. Blanche T. Ballard with the three children
came to Yakima county and purchased three fine ranches — one of twenty-two acres
in Naches, one of thirty acres on the Parker Heights and one of fourteen acres in
Fruitvale. They have sixty-six acres in all, of which sixty acres is planted to fruit,
including apples, pears, peaches, plums and cherries. They are among the leading
orchardists of Yakima county and in the year 1918 they packed twelve thousand boxes
of peaches from two thousand trees. They also gathered fifteen tons of prunes from
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 543
two and a half acres. They exercise the utmost care and wisdom in the management
of their orchards, utilizing every possible agency for the development of their trees.
Horticulture at its highest point of scientific attainment here finds expression and
what they have already accomplished will make the future career of the Ballard
Brothers well worth the watching.
HORACE H. GREEN.
With his arrival in Yakima county in 1902 Horace H. Green purchased twenty
acres of land a mile west of Zillah and through the intervening period of seventeen
years has concentrated his efforts and attention upon the development and improve-
ment of the property, which is now largely devoted to the raising of fruit. Mr.
Green is a native of Barry, New York. He was born October 12, 1851, of the mar-
riage of Abiather W. and Sarah J. (Davis) Green, who were also natives of the Em-
pire state. The former was a representative of one of the old colonial families of
that section. After living for a long period in New York, A. \V. Green removed
witli his family to Beloit, \Visconsin. in 1855 and there took up the occupation of
farming. His wife died upon the homestead there, after which the father spent his
last days in Wyoming valley, Wisconsin.
Horace H. Green obtained a public school education but his opportunities in that
direction were somewhat limited, for at the age of eleven years he was left an orphan
and was forced to start out in the world on his own account. He availed himself
of any opportunity that would enable him to earn an honest living and at a period
when most boj'S are sheltered by paternal care and are enjoying the opportunities
offered in the schools he was laboring to gain food and clothing. In the school of
life, however, he has learned many valuable lessons and while experience has often
been a hard teacher it has also been an efficient one. At the age of sixteen years he
started to drive a team in carrying the mail and later bought a star route of the
United States mail between Madison and Dodgeville, Wisconsin. He was employed
in that line for seventeen years and later operated a mail route out of Brandon. Wis-
consin, making the trip to Markesan. In 1882 he went to South Dakota and pur-
chased a half section of land at Twin Brooks. There he lived for ten years and
prospered in his undertaking but his health became impaired and he retired from
business for some time. He afterward took up cheese manufacturing at Twin Brooks
and continued in the business there until November, 1902, when he came to the
Yakima valley and purchased twenty acres of land a mile west of Zillah. He at once
began the further development and cultivation of the property and has since planted
twelve acres of it to apples, pears, prunes, peaches and grapes. His orchards and
vineyards are in excellent condition, showing the utmost care and supervision, with
the most practical methods of handling the trees and the fruit. The remainder of
his land is plowed, being devoted to the raising of various crops, together with al-
falfa hay.
Mr. Green was married on the 1st of January, 1871, to Miss Margaret Stymiest.
who was born in New Brunswick, July 1, 1850. a daughter of Benjamin and Phoebe
(Hyde) Stymiest. who removed to Wisconsin and later to Twin Brooks. South
Dakota, where both the father and mother passed away. To Mr. and Mrs. Green
have been born five children. Stella is the wife of E. A. Minder, of Portland. Oregon,
and they have one son, Norvin, who is now with the United States army in France.
Nettie is the wife of Celer Gebo, a resident of Sheridan, Wyoming, and they have
three children, Robert, Margaret and Josephine. Mabel is the deceased wife of
Thomas Findlay, now living in South Dakota, and they had two children, who were
reared by her father: Harold, a member of the United States army, who was wounded
at Chateau Thierry on the 18th of July, 1918; and Bethel, in school. Harvey C. who
enlisted, becoming « member of the Sixty-first Regiment from Washington with the
United States army in France, has the rank of corporal. Grover C, thirty-three years
of age, married Dorothy Lowell, of Auburn. California, where they reside and where
he follows the profession of civil engineering. They have a son, Robert Lowell.
Mr. Green of this review is an active member of the Independent Order of Odd
544 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
Fellows and has held all of the chairs in the local lodge. He also belongs to the
Masonic fraternity and in his life exemplifies the beneficent spirit of the craft. His
political support has always been given to the democratic party and he was an active
party worker when in South Dakota and filled several local offices. Since coming to
the west, however, he has concentrated his efforts and attention upon his business
affairs. He is now a member of the Water Users Association and he closely studies
all the questions which bear upon irrigation or the practical development of the
region in which he makes his home. He has become the owner of fifteen acres ad-
joining Zillah, in addition to his home place, and he is regarded as a successful and
representative orchardist of his part of the county. He was one of the organizers of
the First Addition Zillah Development Company of Zillah and from the beginning
served as its president. This company developed one hundred and sixty acres of
land adjoinging Zillah, platting forty acres in town lots, but the venture did not prove
a profitable one. He was also one of the organizers of the Zillah Fruit Growers Asso-
ciation, one of the first organizations of the kind in the valley, and became its first
president, serving in that capacity for two years. He has been vice president of the
First National Bank of Zillah for the past five years. While not a man of robust
health he possesses great force of character, ambition and energy and has been most
active and influential in his efforts for the good of the valley. He has been a stanch
champion of the good roads movement and his intellectual force makes him a power
in the community, his efforts being far-reaching and beneficial.
JOHN OLIVER HATFIELD.
John Oliver Hatfield, proprietor of the largest general mercantile establishment
at Thorp and a progressive business man whose methods will at all times bear the
closest investigation and scrutiny, came to the northwest from Texas, in which state
he was born on the 1st of September, 1875. His parents were Ephraim Ross and
Kate (White) Hatfield, natives of Tennessee and of North Carolina respectively.
They became early settlers of Texas, however, and in the year 1881 made the trip
by wagon from that state to the Kittitas valley, being one year, one month and one
day en route. The father took up a homestead where the town of Wenatchec now
stands, but his claim was jumped. He remained in the Kittitas valley, however, and
purchased two hundred and twenty acres of land, whereon he engaged in farming for
a considerable period. At length he sold out and removed to New Mexico, where he
now makes his home, but his wife passed away in the year 1882.
John O. Hat&eld acquir>ed a public school education in Washington, having been
a lad of but six 3'ears when his parents removed from the Lone Star state to the
northwest. When his textbooks were put aside he began work as a farm hand in
this district and was thus employed for a few years, after which he purchased the old
home ranch and engaged in its cultivation for seven years. In fact he had operated
the farm for three years before making the purchase of the property. He was thus
identified with ranching interests until 1914, when he sold the place and turned his
attention to merchandising in Thorp, entering into partnership with James B. Brain.
They opened a store, securing a large stock of general merchandise, and the busi-
ness has continually developed and prospered since that time. Mr. Hatfield is a wide-
awake, alert and progressive merchant and today has the largest general merchandise
store in Thorp. He carries an extensive and attractive line of goods and puts forth
every effort to please his patrons, realizing that satisfied customers are the best ad-
vertisement.
In September. 1898, Mr. Hatfield was united in marriage to Miss Alice Mattox,
a native of Missouri and a daughter of William and Martha Mattox, who were early
settlers of Kittitas county. The father has now passed away, but the mother survives
and makes her home with Mr. and Mrs. Hatfield, who by their marriage have become
the parents of four children, namely: Harland, eighteen years of age: Lloyd, aged
sixteen; Asel, thirteen; and Helen, seven.
Fraternally Mr. Hatfield is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fel-
lows and has filled all of the chairs in Tanum Lodge, No. 155. He is likewise con-
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 545
nected with the Modern Woodmen of America and his political support is given to
the democratic party where national questions are involved but at local elections he
casts an independent ballot. He and his wife are members of the Christian church
and are people of sterling worth, occupying an enviable position in social circles.
Their aid and influence is always to be counted upon for benefit and improvement
in the community in which they live and, moreover, they possess many personal
characteristics which make for popularity among their many friends.
JOHN NYWENIXG, M. D.
Dr. John Nywening, successfully practicing medicine in Yakima, was born in
Chicago, Illinois, on the 22d of March. 1875, a son of Lambert and Gertrude (Yonkers~)
Nywening, who were early settlers near Chicago, the father becoming a farmer
of Cook county in the period of early development in that section of the state. Dr.
Nywening acquired a public school education and afterward attended Hope College
at Holland, Michigan, where he pursued his classical course. He next entered the
St. Louis University as a student in the medical department and was graduated there-
from with the class of 1904. With his removal to the west he became connected with
the Salem Indian school at Salem, Oregon, where he continued for a year and a
half, and in the fall of 1906 he located for the private practice of medicine in Yakima,
Washington, where he has since remained, covering a period of twelve years. During
all this time his progress has been continuous and substantial. He is constantly
seeking to promote his knowledge and efficiency through broad reading and study and
he has been most careful in the diagnosis of his cases, while the results which have
followed his labors have proven the wisdom of his judgment in medical affairs. He
continues in general practice and does a large amount of work in X-ray practice.
In 1909 he was called to the position of health officer, in which he served for two
years.
In 1903 Dr. Nywening was married to Miss May Herrington, of Holland, Michi-
gan, a daughter of Wilson Herrington, one of the pioneers of that section of the
state. Dr. and Mrs. Nywening have a son, John H.
Fraternally the Doctor is connected with the Masons, belonging to the lodge at
Salem, Oregon; also to Yakima Council, R. & S. M.; and to Yakima Commandery.
K. T. He has membership with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Wood-
men of the World, the Knights and Ladies of Security and the Brotherhood of Ameri-
can Yeomen. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and his re-
ligious faith is indicated by his membership in the Presbyterian church. He belongs
also to the Commercial Club, while along strictly professional lines he has connection
with the county and state medical societies and is thus in close touch with modern
professional thought.
ELZARD RABIE.
A very considerable clement of substantial citizens of the Yakima valley have
come from Minnesota. Among this number is Elzard Rabie, who was born at Crooks-
ton, Minnesota, April 24, 1884, and is now successfully engaged in farming near
Moxee City. He is a son of Philomen and Angelina (La Fave) Rabie, both of whom
were natives of Canada, whence they removed to Minnesota in 1880. There the father
devoted his life to farming until 1901, when again he traveled to a frontier district,
for the Yakima valley was at that time just entering upon the period of its present
day progress and prosperity. He purchased one hundred acres of land in the Moxee
valley, all of which was wild and unimproved. He at once began its development and
in the course of time plowed and planted his fields and cultivated his crops. He added
good buildings to the place, fenced it and utilized the latest improved machinery in
facilitating the work of crop production. Year after year he carried on the farm and
546 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
in 1910 he removed to Yakima, where he passed away on Christmas day of 1915. He
is still survived by his widow, who yet makes her home in Yakima.
Elzard Rabie, spending his youthful days under the parental roof, assisted his
father in the cultivation of the home farm until he had attained his majority, when
he started out in business life independently and purchased fifty acres of the home
ranch. He now raises alfalfa, potatoes, corn and timothy and the practical and
progressive methods which he follows in the development of his fields have led to the
production of large crops. He is also engaged in raising hogs and cattle and this
branch of his business is likewise proving profitable.
On the 22d of April, 1912. Mr. Rabie was married to Miss Lililan Young, a native
of Crookston, Minnesota, and a daughter of William and Amanda (Lachance) Young,
who came to the Moxee valley in 1901. The children of this marriage are Arcula
and Elmer. The family are members of the Holy Rosary Catholic church of Moxee
City. In politics Mr. Rabie maintains an independent course, voting according to
the dictates of his judgment with little regard for party ties. He has resided in
Washington since a youth of seventeen years and through assisting his father and in
the development of his own interests he has contributed much to the agricultural
progress of the section of the state in which he lives.
ULRICH C. JOHXSON.
In 1901 a partly improved tract of thirty-four acres of land came into possession
of Ulrich C. Johnson by purchase but it bore little resemblance to the place as it is
today. Fine bearing orchards, broad meadows and well tilled fields constitute attrac-
tive features of his place and indicate his progressive spirit. Mr. Johnson is a native
of Norway. He was born July 4, 1866, a son of Johan and Nikoline Johnson, both
of whom have passed away. The father owned and operated a ferry across a river
in his native country.
Spending his youthful days under the parental roof, Ulrich C. Johnson there
obtained a private school education and in 1882, when a youth of sixteen years, he
bade adieu to friends and native country and came to the new world, arriving in the
United States on the 13th of October of that year. He did not pause on the Atlantic
coast but made his way straight across the country to San Francisco, California,
where he resided for five years. In the fall of 1887 he went to Alaska, where he
spent a year. The return trip was made with six others in an Indian dugout canoe,
which took six weeks of paddling. He afterward resided for a year in British
Columbia. He next went to Tacoma, Washington, after which he lived in Minne-
sota for a time. He subsequently traveled all over the United States, working for
wages in various sections of the country. Locating" in Iron Range, Minnesota, he
conducted a hotel there until 1895, after which he spent four years in the west and
then returned to Iron Range, where he lived until 1901.
In that year Mr. Johnson arrived in Yakima county, Washington, finding here a
district of which he desired to become a permanent resident. He bought thirty-four
acres of land pleasantly and conveniently situated two miles northwest of Zillah.
It was partly improved at that time. With characteristic energy he began its further
development and cultivation and his labors are now seen in the fine appearance of
his place. He has twenty-five acres of his land planted to apples, pears and prunes,
and his orchards are in excellent bearing condition. He keeps his trees healthy and
free from blight of every kind through the judicious use of sprays, and his soil is
carefully fertilized. He also displays sound judgment in the picking, packing and
shipping of his fruit, and his labors as an orchardist are bringing to him substantial
success. He likewise raises general crops and considerable hay. He has built a
good house and substantial barns upon his land and has added to it all modern im-
provements. That he is prominent as an orchardist of the district is indicated in
the fact that for two years he served as secretary of the Zillah Fruit Growers .'Asso-
ciation.
On the 18th of October, 1895, Mr. Johnson was married to Miss Isabel Severson,
of Minneapolis, Minnesota, a daughter of Eric Severson, a native of Norway, who
tTLRICH C. JOHNSON AND FAMILY
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 549
came to the United States in the '60s and took up farming near Kenyon, Minnesota.
Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have but one child, William C. who is farming with his father
and who wedded May Frederick, of Seattle.
Mr. Johnson and his wife are consistent members of the Lutheran church and
he also has membership wMth Yakima Lodge \o. 318, B. P. O. E. His political en-
dorsement has been given to the republican party since age conferred upon him the
right of franchise but aside from keeping informed on the questions and issues of
the day he is not active in politics, giving his thought and attention to his business
affairs, which, carefully directed, have brought to him gratifying success.
JOHX F. SCHEUFLER.
Orcharding now claims the attention of John F. Scheufler, who since 1910 has
been successfully engaged along that line, having in that year acquired title to his
father's ranch. He was born October 4, 1885, in Saginaw. Michigan, a son of John
and Minnie (Beyer) Scheuflcr. natives of Germany. They came to this country at
an early day and for a number of years resided in Michigan, whence they went to
Cleveland. Ohio. In 1899 John Scheufler removed to Seattle, Washington, and later
came to the Yakima valley. Subsequently, however, he returned to Seattle, where
for several years he successfully operated a bakery, but then bought twenty acres
of land in the Yakima valley one and a half miles east of Zillah. To the cultivation
of this land he devoted his attention for about eight years, at the end of which
time he sold out to his son, John F. He passed away February 26, 1912, being sur-
vived by his widow, who now makes her home in San Francisco, California.
.Although John F. Schcufler was born in Michigan, he received his public school
education in Ohio and subsequently assisted his father in business, making the vari-
ous removals with the family. After the father had acquired the tract of land in
Yakima count}- John F. Scheufler assisted in bringing it under cultivation and so con-
tinued until he became the owner in 1910. He has ever utilized the latest ideas and
methods in agriculture and horticulture and now has fourteen acres in apples, pears
and peaches, while the remainder of the tract is devoted to the raising of hay. In the
course of years the ranch has become valuable and he derives a gratifying income
from his labors.
On August 6, 1911, Mr. Scheuflcr was united in marriage to Gladys Olivia Bales,
a native of Burr Oak, Kansas, and a daughter of Phineas and Olivia Bales, who in
1904 became residents of Centralia. Washington. To this union has been born a son,
John .'Mien, whose birth occurred February 26. 1913.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Scheuflcr have made many friends in their neighborhood and
all speak of them in terms of high regard. They attend the Methodist Episcopal
church, in the work of which they arc helpfully interested, and fraternally Mr.
Scheufler is a member of the Elks Lodge, Xo. 318. of Yakima. Although he inclines
toward the republican party as far as national politics are concerned he preserves
a certain degree of independence, particularly in regard to local affairs, preferring to
follow his own judgment instead of party dictation in the support of candidates. He
is now numbered among the successful and prosperous orchardists of his district
and much of Kis success is atributable to his own labors.
J. WISHARD AXDERSON.
J. Wishard Anderson is the owner of a fine orchard in the Tieton valley, to the
cultivation of which he gives close attention, and is also quite successful as a jeweler,
in which line he is an expert. During the summer he lives upon his ranch but in
the winter season resides in Yakima, devoting that period of the year to his jew^elry
interests. .\ native of Martinsburg, West Virginia, he was born April 8, 1881, his
parents being J. Wishard and Henriette (Boltz) .Anderson, natives of Pennsylvania
and West Virginia respectively. The father was a school teacher and later took up
550 - HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
agricultural pursuits in West Virginia, where he passed away in 1881, his widow
y{t residing in that state.
J. Wishard Anderson. Jr., attended the public schools of his native state, round-
ing out his education by a course in a business college at Bunker Hill, West Virginia,
after which he entered the jewelry business at Martinsburg. Straightforward and
reliable, he soon built up a good trade so that his income increased from year to year.
In 1909, Mr. Anderson, after duly studying the subject and taking into consideration
the great opportunities presented in the west, decided to come to Yakima county
and after his arrival here bought twenty acres of rich land under the Tieton project.
At that time, however, it was all sagebrush. In the passing years he transformed this
tract into a productive fruit ranch, which is now planted to apples, with pears as
fillers. Following the most progressive methods and having given close study to the
subject, he has become one of the leading orchardists of his section and is meeting
v.'ith a gratifying measure of success. In the winter months he lives in Yakima, where
he owns a nice home, but in the summer season resides on his ranch. While in the
city he is connected with the jewelry business, thus making use of his experience
along that line.
On the 1st of September, 1909, Mr. Anderson was united in marriage to Miss
Ethel Wheeler, a native of Virginia and a daughter of Rev. R. M. and Agnes (Moore)
Wheeler. To this union were born two children, Donald and Jean. Mr. and Mrs.
Anderson are valued members of the social set of their neighborhood and both be-
long to the Presbyterian church, in the work of which they take a great interest.
Mr. Anderson is connected with the Yakima County Horticultural Union, being
an active member of that organization. His political allegiance is given to the demo-
cratic party and he is well versed on the questions of the day as regards the nation,
state, county and district but is not active in public life. He readily gives his aid
and support to worthy public movements and by his activities has contributed toward
the upbuilding and development of his neighborhood.
ROBERT P. ROCKETT.
Among the well known agriculturists of Cowiche is Robert P. Rockett, who has
a fine herd of high grade Jerseys, and is an up-to-date and experienced stockman.
A native of Washington, he ,was born in Vancouver, Maj' 27, 1860, and is a son of
Robert David and Katharine (Stice) Rockett, both of whom were natives of Scotland,
the former born in Edinburgh and the latter in Glasgow. At the age of seven j-ears
the father went to sea with an uncle and continued as a sailor until twenty-one. He
was numbered among the early pioneers of this state, for he first arrived here in
1848, in connection with the Hudson's Bay Company, coming by water. Subsequently
he returned to the land of hills and heather and there was married. Later he brought
his wife to .America, making their way to Vancouver, Washington. In early life he
had been a cook while at sea. After coming here he drove mule teams and other-
wise occupied himself in order to earn some ready money. He took up government
land ^t what is now Rockett Hill. Vancouver, and also acquired the old Ney ranch,
thus becoming the owner of over four hundred acres of land. To the cultivation
of this he gave his careful attention, gradually developing a valuable property, but in
1871 he was accidentally drowned. His wife had passed away in 1867. She was a
daughter of Peter Stice. who had twenty-four children, the youngest of whom weighed
four hundred and twenty-six pounds after reaching maturity. Mr. Stice was a pioneer
of Washington and an honored veteran of the War of 1812. who died at the venerable
age of ninety-six years. To Mr. and Mrs. Robert D. Rockett were born two sons
and two daughters, Robert P.. of this review, being the oldest in the family and the
only one now living.
Robert P. Rockett was but seven years of age when his mother died and four
years later his father was taken from him. Therefore he was early thrown upon his
own resources and attended school for only three months. However, he has since
improved his opoprtunities and has learned many valuable lessons in the school of
life, so that he is today a well informed man. When old enough he took up butter
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 551
making, which trade he learned thoroughly, and in 1877, when but seventeen, went
to Portland, Oregon, becoming connected with steamboating. For five years he was
a fireman and while in that position he utilized every possible chance in order to
improve his education, studying at night and whenever he had a leisure moment.
Later he became steamboat engineer and for twenty-two years Mr. Rockett was
engaged as a marine and stationary engineer. He was also connected with railroad-
ing for several years, both in the capacities of fireman and engineer, and at one time
was in the employ of the street car compan>-* at Portland when that company still
used horses, Mr. Rockett breaking in the horses. About 1889 he bought a ranch at
Hillsboro, Oregon, to which place his wife's people had gone many ye;ars before,
and there he successfully engaged in the dairy business for some time. At a later
period he was manager of a sawmill and still later was manager of Knapp's creamery,
.^fter this he again farmed for a short time and then returned to steamboating. He
also drove a stage for one year for the Lewis River Transportation Company. For
a time he was night watchman in Castlerock, Washington, and later successfully
operated a sawmill. In 190S Mr. Rockett bought a ranch and for nine years he gave
his attention to the cultivation of this property to good purpose. In 1914, however,
he came to Yakima county and for two years acted as manager of his brother's ranch.
He then acquired thirteen and a third acres in the Cowiche district and now receives
a gratifying return from this land, to which he devotes most of his attention, although
he acts at the same time as janitor of the Cowiche Central school. In all of his
various positions he has remained faithful to his trusts and to himself and there has
been no occasion in his life which ever needs to cause him the slightest degree of
regret. His land is used largely for dairy purposes as he keeps a herd of high grade
Jersey cattle.
On the 28th of January, 1886, Mr. Rockett was united in marriage to Mary M.
Cox, a native of Knoxville, Iowa, and a daughter of Mignon and Catherine (Mc-
Conaughey) Cox, the former a native of Iowa and the latter of Ohio. Her parents
crossed the plains in the days of pioneering, with ox teams, going to Hillsboro,
Oregon, in 1866. There the father bought land which he successfully cultivated for
a number of years, passing away in 1870. He was survived by his widow for over
a third of a century, her death occurring in 1905, when she had reached the age of
sixty-five years. Both parents were devoted members of the Methodist church. To
Mr. and Mrs. Rockett were born five children: Robert M., a rancher in the Cowiche
district, who is married and has four children; Earl Victor, deceased: Azalia, who
married Charles Grove, by whom she has two children, her husband being connected
with the United States reclamation service; Viola, a successful teacher; and Oliva, at
home, who married Albert Hilliard, also connected with the United States reclama-
tion service.
Mr. and Mrs. Rockett enjoy tlie Iiigh esteem and regard of their neighbors. They
are devoted members of the Baptist church, being deeply interested in its work, and
fraternally Mr. Rockett belongs to the Ancient Order of United Workmen. His
poHtical support has ever been given to the republican party and he has always been
a public-spirited citizen, aiding in every possible way movements for- the upbuilding,
growth and advancement of his district.
RICHARD WACHSMITH.
The achievement of the orchardists of the Yakima valley is a story to conjure with.
It is difiicult to realize when one visits this district and sees its splendid bearing
orchards that only two or three decades ago the region was a tract of wild, arid land
covered with sagebrush. But the efforts of progressive men, employing scientific
methods, have wrought marvelous results and the district has indeed "been made to
bloom and blossom as the rose." Richard Wachsmith is among the number who
have contributed to this result, for since 1904 he has been identified with the develop-
ment of the land in this region and is now the owner of fifty-five acres devoted to
fruit raising. He was born in Cook county, Illinois, June 30, 1877, a son of August and
Frieda Wachsmith, who in 1872 became residents of Cook county, Illinois, where the
552 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
mother passed away in 1894. Ten years later the father with his two sons, Richard
and Gus, came to Yakima county, Washington.
In 1907 Richard Wachsmith purchased thirty acres at Parker Heights, near
Donald, and in 1918 he acquired an adjoining ten acres. This ranch is set mainly to
peach trees, although it contains a small vineyard which has demonstrated that the
Yakima valley can grow Muscat and Red Emperor grapes as fine as any produced
in California. In 1910 he invested in fifteen acres in Fruitvale. This is largely an
apple orchard although cherries, peache's, prunes and pears are also grown. A portion
of this land was old orchard set to unprofitable varieties of peaches, apples and
cherries, which, by means of grafting, are now, in just a few years, bringing good
returns. About forty peach trees are yielding beautiful Tragedy prunes. He is one
of the many orchardists who have learned by experience that it is more profitable
both to the trees and pocketbook to have his orchards seeded to alfalfa than to clean
cultivate them. He has a fine home upon his place, large and commodious barns, the
latest improved machinery and everything that is indicative of progressive agricul-
tural life and orcharding in this section of the state. He is indeed one of the promi-
nent representatives of activity of that character and he deserves much credit for
what he has accomplished, having started out in the business world empty-handed.
His steady progress has resulted from close application, laudable ambition and unfalter-
ing industry and his record should serve to inspire and encourage others, showing
what may be accomplished.
On the 17th of September, 1915, Mr. Wachsmith was united in marriage to Miss
Livia C. Thomas, of Yakima, who was born in St. Paul, Minnesota, a daughter of
T. Frank and Martha Thomas. They now have four children: Ruth and Helen, twins;
Richard .-Mon; and Livia Alice.
Mr. Wachsmith is a stalwart republican in his political views. His wife is a
member of the Baptist church and both are people of the highest respectability, en-
joying the warm regard of all with whom they have been brought in contact. His
has been an active and useful life and he has truly earned the proud .American title
of a self-made man, his labors resulting in the transformation of arid lands into
fine orchards which in blossom time, or when the fruit hangs heavy and ripe upon
the trees, present a most beautiful and attractive picture.
CLEO M. FURRY.
Cleo M. Furry is today a successful wholesale fruit merchant of Yakima, but
there were times in his career when the clouds seemed to have no silver lining,
when hardships and privations confronted him on every hand and it was with the
greatest difficulty that he earned enough to provide the barest living for himself and
his wife. With stout heart and unfaltering courage, however, he pressed on and
ultimately gained a footing in the business world. Since that time he has advanced
step by step until his orderly progression has at length brought him to a position of
leadership among the successful fruit merchants of the Yakima valley.
Mr. Furry was born in Ceresco, Nebraska, on the 23d of June, 1880, a son of
Hiram B. and Delcenia (Smiths Furry, both of whom were natives of Iowa and at an
early day became residents of Nebraska. The father was a well known horseinan
and farmer but has now passed away. The mother, however, is still living.
Cleo M. Furry, reared in the usual manner of the farm-bred boy, acquired a pub-
lic school education and when his textbooks were put aside began farm work in the
employ of others. In fact his labor in that connection enabled him to a considerable
extent to pay the expenses of his school course. He afterwards became assistant
telegrapher for the Burlington Railroad Company and at a later period was engaged
in flour milling. He became a night miller at Harvard, Nebraska, and subsequently
turned his attention to cabinet work in connectoin with an incubator factory. .After
leaving that position he served as a steam engineer and later he resumed the occu-
pation of farming, which he followed for a year. He then came to Washington, set-
tling in Klickitat county in 1902 and there securing a homestead claim. He proved
up on that property and ultimately sold it, removing to the Wenatchee valley of
CLEO M. FURRY
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 555
Washington in 1907. There he became bookkeeper for the Wenatchee Valley Fruit
Growers' Association and was advanced to the position of assistant general manager.
On the 1st of June, 1914, he came to Yakima as a representative of the Northwestern
Fruit Exchange of Seattle and in January, 1916, he organized the Growers' Service
Company, which was incorporated on the 13th of that month, with W. N. Irish as
the president, Alfred H. Henry as vice-president and Cleo M. Furry as secretary,
treasurer and general manager. Mr. Henry sold his interest in the business in 1917
and Mr. Furry then became vice-president and general manager, while Harry Irish is
treasurer and assistant secretary. In 1916 a building was erected, seventy by one
hundred feet, and they have frostproof storage for thirty carloads of fruit. They
are conducting an extensive business as fruit packers, shippers and buyers. During
1917 they purchased a warehouse at Selah that is fifty by one hundred feet and one
story in height. It is frostproof and has a capacity of twenty-five cars. At Henry-
boro, Washington, they built a warehouse one story and basement in height and fifty
by one hundred feet. This is also frostproof and has a storage capacity of fifty
cars. At Zillah. Washington, they built another warehouse similar to that at Henry-
boro, and in 1917 they handled about five hundred and fifty carloads of fruit in all.
It was in that year that they built the warehouse at Taylor, Washington, a structure
fifty by one hundred feet and one story in height. Here they have a packing and
assembling house with capacity for thirty cars. Their apples are handled under the
"Skookum" brand, with individual brands of "Pom-Pom" and "Potlatch," and their
pears and other fruits are handled under the name of "Gro-S-Co." Their products
are marketed all over the world and their apples are sold by and through the North-
western Fruit Exchange of Seattle. In 1917 their sales showed an increase of three
hundred per cent, tonnage over the sales of 1916. Their plants are all modern in con-
struction and equipment and they have over two thousand five hundred acres under
signed contract for the fruit raised thereon. The business has now reached exten-
sive and gratifying proportions and Mr. Furry has won a position among the fore-
most wholesale fruit men of Washington. All days in his career, however, have not
been equally bright, for at times he has seen gathering the storm clouds which have
threatened defeat. However, he has managed to turn defeat into victory and prom-
ised failures into success. He was married when he was quite young and he and his
wife have worked together. While they were homesteading in Klickitat county they
lost every cent which they had. Instead of progressing, that district went back.
A sawmill in which Mr. Furry was employed, was burned and they saw months with
hardly enough to eat. Moreover. Mr. Furry became ill with rheumatism, from which
he suffered for two years. The second baby was born while he and his wife were
alone in a little log cabin. Mr. Furry cut wood, which he traded to the settlers for
barely enough upon which to subsist. He could earn only fifty cents per day. Their
place was situated seventy-five miles from Yakima. He heard about the advantages
of the Yakima valley and tried to make the trip with old horses and a worn-out
wagon, but the roads were impassable and after two weeks in the mountains he was
obliged to give it up and return. Later Mr. Furry made the trip on foot all the way
and he was so weak that it was four days before he reached his destination. He did
not have a cent, and after looking for work for days he got a job at picking apples.
In this way he earned four dollars, which he sent to his wife. He could get no more
work, so that he returned and lived all winter on fifteen dollars. Then in the spring
he sold the homestead for enough to get to the Yakima valley. That move was the
turning point in his career and gradually he has progressed step by step, each for-
word step bringing him a broader outlook and wider opportunities. Undaunted
courage, pluck, energy and honesty — these have been the salient features in the
winning of his present-day prosperity. He has made his way in the world unaided
from the age of thirteen years and his life record should indeed inspire and encour-
age others, showing what may be accomplished through individual eflfort.
It was in 1901 that Mr. Furry was married to Miss Tima Moore, of Harvard,
Nebraska, and to them have been born three children: Melvin Hiram, fifteen years
of age: William Allan, aged eleven; and Cleo M., a lad of ten.
Mr. Furry is an exemplary representative of the Masonic fraternity, loyally fol-
lowing its teachings. He belongs to Yakima Lodge No. 24, F. & A. M.; Yakima
Chapter, No. 21, R. A. M.: Yakima Commandery No. 13. K. T.. of which he is past
556 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
eminent commander for the year 1917-18; the Yakima Lodge of Perfection; the Rose
Croix Chapter; the Yakima Council of Kadosh; and Tacoma Consistory, No. 3,
S. P. R. S. He is also identified with Afifi Temple of the Mystic Shrine. His mem-
bership relations extend to the Modern Woodmen of America, the Yeomen, the
Yakima Commercial Club, the Yakima Gun Club and the Automobile Club of West-
ern Washington. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and he and
his wife attend the Christian church. Throughout his career he has held to certain,
high standards which have made him a man vi^hom to know is to respect and honor
and the most envious can not grudge him his success, so honorably has it been won
and so worthily used.]
GEORGE H. BEAVER.
In 1914 George H. Beaver came to the Yakima valley and purchased the O'Dell
barber shop at Toppenish. He afterward erected a building and continued to carry
on business along that line until 1917, when he sold out and turned his atention to the
automobile trade. He organized the Central Automobile Company with quarters on
Toppenish avenue. He handles the Auburn and Oakland passenger cars and also
Federal trucks and he sells the Fisk and Federal tires. He carries a full line of
auto accessories and his business has reached a very gratifying and substantial figure
owing to his close application, his progressive business methods and his earnest
desire to please his patrons.
In 1905 Mr. Beaver was married to Miss Rose Mitchell, of Ellensburg, Wash-
ington, where Mr. Beaver had engaged in barbering from 1902 until 1905, during
which time he formed the acquaintance of the lady whom he made his wife. They
have become the parents of four children, Melvin, Margaret, Arnold and Jack.
Fraternally Mr. Beaver is connected with the Elks lodge. No. 318. of Yakima and
also with the Yeomen, the United Commercial Travelers and the Occidentals. In
politics he is a republican and for two years he filled the office of chief of police
of Toppenish but has not been desirous of holding public positions. He is a charter
member of the Commercial Club and interested in all the plans of that organization
for the benefit of Toppenish. He has worked earnestly and persistently and the
success he has achieved is the direct result of his efforts.
JOHN G. OLDING.
John G. Olding, whose identification with farming interests in Kittitas county-
dates from pioneer times and who is still the owner of an excellent ranch, although
he is not engaged in its cultivation at the present time, was born in Nova Scotia on
the 24th of July, 1844, a son of George and Jennie (Roy) Olding, the former also a
native of Nova Scotia, while the mother was born in Scotland. The ancestral line
is traced back to William and Mary (Gillies) Olding, who were the parents of
Nicholas Purdue Olding, whose birth occurred in Southampton, England, March 13,
1751. He left his native land and went to the West Indies as a young man, and
at the time of the Revolutionary war he became a lieutenant in the English army but
afterward joined the American army. At the close of hostilities he went to Halifax,
Nova Scotia, where he entered upon the practice of law, devoting his attention to
the profession to the time of his death. He became an eminent member of the bar
there and in his later years was known as "the grandfather of the bar." He also
became an extensive landholder, having one thousand acres at Oldings Point. He
was the father of Johin Olding, who in turn was the father of George Olding and
the grandfather of John G. Olding of this review. George Olding became a farmer
and spent his entire life in Nova Scotia.
John G. Olding acquired a public school education and in his youthful days fol-
lowed farming in connection with his father. He early became familiar with the
best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops. Later he became a carpenter
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 557
and followed that trade in Nova Scotia until 1867, when he crossed the border into
the United States and made his way to Virginia City, Nevada. There he engaged
in mining for three years and eight months, after which he spent one summer in
Walla Walla, Washington. In the fall of 1871 he arrived in the Kittitas valley,
where he has now made his home for forty-eight years. He took up a homestead
six miles from what is now the city of Ellensburg, but at that time the little western
hamlet was called Robbers Roost. Mr. Olding made the journey to this place with
wagon and ox teams and was one of the lirst settlers of the district. There were
many Indians in the neighborhood — in fact they outnumbered the white settlers —
and there was every evidence of frontier life. Game was to be had in abundance and
all of the hardships and privations of the frontier were to be met. Mr. Olding first
built a little log cabin which had a dirt floor and roof, but this was later burned
and a better one erected. In true pioneer style he began life in this section of the
country. The first fall he went to Walla Walla for supplies with an ox team — a
distance of one hundred and forty miles. One day his wife was told that he would not
be back for a year, but on that day he arrived at his home, having made an especially
quick trip. He turned his attention to market gardening and was quite successful
in the production and sale of vegetables. He obtained three hundred and twenty
acres of government land, which he has converted into an excellent ranch property.
On this he has engaged in raising grain and hay and his crops have brought to
him a substantial financial return. He now rents the place and it provides hint with a
gratifying annual income.
In November, 1868, Mr. Olding was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Love,
a daughter of David and Elizabeth (Cameron) Love, both of whom lived and died
in Nova Scotia. The children of this marriage are six in number: Eva, who is now
the wife of Eck Shaw and resides in Ellensburg; Nettie, who gave her hand in mar-
riage to Jack M. Galvin, a rancher living in Kittitas county; Lida. who is the wife
of James J. McGuire and lives in Seattle; .Xnna, the wife of Henry Mitchell, who
is engaged in ranching in the Kittitas valley; Margaret, who is the wife of A. M.
Hall and makes her home in Ellensburg; and Mamie, the wife of John Tiseck, of
Seattle.
In his political views Mr. Olding is a republican but has never been an office
seeker. He has always concentrated his efforts and attention upon his farming in-
terests and his place is known as the Pioneer ranch, being most appropriately so
termed by reason of the fact that he has for so many years resided in this section,
his memory a connecting link between the primitive west, with its hardships and
difficulties, and the progressive present with its opportunities.
JAMES E. PRATT.
James E. Pratt has been a landowner from the age of twenty-three years and
since 1904 he has made his home in Yakima county, where he now has an excellent
ranch property. He was born in Keokuk county, Iowa, June 2, 1858, a son of
George A. and Harriett Hannah (Sisson) Pratt, who were natives of Indiana, where
they were reared and married. In the early '40s they removed to Iowa, casting
in their lot with the pioneer settlers of that state. The father was a veteran of the
Civil war and died in 1864, while in the service of his country. His widow survived
for many years, passing away in 1910. at the age of eighty-seven.
James E. Pratt acquired a public school education. He was one of a family of
eight children left to the care of his widowed mother at the father's death, the
eldest being but thirteen years of age. The mother sold her little Iowa farm in
1871 and removed with her family to Wabaunsee county, Kansas, where she pur-
chased land. In 1874 they had fine prospects for crops till upon a sunshiny August
afternoon, about three o'clock, there arose what appeared to be a dark cloud upon the
horizon. It was a swarm of grasshoppers that devoured every green thing. It was
a blow to the little family gaining a start, but they replanted and again in 1875
their crop was destroyed. -As the years passed they developed a good farm tliere
and the mother remained upon that place to the time of her demise.
558 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
James E. Pratt early knew hard work and responsibility. He assisted his mother
until he reached the age of twenty-three years arid then bought a farm nearby,
continuing its cultivation until 1904. He had become owner of four horses and five
cows when he bought the little farm in Kansas and he mortgaged his stock in order
to purchase his land. As the years passed, however, success crowned his persis-
tent and earnest labors and he continued to successfully engage in farming in Kansas
until 1904, when he came to Yakima county and bought forty acres of land north-
east of Granger. He moved upon this place in October of that year, having made
the purchase, however, in the spring. In 1906 he bought thirty-five and a quarter
acres two miles northwest of Outlook and was the owner of both ranches for several
years but finally sold the Granger ranch. He now lives upon the place near Outlook
and has greatly improved it, transforming it into one of the attractive farm proper-
ties of the neighborhood. There is a good house upon it and many modern improve-
ments, including good machinery and all facilities for carrying on the farm work.
He raises corn, hay and potatoes, annually harvesting substantial crops.
On the 3d of April, 1881, Mr. Pratt was married to Miss Nellie Loomis, a native
of Ohio and a daughter of Samuel D. and Julia (Hubbard) Loomis. who removed
to Kansas in 1874. The children of this marriage are seven in number. Grace, the
eldest, is the wife of James Saul, residing at Sunnyside, and they have four children.
Gertrude is the wife of Sherman Bissell, a rancher living near Sunnyside, and they
have two children. Elmer E., making his home in Yakima, married Opal Latin and
has two children. Albert married Edith Jory, by whom he has one child, and he is
engaged in farming his father's ranch. Bertha Mary is the wife of John Case, of
Sunnyside. Fred S. was a member of the United States army but was honorably
discharged in February. 1919. Jesse Grant, twin brother of Fred, was also in the army
but is now at home. The family is widely and favorably known in their section of
Yakima county, where they have now resided for fifteen years. Mr. Pratt deserves
much credit for what he has accomplished. He is indeed a self-made man, for he
started out in the business world empty-handed and at a period when most boys are
in school he was shouldering heavy responsibilities. Since then he has steadily
progressed and his success is the direct outcome of his persistent and earnest labor.
CLAUD HILL WEIR, M. D.
Among those whose knowledge insures them a large medical practice is Dr.
Claud Hill Weir, who for eight years has engaged in practice in Yakima, removing
to the northwest in 1910. He was born in Raleigh, North Carolina, March 8, 1878,
a son of William John and Margaret (Campbell) Weir, both of whom were of
Scotch descent and were natives of Maryland. The father was a son of William
Weir, who came from Londonderry, in the north of Ireland, but was of Scotch
lineage. The grandfather was a contractor who carried on business along that line
for many years in Maryland. William John Weir became a contracting engineer
and his highly developed powers brought to him a very liberal and important patron-
age. He was the builder of the state capitol of North Carolina and did a large amount
of railway work. Both he and his wife are now deceased.
Dr. Weir pursued his education in the Frey & Morsen school, a private school
for boys in North Carolina. He afterward entered the University of North Carolina,
where he won the Bachelor of Science degree upon graduation with the class of
1899. He next entered Columbia College as a medical student and gained his pro-
fessional degree in 1904. He then had the benefit of two and a half years' broad
experience as interne in New York city, spending two years of that time in the
New York City Hospital and six months in the New York Lying-in Hospital. He
continued practicing for five years in New York city and in 1910 came to the Pacific
northwest, settling in Yakima, where he has since followed his profession. He was
surgeon for the government on construction work. He is a most able physician with
broad knowledge and wide experience, and his professional standing is attested by his
colleagues and contemporaries as well as by the general public. He owns two grain
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 559
and stock farms in this section, having forty-five acres planted to alfalfa and one
hundred and sixty acres to wheat.
Dr. Weir was married in 1907 to Miss Laura Harriet Fraser, of New York
City, who was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and is of Scotch parentage, being a
daughter of Joseph Fraser. Dr. Weir holds membership in Harlem Lodge No. 457,
F. & A. M., and also with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is likewise
connected with the Commercial Club and the Country Club and belongs to the
Yakima County Medical Society. The Doctor is a veteran of the Spanish-American
war and served as a surgeon at the base hospital at Camp Lewis during the World
war. He takes keen interest in fishing and hunting but perhaps receives his greatest
enjoyment from travel. He has been from coast to coast in his native country,
visiting many points of modern and historic interest, and he is continually broaden-
ing his knowldege in this way as well as tlirough reading. In connection with his
profession he has never put aside his student habits.
CHARLES A. RIEMCKE, M. D.
Dr. Charles A. Riemcke, physician and surgeon of Yakima, was born in Musca-
tine, Iowa, May 8, 1882, a son of George A. and Fannie C. (Tewksbury) Riemcke,
who were early settlers of Muscatine. The father was a druggist who for thirty-five
years or more conducted business in that city and was one of the leading represen-
tatives of its commercial interests.
Dr. Riemcke acquired a public school education in Muscatine, completing the
high school course, after which he entered the University of Iowa and was graduated
with the Ph. G. degree in 1903. Continuing his studies, he won the Bachelor of
Science degree in 1908, and having thoroughly prepared for the practice of medicine
and surgery, lie gained his M. D. degree in 1909. He then secured the position of
interne in the City Hospital of Muscatine and gained that broad and valuable knowledge
and experience which can never be acquired so quickly in any other way as through
hospital practice. After his graduation he practiced for a short time in Muscatine.
Iowa, but believing that he might have better opportunities in the growing north-
west, he removed to Washington in 1910 and maintained an office at Selah until
1915. He then sought the broader field offered in Yakima, where he has since re-
mained. In 1916 he pursued a post-graduate course in the University of Southern
California, specializing in surgery. In the intervening period his practice has steadily
grown and he is particularly prominent in surgery. He is a member of both the
Yakima County and Washington State Medical Societies and was president of the
former for the two years of 1915 and 1916.
In December, 1915, Dr. Riemcke was married to Miss Lois Steen. of Yakima, a
daughter of Taylor Steen, and they have one son, Charles A., Jr. The Doctor be-
longs to the Masonic fraternity, in which he has taken the degrees of lodge, chapter,
commandery and consistory. He is also connected with the Elks and is a member
of the Country Club. In politics he maintains an independent course.
WILLIAM VERRAN.
William Verran, editor and owner of the Wapato Independent, was born in
Merrimac, Michigan, on the ISth of August, 1867, a son of John and Marjorie (Tre-
vena) Verran. The father died in the year 1917 but the mother is still living. John
Verran was a miner and thus provided for the support of his family.
William Verran acquired a public school education and made his initial start
in the business world as printer's devil in a job printing shop. Later he was with
the Scranton (Penn.) Times and following his return to Michigan was for thirteen
years associated with George A. Newett. On the expiration of that period he went
to Rossland, British Columbia, where he remained for four and a half years, and
was part owner of a weekly and daily paper there published. In 1903 he came (o
560 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
Washington, settling at Yakima, and was with the Yakima Democrat for two years.
Later he was with the Daily Herald as superintendent and on the 16th of June,
1909, came to Wapato and purchased the Wapato Independent, which had been es-
tablished on the 23d of March, 1906, by Charles M. Shrader, who failed, and the paper
was sold to the Wapato Development Company, from whom Mr. Verran purchased
it. He then installed new equipment and gets out a fine weekly paper which would
be a credit to a much larger town. He is progressive in all that he does and has
made the Independent a most readable journal, that is now a popular weekly visitor
in many a home in this section of the state. It is published as an independent sheet
and it has been an active factor in promoting public progress and improvement in
the locality.
On the 18th of December, 1890, Mr. Verran was married to Miss Eliza A. Kemp,
who was born in Ishpeming, Michigan, a daughter of Mark and Eliza J. (Trewartha)
Kemp. Mr. and Mrs. Verran have become the parents of four children: Goldie, who
died at the age of eighteen months; William, who is in the United States Xavy as
a musician; Doris M., who is in the First National Bank at Wapato; and Myrtle, who
is a student in the high school.
Mr. Verran belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights ot
Pythias and the Knights of The Maccabees. He is also a member of the Wapato
Commercial Club, of which he became the first secretary and of which he later
served as president. In politics he is a republican where national questions and
issues are involved but casts an independent local ballot. He has become an in-
tegral factor in the development of the community in which he makes his home and
his work indicates that he stands for all that is progressive in newspaper publication.
ANSON S. WHITE.
Among the honored pioneers and foremost agriculturists of Yakima county is
numbered .'Knson S. White, who now resides at No. .SIO North Second street,
Yakima. He was born in Grant county, Wisconsin, December 20, 1848, a son of
William and Margaret M. (Stewart) White, the former a native of Indiana and
the latter of Illinois. In 1846 the parents removed to Wisconsin with ox team and
in 18S0 the father again took up the westward march, making his way by team to
Portland, Oregon. In 1851 the mother and children followed him, making the haz-
ardous trip with a brother and sister who also were coming west. There were at
that time five children in the family of Mr. and Mrs. William White. The winter
was passed in Portland and the family then took up their abode on a donation farm
of six hundred and forty acres near Chehalis, Washington, about twelve miles from
Olympia, where in 1856 the father was killed by Indians. The family had been
attending church, making their way back in a one-horse cart, William White walk-
ing beside the vehicle, when the Indians stopped them. While they talked with the
father the horses ran for home and thus the family was saved. The Indians killed
Mr. White, and subsequently continuing their raid, killed another settler. The
Indians had also raided the property and taken away all of the horses belonging
to the family. Mrs. White was thus left with seven children in most trying circum-
stances, the government not even paying her for the lost horses, as it had done in
several cases before. However, she courageously took up the task of rearing her
family and through her unceasing efforts she succeeded, thus proving herself a
woman of the highest qualities of character. She lived upon the property near
Chehalis until death claimed her in 1890.
Anson S. White was but two years of age when he arrived in Washington
and he therefore has been a witness of all the development that has taken place
here and that has transformed a wilderness into a wonderfully developed agricul-
tural district. Where Indians were wont to roam modern hamlets, villages and
towns are now seen and happy, prosperous people are the visible evidence of the
progress that has been made. Mr. White early became accustomed to frontier con-
ditions and had to assist in providing for the family. He acquired a public school
education, however, and throughout his life he has used every opportunity in order
HP
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HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 563
to perfect his knowledge, so that he is today considered a well informed man. In
1866 he came to Yakima county with a surveying party and so favorably was he
impressed with the opportunities hero presented that in 1871 he took up govern-
ment land on the Wenas where a monument now stands, erected in memory of the
first train of white settlers that passed through Yakima county. This is now David
Longmire's ranch. He then made a trip to the Sound but in 1871 returned to the
valley and lived on the Wenas for one year. At the end of that time he returned
to the Sound and there his wife passed awa)'. In 1872 a return trip brought him
to Yakima and this time he took up his residence in old Yakima City. In 1878 he
took up a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres, to which he added six hun-
dred acres, making seven hundred and sixty acres, all of which he still owns with
the exception of sixty acres. He has devoted his attention largely to general farm-
ing, specializing, however, in dairying and the raising of cattle and receiving a
gratifying addition to his income through this line of business. To some extent
Mr. White has retired, having taken up his residence in Yakima, his home being
at Xo. SIO North Second street, which property he bought in 1891.
In 1869 Anson S. White was united in marriage to Nancy Hale, a native of
Maine and a daughter of Captain C. H. and Waitstill (Look) Hale. Mrs. White
died in 1872 and in 1873 Mr. White wedded Almeda Tigard, a native of Portland,
Oregon, and a daughter of A. J. and Sara J. Tigard. who were pioneers of Portland,
having gone to the City of Roses from Arkansas in 1852. A. J. Tigard was born
in Arkansas, November 24, 1828, and was of Scotch-Irish descent. Upon arriving
at a point three miles west of the present city of Portland, Oregon, he settled on
a donation claim, where he lived until 1872, when he moved to Yakima county
and settled on a homestead in the Cowiche valley, where he resided until his
death on October 6, 1898. He married Sara J. Edwards on September 15, 1848, at
Currington, Missouri, and they became the parents of seven children. She was of
Welsh-Irish descent and died February 2, 1902. Mr. Tigard early in life became
a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and remained an earnest Christian
throughout his life. To Mr. and Mrs. White were born seven children. William,
who now has charge of the home farm, having taken his father's place in active
work, is married and has three children. Margaret is the wife of Ben Chaney, by
whom she has one child, and they reside in Yakima. Guy, who is married and has
four children, successfully follows ranching pursuits on the Yakima Indian reserva-
tion. Roy, who is engaged in ranching in the Moxee district, has a wife and two
children. Aleen is a successful school teacher of Yakima. Charles Hugh, living
on a portion of the old homestead, is married and has two children. Lee is married
and is now in the United States reclamation service. All of the children received
a good education and have attained substantial positions in life, reflecting honor
upon their parents.
Both Mr. and Mrs. White are widely known in their neighborhood and have
many friends in Yakima, all of whom esteem in them honored pioneers of high
qualities of character. They are members of the Methodist church, and fraternally
he belongs to the Brotherhood of American Yeomen, Mr. White served on the
school board and has been active in the promotion of local public enterprises al-
though he has never been a politician in the commonly accepted sense of the word.
In his political affiliations he is a stalwart republican. There is great honor due
him for what he has achieved, as he is a self-made man, who through his labors
has attained an independent position in life.
MANNIE GLEN CRABTREE.
Mannie Glen Crabtree. who is widely recognized as a representative and success-
ful young agriculturist of Kittitas county, owns and cultivates one hundred and
sixty acres of valuable land six miles northeast of Ellensburg. His birth occurred
in Jewell county, Kansas, on the 24th of April, 1891, his parents being Albert and
Melinda (Dickey) Crabtree, both of whom were natives of Illinois. They removed
to Kansas at an early period in the development of the Sunflower state and there
564 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
the mother passed away in 1895. Fifteen years later the father brought his family
to Washington, arriving in Kittitas county on the 9th of March, 1910. He purchased a
farm of two hundred acres six miles northeast of Ellensburg and devoted his time
and energies to its further cultivation and improvement until called to his final rest
on the 14th of February, 1914. His well directed eflforts were attended with a gratify-
ing measure of success, so that he gained a place among the substantial agriculturists
and esteemed citizens of his community.
Mannie Glen Crabtree acquired a public school education in Kansas and after
coming to this state spent a year as a student in the Washington State Normal
School at Ellensburg. He became the active assistant of his father in the operation
of the home place and has remained thereon continuously to the present time, hav-
ing purchased one hundred and sixty acres of the property. He raises both grain
and hay, of which he annually gathers excellent crops which find a ready sale on
the market. Enterprising, progressive and industrious, he is meeting with well de-
served prosperity in his undertakings and is numbered among the representative
young farmers of his county.
On the 6th of October. 1916, Mr. Crabtree was united in marriage to Miss Lillie
Katherine Crawford, a daughter of George E. and Dora (Evans) Crawford, one of
the honored pioneers of Kittitas county, of whom a sketch appears on another page
of this history. Fraternally Mr. Crabtree is identified with the Independent Order
of Odd Fellows, while his political allegiance is given to the republican party. Both
he and his wife are popular in social circles, enjoying the warm regard and friend-
ship of those who know them.
REUBEN HARTLEY.
Sixty acres of highly developed land two miles north of Granger bespeak the
prosperity of Reuben Hartley and there he raises hay, corn and potatoes and also has
valuable dairy interests. His success is to be ascribed entirely to his industry, energy
and close observation, for he has ever studied agricultural methods and by applying
the right principles has succeeded in business.
A native of Watauga county. North Carolina, Mr. Hartley was born July 20,
1868, and is a son of Harrison H. and Margaret (Isaacs) Hartley, also natives of that
state. The father successfully followed agricultural pursuits. In 1870 the family
removed to Missouri but not finding conditions there to their liking, they returned
to North Carolina in 1871. The year 1872 marked their arrival in Coos county,
Oregon, and there Mr. Hartley, Sr.. rented land for six years. Another removal
brought him to Whitman county, Washington, where he took up a preemption and
also a homestead claim, the two comprising one hundred and sixty acres. This ranch-
he improved to a considerable extent but later sold out and returned to Coos county,
Oregon, where he bought a farm which he successfully conducted until 1918. in
which year he divided the farm among his children. He now lives retired in Cali-
fornia in the enjoyment of a fair competence. His wife passed away in 1914.
Reuben Hartley made the various removals with his parents and was largely
reared amid the surroundings of the farm. He received his public school education
in the states of Washington and Oregon and remained with his parents until twenty-
two years of age, when he started out for himself. He at first took up a homestead
and preemption claim in Coos county, Oregon, which comprised two hundred and
eighty acres, but after proving up sold out and bought forty acres of bottom land.
This property he greatly improved and thereon built a good house and barns but
again sold to advantage because he had decided to make another change. Having
heard many favorable reports in regard to the Yakima valley, he came to Yakima
county on the 10th of September. 1910, and bought twenty acres of land three' miles
northeast of Granger, which was partly improved. He added to the improvements
and installed modern equipment, remaining there for about seven years and selling
in December. 1917, when he bought sixty acres two miles north of Granger, which
is all under cultivation. Ever ready to embrace new ideas and wisely utilizing his
past experience, he is a successful agriculturist in the best sense of the word, not
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 565
only deriving a large income from his labors but also setting an example to others
and thus contributing toward general development. He raises hay, corn, and po-
tatoes and also has dairy interests.
On October 17, 1900, Mr. Hartley was united in marriage to Miss Annie Arnold,
a native of Pueblo, Colorado, and a daughter of A. M. and Catherine (Dolan)
Arnold, who later settled in Kittitas county, Washington, and thence removed to
Coos county, Oregon. Her father was a successful rancher. To Mr. and Mrs.
Hartley were born six children, Inez, Almys, Elmer, Leslie, Robert and Helen.
In his political affiliation Mr. Hartley has ever followed the democratic stand-
ard and is well informed in regard to the issues of the day as far as local, state
and national politics are concerned. While a resident of Oregon he served on the
school board and also was a member of the town council at Myrtle Point, that
state. Mr. Hartley is a man of high character, energetic and industrious, who has
attained to a prosperous condition in life entirely through his own efforts.
SAMUEL H. COCHRAN.
Samuel H. Cochran, engaged in dairying and ranching near Grandview, was
born in Marshal county, Minnesota. September 16, 1888, a son of John and Mary
(McCarthy) Cochran, both of whom were natives of Canada. The father crossed the
border and became a resident of Minnesota in early life. He was among the pioneers
of the Red River valley and took up government land there. His entire life has
been devoted to agricultural pursuits and he now resides at Grandview. Washing-
ton, being connected with the ranching interests here.
Samuel H. Cochran is indebted to the public school system of the country for
the educational privileges which he enjoyed. He arrived in Washington in 1905 and
afterward made his way to the Yakima valley, where he worked for wages on
various ranches, being thus employed for eight years. In 1913, desirous that his
labors should more directly benefit himself, he rented land and was occupied in its
further cultivation until 1918, when he invested his savings in ten acres near Grand-
view. He has upon this place a good house and substantial barns, together with
other modern improvements, and he devotes his land largely to the raising of al-
falfa. He also keeps a considerable number of cows and is successfully engaged
in the dairy business, finding a ready sale in nearby towns for his dairy products.
On the 18th of June. 1913, Mr. Cochran was united in marriage to Miss Nora
Tweeten, who was born at Battle Lake, Ottertail county, Minnesota, a daughter of
Alexander and Emma (Hinkey) Tweeten, the former a native of Wisconsin and
the latter of Minnesota. They were pioneer settlers of that state, where the father
engaged in ranching.
Mr. Cochran maintains an independent attitude politically. He concentrates his
efforts and attention upon his business aflfairs and is a self-made man who owes his
advancement and success entirely to his own efTorts.
JOHN GIBSON.
John Gibson, successfully engaged in raising apples, peaches and pears, having
fifty acres planted to orchards in Yakima county, was born in Scotland. August 8,
I8S8. a son of George and Jane (Morrison) Gibson, both of whom are deceased.
It was in the year 1883 that John Gibson came to the northwest, making his way
to Portland, Oregon, where he was employed in connection with the building of the
Northern Pacific Railroad. He assisted in building the line of the road through the
Yakima valley in 1885 and his brother, Andrew Gibson, was also employed in the
same connection. Both were representatives of the surveying department of rail-
way construction and John Gibson remained active in that field for seven years.
On the 19th of January, 1892, he and his brother purchased forty acres of land in
Fruitvale. It was a wild tract on which not a furrow had been turned nor an im-
566 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
provement made and they began its development, undertaking the task of convert-
ing it into a rich and productive farm. The brother is still engaged in railway work
with the Northern Pacific, being now located at St. Paul, where he resides, but he
owns the ranch in connection with John Gibson. After making their initial purchase
they bought still other land and now have fifty acres in apples, peaches and pears.
This is one of the leading ranch properties of the district. The work is most thor-
oughly. sj'Stematically and carefully done, the orchards are clean, the trees whole-
some and the most scientific methods are employed in the care and propagation of
the fruit.
In 1912 Mr. Gibson was married to Mrs. Eliza (Radbourn) Cubberley, of Yakima,
and they are widely and favorably known in this section of the state, the hospitality
of many of the best homes being freely accorded them. Mr. Gibson is a republican
in his political views and ever keeps in close touch with the trend of modern political
thought and action. He is today one of the directors of the Yakima County Horti-
cultural Union and closely studies everything that has to do with the fruit raising
and shipping interests of this section. Coming to the new world when a young
man of twenty-five years, he has steadily progressed as time has passed on and is
today occupying a place in the front rank of the orchardists of Yakima county.
EMIL STEXSTROM.
Emil Stenstrom is not only very successful as a rancher in Yakima county but
also specializes in baling hay, having during the season of 1918 baled over four
thousand tons. Thus he derives a gratifying addition to his income and he promotes
his prosperity in every legitimate way, thus purposefully and energetically attaining
a substantial position among the agrculturists of his district in Yakima county. A
native of Sweden, he was born December 9, 1869, and is a son of Alexander and
Clara (Jacobson) Stenstrom, both of whom have passed away. The father was a
miller by vocation and thus provided for the needs of the family.
Emil Stenstrom received a public school education in the excellent institutions
of his native country but at the age of twenty-two years decided upon emigration
to the L'nited States, having heard many favorable reports in regard to conditions
maintaining in this country, permitting a young man to more quickly gain an in-
dependent position. For a few months he remained in Minneapolis, whither he had
made his, way, and subsequently resided in Harvest, North Dakota. There he took
up railroad work, being for one year in the employ of the Great Northern Railroad,
while he also was on the pay roll of the Burlington. The stories of substantial for-
tunes to be quickly secured which emanated from Alaska decided him in 1898 to go
to that far northern country and there he spent four years, returning at the end
of that time to civilization and taking up his residence in Seattle, Washington, in
1902. There he worked in the employ of others for two years and then visited Sweden.
Upon his return to this country he took up the millwright's trade in the state of
Washington. In 1905 he came to Yakima county, and, having carefully husbanded
his resources, was enabled to acquire title to eighty acres of land five miles south-
west of Sunnyside. All of the tract was then covered with sagebrush but Mr. Sten-
strom energetically set himself to the task of bringing the land under cultivation
and as the years passed greatly improved it. Later he sold thirty-nine acres and he
now has forty-one acres, on which he raises alfalfa, potatoes and corn. He has
modern machinery and every up-to-date farm equipment and has erected good barns
and also built a fine residence in 1915. Upon his place he has two hay-baling ma-
chines and he does this work for many of his neighbors, baling over four thousand
tons in 1918 and thus receiving a gratifying addition to his income.
In 1910 Mr. Stenstrom was married to Miss Elizabeth Jones, a native of Wash-
ington and a daughter of Joseph and Mary Ann Jones, pioneers of this state. The
father is now a prosperous farmer of Yakima county. To Mr. and Mrs. Stenstrom
have been born two children, Clara and Marshall. The parents are ever ready to
give their support to worthy movements undertaken on behalf of the moral, intel-
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 567
Icctiial and material upbuilding of their district and are highly respected citizens
and loyal Americans.
Politically Mr. Stenstrom has never allied himself with any party, following
his judgment in voting, based upon a careful study of the issues of the day. He is
not only well versed in local affairs but gives close attention to questions pertain-
ing to the growth and expansion of state interests as well as national and world
problems. Fraternally he is a Mason, having joined the blue lodge at Mabton, Wash-
ington, and for three years he has served on the school board, of which for two
years he has been clerk. There is great credit due him for what he has achieved,
for he is a self-made man who has to thank no one for the position he has attained.
It has been acquired solely through his own energy and industry and his enterprising
spirit, which has led him to take advantage of the opportunities that are here pre-
sented to anyone who is willing to dare and to do.
JOHN W. SUDWEEKS.
John W. Sudwceks, one of the younger agriculturists of the Mabton district,
has already attained a degree of prosperity. He was born in Wabaunsee county,
Kansas, April 12, 1884, a son of John and Sarah M. (Pratt) Sudwecks, the former
a native of Canada and the latter of Indiana, more extended mention of whom is
made on another page of this work.
John W. Sudweeks was reared in a refined household, attended the public
schools and the high school. After laying aside his textbooks he turned his atten-
tion to mercantile pursuits, being for three years engaged as a clerk in a store at
Eskridge. Kansas. In 1904, at the age of twenty, he came with his father to Yakima
county and farmed in conjunction with him but also clerked in stores. Having care-
fully saved his earnings, he was then enabled to rent land near Outlook for one
year, but now owns a farm three miles north and one mile west of Mabton, com-
prising twenty-seven acres of land. Although this tract was in a wild state when he
acquired it, it is now all under cultivation and has been developed into a good prop-
erty. He raises grain, potatoes and hay and also conducts a dairy to good purpose.
Mr. Sudweeks has always been an ardent irrigationist, having done a great deal of
valuable work in ditch and drainage construction. He is a progressive young man
of agreeable social qualities, completely up-to-date in regard to modern business
transactions and affairs, and, moreover, he has studied deeply farming problems here
and is thus numbered among the leaders of agricultural development in his section
of the state.
On the 27th of September, 1905, Mr. Sudweeks was united in marriage to Gertie
May Simmons, who was born in Eskridge, Kansas, and is a daughter of P. P. and
Mary (Huvendahl) Simmons, the former a native of Platte county, Missouri, and
one of the early pioneers of Kansas. Mrs. Simmons was also born in Missouri.
Mr. and Mrs. Sudweeks have ever taken a helpful interest in the community
and are devoted members of the Methodist church. In politics he is a republican
and has steadfastly supported the candidates and measures of that party although he
is in no sense a politician but on the contrary prefers to devote his whole time
and attention to his private affairs. He is a valued member of the Grange, in which
organization he is very popular, and he has many friends in the vicinity of Mabton,
all of whom speak highly of him.
JAMES A. MAJOR. D. D. S.
Dr. James A. Major, a successful practicing dentist of Yakima, was born in
Schuyler, Nebraska, April 16, 1879, a son of Oliver M. and Elizabeth (.Armitage)
Major, who were early residents of Nebraska, where the father engaged in ranch-
ing. He has now departed this life, but the inother still resides in the east.
The Doctor acquired a public school education in Nebraska and New York
568 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
and afterward prepared for his professional career as a student in the Georgetown
University of Washington, D. C, from which he was graduated on the completion
of a course in dentistry as a member of the class of 1908. He then opened an office in
the capital city, there remaining until 1911, when believing that he might have still
broader and better opportunities in the northwest he came to Yakima, where he has
since remained. In the intervening period of seven years he has built up a large
practice which is most gratifying and which is indicative of his ability in his chosen
f^eld.
Dr. Major belongs to the Masonic fraternity, having membership in the lodge,
chapter, commandery and in the Mystic Shrine. He is also identified with the
Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and in club circles he is well known as a mem-
ber of the Country Club and of the Commercial Club, being in hearty sympathy
with the latter organization in all of its plans and purposes for the upbuilding of
Yakima. Along strictly professional lines he has connection with the Washington
State Dental Society and served for four years on its 'executive board. He holds
to professional standards and requirements and his ability is manifest in the liberal
practice that has been accorded him.
IRA D. CARDIFF.
Ira D. Cardiff has established and is conducting a most important business at
Yakima under the name of the Washington Dehydrated Food Company. His enter-
prise is of value to the community in that it furnishes a market to many producers
as well as furnishing work to many employes in the city. His plans have been most
carefully formulated and his enterprise and initiative have carried him steadily for-
ward in the conduct of his business interests.
Mr. Cardiff was born in Galva, Illinois, in 1873, a son of E. A. and Latrobe
(Sellon) Cardiff. The father, a farmer by occupation, has now passed away, while
the mother is still living. The son, Ira D. Cardiff, after mastering the branches of
learning taught in the public schools of Galva, Illinois, continued his education in
Knox College at Galesburg, from which he was graduated, and then became a
student in the University of Chicago. Later he entered Columbia University and
won his Ph. D. degree on graduating with the class of 1906. At that time he took up
educational work and in 1913 he came to Washington as head of the department
of botany in the State College. In 1914 he was made head of the Washington Agri-
cultural Experiment Station and organized the county agricultural agent work of
this state and also the Boys and Girls Club work of Washington. He also established
a station for experiments in dry land problems at Lind, \\'ashington, and one for
the study of animal diseases at Methow, Washington. He raised the money for
these institutions by private subscription. In other words, he entered upon an
educational campaign of great scope and of untold value. He was made a member
of the governing board of the first state department of agriculture but in June,
1917, he left the State Experiment Station and came to Yakima, where he organ-
ized the company! now operating under the firm style of the Washington De-
hydrated Food Company. They are engaged in the evaporation of fruit and vege-
tables, using both dehydrating and evaporating processes. They treat all kinds
of vegetables and fruits, preserving all the food values, the appearance, taste and
other desirable qualities. Thus are preserved food products that could not otherwise
be shipped. Mr. Cardiff recognized the opportunity to make very high grade foods
and his factories are characterized by the utmost cleanliness and sanitary condi-
tions. His products are sold to the government and all over the United States and
the plant handles over three carloads of fruit and vegetables per day. The fac-
tory, a two-story and basement structure, built of concrete, is one hundred and
eighty by one hundred and seventy feet. The company has also leased two cold
storage plants and in the spring of 1917 they handled two hundred and fifty car-
loads of potatoes, used for potato flour. They bought more potatoes than all the
other dealers in the valley together. In the factory employment is furnished to
from forty to one hundred people. They have sidings of both Northern Pacific and
[RA D. CARDIFF
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY S71
Union Pacific Railways to the factory, thus facilitating shipments. The business
has grown with remarkable rapidity owing to the excellence of the products sent
out and the success of the enterprise has been assured from the beginning.
In 1902 Mr. Cardiff was married to Miss Myrtle Sherman, of Galesburg, Illi-
nois, and they have a son, Edward Sherman, now nine years of age. Mr. Cardiff
is identified with various scientific organizations. He is a fellow of the American
Association for the Advancement of Science and he was a charter member and
the first president of the Utah Academy of Sciences. He also belongs to the Na-
tional Agricultural Society and he is a frequent and valued contributor to many
scientific journals.
Mr. Cardiff has a military record covering service in the Spanish-American
war, for which he raised a company at Kewanee, Illinois, becoming captain of this
organization, which, however, was not called upon for active duty. Later he en-
listed as a private and served thrgughout the period of hostilities with Spain, being
in active duty in Cuba and Porto Rico. Mr. Cardiff belongs to the Commercial Club
of Yakima. In politics he maintains an independent course, not allying himself with
any party. It was he who secured the passage of a bill through the state legislature
giving the Yakima valley a state e.xperiment station for irrigation purposes that has
been established near Prosser, Washington. He stands for all improvements of
agricultural conditions and of kindred interests and his life work has been of great
educational value, not only when he was directly connected with colleges and ex-
perimental stations, but also since entering upon his present business connection.
He has given practical demonstration of theories and beliefs which he held, prov-
ing his ideas to be of real worth in the preservation of food, making shipments
possible to all sections of the world. At all times he has held to the highest standards
of production until the name of the Washington Dehydrated Food Company is
everywhere recognized as a synonym for excellence in the processes of dehydrating
and evaporating fruits and vegetables.
WILLIAM SAMPLE.
William Sample, postmaster of Roslyn, was born in England, March 2, 1862, a
son of William and Thomasine (Dickinson) Sample. The father went to the gold
fields in the Cariboo during the period of pioneer development and mining excite-
ment there and about the year 1864 became a resident of Illinois, to which state he
took his family in 1869. He operated a coal mine at Streator, Illinois , and later
became mine manager for Colonel Plumb of California. His wife died in Illinois,
and after residing for a time in California, Mr. Sample returned to the former state,
where his last days were spent. He was a mining man of wide experience, promi-
nently known in that connection in various sections of the country.
William Sample is indebted to the public school system of Illinois for the educa-
tional opportunities which he enjoyed. In 1884 he went to Utah, where he worked in
the mines, and later he was employed in the mines of Wyoming. In 1887 he made
his way to California, where he spent a year as a mine worker, and for two 'years
he was a resident of Wyoming. He next removed to Utah and in 1892 took up his
abode in Roslyn, Washington, where he followed mining until March, 1916, when
he was appointed to the position of postmaster, in which office he has served since,
making a creditable record by the systematic and thorough manner in which he
discharges the duties of the position.
Jn 1889 Mr. Sample was married to Miss Ellen McDonald, a native of Pennsyl-
vama and of English parentage. She is a daughter of James and Susan (lies) Mc-
Donald and by her marriage she has become the mother of seven chidren: Robert,
deceased; Earl, a newspaper editor residing in Montana: William, a member of the
United States army; Mary, the wife of Gerald Beck, who is now with the United
State navy, while his wife is at home with her parents; Joseph, James and Sarah,
who are also under the parental roof.
In his political views Mr. Sample was a republican until President Cleveland's
first administration and has since been a democrat. He has served on the board
of examiners for mine inspectors but has never been a p'olitician in the sense of
572 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
office seeking. In his present position, however, he is making a creditable record.
He belongs to the Masonic fraternity and also to the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows and in the latter has tilled all of the chairs. He enjoys the respect and
good will of his brethren of these fraternities, and in Roslyn, where he has now
long made his home, he has a circle of friends almost coextensive with the circle
of his acquaintance.
GUST A. JOHNSON.
It seems that in the majority of cases men's lives are very much alike, yet an
analyzation brings forth man's individuality not only in matters of temperament but
in business methods as well. There has been manifest in Gust A. Johnson a resolute
spirit that enabled him to sever home ties and courageously face changed conditions
in the new world when coming as a young man of twenty years to America from
his native Sweden. He was born February 4, 1862, a son of Johan .\nderson and
Sarah Johnson, both of whom spent their entire lives in Sweden. Gust A. John-
son was educated there and in 1882 bade adieu to friends and native country and
sailed for the United States, attracted by the favorable opportunities which he
heard were to be enjoyed on this side of the Atlantic. After reaching American
shores he crossed the continent to Willmar, Minnesota, and in 1886 he bought one
hundred and sixty acres of farm land, having in the meantime earned the capital
enabling him to make this investment. For six years he lived upon that land. Later
he became a resident of Grant county, South Dakota, and bought four hundred and
twenty acres of farm land, which he carefully and successfully cultivated until 1911.
In that year he disposed of his farm in South Dakota and made his way to the
northwest. After reaching Yakima county he bought a five-acre orchard in the
Selah valley and upon his place built a fine home. He now has one of the modern
orchard properties of the district, carefully developed and cultivated, and in his
fruit raising is meeting with success.
In 1893 Mr. Johnson was married to Miss Annie Alice Halm, of Minnesota, who
died in 1894. In 1906 he wedded Gustava Redal. of South Dakota. By his first
marriage he had a son, Arthur J., who is now twenty-four years of age and is serv-
ing with the United States army.
Mr. Johnson is a member of the Swedish Mission church and in politics he is
a prohibitionist. In these associations is indicated much concerning the rules that
govern his life and guide him in his relations with his fellowmen. He has always
been honorable and upright, straightforward in his dealings, and is a stanch advo-
cate of temperance and of all those forces which make for the moral welfare and
progress of community and country.
ARTHUR JOSEPH RABIE.
Arthur Joseph Rabie has the reputation of raising some of the finest vegetables
ever produced not only in Washington but throughout the entire west. His activi-
ties have been directed by a spirit of enterprise and progressiveness that has pro-
ducd wonderful results and in all that he undertakes he is most thorough, while his
keen discrimination enables him to quickly decide between the essential and the
non-essential in all that he does.
A native of Quebec, Canada. Mr. Rabic was born October 24, 1880, a son of
rhilomen and .Angelina (La Fave") Rabie, more extended mention of whom is made
on another page of this work in connection with the sketch of Elzard Rabie, a brother
of Arthur J. Rabie. He engaged in farming with his father until 1905 and then pur-
chased fifty acres of his father's land. L^pon this tract he built a house, also good
barns and sheds and began the further development and improvement of the place,
devoting his attention largely to the raising of alfalfa, beets, potatoes, wheat and!
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 573
barley. That he has won notable success is indicated in the wide reputation which
he bears in this connection. He has raised many car loads of fine potatoes, which
he has sold to the Northern Pacific Railroad Company for dining car service. He
is known to have raised the finest car load of potatoes ever used by the road and the
Northern Pacific presented him with a beautiful engraved certificate, making him a
member of their "Booster Club" in recognition of his efficient work. He had' three
potatoes that weighed seven pounds. No finer farm products could be found than
those he has produced upon his ranch. He has closely studied the conditions of the
soil, the best methods of fertilizing and knows thoroughly what can be undertaken
and successfully accomplished. He employs the most scientific methods in the de-
velopment of his crops and through persistent effort he has steadily advanced in his
business career and is now numbered among the prominent farmers of the Moxee
valley. At the time he made purchase of his present place he had only two hundred
dollars with which to make a partial payment thereon. Within ten years he had
cleared the place of all indebtedness and added many modern improvements in the
way of good buildings, well kept fences, fine farm machinery, and in fact there is no
accessory or convenience of the model farm of the twentieth century that is not to
be found upon his place.
On the 22d of February, 1909, Mr. Rabic was married to Miss Hosanna Huard,
a native of North Dakota and a daughter of Joseph and Sarah (Goulet) Huard, who
in 1905 removed to the Moxee vafle\', where the father is still engaged in farming.
To Mr. and Mrs. Rabie have been born seven children but three of the number died
in infancy. Those living are Evaline. Thelma. Raymond and Verna.
The parents and children are members of the Holy Rosary Catholic church at
Moxee City and Mr. Rabie gives his political endorsement to the republican party.
He has never cared for public office or sought to figure in any public light aside
from business. In all that he has undertaken along agricultural lines he has held
to the highest standards and what he has accomplished has set a pace for other
farmers of the locality. His years of intelligently directed efTort have brought him
to a place in the front ranks of the agriculturists of the Moxee valley.
FRED A. SHADBOLT.
The reclamation of the once arid west for the purposes of cultivation has con-
stituted one of the wonders of the business development of this country. There were
many who believed that the great broad stretches of land covered with sagebrush
could never produce anything else, but men recognized that the one need was water
and proceeded to apply this by bringing from hills and streams into the arid regions
the needed supply. Then began the cultivation of great crops of hay and grain and
the raising of immense crops of fruit as well. It is to the orcharding interests of the
northwest that Fred A. Shadbolt has largely given his attention. He was born in
Oakland county, Michigan, September 6, 1872, a son of Alvin D. and Selina (Milli-
gan) Shadbolt, the former a native of Dutchess county. New York, while the latter
was born in Pennsylvania. They became pioneer residents of Michigan. The father
had previously operated a tugboat on the Erie canal and it was in New York state
that he was married. Soon afterward he took his wife to Michigan and both spent
their remaining days in that state where the father, who was a wagonmaker by
trade, turned his attention to farming and the live stock business, becoming one of
the successful stock buyers of the state.
Fred A. Shadbolt supplemented a public school education with a business course
and started upon his active business career as an employe of the American Express
Company, with which he remained for eleven years. He was afterward with the
International Harvester Company as a salesman for two years and subsequently spent
one year with the National Cash Register Company as a salesman. He was like-
wise a salesman for the National Biscuit Company for a year and a half and on the
17th of March, 1907, he came to Yakima. Soon after he went to Wapato and
opened a warehouse, which he conducted for five years as a partnership concern with
Ed Carver. He sold his interest, however, in 1911 and went to Auburn, Washington,
S74 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
where he was proprietor of a hardware and furniture business until June, 1913. He
then again disposed of his commercial interests and turned his attention to orchard-
ing, purchasing forty acres of land two miles west of Zillah. This was an im-
proved farm and he now has thirty-three acres in orchard, thirteen acres being planted
to apples, thirteen acres to pears, three acres to prunes and four acres to peaches.
He also has fifteen acres in hop vineyards and the remainder of his land, aside from
that occupied by his home with its surrounding lawn, is in barn lots. He has sub-
stantial barns upon his place and fine packing sheds. Both the house and barn are
supplied with electric lights and hot and cold water and his is one of the best
developed ranches of the valley, none of the accessories and conveniences of the
model ranch property of the northwest being lacking upon his place. In its improve-
ments he has shown a most progressive spirit and that his labors are of a practical
character is manifest in the excellent results achieved.
On the 25th of August, 1902. Mr. Shadbolt was united in marriage to Mrs.
Frances N. Lake, nee Sams, who was born in Big Rapids, Michigan a daughter of
George W. and Eliza A. (Adams) Sams. By her former marriage Mrs. Shadbolt
had two children: Wenonah, now the wife of Ed O. Stingle, living in Wapato, and
Hugh R. Lake, who is a volunteer of Company E, One Hundred and Forty-sixth
Field Artillery, which was organized at Walla Walla. He enlisted in 1917, was made
a corporal, then advanced to the rank of sergeant and with his command in France
participated in the decisive battle of Chateau Thierry, which is acknowledged to
have been the turning point of the war Then it was that the Germans recognized
that there were troops in the field who were not afraid of their advance and who,
when told to retreat, made the immortal reply: "Retreat, Hell! The .American
flag never retreats." After his active service in France Hugh R. Lake was sent back
as instructor and toured the southern states as a lecturer for the Fourth Liberty
Loan. He has now received an honorable discharge and with a most creditable
military record has returned to his home and is active in the work of the ranch.
Fraternally Mr. Shadbolt is connected with the Masons and with the Modern
Woodmen of America, while his political endorsement is given to the republican
party. What he has undertaken he has accomplished. He is a man of resolute
spirit, who in business affairs has readily discriminated between the essential and
the non-essential, and wisely choosing the former, has so directed his efforts that
he has gained a place among the prosperous orchardists in the vicinity of Zillah
and has contributed in material manner to the development of that section.
RA LIVENGOOD.
Ira Livengood is numbered among the pioneer settlers of Yakima county whose
memory bears the impress of many events which have shaped the history of the
northwest, marking the development and progress of the region. He was born in
Decatur county. Iowa, May 23, 1850, a son of Christopher and Catherine (Haynes)
Livengood, both of whom were natives of Indiana and became pioneer settlers of
Iowa. In 1871 they removed westward to Oregon, casting in their lot with the early
settlers of that state, and both passed away within its borders. The father was a
Civil war veteran, having stanchly defended the Union cause during the progress
of the struggle between the north and the south. He became a rancher in the north-
west and was also later proprietor of a livery stable at Beaverton, Oregon.
His son, Ira Livengood, acquired a public school education and engaged in farm-
ing in Iowa until 1871, when he accompanied his parents to Oregon. In the spring
of 1872 he removed to Klickitat county. Washington, and tooI< up a homestead upon
which he resided until 1874 and then removed to Yakim.a county. He was employed
for wages in the city of Yakima and also on the Indian reservation and later he
secured a preemption in Wide Hollow, holding that place until 1876, when he sold
his property and took up government land on the Cowiche. He also bought rail-
way land, becoming owner of one hundred and twenty acres in all. Of this he
afterward sold twenty-five acres. He built a nice home upon his place and through-
out the intervening years has continued the work of general development and im-
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HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 577
provement. He was one of the first in the Cowiche valley to engage in the live
stock business and he is still raising stock and also devoting his attention to the
raising of hay and grain and to the conduct of a dairy business.
On the 28th of June, 1874, Mr. Livengood was united in marriage to Miss Letitia
Chambers, a daughter of Thomas J. and America R. (McAllister) Chambers. The
father, a native of Ohio, was a son of Thomas Chambers, who was born in Ireland.
In the year 1845 Captain Thomas Chambers crossed the plains, arriving at The
Dalles, Oregon, on the 27th of October of that year. He found two Methodist mis-
sionaries there, Mr. Brewer and Mr. WoUer, from whom the party purchased wheat
at two dollars per bushel, also paying them fifty dollars for a fifty-pound sack of
flour. They lived mostly on boiled wheat. They built a boat from whipsawed lum-
ber with pegs, having no iron. It carried fifteen wagons and five families, together
with all their goods, and thus they proceeded down the Columbia river on the boat,
driving the stock along the bank. At the Cascades they made portage around and
let the boat go over, which it safely did. They located at first a half mile from
Oregon City and in 1848 they removed to a point six miles from Olympia, to what is
now known as Chambers Prairie. The father of Mrs. Livengood was the first white
man to drive a wagon into Olympia and the family was connected in many ways
with the "first things" in this section of the state. In 1854 they planted an orchard,
carrying the trees into the country on horseback. The grandparents of Mrs. Liven-
good both died on Chambers Prairie. The grandfather had one of the first grist
mills at Fort Steilacoom and was one of the earliest of the pioneers in that region.
The father of Mrs. Livengood removed from Chambers Prairie to Yakima county
in 1867 and located on the .\htanum. where he spent one winter. In the next spring
he removed to Columbus, Washington, on the Columbia river, and became a large
stock grower in that locality. About 1870, however, he returned to Yakima county
and purchased land three miles south of North Yakima, where he lived until his
death, which occurred December 23, 1911, when he was eighty-eight years of age.
His mother was a cousin of Andrew Jackson. Mr. Chambers had gone to Califor-
nia with the "forty-niners." There was no phase of pioneer life on the Pacific coast
with which he was not familiar and he was personally known to nearly all of the
early settlers of the region. The mother of Mrs. Livengood was a daughter of
James McAllister, who was killed on Puget Sound in 1856 during the Indian wars.
To Mr. and Mrs. Livengood have been born seven children: Annie, the deceased
wife of Jay Elliott, by whom she had three children; May, the wife of R. O. Smith, a
rancher of Wide Hollow, and the mother of seven children: Clarence, a rancher of
the Cowiche, who is married and has one child: Harvey, a rancher of Wide Hollow,
who has a wife and one child: Emma, the wife of Harry Graham, who is engaged in
ranching on the Cowiche and by whom she has one child: Katie, the wife of Ralph
Chambers and the mother of three children, their home being also on a ranch on the
Cowiche; and Christopher, a rancher of the same neighborhood, who is married and
has one child. There are seventeen grandchildren in all.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Livengood are representatives of early pioneer families of
the northwest and there is no phase of the development and upbuilding of this re-
gion with which they are not familiar from hearsay or from actual experience. Mr.
Livengood now ranks with the successful farmers of the district and his record
shows what can be accomplished through individual effort when there is a will to
dare and to do.
CHARLES F. SWAIN,
Charles F. Swain, who now lives largely retired, having acquired a comfor-
table competence, was for years successfully engaged in mercantile pursuits in Yakima
and is now giving his attention principally to orcharding. He has ever been a pro-
gressive and valuable citizen of his community, to the development of which he
has contributed by his activities. Born near Buffalo, New York, in 1852, he is a
son of Daniel G. and Sarah (Thompson) Swain. The son was reared under the
parental roof and in the acquirement of his education attended school in Evans,
near Buflfalo. After laying aside his textbooks he turned his attention to the car-
(22)
578 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
penter's trade. At the age of thirty-two, or in 1884, he left his father's farm and for
two years lived in Rooks county, Kansas. Hearing many favorable reports in re-
gard to the opportunities presented in Washington to an enterprising young man,
he came to Yakima in February, 1888, and is therefore numbered among the pioneers
of this section of the state. He continued to follow the carpenter's trade for two
years, turning his attention at the end of that time to stock ranching, in which line
of work he was successfully engaged unil about nine years ago, when he located upon
his present place in Fruitvale, where he has a very productive orchard although it
is not of great extent, and until recently he also conducted a general store. He
carried complete and suitable lines meeting with the approval of his customers and
in his business ever followed reliable methods.
In 1874, at the age of twenty-two years, at his old home in New York state, Mr.
Swain was united in marriage to Nellie Bullock, who bore him three children. The
oldest of these was Spencer D. Swain, who died in the Philippine Islands, laying
down his life for his country while serving as a soldier; during the Spanish-Ameri-
can war. May Ella, the second child, is now in New York state, while Howard C.
resides in Yakima. Mrs. Swain died in 1884 and in 1889 Mr, Swain married Eada
Van Winkle.
In his political views Mr. Swain is independent, taking into consideration only
the worth and capabilities of a candidate. He is a devoted member of the Methodist
Episcopal church, in the affairs of which he is helpfully interested, and fraternally
is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, which he joined while living
in Kansas. Since coming to Yakima he has made many friends and all who know
him respect him for his high qualities of character. Moreover, there is honor due
him as one of the pioneers of this section, with which his activities have been linked
for the past thirty years.
ROCK CHARLES KENDALL.
Horticultural development in the Yakima valley has in recent years been the
means of bringing great prosperity to this district and among the successful orchard-
ists of this section is numbered Rock Charles Kendall, who has a fine fruit ranch
near Tieton. He was born in Berrien county, Michigan. March 21, 1887, a son of
Charles and Ona (Pike) Kendall, who were natives of Ohio and Michigan respec-
tively. Throughout his active life the father successfully followed farming ana is
now a respected resident of Benton Harbor, Michigan. His wife is also living.
Rock Charles Kendall was reared amid the refining influences of a good home.
In the acquirement of his education he attended the public and high schools and in
order to better prepare himself for a successful agricultural career attended the
State Agricultural College and also the State University at Madison, Wisconsin.
After completing his education he assisted his father with the work of the home
farm for about two years, but at the end of that time removed to Butte county.
South Dakota, where he proved up on a homestead. In 1911 he came to Yakima
county, where he bought twenty acres of land on the Tieton, and so successful was
he in the operation of this land that in 1918 he was enabled to buy another twenty
acres, all of the tract now being planted to apples with the exception of three acres
which is in pears. Twenty acres Mr. Kendall has planted himself, while the re-
mainder of the trees were planted before he bought the property. This is now con-
sidered one of the finest orchards in the district owing to the unceasing efforts
and care which he has bestowed upon it. He has ever kept in touch with the latest
methods in regard to horticulture and having closely studied the subject, has proven
many theories as of practical value. He has thus become a leader in his vocation
and has set a good example to many others who follow the, same line of occupa-
tion. A fine home stands as the visible evidence of his prosperity and, moreover,
he has erected other buildings necessary for packing and storing the fruit, and also
installed modern machinery and equipment, all of which indicate him to be a thor-
oughly efiicient horticulturist and successful business man. Besides his property of
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 579
forty acres Mr. Kendall rents twenty acres, from which he also derives a gratifying
income.
On the 16th of October, 1911. Mr. Kendall was united in marriage to Miss Eliza-
beth Avery, a native of Austin, Minnesota, and a daughter of Dr. H. A. and Florence
(Judson) Avery. To this union have been born two children, Helen Standish and
Margaret Elizabeth.
Mrs. Kendall is a devoted member of the Congregational church, in the work of
which she takes an active and helpful interest. Mr. Kendall is a republican in his
political views, thoroughly in accord with the principles of the party and ever ready
to support its candidates but not an active politician himself. However, he readily
stands for measures that make for public improvement and gives his valuable aid and
support to worthy movements. He is a valued member of the Yakima County
Horticultural Union and has many friends in his neighborhood.
PAUL B. COOPER, M. D.
Dr. Paul B. Cooper, actively identified with medical practice in Yakima, was
born in McMinnville, Oregon, December 11, 1880, a son of J. Calvin and M. Paralee
Cooper, who in 1864 became residents of Oregon, casting in their lot with the pioneer
settlers of that state. The father is a civil engineer' and for many years practiced
his profession but is now active in connection with the walnut industry of Oregon.
He and his wife celebrated their golden wedding anniversary on the 12th of May,
1918. Mr. Cooper is prominent in political circles as a supporter of the republican
party and in fact has had much to do with the upbuilding, development and progress
of his adopted state.
Dr. Cooper, in the pursuit of his education, completed a course in Pullman Col-
lege and was graduated from the Washington College of Pharmacy with the class
of 1902. He then determined upon the practice of medicine as a life work and with
that end in view became a student in the medical department of Northwestern Uni-
versit}' of Chicago, w-here he won his professional degree as a member of the class
of 1908. He had experience as interne in the Columbus Memorial Hospital, Chi-
cago, and in the Rotunda Hospital of Dublin, Ireland. He also further studied in
the University Hospital at Vienna, Austria. The year 1909 witnessed his arrival
in Yakima, Washington, where he has since engaged in practice.
In 1913 Dr. Cooper w'as married to Maude Hobbs Braly, of Eugene, Oregon,
and they have one child, Margaret. Dr. Cooper belongs to Phi Beta Pi and is a
well known Mason, having membership in Yakima Lodge, No. 24, F. & A. M., the
consistory and in Afifi Temple of the Mystic Shrine. He is also connected with
the Elks and his club membership is in the Country Club and the Commercial Club.
His political views are in accord with the principles of the republican party, which
he has always stanchly supported since reaching his majority. His religious faith
is that of the Presbyterian church.
GEORGE E. CRAWFORD.
There are few who have longer been identified with farming interests of Kitti-
tas county than George E. Crawford, who took up his abode here in 1879. He was
then a young man of about nineteen years. His birth occurred in Grant county,
Wisconsin, on the 6th of October, 1860, his parents being John H. and Hannah F.
(Woods) Crawford, who in 1865 left their old home in the upper Mississippi valley
and made their way westward to Idaho with horse teams. From that state tlicy
traveled aross the country to Oregon and later made their way northward to the
Sound country. In 1879 they arrived in the Kittitas valley and the father purchased
three hundred and twenty acres of railroad land about six miles northeast of the
present site of Ellensburg. It was then a wild tract, entirely undeveloped and un-
improved, but his labors soon brought about a notable change, for after a brief
580 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
period the sagebrush was replaced by substantial crops of grain. Mr. Crawford
there followed farming throughout his remaining days and both he and his -wife
died upon the old homestead farm.
George E. Crawford was but hve years of age when the family home was es-
tablished in Idaho. Since then, or for a period of more than a half century, he has
been identified with the growth and development of the northwest. He pursued his
education in the public schools near his father's home and after his textbooks were
put aside concentrated his efforts and attention upon the farm work, continuing
to assist his father until the latter's death. The farm was then inherited by George
E. Crawford and his brother Philip and through the intervening period he has en-
gaged in raising hay and grain.
In 1896 Mr. Crawford was united in marriage to Miss Dora Evans, a native of
Minnesota and a daughter of Edwin and Nancy (Taylor) Evans, who came to the
Kittitas valley in the early '90s. Mr. and Mrs. Crawford are the parents of four
children: Anna, who is the wife of Tyra Cook, a sheep man residing in Kittitas
county: Lillie, who gave her hand in marriage to Glen Crabtree, a rancher residing
in the Kittitas valley; and Stephen and Lulu, both at home.
In his political views, Mr. Crawford has always maintained an independent course,
voting for men and measures rather than for party. His life has been quietly passed
and there have been no spectacular phases in his career. His record is that of a
pioneer farmer who has not only upbuilt his own fortunes in a' frontier community
but has aided materially in developing the district, placing it upon a par with the
older civilization of the east.
WILLARD E. THOMPSON.
Ranching interests in the Yakima valley arc ably represented by Willard E.
Thompson, a very successful agriculturist in the Cowiche district. He was born in
Washington Courthouse, Ohio, December 20, 1863, a son of Thomas and Elizabeth
(Boyd) Thompson, the former a native of South Bloomfield, Ohio, and the latter
of Uniontown, Pennsylvania. His paternal grandfather was John Thompson, a son
of William Thompson, who was born in Ireland and emigrated to the Buckeye
state as a young man. settling near Chillicothe during the days of the Indians. He
removed to that state with his father, vv-ho was among the first settlers of Ohio.
Mrs. Elizabeth (Boyd) Thompson is a daughter of William Boyd, who served with
Perry on Lake Erie during the War of 1812, being an officer in the navy. The Boyd
family is also numbered among the prominent and early pioneers of Ohio. Thomas
Thompson followed farming throughout life and in 1902 came to Yakima, making
this city his home until his demise on the 19th of August, 1914. His widow survived
him only a short time, her death occurring in February, 1915.
Willard E. Thompson was reared under the parental roof, spending his boyhood
days in Washington Courthouse. Ohio, and there attending the public schools. In
1882 he removed with his parents to Livingston county, Missouri, and there he took
up agricultural pursuits, having acquired thorough knowledge of that occupation
under the able guidance of his father. He continued farming in Missouri until the
7th of January. 1901, and then came to Yakima county. Washington. Here he im-
mediately began work on a farm owned by M. Strausz, his father-in-law, the prop-
erty comprising two hundred and forty acres on the Cowiche. Two years later Mr.
Thompson acquired the property and he has since devoted his attention to its further
cultivation, adding many improvements until it is now one of the most valuable
farms of the neighborhood. He has now sold all of his holdings except fifty-seven
acres. He has erected a fine residence and suitable buildings for the shelter of grain
and stock and in other ways has made many improvements. He largely raises hay
and grain but also keeps a valuable dairy herd. ■
On the 25th of August, 1897, Mr. Thompson was united in marriage to Miss
Ida B. Strausz, a daughter of M. and Mary (Fritz) Strausz, who in .'\ugust, 1900.
came to Yakima county from Missouri and are now living retired on Nob Hill. In
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 581
the family of Mr. and Mrs. Thompson are four children, Neva, Zelma, Hebcr and
Clifford.
Mr. Thompson is an adherent of the republican party, to which he gives his
support, and has always been interested in matters of public import, .\long religious
lines both he and his wife are members of the Evangelical Association, taking a deep
interest in its work, and both are ever ready to aid in plans for higher moral and
educational development. They are highly respected residents of Cowiche, having
made many friends in the neighborhood.
ALBERT F. BICK.
.\lbert F. Bick, engaged in the plumbing business in Toppenish, is one of the
successful citizens that Wisconsin has furnished to the Yakima valley. He was
born in tlic Badger state on the 25th of .\ugust. 1868. His parents. John Henry
and Amelia (Schumacher) Bick, removed from Wisconsin to Seward county, Ne-
braska, in 1869, when their son was less than a year old. There the father took up
government land upon which not a furrow had been turned nor an improvement
made and with characteristic energy he began the development of the property,
devoting his remaining days to farming upon that place. He was a veteran of the
Civil war, having served throughout the period of conflict with the Ninth Wisconsin
Infantry. Both he and his wife died in Nebraska.
The boyhood and youth of Albert F. Bick were spent in the usual manner of
the farmbred boy who divides his time between the acquirement of a public school
education, the pleasures of the playground and the work of the fields. He continued
to carry on farming until he reached the age of twenty-five years, when, thinking to
find other pursuits more congenial, he left home and went to Omaha, Nebraska,
where he was employed along various lines. Subsequently he took up his abode in
the Black Hills of South Dakota, where he established a hardware store and tinshop,
carrying on business at that point for ten years. In 1910 he removed to Toppenish
where he entered the employ of the Richey & Gilbert Company, with which he con-
tinued until April, 1917, when he opened a tinshop of his own. Since then he has
developed his interests and now has a fine sheet metal and plumbing business, being
accorded a liberal patronage by reason of his thorough and excellent workmanship.
On the 17th of October, 1903, Mr. Bick was married to Miss Marguerite O'Con-
nell, of Seward. Nebraska, and they are now the parents of two sons. Albert F. and
Walter H. Mr. Bick is a republican in politics where national questions and issues
are involved but at local elections casts an independent ballot. He has had some
Alaskan experience, for he was in the northwest in 1912 and 1913. He may truly be
called a self-made man and as the architect of his own fortunes has builded wisely
and well. .\ commendable ambition has prompted him to put forth his best efforts
and the results achieved have been very satisfactory.
CHARLES B. SCOTT.
Charles B. Scott is numbered among those progressive citizens who through
the past two decades have so greatly developed and improved the Yakima valley,
creating a wonderfully productive region where only a few years ago there were
wild tracts of land covered with sagebrush. Mr. Scott is now the owner of an ex-
cellent farm property devoted to horticultural and agricultural pursuits. A native
of Illinois, he was born in Centralia on the 21st of December, 1867, a son of Dr. R.
H. Scott, mentioned in connection with the sketch of W. W. Scott on another
page of this work.
After putting aside his textbooks, having completed a public school course,
Charles B. Scott started out in the business world as a clerk and he also engaged
in teaching in his early manhood. In 1893 he left the Mississippi valley and removed
to Oklahoma, taking up a homestead in Garfield county, but for two years the crops
582 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
failed and thus he was obliged to face many hardships and difficulties. Later, how-
ever, he prospered in his undertakings there and after a time he became engaged in
the feed, coal and grain business at Waukomis, Oklahoma, where he resided for a
year and a half. The opportunities of the west attracted him, however, and in 1903 he
came to Yakima county, where he purchased forty acres of land at Fruitvale, fifteen
acres of which had already been brought under cultivation. He now has twenty
acres planted to fruit and his orchards are in excellent bearing condition. He studies
the most scientific methods for the care of his trees and has planted nursery stock
especially adapted to soil and climatic conditions here. He raises apples, pears,
cherries and peaches and annually gathers good crops, for which he finds a ready
sale on the market. He also has ten acres in pasture and meadow land and his is
one of the well developed ranch properties of the district.
On the 17th of June, 1891, Mr. Scott was united in marriage to Miss Zoe Jun-
kins, of Centralia, Illinois, a daughter of I. S. and Eliza Junkins. The children of
this marriage are two in number: Sumner H., who is now a member of the United
States army and has been in active duty with the artillery troops in France; and
Agnes, now residing in Seattle.
In politics Mr. Scott maintains an independent course, preferring to vote ac-
cording to the dictates of his judgment rather than through the ruling of any
political organization. He belongs to the Yakima County Horticultural Union and
is keenly interested in everything that has to do with the development of fruit rais-
ing in this section of the state. His plans are well defined and promptly executed and
his activities have brought him to an enviable place among the horticulturists of
Yakima county.
EDWARD PRUYN.
Edward Pruyn, one of Washington's prominent attorneys, practicing in Ellens-
burg, is still active in the profession, although he has now passed the seventy-
fourth milestone on life's journey. He was born in Rensselaer county, New York,
July 17, 1844, a son of Samuel F. and Mary S. (Sears) Pruyn, both of whom were
natives of the Empire state and were representatives of old colonial families, trac-
ing their ancestry in America back to the period of early colonization in the new
world. The father was a merchant and in 1856 left New York and removed with
his family to Brooklyn, Iowa, where he devoted his life to commercial pursuits,
both he and his wife passing away in that state.
Liberal educational opportunities were accorded Edward Pruyn. He has a
degree from the Iowa College with the class of 1867 and is also an alumnus of the
law department of the State LIniversity of the class of 1867. He was admitted to
the bar on the 17th of December of 1867 and entered upon the active practice of his
profession in Iowa, where he remained until 1873. He then came to the west and
spent the succeeding five years in California, Idaho and Washington. In 1878 he
located in the city of Yakima, where he opened a law office and continued in suc-
cessful practice there until 1882. In 1886 he came to Ellensburg, where he has
since been an able and prominent representative of the bar. The importance and
extent of his practice is indicated in the fact that he has tried twenty-six murder
cases and many thousand criminal and civil cases. He has practiced over fifty years
and has ever been a close and discriminating student of legal principles. His prepa-
ration of cases is ever thorough and exhaustive and his ability to present his cause
with clearness and cogency has been one of the strong elements in his success.
He has served in former years as city attorney and for the past two years has been
Ignited States commissioner.
In 1882 Mr. Pruyn was united in marriage to Miss Nellie Brooks, who was born
in Auburn, New York, a daughter of Winthrop Chandler and Ellen (White) Brooks.
Mrs. Pruyn passed away in 1913. Mr. Pruyn is a republican in his political views,
having supported the party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He
proudly wears the little bronze button that proclaims him a member of the Grand
.•\rmy of the Republic, for at the time of the Civil War he enlisted in Company K,
EDWAED PRUYN
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY S8S
One Hundred and Thirty-ninth Illinois Infantry, with which he served until the
close of hostilities as second sergeant. In matters of citizenship he has always been
as true and loyal to his country in days of peace as when he followed the nation's
starry banner on the battlefields of the south. Although now in his seventy-fifth
year, Mr. Pruyn is still hale and hearty, possessing all of his faculties and being
as active as most men of fifty. He is still engaged in practice, being probably the
oldest active attorney in the state, and he is also engaged in developing some min-
mg property here.
ALBERT C. TURNER.
Albert C. Turner, whose agricultural interests include one hundred and sixty
acres of land near Outlook, is classed with the successful and representative farmers
of his district. What he undertakes he accomplishes. He is a man of determina-
tion and energy and allows no obstacle or difficulty to bar his path if it can be
overcome by persistent and carneet effort. Mr. Turner comes to the northwest
from Minnesota, his birth having occurred, in Goodhue county, that state, October 1,
1863, his parents being Swan and Amelia Turner, natives of Sweden. They came to
the United States in 1854 and for a short time were residents of Illinois but after-
ward cast in their lot with the pioneer settlers of Minnesota, where the father became
a successful farmer, and both he and his wife spent their remaining days in that
state.
Albert C. Turner acquired a public school education and at the age of seventeen
years came to the northwest, making his way to Idaho and then to Washington.
He worked for wages for a few years and in 1888 he became a resident of Williston,
North Dakota, where he embarked in general merchandising, continuing in the busi-
ness for a year. He then returned to Tacoma, Washington, where he was engaged
in the wall paper and painting businss for a few years. In 1891 he arrived in Yakima
county and purchased sixty acres of sagebrush land on the present site of Outlook.
There he cleared the place and carried on farming for ten years, selling the prop-
erty, however, in the fall of 1901. For two years thereafter he residd in Yakima
and then purchased eighty acres of land two and three-quarters of a mile northwest
of Outlook. This was partly improved and he has continued the further work oi
development until his place is a highly cultivated property. He has erected a fine
home upon it and has extended the boimdaries of his farm by the purchase of an
additional eighty acres, so that he now has one hundred and sixty acres in all. The
sagebrush has been replaced by productive fields, annually bringing forth large
crops of hay, corn and potatoes. He now rents the ranch to his sons, who thus in
large measure relieve him of active work.
One the 24th of June, 1890, Mr. Turner was united in marriage to Miss Margaret
Johnson, a native of Norway, where her mother still resides, but her father has
passed away. To Mr. and Mrs. Turner have been born the following named. Chester,
their eldest son, is in the qtiartermaster's department with the rank of sergeant
major in France. He enlisted in November, 1917, and soon afterward went overseas.
He was married on July 23. 1917, to Ella Berg, of Yakima. Alfred, the second son,
enlisted in April, 1917, in the United States Marines and reached France on the ISth
of August of that year. He was on duty with the military police in Paris for eleven
months and after that was at the front. Robert is in the photographic department
of the aviation service. He enlisted in July, 1917, and went to France in January,
1918. Paul enlisted in 1918 in the State University Training School and was dis-
charged after the armistice was signed. The other sons of the family are Walter
and John, at home. The record of their sons is indeed one of which the parents
have every reason to be proud.
Fraternally Mr. Turner is a Mason, belonging to the lodge at Granger, and he
also has membership in the Modern Woodmen camp at Sunnyside in which he has
filled all of the chairs. His wife is a member of the Presbyterian church. In poli-
tics Mr. Turner may be said to be an independent republican, for while he usually
supports the men and measures of the party, he does not consider himself bound by
586 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
party ties. He has served for twelve years as a member of the school board of his
district and has always been interested in questions relating to the welfare and
progress of his community. He was a trustee of the first water users' association of
this part of the county and he built the first drainage system in his section. He acted
as supervisor of construction of drainage district No. 2. In the fall of 1916 he was
elected county commissioner and was reelected in 1918 for a term of two years.
He is a stalwart supporter of the good roads movements, believing in paved roads,
and in fact is a supporter of all general improvement. He has likewise been most
helpful in war activities and his wife has been a most earnest worker in the Red
Cross. Four of their sons enlisted, not waiting for the draft, and the family indeed
rendered valuable aid to the country during the period of world strife. They are
among the most highly esteemed residents of the section in which they make their
home, Mr. Turner being recognized as a prominent and successful rancher who
is known all over the county, and he is moreover further deserving of mention in
this volume as one of the pioneers of his district, aiding in initiating the work of
improvement and development which has made the region one of the most attractive
and productive of the Yakima valley.
LEVIN H. CLOGG.
Levin H. Clogg is a capitalist of Yakima whose faith in the city is manifest by
large investments. His first visit to Yakima convinced him of its opportunities and
since that time he has been an active factor in promoting interests of value to the
community. He was born in Maryland in 1848, a son of William H. and Mary M.
Clogg. The father was a merchant, devoting his life to that pursuit, but both he
and his wife have passed away. The son acquired a public school education and
in early manhood learned the business of manufacturing umbrellas. He left his
Maryland home at the age of fifteen years and went to Philadelphia, where he was
with the firm of William A. Drown & Company for fifteen years, starting at a
salary of ten dollars per week, and when he left the company he was earning eight
thousand dollars per year — a fact indicative of his developed powers and adaptability.
In 1884 he established a factory under the style of FoUmer, Clogg & Company in
New York and also in Philadelphia, and the business is still continued. They are
engaged in the manufacture of umbrellas and silks and the enterprise has developed
into the largest of the kind in the world. Back of this has been close application,
sound judgment and unfaltering enterprise on the part of Mr. Clogg and his business
associates. They have built up a wonderful organization in which maximum results
are attained at a minimum e.xpenditure of time, labor and material, which is the
secret of all commercial success. In 190S Mr. Clogg, after contributing in large
measure to the prosperity of the undertaking which he had founded, sold his interest
in the business and retired. He had spent considerable time in southern California
and in 1900 he came to Yakima. He had made a trip to the west to visit customers
and while in Spokane heard of Yakima. His interest was aroused and he made a trip
to the city. With notable sagacity and foresight he recognized something of what
the future had in store for this great and growing section of the country, in-
vested in land and erected the Clogg building, which was the first large building of
Yakima. It was situated at the end of the town at that time. There was only
seventy-five feet of pavements and sidewalk in the town at that date, but Mr. Clogg
recognized the possibilities, purchased land and erected a two-story brick building
one hundred by one hundred and thirty feet. He visited the town often in the
next few years but did not become a permanent resident of Yakima until about 1913.
In 1869 Mr. Clogg was married to Miss Annie Dobson and to them was born a
daughter, Gertrude, now the wife of Dr. C. A. Vesey, of Spokane. Mrs. Clogg
passed away in 1874 and in 1875 Mr. Clogg wedded Mary A. Cooper. Their children
are: Ethel, thirty-five years of age, the wife of Robert Thomas, of California; Ed-
ward M.. a resident of San Francisco; and two who died in infancy.
In politics Mr. Clogg has always been a stalwart republican, giving unfaltering
support to the party and its principles. He is a member of the Commercial Club of
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 587
Yakima, also of the Country Club and of the Merchants Club of New York. He
was the tirst man to really have strong faith in the city and put in as much as forty
thousand dollars as a permanent investment on his initial trip. Since then he has
done much to further the upbuilding and improvement of Yakima and is most en-
thusiastic concerning the valley, its opportunities and its possibilities. He now
spends considerable time in traveling for pleasure but makes Yakima his home and
much of the year is passed in the city.
WILLIAM R. THOMAS.
William R. Thomas, who has extensive property holdings in Kittitas county, haa
here resided since July 27, 1886, or for a third century. He was born in Transyl-
vania county. North Carolina, January 9, 1858, a son of Alson and Lavar CMcCall)
Thomas. They removed to Tennessee when their son William was a small lad,
settling in Knox county, and later they returned to North Carolina, where both the
father and mother passed away.
In young manhood William R. Thomas worked at bridge building for railway
companies and on the 27th of July, 1886, he made his way to the northwest, taking
up his abode in Kittitas county, Washington, where he entered the employ of the
Northern Pacific Railroad Company, with which he remained for four and a half
years. In 1890 he purchased a small farm, which he sold in 1893. He then purchased
one hundred and sixty acres of land and that he has since added to his holdings as
opportunity has offered is indicated in the fact that he is now the owner of five hun-
dred and eighty acres nine miles northeast of Ellensburg. He also has six hundred
and eighty acres of range land and more than two hundred acres in cultivation.
His fields annually produce big crops because of the thoroughness and system with
which he cultivates his land and the progressive methods which he follows in all
that he undertakes. He is conducting a successful dairy business and he is also
engaged in the raising of cattle. He keeps full blooded shorthorns and also has
crossed his shorthorns with Herefords. He likewise raises some horses and his
livestock interests are an important feature of his business.
Mr. Thomas has been married twice. He first wedded Miss Harriett Hart, of
North Carolina, who passed away leaving two children; Mrs. Annie McKeene,
of Seattle: and Gertrude, deceased. For his second wife Mr. Thomas chose Miss
Bessie Cleveland, of Illinois, by whom he had eight children, as follows: Gertrude,
the wife of William Swan, a rancher residing near Olympia; Wilbern; Mrs. Emma
Cyril, of Taconia; Harry and James, at home: Veta, who died in February, 1919, at
the age of sixteen years: William R., Jr., at home; and Margie, residing in Kent,
Washington.
In his fraternal relations Mr. Thomas is a Mason and is a worthy exemplar
of the craft. Plis political allegiance is given to the republican party but he does
not seek nor desire office, preferring to concentrate his efforts and attention upon his
business affairs and the welfare of his children, in whom his interest centers. Long
residence in this section of the country and close identification with its interests
has made him a typical representative of the northwest and by reason of his many
sterling traits of character he stands as a typical American citizen.
JOHN W. GOODWIN.
John W. Goodwin, who is one of the pioneer ranchers in the vicinity of Wapato,
was born in Crawford county, Illinois, August 12. 1843. and has therefore passed the
seventy-fifth milestone on life's journey. He is a son of William and Catherine
(Roberts) Goodwin, the former a native of Illinois, while the latter was born in
Tennessee. The Goodwin family was established in Illinois in pioneer times. In
1847 they removed to Parke county, Indiana, and in 1848 went to Iowa, settling
twenty-five miles from Dubuque. In the spring of 1849 they started overland for
588 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
California but changed their plans and went to Oregon. They located on an island
fifteen miles above Vancouver, where they took up government land, and subse-
quently Mr. Goodwin purchased land six miles below, at Fishers Landing, on the
Columbia river. He afterward traded his island property for a farm in the La
Camas valley of Washington and there resided for several years. He next went to
Vancouver, where he also spent a number of years, and afterward removed to The
Dalles, Oregon, where his wife died. His death afterward occurred in Bellingham,
Washington. He was one of the earliest pioneers of the Columbia river region and
the family shared in all the hardships and privations of frontier life.
John W. Goodwin was reared in Washington and his educational opportunities
were limited because the school system was not well established and organized at
that time and because his services were needed in the work of the home farm. On
attaining his majority he started out on his own account and worked for wages
for some time. In 1867 he arrived in the Yakima valley, being among the first to
establish a home within its borders. He took up a squatter's claim on the Co-
wiche, being the first white settler in that district, and there he remained for two
years. He afterward returned to Vancouver, where he lived for another year, but
in 1870 again became a resident of the Yakima valley, where he secured a pre-
emption claim on Parkers bottoms, obtaining one hundred and sixty acres of wild
land. He cultivated the bottom land and afterward made a ditch and irrigated
more. He then entered the cattle business and upon this place has since made his
home, being numbered among the pioneer ranchers of the valley. He raises stock
and hay and although he has now passed the seventy-fifth milestone on life's jour-
ney he still actively supervises the development of his property and the manage-
ment of his business afifairs.
Mr. Goodwin was married in the 4th of March, 1869. to Miss Catherine Irby,
a native of Missouri and a daughter of Charles and Margaret (Birchfield) Irby.
The father is deceased but the mother survives and resides in Spokane, being now
in her eighty-ninth year. Mr. and Mrs. Goodwin have four children: Edward,
who is ranching near his father's place, is married and has one child. Lulu is the
wife of A. R. Butts and makes her home in Yakima. Grace is the^ wife of A. B.
Wilcox, of Los Angeles, California, and they have one child. Carl O. rents his
father's ranch. He is married and has one child.
In his political views Mr. Goodwin is a democrat and in an early day he served
for two years as deputy sheriff of the county but otherwise has not held political
office. He has ever been an active factor, however, in supporting plans and measures
for the general good and as a pioneer settler has contributed in large measure
to the growth and progress of the district in which he lives. There is no phase
of the county's development or improvement with which he is not familiar and
his reminiscences of the early days are most interesting and give one an excellent
idea of the hardships endured by the first settlers and the conditions which they
faced. As the years have passed he has lived to see a remarkable change and has
taken a helpful part in bringing about the transformation that places Yakima county
among the most progressive and highly improved districts of the state.
E. A. ISAACSON.
E. A. Isaacson, a successful druggist of Yakima, conducting business under
the name of the Reading Drug Company, was born in Dayton, Iowa, on the 9th
of March, 1881, a son of Mr. and Mrs. John Isaacson. He acquired a public school
education and afterward attended the Highland Park College of Des Moines, Iowa,
in which he pursued the pharmaceutical course. He subsequently engaged in clerk-
ing in his native city and later went to Oklahoma, where he was again employed as
salesman in a drug store. In 1908 he arrived in Yakima, Washington, where he
secured a position in the Sloan drug store, in which he was thus employed until
he purchased an interest in his present business.
The Reading Drug Company was organized in the fall of 1910 by E. E. Read-
ing and the business was located in the Commercial Hotel building. There the
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 589
store was conducted until 1913, when a removal was made to the corner of Yakima
avenue and Second street. In 1914 another removal was made to No. 210 East
Yakima avenue, where a store space twenty-five by one hundred feet is utilized.
Mr. Reading sold his interests to W. V. Blackwell and E. A. Isaacson in the spring
of 1911 and on the 1st of January, 1915, Mr. Isaacson purchased the interest of his
partner and has been sole owner throughout the intervening period. He carries
an extensive line of drugs and druggists' sundries and has a well appointed es-
tablishment, attractive in its arrangement. His prices are reasonable and he is
tlioroiighly reliable in his business methods. A liberal patronage has therefore
been secured and Mr. Isaacson is accounted one of the foremost druggists of the
valley.
In 1911 Mr. Isaacson was united in marriage to Miss Mae Kinne, of San Fran-
cisco. California. He votes with the republican party, which he. has supported
since reaching his majority, and he has membership with the Benevolent Protect-
ive Order of Elks and with the Commercial Club. His business interests have
brought him a wide acquaintance and the sterling traits of his character have es-
tablished him firmly in public regard both as a business man and citizen.
AXEL ANDERSON.
Many valuable citizens of America have been furnished by Sweden and among
this number is Axel Anderson, who is now successfully following agricultural pur-
suits near Mabton, Washington. A fine home, modernly equipped, excellent farm
buildings and up-to-date equipment proclaim his progressiveness. Moreover, there
is great credit due him for what he has achieved as his success has come to him
entirely through his own efforts. Industry and energy have ever been his watch-
words and thus he has made good use of the opportunities presented in this coun-
try. Mr. Anderson was born in Sweden, March 11, 1867, a son of Anders Gustave
Larson and Sophia Pershon. The parents came to the United States in 1890, locat-
ing in Wisconsin, where the father followed agricultural pursuits until his death.
His widow survives and still makes her home in that state.
Axel Anderson was reared in Sweden, where in the acquirement of his educa-
tion he attended the public schools. Having heard much of the chances presented
in America to a young man willing to work and eager to embrace his opportunities,
he decided to cross the ocean and in 1887 arrived in Burnette county, Wisconsin,
He at first resided at West Superior, where he was connected with dock building,
but after two years came to Washington in June, 1889, taking up his residence in
Bellingham, where he gave his attention to railway construction work. Later he
was similarly employed in the Cedar valley and afterward worked for several years
on farms. He took up a homestead in Skagit county but after some time again
returned to railroad work, selling the homestead. In 190O Mr. Anderson made his
way to Seattle, where for three years he was connected with carpenter work in the
shipyards. In the fall of 1903, however, he acquired forty acres of land three miles
north and one mile west of Mabton, which at that time was all covered with sage-
brush. His family followed him in 1904 and immediately he set himself to the task
of clearing the land and putting it under cultivation. How well he has succeeded is
evident from the prosperous picture which his farm now presents. He raises al-
falfa, corn and potatoes and also conducts a dairy to good purpose. He is now
numbered among the prosperous agriculturists of his section, his farm being one
of the most valuable in the neighborhood. He has erected a modern home, one
of the best in the district, modernly appointed and equipped with steam heat and
other city conveniences. The house was built in 1912 and there the family extend
hospitality to their many friends.
On the 1st of March, 1904, Mr. Anderson was united in marriage to Miss Anna
Beck, a native of Sweden, who came to the United States in her girlhood. To this
union were born four children, Emily, Sylvia, Fred and Edwin.
In his political afiiliations Mr. Anderson is a republican, which party he has
supported ever since taking out his citizen's papers. He is a loyal American, who
590 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
here has found the opportunities which have permitted him to advance rapidly,
60 that he has never regretted coming to this country. Moreover, he has not only
wrought for himself but has ever readily supported public movements undertaken
in behalf of the community in which he resides and he has proven a force for
development, particularly along agricultural lines, showing through his example what
may be accomplished where there is the will to dare and to do.
OSCAR F. CARLSON.
Oscar F. Carlson is the owner of an attractive home in the midst of an excellent
ranch property of the Selah valley. He was born in Sweden, June 12, 1874, a son of
Christian and Hannah (Matson) Carlson. The father became a resident of Illinois
in 1882 and the following year removed to Minnesota, taking his family to that state
in 1884. He secured a tract of governemnt land in Ottertail county and, casting in
his lot with the pioneer settlers of that region, became actively identified with its
early development. He transformed wild land into productive fields and continued to
engage in farming there throughout his remaining days. His wife also passed away
in that state.
Oscar F. Carlson acquired a public school education and carried on farming in
connection with his father in Minnesota after his textbooks were put aside. In 1898
he removed to North Dakota and took up a homestead claim in Benson county,
whereon he resided for eleven years. Again the lure of the west came upon him
and he then made his way to Yakima county, Washington, in 1909, still holding his
North Dakota property. Here he invested in ten acres of land in Selah valley well
adapted to fruit raising and planted it to apples and pears. His labors have since
wrought a marked change in the appearance and in the value of the place. He has
built a fine bungalow and has a fine farm home and also a warehouse, and his time
and attention are given to the further development of his orchards, which are in
e-xcellent bearing condition.
On the 9th of October, 1914, Mr. Carlson was married to Miss Edna Hane, of St.
Paul, Minnesota, and they have a daughter, Gladys Lillian. There is also a son,
Clarence, by Mr. Carlson's former marriage. Mr. Carlson votes independent of party
ties, exercising his right of franchise according to the dictates of his judgment.
PETER SHIPLEY.
.Almost every civilized country on the face of the globe and every state of the
Union has sent its representatives to the Yakima valley. Among those who are
successfully engaged in horticultural pursuits in this section of the state is Peter
Shipley, who was born in Switzerland, May 16, 184S, a son of Joseph and Anna
Marie (House) Shipley, who were also natives of the land of the Alps and came
to the United States with their family in 1851, making their way to Sheboygan,
Wisconsin. The father there engaged in farming, having a place about three miles
south of tlie city, and from the wild land he developed an excellent farm. He was
one of the pioneer settlers of that region and contributed to the early development
of the section in which he lived. Both he and his wife passed away on the old
homestead there.
Peter Shipley was reared to manhood upon the old home farm and through
the period of his boyhood and youth, when not busy with the duties of the school-
room, he assisted his father in the further cultivation and development of the fields.
He afterward entered the copper mines on Lake Superior and aided in exploring
the Calumet & Hecla mine and was there engaged in mining for fifteen years. He
built the breakwater and coal docks at Marquette, Michigan, for the government,
doing contract work there for three years. He next established a brewery at Es-
canaba, Michigan, in partnership with Joseph Nolden, this being the first enter-
prise of the kind in the town. They conducted the brewery for seven years, after
AND MBS. OSCAR P. CARLSON
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 593
which Mr. Shipley went to Marinette, Wisconsin, where he spent four years in the
cigar manufacturing business. He then removed to Virginia, Minnesota, where
he built a hotel, and while engaged in that business there twice had his property
destroyed by fire, causing him a loss of thirty-five thousand dollars. Desiring to
start anew elsewhere, he then went to North Dakota and purchased one hundred
and sixty acres of land, which he engaged in cultivating for three years. The west
attracted him, however, and in 1906 he made his way to Yakima county, where he
purchased nine and a quarter acres of land in Fruitvale. This had been partially
planted to orchard and the entire tract is now devoted to fruit raising. He has fine
peach, pear, apple and plum trees upon his place and also an excellent vineyard
and his fruit raising interests are bringing to him a gratifying annual income. He
has remodeled the house and made other improvements upon the property and in
all that he does is actuated by a spirit of enterprise and progress.
On the 26th of April, 1870, Mr. Shipley was united in marriage to Miss Veronica
Fadderer, who was born in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, February 4, 1852, a daughter
of George and Martha (Hadenthal) Fadderer, both of whom were natives of Switzer-
land, the mother's birth occurring at Bern. They were married, however, in Wis-
consin, and were pioneer settlers of Sheboygan, where the father followed the oc-
cupation of farming. To Mr. and Mrs. Shipley were born ten children: Cecelia
who is deceased; Mary Martha, the wife of Albert Bickford, a resident of Virginia
Minnesota, where since 1900 he has filled the office of city clerk; Julia, the wife of
Edmund O'Rourke. of Duluth, Minnesota, by whom she has three children: George
deceased; Frank E., a civil engineer employed in the shipyards at Seattle; Anthony
who resides at Virginia, Minnesota, where he is engaged in the banking business
Clara, deceased; Albert, an attorney, also of Virginia, Minnesota, where he reside;
with his wife and two children: Peter, who is a graduate of the high school at
Yakima and is now conected with the banking business at Virginia, Minnesota
and Veronica, at home.
Mr. and Mrs. Shipley are members of St. Paul's Catholic church and Mr. Ship-
ley is also connected with the Catholic Knights of Wisconsin. His political al
legiance is given to the republican party and he served as a member of the city
council while living in Virginia, Minnesota. He belongs to the Grange and is in-
terested in all that has to do with the public welfare and especially with the agri-
cultural development of the region in which he lives. In the wise conduct of his
fruit raising interests he has met with substantial success and is now owner of one
of the fine orchards of the county.
JOHN H. RAMSEY.
While John H. Ramsey is of southern birth he has spent the greater part of
his life in the west and since 1905 has made his home in Yakima county, where he
is the owner of sixty acres of valuable ranch property. He was born in Knox county,
Tennessee, March 29, 1868, a son of John B. and Emma (Huflfacker) Ramsey, who
were also natives of Tennessee, where the father followed the occupation of farm-
ing. In 1872 he removed with the family to Kansas, settling near Fort Scott, and later
he became a resident of Missouri. At a subsequent date he went to Texas, where
he passed away in the year 1916, having for four decades survived his wife, who died
in 1876.
John H. Ramsey acquired a public school education and was largely reared
in Kansas, having been but four years of age when his parents removed with their
family to that state. He was a young man of nineteen years when he made his
way to Lewis and Clark county, Montana, where he worked for wages and also
engaged in the cultivation of rented farms until 1905, when he came to Washington.
Making Yakima county his destination, he purchased forty acres of land near Grand-
view and in 1918 he purchased twenty acres more, so that his holdings now com-
prise sixty acres. He is engaged in raising hay, corn and other crops well adapted
to soil and climatic conditions here. Upon his place he has put many substantial
improvements. He built a comfortable residence and a good barn and is constantly
594 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
striving to enhance the value of his place through further cultivation and develop-
ment. He is an energetic man, never stopping short of the successful accomplish-
ment of his purpose if obstacles and difficulties can be overcome by persistent and
honorable effort.
On November 16, 1894, Mr. Ramsey was united in marriage to Miss Minnie
Mills, who was born near St. Joseph, Missouri, a daughter of Charles and Elizabeth
Ann (Boston) Mills, who made their way up the Missouri river to Montana, where
they cast in their lot with the pioneer settlers, becoming ranchers near Cascade,
Montana. To Mr. and Mrs. Ramsey have been born nine children: Ralph, who
died at the age of thirteen years; Henry, now a member of the United States army;
Charles; .Mice; Annabelle; Eva; Frederick; Mabel; and Raymond.
The family are members of the Presbyterian church, and in his political faith
Mr. Ramsey is a democrat. He has served on the school board and is interested in
the advancement of educational interests, recognizing the worth of the schools as a
preparation of the young for life's practical responsibilities and duties. His own
life has been an active and useful one and through individual effort and persistency
of purpose he has come to rank with the successful ranchmen of his part of the
state.
GEORGE WIRT.
George Wirt is the owner of one of the finest fruit ranches in the valley and is
still giving personal supervision to his business interests although he has now passed
the eighty-first milestone on life's journey. He was born in Germany, February 2,
1837, a son of Michel and Christine Wirt, who came to the United States in 1850,
when their son George was a youth of thirteen years, and settled at Lexington,
Ohio, where they continued to make their home until they were called to their
final rest.
George Wirt lived in Ohio until he reached the age of sixteen years and then
removed to West Union, Iowa, where he made his home for two years. He after-
ward went to Faribault county, Minnesota, and took up a homestead, upon which he
resided until 1861, when the Civil war was declared and he put aside all business
and personal interests in order to respond to the country's call for aid. He joined
Company I, of the Fifth Iowa Cavalry, on the 1st of October, 1861, and served until
June 6, 1866. He became a sergeant of the troop that was called Colonel Lowe's
Bloodhounds and he participated in a number of hotly contested engagements, prov-
ing his valor on many a southern battlefield.
When the war was over Mr. Wirt returned to his farm, which he very success-
fully conducted. Later he spent three years in Ohio upon the old home place, for
during the period of the grasshopper scourge in Minnesota he rented his land in
that state. Later, however, he returned to Minnesota, where he continued to reside
until 1903. when he sold his property there and made his way to the northwest. On
reaching Yakima county, being pleased with the district and its opportunities, he
purchased one hundred and on« acres of land in Fruitvale, of which at that time
only four acres had been planted to fruit. He afterward sold all but forty acres
of the tract. He now has twenty acres in apple orchards, peaches, cherries, pears
and plums. During seventeen years he was also owner of an excellent fruit ranch
on Nob Hill but has recently sold it. His home place is one of the best fruit ranches
in the valley and the fruit which he raises is of the largest size, and finest quality
and flavor. He has always held to the highest standards and the progressiveness
of his methods is manifest in the excellent results which have attended his labors.
In the year 1867 Mr. Wirt was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Carlton,
of Minnesota, a native of Illinois, and to them were born the following children:
Allen J., a rancher on the reservation, who is married but has no children; George,
who died in August, 1918, leaving a wife and five children, who are now living with
his father; Clarence, at home; Fred, who is now engaged in ranching on the reser-
vation and has a wife and three children; Amanda C, at home; Orpha J., who died
in Minnesota; William H., who is with the Medical Corps of the United States army
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 595
in France; Harry M., who is a graduate of the Yakima high school and the State
University and is now in the aviation department of the United States army at
Rockwell field, California.
The military record of Mr. Wirt covers two years and two months of service
in the United States army, after which he reenlisted in Tennessee under Major
Brackett as a member of Company B. of Brackett's Battalion, serving all told four
years and seven months. After the close of the Civil war, in which he bore an
honorable and valiant part, he was in the Indian service until mustered out at Indi-
anapolis on the 6th of June, 1866. He proudly wears the little bronze button that
proclaims him a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, his connection being
with Meade Post, No. 9, and through this association he maintains pleasant rela-
tions with his old military comrades with whom he marched to the defense of the
Stars and Stripes during the dark days of the Civil war. His political allegiance
has always been given to the republican party and hejk'as an active worker in its
ranks while a resident of Minnesota. He belongs to Yakima Lodge, No. 24. F. &
A. M., having been made a Mason in 1864. while a member of the army, and he is
also connected' with the Royal Arch Chapter at Yakima. He has membership with
the Yakima County Horticultural Union and he is numbered among those citizens
of German birth who are truly American in spirit, in interests and in actions. Fight-
ing for the nation during the Civil war, he has never ceased to thrill over every
record of the triumph of American arms and over every story of the progress of
this land, in which he has now lived for almost three score years and ten.
MELVIN BISHOP.
The spirit of the west— that intelligence and audacity of original thought and
action — has been the birth gift of Melvin Bishop, for he is a native of Oregon, his
birth having occurred in Wallowa county, February 18, 1883. He is now very
successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits near Sunnyside, Washington, where he
owns a valuable property. Although he is a comparatively young man, he has al-
ready made his mark in the world and a bright future may be predicted for him.
He is a son of Oliver and Annie (Powers) Bishop, also natives of Oregon, born in
the Willamette valley, and our subject is therefore a member of one of the pioneer
families that have played an important role in the development of the west. His
father is a son of Hiram M. Bishop, who in 1852 went to Oregon by the overland
route, having before that time been a pioneer of Illinois. Mrs. Annie Bishop was
a daughter of W. P. Powers, also one of the early settlers of Oregon, who removed
to that state in 1849. Members of the family have for many years been engaged in
ranching and stock raising and have been very successful along those lines. The
father now lives in Mason county, Washington, and is prominently known as a
live stock raiser and rancher. Mrs. Bishop passed away in May, 1899.
Melvin Bishop pursued his studies in a log schoolhouse in the neighborhood
of his father's farm and after putting aside his textbooks took up the occupation
of farming, which he followed in the state of Idaho when but sixteen years of age,
there passing his boyhood and young manhood. In 1902 the father and the re-
mainder of the family came to Yakima county, where Oliver Bishop bought land
and improved two ranches near Sunnyside. In 1903 our subject took up a home-
stead in Klickitat county, this state, but later sold it. In 1907 he and his brother
Albert acquired title to forty acres three miles southwest of Sunnyside which was
then all wild land covered with sagebrush. He immediately set himself to the task
of bringing this land to a good state of cultivation and in 1910 acquired his brother's
interest. He has since made many improvements here and his is now considered
one of the valuable ranches of the neighborhood. He has since bought twenty acres
one and a quarter miles from the original farm and this is also highly improved.
He raises hay and corn and also gives considerable attention to live stock, specializ-
ing in hogs. Everything about his place indicates the progressive and up-to-date
western farmer and his industry and energy result in gratifying returns for him.
On the 12th of June, 1910, Mr. Bishop was married to lona Waite, a native of
396 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
Lewis county, Washington, and a daughter of M. L. and Serena (Morgan) Waite, who
are numbered among the honored pioneers of Yakima county, where the father
is engaged in farming. To this union have been born two children, Iva and Frances.
Mr. and Mrs. Bishop are very popular with the younger social set of their
neighborhood and often entertain their many friends at their hospitable fireside.
Both are devoted members of the Church of God, in which denomination they are
helpfully interested. Politically he is a republican but has never desired public honors
for himself although he is ready to give his support to worthy movements undertaken
on behalf of the general public.
JAMES B. BRAIN.
James B. Brain was the founder and is the senior partner of the leading mer-
cantile establishment in Thorp, the business being now carried on under the firm
style of Brain & Hatfield. Mr. Brain is a native son of Washington and is imbued
with the spirit of western enterprise which has been the dominant factor in the up-
building of this section of the country. He was born at Cle Elum on the 30th of
January, 1890. a son of Byron and Julia (Callahan) Brain. The father was born in
Ohio, while the mother's birth occurred on the ocean when her parents were en
route from Ireland to the United States. In the year 1888 Mr. and Mrs. Byron
Brain became residents of Kittitas county, where the father took up a homestead near
Cle Elum, upon which Mrs. Brain still resides. Mr. Brain, however, is now in Cali-
fornia.
James B. Brain acquired a public school education and throughout his entire
life has been identified with commercial interests. When his textbooks were put
aside he secured a clerkship in a grocery store at Thorp. This was in the year 1903.
He obtained practical training in commercial methods and in 1912, prompted by a
laudable ambition, he established business on his own account, opening a grocery
store in Thorp. In 1914 he sold an interest in the business to John O. Hatfield and
they have since developed the largest general mercantile house in the town, carry-
ing an extensive stock of attractive goods in all lines. They employ several clerks,
have a well appointed establishment and the neat and tasteful arrangement of their
stock, as -well as their straightforward methods, wins for them a growing patronage.
On the 4th of April, 1913, Mr. Brain was married to Miss Lillian Lechman,
a native of Prosser, Washington, and a daughter of Thomas and Mary Lechman, who
were pioneer people of Yakima county. Her father was the owner of a homestead
at Grandview. To Mr. and Mrs. Brain have been born two children, James Thomas
and Booth Eugene. Mr. Brain belongs to the Woodmen of the World and he and
his wife are Catholics in religious faith. In politics he is independent nor has he
ever been an aspirant for office. He has always preferred to concentrate his ener-
gies and attention upon his business affairs and throughout his entire life he has
continued in the line in which he embarked at the outset of his business career.
It has been by reason of his close application, unfaltering energy and perseverance
that he has won the substantial measure of success that is now his.
WILBUR C. HALL.
Ranching interests near Yakima have long claimed the attention of Wilbur C.
Hall, who is now numbered among the prosperous residents of that district. He was
born in Mazeppa township, Wabasha county, Minnesota, July 16, 1858, a son of
Moses C. and Julia (Roberts) Hall, the former a native of Ashtabula, Ohio, and the
latter of New Haven, Connecticut. The grandfather of our subject, Moses C. Hall,
was born in Massachusetts and the family is of English descent. He was one of the
early pioneers of Ohio, in which state he passed his remaining days. Moses C.
Hall and Julia Roberts were married in Ohio and there resided until they decided to
take advantage of the newer conditions and greater opportunities presented in the
WILBUR C. HALL
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 599
northwest and set out for Minnesota, in which state they took up their home in
the early 'SOs. They traveled by team from Wabash and arrived in Wabasha county,
Minnesota, in 1856. The father assisted in organizing the first Masonic lodge there.
For his first land he paid a dollar and a quarter per acre and in Minnesota he con-
tinued to engage in farming until his death in 1858. Later in life the mother made
her home with our subject in Washington, where she passed away.
In 1858 Wilbur C. Hall accompanied his mother 'bn her return to Ohio, where
he attended school and remained until nineteen years of age, when he returned to
Minnesota, in which state he took up a homestead, and there he farmed until October,
1903. During this period he also worked for the Great Northern Railroad for about
twenty years, at the same time owning farm property and looking after its cultiva-
tion. While connected with the railroad he was largely engaged in railroad con-
struction work. In 1903 Mr. Hall came to Washington and for two years resided in
Stevens county, while connected with the telegraph construction department of a
railroad company. He then removed to Pierce county, this state, where he bought
a ten-acres farm, but in September, 1909, he came to Yakima and acquired forty
acres on the Ahtanum. Subsequently he added ten acres to this tract, which he
named the Skookum-Chuck Ranch, skookum meaning good in Indian, while chuck
is water. The two words, however, skookum-chuck, the Indians applied to whiskej-,
thus designating whiskey as good water. After discovering its meaning, however,
Mr. Hall did not change the name of the ranch and it still goes by the old appella-
tion. He has greatly improved his property, having erected suitable buildings and
a handsome residence and installed modern facilities and equipment. He raises hay
and grain and also gives considerable attention to live stock and dairying. He
keeps poultry, goats and hogs, as well as sheep, and also devotes some attention to
fruit raising. From all these various lines he receives a gratifying income and is
today numbered among the prosperous agriculturists of his district.
On November 17, 1890, Mr. Hall was united in marriage to Elizabeth A. Wel-
harticky, a native of Bohemia and a daughter of John and Mary Welharticky, who
came to the L'nited States when Mrs. Hall was a baby. The family remained for
three years in Chicago and then moved westward to Minnesota, where the father
is still engaged in agricultural pursuits upon the old homestead which he took up
many years ago. His wife passed away. To Mr. and Mrs. Hall were born four
children: George, who died at the age of nine years: Irene, at home; Walter, who
ably assists his father with the farm work and is now nineteen years of age: and
Marion, aged thirteen. Mr. and Mrs. Hall are highly respected in their neighbor-
hood and have made many friends since coming to Yakima. They are Episcopalians
in their religious faith and attend that church.
In politics Mr. Hall is a republican but in local affairs votes independently, giv-
ing his support to the candidates whom he deems best fitted for the offices to which
they aspire. He is prominent in the Masonic order, being a member of the blue
lodge as well as the Royal Arch Chapter. Such success as has come to him is well
merited, as it is the result of his own labors. He is a self-made man in the best
sense of the word, having not only attained substantial prosperity but also con-
tributed by his labors toward the development of his district.
ALFRED JOHNSON.
Many interesting and varied experiences figure in the life record of Alfred
Johnson, who has wintered several times in Alaska and who is now identified with
horticultural interests in the Selah valley, having resided in Yakima county since
1908. He was born in Sweden, July 27, 1860, and came to Seattle, W'ashington, in
1889, when a young man of twenty-nine years. He was employed in the sawmills
for a few years but in 1898 went to Alaska and in 1900 became a resident of Nome.
He spent eight summers and two winters in that country. He left Nome one winter
with two others, taking sleds and three hundred and fifty pounds of provisions and
equipments each. They started frotn Nome in January and traveled four hundred
miles north on foot, prospecting all winter and returning to Nome the following
(23)
600 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
May. Many hardships were met during the trip and they never succeeded in locat-
ing a paying mine. On one occasion Mr. Johnson was tipped out of a boat in
a storm on Golwin bay and was in the icy water for an hour before he could get
ashore. At length he returned to Seattle, where he resided for two years and in 1908
removed to Yakima county, where he purchased ten acres of land in the Selah
valley. This was a wild and undeveloped tract, all covered with sagebrush, and
today it is a fine apple and pear orchard. He has built a home and warehouse and
added many other modern improvements and equipments to the place and now has
a valuable and attractive property.
On February 6, 1892, Mr. Johnson was united in marriage to Miss Annie Eng-
quist, a native of Sweden. Their marriage was celebrated in Seattle and they have
become the parents of three children: Mauritz, who is now with the United States
army in France: Susana, at home; and Harold, who was also with the army and
received his honorable discharge December 31, 1918.
Since becoming a naturalized .-Kmerican citizen Mr. Johnson has given his polit-
ical allegiance to the republican party. He belongs to the Swedish Mission church
and is a man of many admirable traits of character and qualities. He has ever been
actuated by a spirit of progress and development and has bravely and courageously
faced hardships and difficulties in his efforts to attain success. He came to the new
world with limited financial resources and whatever he has achieved and enjoyed
it attributable entirely to his own labors. His course illustrates what can be ac-
complished by persistent effort and indefatigable energy and he now ranks among
the well-to-do orchardists of the Selah valley.
JAMES ROBERT LINCKS.
From sagebrush to fine bearing orchards, thus is told the story of the life
activity of James Robert Lincks, who has developed wild and arid land of the Yakima
valley into rich horticultural tracts. Judged by a financial measurement, his life
record indicates the steps that have brought him from a point of most limited finan-
cial resources to success, and the story is one which should serve to inspire and
encourage others, showing what can be accomplished through individual effort.
Mr. Lincks is a native of Kentucky, his birth having occurred in Laurel county,
March 29, 1867, his parents being John and Susan (Stivers") Lincks. The father
was a merchant and sawmill man who also followed the occupation of farming and
became one of the leading and representative citizens of Laurel county. Both he
and his wife have passed away.
James R. Lincks is indebted to the public school system of his native county
for the educational opportunities which he enjoyed and which qualified him for
life's practical and responsible duties. In early life he followed general work and
then, attracted by the opportunities of the growing west, made his way to California
in 1889 and for two years was employed in the mines. He next entered the cattle
business in that state but lost his money through that investment and through ill-
ness. On the 3d of July, 1898, he came to Yakima and followed various lines of
hard work on ranches, in ditching, etc. In 1899 he purchased ten acres of land in
Fruitvale on time and at the end of a year sold half of it for enough to pay for
the balance. In 1900 he sold the remainder for a thousand dollars, after which he
and Fred Parker purchased twelve hundred and forty acres of wild land in East
Selah for eight hundred dollars. Mr. Lincks took charge of this and began its im-
provement. Later he traded his interest for an eighty-acre tract in Fruitvale. twenty
acres of which was under cultivation. The railroad paid him fifteen hundred dollars
for a right of way through his property. He then purchased another farm of twelve
acres, which was covered with sagebrush, paying five hundred dollars down, with
six years to pay the balance of three thousand dollars. He afterward traded his
eighty-acre tract for a machine shop in Yakima and three thousand dollars cash
and then rented the shop for a few years. About 1907 he sold his twelve-acre tract
for ten thousand dollars cash, this indicating the notable changes which his labors
and cultivation had wrought. He afterward took a trip through California, Texas,
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 601
New Mexico and on to his old home in Kentucky, and while there his wife died.
He subsequently returned to Yakima and purchased six acres of his old twelve-
acre farm, for which he paid six thousand dollars. He next traded this six-acre tract
and his machine shop for an orchard of forty-four acres in the Kaches valley, valued
at twenty-two thousand dollars. After living thereon for a year he disposed of
that property for twenty-five thousand dollars and bought five acres in Fruitvale at
eleven hundred dollars per acre and built thereon a home valued at thirty-five hun-
dred dollars. He also bought eighty acres of wild land in the Tieton and cleared
and cultivated tliat tract but sold a part of it in 1918. He still has twenty-four acres
of irrigated land on the Tieton. with fifteen acres planted to orchards. He also owned
at one time a half interest in fifty-two acres in Selah but after holding it for two years
sold out. He makes his home in Fruitvale and is numbered among the representa-
tive business men and successful orchardists of that section.
On the 31st of December, 1896, Mr. Lincks was married to Miss Gertrude Ha-
worth, a native of Indiana, who when twenty-one years of age became a resident
of California, in which state she gave her hand in marriage to Mr. Lincks. Her death
occurred in Kentucky in June, 1907, and she left a husband and son to mourn her
loss, tlie latter being Hubert Lincks, now eighteen years of age. In 1913 Mr. Lincks
was again married, his second union being with Ella Thomas, of Yakima. He and
his son are members of the Christian church, while his wife holds membership in
the Congregational church. His political allegiance is given to the democratic party
but he is not an office seeker. His record is the story of successful achievement.
His investments have always been judiciously made and have brought to him good
financial returns. His labors have greatly enhanced the value of properties which he
has owned, thus enabling him to sell to advantage, and his business affairs have
been most wisely and carefully conducted. He early recognized the fact that in-
dustry constitutes the key that unlocks the portals of success. In his career there
have been few idle hours, and opportunities which others have passed heedlessly by
he has utilized to the benefit of his own fortunes and also for the welfare of the
community, for his labors have ever been of a character that have contributed to
public progress and prosperity as well as to individual advancement along financial
SILAS D. JACOBS.
Silas D. Jacobs, an orchardist living in the neighborhood of Zillah, where he
owns ten acres of land. largely devoted to fruit raising, was born in Crittenden
county, Kentucky, March 12, 1853, a son of Benjamin Holland and Mary (Crayne)
Jacobs, both of whom were natives of Virginia. They became pioneers of Ken-
tucky and were residents of that state throughout their remaining days, the father
there devoting his attention to farming.
Silas D. Jacobs acquired a public school education in his native state and for a
short time was in college. He then took up the profession of teaching and also
farmed in Kentucky until 1904, when, attracted by the opportunities of the growing
northwest, he made his way to the Yakima valley, where he arrived on the 25th of
September. .After looking over the country somewhat he made investment in ten
acres of land two miles northwest of Zillah and a mile from Buena. The tract was
then planted to alfalfa and today eight acres of the place is in orchard. Mi>. Jacobs
makes a specialty of raising apples and cherries, with pears as fillers. He has also
built a good home upon his land and there is a substantial barn and all modern im-
provements. He is constantly studying the best methods of keeping his trees in
excellent condition and his orchard produces large crops annually.
On the 4th of January, 1880, Mr. Jacobs was married to Miss Nannie Green,
a native of Kentucky and a daughter of George and Angelina (Hill) Green, who
were also born in that state, where the father followed farming. Both he and his
wife are now deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Jacobs have been born eight children.
Gillian, the eldest, who is married and has three children, is employed in the freight
department of the Northern Pacific Railroad at Toppenish. Stella is the wife of
602 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
Vernon Hill, a rancher near Zillah, and has five children. Mae is the wife of Hubert
Sandow, who also follows ranching in this locality, and has two children. Roy.
who resides in Portland, Oregon, is married and has one child. Elva is the wife of
Herman Zuber, a member of the United States army, and they have one child.
Guthrie is also serving in the United States army, being identified with the army
of occupation in Germany. Victor and Kermit, the younger members of the family,
are at home.
Mr. and Mrs. Jacobs hold membership in the Methodist church. His political
endorsement is given to the republican party and, while he has not held political
office, he has served for three years on the school board and is interested in pro-
viding the youth of the district with excellent educational opportunities. There has
been nothing spectacular in his career, but his has been a busy and useful life in an
effort to provide his family with a comfortable living and gain a substantial compe-
tence.' His work as a man and a citizen is widely acknowledged and those who know
him speak of him in terms of warm regard.
JOHN POLLOCK.
John Pollock, the period of whose residence in the Kittitas valley covers almost
a third of a century, has witnessed the growth and development of the west since
making his way to this part of the country when a lad of thirteen years and has be-
come one of the prominent stockmen and ranchers of Kittitas county, now owning
four hundred and forty acres of land near Ellensburg. He was born in Ontario,
Canada, on the 1st of May, 1861, a son of John and Martha (Moore) Pollock, both
of whom are deceased. The father followed farming as a life work.
As above stated, John Pollock was but thirteen years of age when he left home
to come to the United States and made his way to California. He was there em-
ployed on cattle ranches and later worked in lumber camps, while subsequently he
engaged in mining and prospecting all over Arizona, Nevada and California. In
1886, when a young man of twenty-five years, he came to the Kittitas valley of Wash-
ington, having here already purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land through
the instrumentality of a friend. As the years passed and he prospered, owing to his
untiring industry and capable management, he augmented his holdings by additional
purchase until at the present time he owns four hundred and forty acres of land,
most of which is under cultivation. He annually gathers excellent crops of hay
and grain and also devotes considerable attention to cattle raising, having become
widely recognized as a successful rancher and leading stockman of the valley. Un-
faltering enterprise, indefatigable industry and sound judgment have characterized
him in the conduct of his business affairs and have been the elements in his grow-
ing success.
In 1892 Mr. Pollock was united in marriage to Miss Zonia B. Sumbter, a native
of Arizona, who passed away leaving two daughters: Ida. who is now the wife of
Claude Davis and resides in Ellensburg; and Anna, living in Yakima. Mr. Pollock
gives his political allegiance to the republican party and has long been recognized as
a progressive and loyal citizen of his community. Identified with the development
of the west from early youth, he is familiar with various phases of its upbuilding
and has borne his full share in the work of general improvement and progress.
DANIEL N. HOBBS.
Agricultural interests as well as orcharding are the lines of occupation in which
Daniel N. Hobbs has been especially successful, he now being owner of a valuable
property in the Tieton district. A native of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, he was born
August 5, 1875, his parents being Joseph and Jane Hobbs. The father visited the
Puget Sound country in the early '50s. In early life he was a sailor and visited
practically all parts of the globe during that period, having gone to sea at the age of
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 603
thirteen. He was born at St. Peters, in East Kent, England, July 9, 1836, his parents
being Henry A. and Mary Ann Hobbs. After leaving the sea he located in Green
Lake county, Wisconsin, where he remained until 1861 and then removed to a home-
stead in Eau Claire county, that state, where he still lives, having for many years
farmed a valuable property of two hundred acres which he has since sold to his
son Frank. After an interesting and useful career he now lives largely retired in
the enjoyment of a comfortable competence. The mother of our subject is deceased.
Daniel X. Hobbs acquired his education in the common schools and after laying
aside his textbooks took up farming in Wisconsin. He also successfully engaged
in the farm implement business in Eau Claire. In 1908, at the age of thirty-three
years, he came to Yakima county and bought eighty acres of land on the Tieton. To
this tract he has since devoted his undivided attention and now raises hay and grain,
all of the tract being under cultivation. Upon the place is an orchard of ten acres.
He was one of the first settlers under the Tieton project and has therefore seen
much of the development of the district.
Mr. Hobbs was united in marriage to Jennie Lovejoy on the 19th of February,
1910. She is a daughter of Edwin and Mary Lovejoy. of Green Lake county, Wis-
consin. Her father was one of the early pioneers of that state, whither he removed
from New Hampshire in 1848, and there he and his wife were married. He has
passed away and Mrs. Lovejoy died April 3, 1919.
Mr. and Mrs. Hobbs are devoted members of the Presbyterian church, to the
work of which they give their unstinted support. They are deeply interested in all
measures undertaken for the development and uplift of humanity and Mr. Hobbs is
a steadfast adherent to the prohibition party. He has come to see this measure in
full operation in his state and now witnesses its beneficent results. In supporting
political candidates, however, he is not influenced by party issues but takes largely
into considerafion the qualities of the men who aspire to office. He is a valued
member of the Yakima County Horticultural Union and in exchange with its mem-
bers gives and receives valuable information. His career may serve as an ex-
ample to those who begin life with a small capital, for Mr. Hobbs is largely a self-
made man, having attained his present substantial prosperity entirely through his
own efforts. He has many friends in his county, being a reliable business :nan who
is ever ready to lend assistance to a friend or neighbor and, moreover, is willing to
make sacrifices in order to better community welfare.
JOSEPH P. KOHLS.
Joseph P. Kohls, a well known merchant of Yakima, engaged in the shoe trade,
was born in Shakopee, Minnesota, in 1888, a son of Henry H. and Regina Kohls.
The father engaged in general merchandising in Shakopee for more than thirty-six
years, becoming one of the pioneer merchants and leading business men of that city.
He was born in Leipzig. Germany, but established his home in Minnesota in 1851'
and passed away in Yakima in 1908, when he had reached the age of sixty-five years.
He had sold out his business in Minnesota and had come to the northwest to identify
his interests with this city. His widow survived him for but three months.
Joseph P. Kohls was the ninth in order of birth in their family of eleven chil-
dren. He acquired a public school education in Minnesota and afterward attended
Gonzaga College in Spokane, where he pursued a commercial course. He next entered
the shoe business in connection with his brother, Benjamin J. Kohls, opening a
store in 1910. Success attended the new venture and as time passed on their patron-
age increased owing to their reliable business methods and the excellent line of
goods yvhich they carried. The death of Benjamin J. Kohls occurred in the year 1916
and since that time Joseph P. Kohls has conducted the store alone, enjoying a very
liberal patronage. He was located at No. 113 East Yakima avenue until January,
1917. when he removed to No. 203 East Yakima avenue, where he has a store twenty-
five by one hundred and ten feet. He carries a fine stock of high-grade shoes and
employs four clerks in the conduct of the business, which is steadily growing.
In 1912 Mr. Kohls was united in marriage to Miss Eva M. Paradis, of Yakima,
604 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
who was born at Red Lake Falls, Minnesota, a daughter of Joseph and Mary Paradis,
who removed to Washington in 1910 and arc now living in Seattle. Mr. and Mrs.
Kohls have two children: Bernard Joseph, three and a half years of age; and Mary
Louise, a little maiden of but a year and a half.
The parents are members of St. Joseph's Catholic church and Mr. Kohls is
identified with the Knights of Columbus. He belongs also to the Modern Woodmen
of America and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. He is an interested mem-
ber of the Commercial Club and in politics maintains an independent course. The
nature of his activities aside from those already mentioned is indicated in the fact
that he has membership in the Yakima Valley Business Men's Association, in the
Yakima Home Guard and in the Country Club. Aside from his shoe business he
has become interested in farm lands near Priest Rapids. He is actuated in all that
he does by a spirit of progressiveness and enterprise that stops not at the successful
fulfillment of his plans but develops other plans leading to still larger and more
important results. Yakima claims him as a substantial citizen and one whose etiforts
have furthered the welfare and development of the community.
JOHN H. ESTES.
John H. Estes is the owner of a ranch property of twenty-five acres near Buena.
He has become recognized as a leading orchardist of his community and his ex-
perience and success enable him to speak with authority upon many questions
relative to the production of fruit in this section. He dates his residence in Wash-
ington from 1888 but wa-s born in Terre Haute, Indiana, March 19, 1862, a son of
John and Mary (Miller) Estes, who were natives of Kentucky and became residents
of Indiana in the latter part of the 'SOs. The father was a contractor and builder who
was identified with building operations in Indiana. He had lived for a brief period in
Illinois before removing to the Hoosier state and after leaving the Mississippi valley
he took up his abode in Tacoma. Washington, and spent the last years of his life
in the home of his son, John H., there passing away in 1892. His wife had died in
Indiana in 1878.
In his youthful days John H. Estes was a pupil in the public schools of Terre
Haute and took up the carpenter's trade with his father, eventually entering the
contracting business on his own account when twenty-one years of age. In 1888 he
arrived in Tacoma, Washington, and began building operations in that city, win-
ning a place among its foremost contractors. He was active in the building of Fort
Lawton and also of Fort Seward in Alaska, and he built the Sperry flour mill and the
mill of the Tacoma Grain Company, both in Tacoma. He likewise erected many
brick buildings there and occupied a position as one of the most prominent and suc-
.cessful contractors in that city, having a business of extensive proportions. In 1904,
however, he turned his attention to horticultural pursuits by the purchase of thirty
acres of land a mile northeast of Buena, already planted to orchards. In 1905 he also
bought fifty acres of land below Granger and devoted that place to the raising of
hops and hay. He has since sold all of his land save twenty-five acres of the orchard
property. He now has twenty acres in apples, with the remainder planted to pears.
He has remodeled the home, making it an attractive modern residence, and has
built a fine packing house and storage warehouse with a capacity of eighteen carloads
of fruit. This is a frostproof structure. Every accessory for the care of his fruit
is found upon his place. He also designed and built the cold storage plant at Zillah
for the Yakima Valley Fruit Growers Association and was the vice president of the
association for some time. He promoted this company, whose warehouse has a
capacity of six hundred carloads of fruit and a capacity of fifty cars of ice which is
manufactured every day. This is the only pre-cooler in the northwest. Mr. Estes
also designed and built the cold storage plant at Buena for the Buena Packing and
Supply Company, which he organized in 1916 and of which he has since been the
president. It has a capacity of sixty carloads of fruit. He has withdrawn from the
Yakima Valley Fruit Growers' Association and is now identified with the Buena cor-
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 607
poration. He is one of the most prominent men of the valley because of his ability
and etTorts as a contractor and as an orchardist.
On the I2th of Xovember, 1890. Mr. Estes was married to Miss Rosalia Hipkins.
who was born in Bellaire. Ohio, a daughter of William and Levira (Cox) Hipkins.
Mrs. Estes is now serving her second term as chairman of the Red Cross in her dis-
trict.
Fraternally Mr. Estes is connected with the Knights of Pythias and his political
allegiance is given to the republican partj'. For many years he served as a member of
the county executive committee in Pierce county, Washington. He has been very
active in promoting every interest for the good of the valley and is a most public-
spirited citizen, championing every plan or measure that has to do with the progress
and improvement of this section of the state. The thoroughness which he displays
in everything that he undertakes has brought him to a high point of efficiency in
building operations and in orcharding as well. His judgment is sound, his sagacity
keen and he allows no obstacle or difficulty to bar his path if it can be overcome by
persistent and earnest effort. His work has counted for much as a factor in the
general progress and improvement of the district in which he makes his home.
LEON BRUNELLE.
Leon Brunelle. who has been actively and successfully identified with farming
interests in Yakima county for the past thirteen years, is now the owner of forty
acres of rich and productive land on the Moxee. He was born near Quebec, Canada,
on the ISth of April, 1867, a son of Joseph and Eugenia (Trotter) BruncHe, who
about 1883 removed across the Canadian border and took up their abode in Crooks-
ton, Minnesota, where the father devoted his attention to general agricultural pur-
suits. Both he and his wife passed away in Yakima county while visiting here.
Leon Brunelle attended the public schools in the acquirement of an education and
after putting aside his textbooks followed farming in Minnesota, being thus engaged
in that state for a number of years. The year 1905 witnessed his arrival in Yakima
county. Washington, where he purchased twenty acres of land on the Moxee and
later bought an additional tract of similar size, so that his holdings embrace forty
acres of valuable land. He raises hay, potatoes and beets and finds a ready market
for his products because of their uniform excellence and fine quality.
In January, 1892, in Canada, Mr. Brunelle was united in marriage to Miss Al-
phonsine Verville, a native of that country. They now have five children, namely;
.Albert, Oscar, Lydia, Henry and Florida. The first three children born to them
died in infancy.
The religious faith of the family is that of the Catholic church and they are
communicants of the Holy Rosary church at Moxee City. Mr. Brunelle gives his
political allegiance to the democratic party, supporting its men and measures at the
polls. His has been an industrious, well spent and honorable life and he has long
been numbered among the substantial and esteemed citizens of Yakima county.
JOHN H. CORBETT.
John H. Corbett, contractor of Yakima, was born in New York city, January
11, 1867. His parents. Lawrence M. and Mary (Jackson) Corbett, passed away in
the Empire state, where the father had for many years engaged in business as a
contractor and builder. The son acquired a public school education and afterward
took up the study of architecture in Cooper Institute of New York. He embarked
in business in the eastern metropolis in 1893 and there remained in the practice of
his profession until 1897, when he sought the opportunities of the west, making his
way to Montana. The following year, however, he came to Yakima and purchased
a fruit ranch but in 1902 turned his attention to the contracting business, in which
he has since been engaged. Since that date he has erected many important struc-
608 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
tures of the city, including the high school building, the Young Men's Christian
Association building, the Masonic Temple, the state fair buildings and numerous
fine residences, business blocks and warehouses. He has been engaged in contract-
ing in Yakima since he took up his residence here, and his work has been highly
satisfactory, adding much to the beauty of Yakima, while at all times in his building
operations he closely studies utility and convenience as well as beauty. He was the
builder of the clubhouse of the Country Club, also of the Christian church and many
other attractive structures of Yakima.
In 1895 Mr. Corbett was united in marriage to Miss Emily Alexander, of Xew
York city, and they now have two children: Alexander H., who is a student in
the state university, making a specialty of structural engineering; and Margaret,
who is also in school.
Mr. Corbett belongs to Yakima Lodge, Xo. 24, F. & .A. M., of which he is a
past master. He also has membership in Yakima Chapter. Xo. 21, R. A. M.; Yak'ima
Commandery. K. T.; and -Afiti Temple of the Mystic Shrine at Tacoma. His mem-
bership relations extend to the Elks, to the Knights of Pythias, the Modern Wood-
men, the Commercial Club and the Country Club and he is a member of the Epis-
copal church. His political endorsement is given to the republican party, and while
never a politician in the sense of office seeking, he served as president of the school
board of Yakima in 1917. His course has ever measured up to high standards of
American manhood and chivalry. Industry and reliability have been made the foun-
dation of his business success, while enterprise and progress have characterized
him in every public relation and duty.
JOHN BANKERS.
-At the age of seventeen years John Bankers came to America and in this coun-
try he has found the opportunities which he sought, now being one of the success-
ful and prosperous ranchmen of the Cowiche district of Yakima county. A native of
Germany, he was born in 1858 and in that country he spent his boyhood days, there
acquiring his education. Many reports having come to him in regard to the chances
presented to a young man in the land of the free, he decided upon emigration and
at the age of seventeen crossed the ocean. He made his way directly to the interior
and located in Red Wing, Minnesota, where for several years he was connected with
farming. Conditions there did not fully suit him and he once more took up his
westward course and in 1884 came to Yakima county, taking up a homestead near
Prosser. He is therefore numbered among the early pioneers of this section, hav-
ing witnessed all the changes that have transformed a wild section of land into a
prosperous agricultural district. He watched the railroad come in and in fact assisted
in building the road. .After taking up his homestead he rented land on the Ahtanum,
to the cultivation of which he devoted several years, and later bought sixty acres
there. .At a subsequent period, however, he traded this tract for eighty acres on
the Cowiche and as his means increased and his income steadily grew because of his
untiring labor, he acquired more land until he had three hundred and twenty acres.
He has since sold three-quarters of this, retaining but eighty acres, to the cultiva-
tion of which he still gives his time and attention. He has erected a handsome
residence and put up substantial buildings for stock and grain, thus making his one
of the valuable properties in his neighborhood. He has always followed progres-
sive methods and as the years have brought him golden harvests his prosperity has
increased and he is now numbered among the substantial residents of Cowiche.
There seems to be an eternal justice which rewards hard labor and the success which
Mr. Bankers has won has been attained in that honorable way, so that today there
is none who can begrudge him the comfortable competence which he has accumulated.
In 1880 Mr. Bankers was united in marriage to .Anna Tamke, a native of Ger-
many, and they have become the parents of five children: Henry and John, well-to-
do ranchers: Katie, who married Joseph Worrell, also a rancher; Emma, the wife
of James Cunningham, who is now serving his country in the United States army;
and -Annie.
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 609
Mr. Bankers has ever taken a laudable interest in the progress of his section
of the state and has readily given his aid to worthy public mavements. By his work
along agricultural lines he has contributed toward general prosperity and has helped
to plant the seeds of civilization here. In politics he is independent, supporting the
man whom he deems best qualified to fill the office to which he aspires. Along
religious lines both he and his wife are devoted members of the Lutheran church,
in which faith they were reared and to which they ever remained loyal.
HADLEY H. DRAKE.
Hadley H. Drake, who is devoting his time and energies to orcharding, his home
being at Fruitvale. was born in Aroostook county, Maine, January 20, 1882, a son
of Xorman S. and May (Morrison) Drake, who on the 1st of April, 1906, came to
Yakima county and have since resided upon ranches in this section of the state.
In the year of his arrival the father purchased ranch property in Selah but is now
living retired, deriving a substantial income from property interests, which include
three houses in Yakima.
Hadley H. Drake acquired a public school education in the Pine Tree state and
after the removal of the family to the west, which occurred when he was a young
man of twenty-four years, he worked for his father in the Yakima valley for three
years. In 1909 he and his brother George purchased one hundred and sixty acres
of land on the reservation, which they later traded, and from time to time they have
acquired land until they now have one hundred and sixty acres in a ranch on the
Puget Sound, where the brother resides and to the cultivation and development of
which he is giving his attention. In 1915 Hadley H. Drake purchased four acres of
land in Fruitvale and has since added two and a half acres to that tract. He now has
his six and a half acres in orchards, raising apples, pears, peaches, cherries, prunes
and other fruits. These he is successfully cultivating and his orchards are in ex-
cellent bearing condition, so that he annually makes large shipments.
On the 18th of February, 1905, Mr. Drake was married to Miss Rosa Lermond.
a native of Maine and a daughter of Wilson and Rosetta (Williams) Lermond. The
children of this marriage are Francis Edmond, Helen Madolin and Hilda Rosalie.
Mr. Drake and his familj- arc inembers of the Methodist church. His political al-
legiance is given to the republican party and his wife is a member of the Grange.
They are well known and highly esteemed in this section of the state, his fellow-
citizens regarding Mr. Drake as one of the enterprising and progressive young busi-
ness men, whose identification with the horticultural interests of the Yakima valley
constitutes an important element in the development of its orchards.
RICHARD R. DASHER, D. D. S.
The success which follows earnest effort in the practice of dentistry, based
upon broad scientific attainment and conscientious service, has come to Dr. Richard
R. Dasher, .^who not only figures prominently in professional circles but is also
identified with commercial and agricultural interests in his section of the state. He
was born in Burlington, Iowa, in 1873, a son of John and Helen (Sprenger) Dasher,
who in the year 1888 became residents of Tacoma, Washington, where the father
continued in business as a locomotive engineer. They removed to the Pacific coast
from Minnesota, where they had established their home in 1879, there residing for a
number of years.
Dr. Dasher was but six years of age when the family went from Iowa to Minne-
sota and was a youth of fifteen when he arrived in Washington. He supplemented a
public school education by a course in a business college at Burlington, Iowa, in
1892. He remained a resident of Tacoma until 1897 and in that year went to Daw-
son, Alaska, where he was identified with mining until 1900. He then returned to
Tacoma and established the Star Diamond Candy Company, carrying on the busi-
610 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
ness until 1902, when he sold in order to prepare for a professional career. He
then entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons of San Francisco and was
graduated from the dental department with the class of 1905. Opening an office in
that city, he remained there until the earthquake, after which he removed to Sumner,
Washington, where he practiced for four years. In 1911 he opened an office in Top-
penish, where he has since remained, and during the intervening priod a very sub-
stantial practice has been accorded him, indicating the confidence reposed in his
professional ability by the public. He is also the owner of a half interest in the
Frederickson-Dasher Drug Company, proprietors of one of the leading drug stores
of the city, and in addition he owns a fine ranch of eighty acres pleasantly situated
fourteen miles west of Toppenish. While successful in the management of these
interests, he regards the practice of dentistry as his real life work and he is a member
of tlie State Dental Society, thus keeping in close touch with the advanced thought
of the profession.
On the 19th of June, 1908, Dr. Dasher was married to Miss Jean Lockhart, who
was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, a daughter of James and .^gnes Lockhart, who
became residents of Sumner, Washington, in 1888. Dr. and Mrs. Dasher have two
children, John and .Agnes, aged respectively si.x and two years.
The Doctor belongs to the Commercial Club, which indicates his deep interest
in the city's welfare and upbuilding. He is also identified with the Yakima lodge
of Elks and in Masonry has attained high rank, belonging to Toppenish Lodge, No.
178, A. F. & A. M.; Yakima Chapter, No. 21, R. A. M.; Yakima Commandery, No.
13. K. T.; and to Afifi Temple of the Mystic Shrine of Tacoma. He is loyal to
the teachings and purposes of the craft and at all times his life measures up to high
standards of American manhood and chivalry.
CAPTAIN ROBERT DUNN.
Captain Robert Dunn was a valued and highly esteemed citizen of Parker Bot-
tom. For many years he was closely associated with the development of the county
and many tangible evidences of his devotion to the public good can be cited. .A.
native of Scotland, he was born in .Adrie on the 27th of November, 1837, and ac-
quired his education in the land of hills and heather. He came to the United States
in 1855. when a youth of eighteen years, and afterward entered the United States
army, doing duty in Mexico and at Yuma, Arizona, on the Texas border. He be-
came captain of Company H, of the Heavy Artillery, and at the time of the Civil
war also served as a captain of infantry troops. He was on active duty throughout
the entire period of hostilities between the north and the south and at the battle of
Gettysburg was severely wounded in the right shouder and lost several fingers. He
carried three bullets in his body throughout the remainder of his life.
In 1865. following the close of his military service as a defender of the Union
cause, he was united in marriage to Annie M. Curry, a native of Pennsylvania and a
daughter of James and Maria (Coffee) Curry, their marriage being celebrated in
Kentucky. They afterward located in Carthage, Missouri, where they lived for ten
years. In the fall of 1876 they arrived in the Yakima valley, making »the trip by
wagon across the plains and over the mountains to the northwest. They were among
the first settlers in this section of the state and while en route they joined a train
of Black Hill miners and on one occasion the party turned back on account of an
Indian scare, but Captain Dunn continued on his way in safety, while those who
turned back were massacred. On reaching his destination he secured a homestead
of one hundred and sixty acres on the Parker bottoms and later he obtained a three
hundred and twenty acre timber culture claim and also a desert claim four miles be-
low. He also purchased large amounts of land during the period of his residence in
this section of the s.tate and he contributed in substantial measure to the develop-
ment and upbuilding of the district. He was the promoter of the Konnewock ditch,
the present site of the Sunnyside canal, the original, however, being a small ditch.
He closely studied everything relative to the welfare and development of the region
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 611
and his co-operation and aid were alwaj'S given to plans and measures for the public
good.
To Captain and Mrs. Dunn were born eight children. The eldest is Mrs. Daul
A. McDonald, of the Yakima Valley, who has five children. Belle, the second of
the family, is deceased. Anna is the wife of W. F. Morgan, of Nob Hill, and they
have three children. Mrs. Charles McAllister resides in Wasco, Oregon, and has two
children. Mrs. C. .-V. Peters is living in Yakima and has six children. Mrs. D. C.
McKee is connected with ranching interests in the Yakima Valley and has two
children. A. Duncan is the next in the family. George Robert, who was born
March 22, 1881, is engaged in ranching with his brother, A. Duncan upon the home
place. He attended Pullman College and on the 21st of October, 1915, was married
to Olive E. Bettinger, a native of Seattle and a daughter of Mary and Peter Betting-
er. They have two children, Paul C. and Elizabeth. George R. Dunn is a member
of Yakima Lodge, No. 318, B. P. O. E., also of the Masonic fraternity, being identi-
fied with the lodge at Wapato, while in Tacoma he has attained the thirty-second
degree of the Scottish Rite and is also a member of Afifi Temple of the Mystic
Shrine. His political allegiance is given to the republican party. He is now a suc-
cessful young rancher, conducting the home farm in connection with his brother.
He has followed in his father's footsteps in regard to Masonry.
Captain Dunn was a worthy exemplar of the craft and was one of the first masters
of Yakima Lodge, No. 24, F. & A. M., at Yakima City. He also had membership in
the Royal Arch Chapter and w^as connected with the Benevolent Protective Order
of Elks. He passed away May 21, 1908, and his death was the occasion of deep
regret, for he was highly esteemed by all who knew him. He and his wife attended
the Presbyterian church, and he gave his political allegiance to the republican party.
In 1889 he was appointed postmaster of Yakima and filled that ofKce for four years,
or until 1893. He also represented his district in the state legislature for one term
and in every connection proved himself a faithful and loyal citizen, interested in all
that had to do with the progress and welfare of his section of the state or with the
advancement of the commonwealth. His ideals of life were high and he carefully
shaped his course in accordance therewith. The opportunities of the northwest
made strong appeal to him and he put forth every effort to use these to the best
possible advantage, so that his labors constituted an important element in the
growth and development of the district in which he lived.
BENJAMIN L. MITCHELL.
Yakima has reason to be proud of her business district and the enterprise dis-
played by those who represent her commercial and industrial interests. Among this
number is Benjamin L. Mitchell, proprietor of a grocery and variety store. He is
building up a business of gratifying and substantial proportions and what he has
accomplished represents the fit utilization of his time and innate talents. He was
born in Cairo, Georgia, August 20, 1878, a son of Nelson and Florence (Paramore)
Mitchell, who were representatives of old southern families, both of English descent.
The father took up the occupation of farming, which he followed in early manhood,
and in later life he turned his attention to merchandising. His death occurred in
I'^lorida and his wife has also passed away.
In his youthful days Benjamin L. Mitchell became a public school pupil and
when still but a boy started out in the business world, obtaining a clerkship in a
mercantile establishment. Later he went to Florida, where he conducted a general
merchandise store of his own, becoming one of the active business men of Wauchula,
Florida, in 1901. There he remained for about a year, after which he went to Temple,
Oklahoma, where he carried on mercantile pursuits for about five years. In May,
1907. he arrived in Yakima and purchased a fruit ranch which he conducted until
1912. He then again returned to commercial circles, opening a grocery and variety
store on South Second street in Yakima. In January, 1917, he removed to No. 113
612 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
East Yakima avenue, where he has a store twenty-five by one hundred and thirty
feet. He employs three clerks and gives his personal attention to the business, which
is steadily growing. His trade is now large and satisfactory and his patronage
is continually increasing. His methods are thoroughly reliable and he has ever
recognized the fact that satisfied customers are the best advertisement. He retained
possession of his fruit ranch until 1916, when he sold that property.
In 1906 Mr. Mitchell was united in marriage to Miss Agnes L. Shepard, of
Temple, Oklahoma, and they have one child, Neva L. Mr. Mitchell maintains an
independent course in politics and has never been an office seeker, preferring to give
his undivided attention to his business aflfairs. There are no spectacular phases in
his life, his course, however, being marked by devotion to duty at all times and by
determination and progressiveness in the conduct of his business interests.
GEORGE MONK.
George Monk, who is engaged in general farming and ranching near Outlook,
was born in Woodford county, Illinois, December 20, 1871, a son of Frank and
Gretchel (Westeman) Monk, both of whom were natives of Germany but came to
the L'nited States in early life. The father followed farming in Illinois and won
success through his ably directed efforts. In 1884 the family all came to Washington,
making their way to Ritzville, where the father purchased teams and then went one
hundred and twenty-five miles up to Douglas county, where he secured a home-
stead. The family settled thereon and he began the development and improvement
of his property, concentrating his efforts and attention upon his ranch work to the
time of his death, which occurred July 27, 1893, when he was about sixty-two years
of age, his birth having occurred in 1831. His widow also took up a homestead after
the death of her husband. She was born in March, 1835, and still survives, making
her home with her son George. They had a family of ten children, five of whom
have passed away.
George Monk acquired a public school education and afterward took up ranch-
ing on his mother's land. In 1904 the property was sold and he purchased forty
acres two and a half miles northwest of Outlook. Later he bought twenty-five acres
more and then sold the forty-acre tract. He now raises hay and fruit upon his
place and conducts a small dairy. He is well known as one of the general farmers
of the district and is recognized as a man of industry and perseverance whose well
directed activities are bringing him success. In politics he maintains an independent
course. His mother is a member of the Lutheran church and the family is one
highly esteemed in the community.
JOHN M. PERRY.
With the development of the horticultural interests of the Yakima valley many
enterprising men have embraced the opportunity of becoming successful fruit dealers
in this section. .Among those connected with the wholesale fruit trade in Yakima
is John M. Perry, president and manager of the J. M. Perry Company, Incorporated,
who, closely studying every phase of his business and applying himself most earn-
estly to its conduct and management, has built up a trade of extensive and gratifying
proportions. The story of his life record is the story of earnest endeavor. He was
born in Houlton, Maine, in 1861, a son of Charles and Margaret (Hanna) Perry, both
of whom died in the Pine Tree state. They were natives, however, of Ireland and
came to the new world in 1848. The father settled in the midst of the Maine for-
est, where he cleared and developed a farm and there continud to make his home
until his life's labors were ended in death.
John M. Perry aco.uired a public school education, supplemented by study in
the Bryant & Stratton Business College of Philadelphia. He has been identified with
\
JOHN M. I'ERKY
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 615
the west since 1888, in which year he arrived in Spokane, Washington, where he
resided for a decade, during which time he was engaged in the grain trade. In
1898 he came to Yakima and entered the fruit business and in 1900 built a warehouse,
since which time he has been engaged in dealing in fruit as a wholesale merchant.
He was the first to enter this line of business on a large scale and is today the
oldest wholesale fruit dealer of the city. His first location was at Yakima avenue and
the railroad and in 1911 he built a tine new plant, three hundred by one hundred
and eighty feet, where he has a cold storage capacity for five hundred cars of fruit.
This is the largest establishment of the kind in the Yakima valley. He operates his
own ice plant and does an extensive business with the Pacific Fruit Express Com-
pany and the Northern Pacific Railway Company, supplying them with over twelve
thousand tons of ice in a season. His plant is operated by electric power and its
equipment is most modern and complete in every particular. He handled over five
hundred cars of fruit in 1917 under the "Perry" brand and his sales cover the United
States and Canada. His packing plant is of the most modern type. He has a pack-
ing room eighty by one hundred and twenty-five feet, which is kept at forty-five
degrees Fahrenheit, where he makes a specialty of handling pears. After they are
packed they are put in a room where the temperature is kept at thirty-two degrees
and where they are held until loaded in iced cars before shipping. He handles more
pears than any other packer of Yakima and he employs from fifteen to fifty people,
according to the season. There is no man able to speak with greater authority upon
horticultural interests, especially in connection with the wholesale fruit trade, than
Mr. Perry, who has been in the business for a longer period than any other Yakima
merchant in this field and whose well directed activities have kept him constantly
to the front as a leader in his special line. He is also the president of the Yakima
Valley Trafilic & Credit Association, which controls ninety percent of the Yakima
valley fruit tonnage, and is constantly studying every question which has to do with
the development of the horticultural interests and the handling of the fruit products
of the northwest.
In 1898 Mr. Perry was married to Miss Harriet Martin, a native of El Paso,
Illinois. He is identified with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and is a life
member of Yakima Lodge No. 318. and he is also a valued representative of the
Yakima Commercial Club and of the Yakima Country Club. His political endorse-
ment is given to the republican party and he does not lightly hold the obligations
and duties of citizenship but is loyal at all times to the best interests of community.
commonwealth and country.
JOHN J. SUVER.
John J. Suver, who for a long period was well known as a substantial and highly
tespected citizen of Kittitas county, was born on the 28th of July, 1852, and passed
away on the Sth of August, 1907. He was a son of David and Catherine (Smith)
Suver, more extended mention of whom is made on another page of this work in
connection with the sketch of Charles W. Suver, brother of John J. Suver. He was
twenty years of age when in 1872 he left Kansas and in 1873 he arrived in Seattle.
Washington. There he remained until 1876, when he removed to the Kittitas valley,
becoming one of the pioneer settlers. He was owner of one of the first livery stables
in Ellensburg but withdrew from that business in 1885, in which year he took up
government land, securing a preemption claim. Later he bought more land and
became the owner of two hundred and eighty acres in all. As the years passed on
he successfully developed and conducted his fields, making of his place a substantial
property, from which he annually derived a gratifying income.
In 1882 Mr. Suver was married to Miss Josephine Becker, now a resident of
Seattle, and they reared a large family. Harry, who now cultivates the old home
farm, married Eileen Kelly and has one child. Kathcrine is the wife of W. A. Holton,
a resident of Seattle. Leo has passed away. A second son of the name of Leo
died at the age of twenty-three years. Clyde, who wedded Blanche Hicks, of Ellens-
burg, operates the old home farm in company with his brother Harry and they also
610 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
own eighty acres of land in partnership. Elmer is a lieutenant in the aviation service
of the United States army in France. Charles makes his home with his uncle,
Charles W. Suver. The family is widely and favorably known in this section, where
they have lived since pioneer times. Mr. Suver enjoyed the high respect of all who
knew him and his many substantial traits of character gained him a circle of friends
that was almost coextensive with the circle of his acquaintance.
WALTER H. JOHNSON.
Walter H. Johnson is the owner of the Council Crest orchard, one of the finest
in the state. In the midst of his ranch he has erected a fine home of the bungalow
type and is most pleasantly and attractively situated there. His life record is the
story of intense and well directed activity, bringing him into close and prominent
connection with business interests and public development and progress in the vari-
ous sections in which he has lived. He was born in Abingdon, Iowa. March 10,
1865, a son of Thomas and Parley (Hyatt) Johnson, the former a native of New
York, while the latter was born in Indiana. Thomas Johnson was a son of Thomas P.
and (Wagner) Johnson, who came from England, settling in Connecticut about
1815. The Wagner family had been established on American soil prior to the Revolu-
tionary war and representatives at first fought with the English, but becoming con-
vinced of the righteousness of the -American cause, left the English army and joined
the colonial forces. The maternal grandfather of Walter H. Johnson was Green-
berry Hyatt, who was of Welsh descent. He was a soldier of the Civil war and one
of the pioneer settlers of Kansas. The wife of Thomas Johnson had three brothers
who were soldiers of the Civil war and all were killed when at the front. Thomas
Johnson devoted his life to the occupation of farming in Iowa, having removed
to that state in 1853, at which time he took up his abode near Osceola in Clarke
county, while later he became a resident of Jefferson county. In 1881 he removed
to Colorado and took up the business of fruit growing near Denver, where he passed
away July 20, 1902. His wife had departed this life in Iowa. Their family numbered
eight children, of whom Mr. Johnson of this review is the third in order of birth.
His brother, Frank T. Johnson, has been judge of the district court of Denver for the
past twelve years and is now engaged in the private practice of law in that city. He
has been very prominent in public affairs there, doing much to improve civic con-
ditions, and among the notable evidences of his public spirit was his abolishment of
gambling in Denver, .\nother brother, Samuel W., is now district attorney of the
first judicial district of Colorado and is accounted one of the distinguished members
at the bar of that state.
A youth of si.xteen at the time of the removal of the family to Denver, Walter
H. Johnson there continued his education, wbich had been begun in the schools of
Iowa, and supplemented his public school training by attendance at the University
of Denver. He was afterward graduated from the Central Business College of
Denver with the class of 1903 but in the meantime had made his initial step in the
business world, for upon leaving the University of Denver in 1885 he entered a hard-
ware store in Billings. Montana, where he remained for four years. On the ex-
piration of that period he returned to Denver, where he established a grocery and
market on his own account, conducting the business until 1893, when he sold out.
From 1894 until 1896 he was at Fort Collins and then became canal superintendent at
Montrose, Colorado, in which position he continued for four years. Returning to
Denver in 1900, he was chief clerk for the assignee of the Colorado Savings Bank
until 1902 and afterw-ard filled the office of deputy assessor until 1903. In the latter
year he became fire inspector of Denver, serving in that capacity until 1906, when he
turned his attention to the building business, in which line he was active until 1908.
That year witnessed the arrival of Mr. Johnson in Yakima and in 1909 he pur-
chased land on Naches Heights. He has since bought and sold over two hundred
and forty acres of fruit land on Naches Heights but did not improve the property.
He invested, however, in twenty acres of land for a home and has planted it to
apples and pears. His apple trees are set thirty-two feet apart and three pear
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY • 617
trees have been planted to each apple tree. He also has a cherry orchard and his
trees are in excellent Tbcaring condition. They have never been touched by frost
and his is today one of the finest orchards of the valley, known as the Council
Crest orchard. Much of the time Mr. Johnson has lived in Yakima but at a recent
date has erected a commodious and beautiful bungalow upon his ranch and is now
occupying it. His wife is the owner of the Nob Hill apartments in Yakima.
It was on the 28th of June, 1893, that Mr. Johnson, was united in marriage to Miss
Annie Ellen Jones, who was born in Corwen, North Wales, a daughter of John
Prichard and Ann (Edwards) Jones, both of whom passed away before their daugh-
ter was ten years of age. It was a cousin of Mrs. Johnson who established the town
of Wales, Wisconsin. At the age of fifteen Mrs. Johnson became a resident of Minne-
sota, making her way to the home of friends there in 1888. In 1889 she became a
resident of Omaha, Nebraska, and in December, 1890, arrived in Denver, where she
met Mr. Jolmson, who sought her hand in marriage. They have become the parents
of three children. Manly M., a graduate of the Yakima high school and the Uni-
versity of Washington at Seattle, is now connected with the treasury department of
the Seattle Hardware Company. Keplar Barth is a senior student in the L-niversity
of California at Berkeley, where he is pursuing a course in architectural engineering.
He was graduated from the Yakima high school with valedictorian honors in 1914,
having completed the four years' course in three years. Martha E., a graduate of the
Yakima high school in 1916, pursued post-graduate work in 1917 and is now a student
in the University of Washington at Seattle.
The parents are members of the Christian Science church. Mr. Johnson gives
his political allegiance to the democratic party and is one of the active workers in
its ranks. Twice he has been the party's candidate for the oftice of county assessor.
I-'ormerly he was identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and with
the Knights of Pythias but has not continued his connection with those organiza-
tions. He has written many scientific articles upon engineering and other questions
and his literary work constitutes his recreation. He is a lover of the west — a big,
broad-minded man who loves the big opportunities of this section of the country.
Opportunity is ever to him a call to action — a call to which he has made ready
response.
ALEXANDER B. HOLDEN.
Many are the valuable citizens whom Scotland has furnished to the United States
and among them is Alexander B. Holden, a native of the land of hills and heather,
who now owns a highly improved ranch near Mabton. Mr. Holden was born August
10, 1873, of the marriage of David and Margaret (Burrell) Holden, also natives of
Scotland. When but a year old he was brought by his parents to Illinois, in which
state the family settled in 1874, the father there working in the coal mines. About
seven years later, in 1881, removal was made to Leadville, Colorado, and there the
Holden family remained for many years. Carefully saving his earnings, the father
then decided to take up* agricultural pursuits in Nebraska, where he was engaged
in farming until 1912, when he came to Yakima county and here- he is still following
the same line of w^ork, renting land and being quite successful in his undertaking.
His wife passed away in 1905.
.Alexander B. Holden received his education in the state of Colorado, of which
he became a resident when but eight years of age, attending the public schools of
Leadville. After laying aside his textbooks he decided to follow in his father's foot-
steps and turned to mining but later changed his occupation, taking up farming
upon his removal to Nebraska. Having heard many favorable reports in regard to
the opportunities maintaining in the northwestern Pacific country, he decided in
1903 to come to Yakima county, where for the first two years he worked for wages,
thus acquiring the means which enabled him to buy forty acres of land five and a
half miles northwest of Mabton. This property was formerly owned by his father-
in law. who bought it as wild land in 1903. Mr. Holden assisting him in clearing the
tract. The place now is a modern twentieth century ranch and every up-to-date
618 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
facility and equipment can be found thereon. Mr. Holden has ever been progressive
in his methods and as the years have passed the farm has increased in value. In
1916 he erected a new home, a model of its kind, and he also has substantial out-
buildings and barns. He largely gives his attention to general farming, raising al-
f;.lf<i. corn and potatoes.
On the 12th of December, 1895, Mr. Holden was married to Bertha McKnight,
a daughter of George and Mary McKnight, who in 1903 came to the Yakima valley
from Nebraska. Both have now passed away. To Mr. and Mrs. Holden were
born two children, Mildred Mae and Clifford Alexander, but the latter died at the
age of about two years.
Thi' parents are members of the Presbyterian church, in the work of which they
taki- an active and helpful part. In politics Mr. Holden is a democrat but has never
aspired to public office although he is thoroughly informed in regard to the questions
and issues of the day and is ever ready to give his support to valuable measures
undertaken on behalf of the progress and upbuilding of his community and dis-
trict. Fraternally he is a member of the Royal Highlanders, thus maintaining con-
nection with other men of Scotch birth and extraction. He has many friends in
Yakirrr. county and all who know him speak of him in the highest terms of sincere
appreciation and esteem.
ALONZO A. BOWMAN.
Alonzo A. Bowman, a successful orchardist of.Wapato, was born in Zanesville,
Ohio. June 30, 1861, a son of Henry and Harriett (McKinney) Bowman, both of
whom were natives of the Buckeye state. The paternal grandfather, Daniel Bow-
man, was born in Pennsylvania and became a pioneer settler of Ohio, as did Stuart
McKinney, the maternal grandfather, who was a native of Maryland. Henry Bow-
man spent his entire life in Ohio, where he passed away in 1882, and his widow after-
ward came to Yakima, Washington, where her death occurred in August, 1917.
.■\lonzo A. Bowman acquired a public school education in his native state and
also attended Muskingum College at New Concord, Ohio. In 1885 he traveled over
Minnesota, Dakota and Nebraska looking for a suitable location for the family, and
in 1S86 they bought land near Hastings, Nebraska, the mother and her six other
children joining him there. The latter remained with the family at Hastings for four
years and the mother and one of her daughters continued to reside there until 1898.
In 1889, however, Alonzo A. Bowman went to Salt Lake City, Utah, where he took
up the painter's trade and also dealt in real estate, remaining in that place for three
years. He afterward removed to Palo Alto, California, where he entered the livery
business, spending three and a half years in that place. He then returned to Ne-
braska, where he continued for a short time but subsequently went to Cripple Creek,
Colorado, and engaged in mining in that state until the fall of 1901, when he came to
the Yakima valley and again engaged in the painting business at Yakima. He later
bought a wall paper and paint store, which he conducted until 1909, when he sold the
business and purchased twenty-six acres of land on Parker Heights. He planted this
to orchards and now has twenty-three acres devoted to the raising of apples, peaches
and pears, one-half of it being in peaches. He has his own packing plant and every
equipment for the care, packing and shipment of his fruit. He has remodeled the
house and has converted the place into one of the attractive homes of the district.
On the 26th of June, 1907, Mr. Bowman was united in marriage to Miss Lois
J. Zediker, a native of Manchester, Iowa, and a daughter of Dr. James F. Zediker,
who came to Yakima in 1901. Fraternally Mr. Bowman is connected with Yakima
Lodge, No. 24, F. and A. M., and is a worthy exemplar of the craft. He also be-
longs to the Yakima Commercial Club and is interested in all of its projects for
the welfare and upbuilding of the district in which he lives. His wife is a member
of the Baptist church. Mr. Bowman gives his political allegiance to the republican
party but has never been an office seeker. He gives his undivided attention to his
business affairs and is justly accounted one of the successful orchardists of his
community. He belongs to the Yakima County Horticultural Union and he studies
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 621
closely every question that has to do with the subject of fruit raising in the north-
west. He follows the most progressive and scientific methods in the care and propa-
gation of his trees and in the handling of his fruit and the results achieved have
been most satisfactory.
JOHN W. ELLISON.
John W. Ellison is a well known business man of Thorp, where he is' conducting
a grocery and meat market and also engages in the packing and shipping of fruit.
He was born near Thorp, February 10, 1886, a son of John, C. and Amy A. (Childs)
Ellison, the former a native of Kansas, while the latter was born in Pennsylvania.
The father came to the Kittitas valley as one of its pioneer settlers, arriving in the
year 1876. The mother came about 1882 with her father, the trip having been made
overland from Nebraska. Mr. Ellison took up a homestead and purchased other
land, upon which he lived to the time of his death in 1898. His widow survives and
now makes her home in Seattle. John C. Ellison was the owner of four hundred
acres of land under cultivation and he also leased other land, being extensively en-
gaged in farming and stock raising. He was, moreover, a man of considerable
influence in regard to public affairs and served as county assessor in 1896 and 1897.
He did not ally himself with any political party but maintained an independent atti-
tude and gave his aid and support where he believed he could further the best inter-
ests of the community. He was a prominent citizen, highly respected for his sterling
worth and his loyalty to duty.
John \\'. Ellison acquired a public school education, supplemented by study in a
business college at Seattle. LIpon the death of his father he took charge of the
home ranch but afterward turned his attention to commercial pursuits, entering
the meat business at Thorp in 1908. He now conducts a large and well appointed
grocery store and meat market, putting forth every efTort to please his patrons, and
in addition he also does a fruit buying and packing business. Both branches of his
activity are bringing to him well deserved success.
On the 7th of February, 1906, Mr. Ellison was united in marriage at Manchester,
Iowa, to Miss Mary Etna Frank, a daughter of L. P. Frank, who removed from
Manchester to Thorp, Washington, the following year. Mr. and Mrs. Ellison have
become parents of one child. Marie.
Mr. Ellison belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America and to the Woodmen
of the World, while in politics he has been a democrat since age conferred upon
him the right of franchise. He is a progressive young merchant of his town who
has readily recognized and improved his opportunities and is today a leader in com-
mercial circles in Thorp.
WILLIAM H. PURBAUGH.
William H. Purbaugh has performed the arduous task of converting a tract of
sa.gcbrush into highly cultivated fields and is today the owner of a valuable ranch
property of thirty-three and a half acres near Grandview. Attracted by the oppor-
tunities of the northwest, he made his way to this section of the country from Ne-
braska, where he had located in young manhood. Pennsylvania is his native state
and he was born on the 26th of January, 1859, a son of Philip and .\nnie (Miller')
Purbaugh, both of whom spent their entire lives in Pennsylvania, where the father
followed the occupation of farming.
.After mastering not only the branches of learning taught in the public schools
but also the best methods of tilling the soil while spending his youthful days under
the parental roof. William H. Purbaugh went to Nebraska when a young man and
there followed the carpenter's trade for fifteen years. He also engaged in farming
in that state, purchasing and cultivating eighty acres of land. Eventually, however,
he sold his property there and in 1905 arrived in Yakima county, Washington, where
(24)
622 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALl.hV
he purchased thirty-three and a half acres of land lying east of Grandview. This
was all wild land covered with a native growth of sagebrush and giving little indi-
cation that it could be converted into anything of value. With characteristic energy,
however, Mr. Purbaugh took up the task of clearing it and making it a productive
tract. He has since improved the farm according to the most modern and scientific
methods, has a good house upon it and substantial barns and is successfully engaged
in the raising of hay and live stock. For his crops and for his stock he finds a ready
market and thereby is materially increasing his annual income.
In 1899 Mr. Purbaugh was united in marriage to Miss Jessie Moore, a daughter of
W. F. and Eliza Moore. The children of this marriage are two sons, Frank and
Harold, both at home. In politics Mr. Purbaugh is not a partisan but casts an In-
dependent ballot and supports those measures which he deems of value to the com-
munity in which he lives. He can be counted upon to further plans for the public
good and he stands for all those interests which are of worth as factors in individual
uplift and community progress.
WILLIAM F. McXATT.
William F. McNatt, owner of the Yakima Trout Farm and an expert in the science
of raising fish, has the largest private hatchery in the state and his place is fast be-
coming famous. Mr. McNatt is one of the native sons of Washington who through-
out his life has been familiar with the state, its opportunities, advantages and possi-
bilities. He was born in King county, August 8. 1862. a son of Francis and Ann
(Burns) McNatt. the former a native of Knox county, Tennessee, while the latter
was born in Ireland. The father's birth occurred in 1820 and he was of Scotch
parentage. In 1851 he crossed the plains to Oregon and in 1852 made his way to the
Puget Sound country, settling on the present site of Seattle. He was employed in
timber woods for a few years and afterward took up government land, which he
cleared and improved, his property being now included within the corporation limits
of Seattle, and of the old home property William F. McNatt and his brother still
own forty acres in the suburbs of that city, where the father continued to make
his home until his death, which occurred in 1903. His wife had passed away the
previous year. She had made her way to the Puget Sound country with a brother
in 1860, traveling around Cape Horn from New York. Not long after her arrival
in the northwest Francis McNatt sought and won her hand in marriage and they
became the parents of three children; Mary Ann, who died at the age of twenty-
two years; William F.; and Robert N., now living in Calgary. Canada.
William F. McNatt can remember when there were only three or four families
in Seattle and in fact he has witnessed the greater part of the settlement, growth
and development of the state, being among the oldest of its native sons. He ac-
quired a public school education, supplemented by two years' study in the LTni-
versity of Washington. In young manhood he followed farming in connection with
his father and afterward devoted a few years to the sawmill and lumber business.
Subsequently he became manager of the Meadow Brook ranch, east of Seattle, being
in charge there for three years, and in 1903 he removed to Yakima county, where
he cultivated six hundred and forty acres of land on the Yakima Indian reservation
for nine years. On the expiration of that period he retired from business life, but
indolence and idleness are utterly foreign to his nature and after four years, or in
1914, he bought twelve acres in the Lower Naches and developed the Yakima Trout
Farm, which produces about four million trout for distribution in the streams of
Yakima, King and Lincoln counties. He planted one million two hundred and fifty
thousand trout for Yakima county in 1918. He also raises four hundred thousand
trout for table use for the leading hotels and residents in Seattle and other cities.
He is developing and enlarging this business constantly. He uses spring water for
the fish which he keeps at an average temperature of fifty-four degrees. He has
built large cement tanks and is conducting tlj^' business along the most modern
scientific methods, having made a careful study of everything connected with fish
hatching and raising. There are only three private fish hatcheries in Washington
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY ' 623
and that of Mr. McNatt is the largest. Because of the high standards which he
maintains in connection with every phase of the business he produces fish of the
highest grade and the place is fast becoming known throughout the country. Mr.
McNatt has built a beautiful home upon his ranch and has planted a live-acre orchard
to English walnuts. He first visited the Yakima valley in 1882, before a railroad
had been built to the district, helping to drive cattle across the country at that time.
His present ranch was first taken up as a tract of government land in the '50s by
John Nelson because of the fine springs upon the place. It is Mr. McNatt's plan to
develop a fine park and amusement grounds, vv'ith public fishing grounds, a charge
being made for the fishing privilege. In the execution of his plans he will develop
one of the finest places of the kind in the world.
On the 12th of July, 1890, Mr. McNatt was united in marriage to Miss Ida M.
Dewey, a native of Indiana, who came to Washington in 1889, settling in Seattle,
where their marriage was celebrated. In politics Mr. McNatt is an independent
republican, for while he usually supports the principles of the party, he docs not
hesitate to cast an independent ballot if his judgment so dictates. He is a splendid
type of the western pioneer — the man of courageous spirit who recognizes the op-
portunities of the west and does not hestitate to take a forward step when the way
is open. There is no phase of Washington's development and upbuilding with which
he is not familiar. He has witnessed its growth from early pioneer times and yet
when one sees the great and growing cities of Washington, it seems hardly possible
that all this has occurred within the memory of any man who is now living. In
Mr. McNatt's early boyhood, however, Seattle was but a tiny hamlet of a few homes,
while the surrounding forests stood in their primeval strength. His fortunes have
increa.scd with the growth and development of the country and the utilization of his
opportunities has placed him in the front rank among the honored and typically
representative men of the west.
ERNEST A. WEBBER.
With Vancouver, British Columbia, as his destination Ernest A. Webber started
for the Pacific coast but on reaching the Yakima valley in March, 1909, found spring
and sunshine and was so pleased with the country that lie remained. Today he is
the owner of an attractive residence and fine orchards in the Selah valley which have
been largely developed through his enterprising efforts.
Mr. Webber is a native of Rock county, Wisconsin. He was born April 11,
1857, of the marriage of Andrew A. and Mary (Knispel) Webber. The father was a
native of Pennsylvania and became a pioneer of the middle west. He passed through
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in the early '40s and went to Chicago, making the journey
by lake. He purchased ten acres in what is now the heart of the city of Chicago
for a hundred dollars and sold it the succeeding year for one hundred and ten dollars.
In 1847 he removed to Rock Prairie, Wisconsin, and took up a squatter's claim, im-
proving six hundred and forty acres of land there. He afterward spent his remain-
ing days upon that place. Arfiout 1848 Rock county was opened up by the govern-
ment and thirty-four squatters, including Mr. Webber, agreed that every man was
lo purchase only the land he had squatted upon under penalty of death, and each
has lived up to the terms of the agreement. In those early days they hauled wheat
to Milwaukee by team and sold it at twenty-five cents per bushel, but during the period
of the Civil war prices greatly advanced and he was paid two dollars per bushel for
his wheat and sixteen dollars per hundred pounds for pork.
Ernest A. Webber acquired a public school education, completing his course
in the high school at Watertown, Wisconsin. He entered the lumber woods of
Michigan when a youth of sixteen years and subsequently was connected with the
lumber business in Duluth. Minnesota, for fourteen years. In 1905 he made his way
westward to British Columbia, where he liuilt a sawmill at Summit Lake, there re-
maining for three years. He afterward returned to Duluth and again started for
the coast to accept the position of manager of a lumberyard, but passed through the
Yakima valley in March, 1909, and found it flooded with sunshine, with every indi-
624 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
cation of the spring. Stopping off. he was so pleased with the district that he re-
mained and still has his unused tickets to Vancouver, British Columbia. He pur-
chased ten acres of land in the Selah valley in the spring of 1909 and erected thereon
a most attractive residence and large substantial barns, in fact he has added all
modern improvements to his place, which is planted to apples and pears. He is
a leading farmer of the locality and success has attended his efiforts throughout
the entire period of his residence in this state.
On the 19th of June. 1887, Mr. Webber was united in marriage to Miss Lizzie
Musack, a native of Germany, who came to the United States in her childhood days.
The children of this marriage are; Leonard, who is working in a shipyard at
Duluth, Minnesota, and has a wife and three children: Sidney, residing in British
Columbia; Arthur, a member of the United States navy; Ruth and Jethro, both at
home; and Marie, who completes the family. They also lost their first born, Vernie,
who died at the age of five years.
In his political views Mr. Webber is a republican and fraternally he has been
connected with the Modern Woodmen of America since 1890 and is also identified
with the Royal Neighbors. He has never had occasion to regret his determination
to come to Washington, for here he has found the opportunities which he sought
and in their utilization has made steady progress. His plans have always been well
defined and promptly executed and his efforts have brought to him a gratifying
measure of success.
CHARLES H. KRESGE.
Charles H. Kresge is the owner of seven hundred and eighty acres of valuable
land in Kittitas county, of which he has four hundred acres under a high state of
cultivation and the crops produced are evidence of his progressive spirit and prac-
tical methods. He also makes stock raising a feature of the place and he is a man
of determined character who carries forward to successful completion whatever he
undertakes. He was born in Monroe county, Pennsylvania, October 29. 1865, a son
of Joseph and Mary Ann (Houser) Kresge, both of whom have now passed away.
The father devoted his life to the occupation of farming.
While spending his youthful days under the parental roof Charles H. Kresge
acquired a public school education and on attaining his majority he left the old home
and made his way to the Pacific coast. -Arriving in California, he there engaged in
farming upon rented land until 1901, when he made his way to Kittitas county,
Washington. Here he also cultivated a rented farm for a decade and during this
period he also conducted a wholesale hay and grain business, building up a large
trade. He also built a fine warehouse in Ellensburg and he handled as high as
eight thousand tons of hay and grain per year. In 1910 he purchased one hundred
and forty acres of land two miles west of Ellensburg and in 1908 he had purchased
three hundred and twenty acres eleven miles northeast of Ellensbi"-g. In 1911 he
took up his abode upon his ranch. He now has altogether seven hundred and eighty
icres of valuable land, of whit., .our hundred acres is under cultivation. He raises
hay, grain and cattle, handling high grade stock, having a fine herd of shorthorns.
He has upon his place a beautiful home supplied with all modern conveniences and
every feature of his place is indicative of his progressive spirit and the enterprise
which guides him in all the relations of life. His ranch is called the Springdale
Farm. One of his ranch properties is devoted to dairying and upon that place he
has a very fine herd of cattle and all equipments for the successful and sanitary con-
duct of a dairy business.
On the 21^t of July, 1892, Mr. Kresge was married to Miss Helen I. Faulkner,
a native of Wisconsin. They are members of the Presbyterian church and in politics
Mr. Kresge is a democrat where national questions and issues are involved but at
local elections casts an independent ballot. In 1916 he withdrew from the whole-
sale hay and grain trade and took a trip throughout the United States, motoring for
nine months and driving over fourteen thousand miles, while for three thousand
miles he covered the distance by rail. This was a most delightful trip to Mr. and
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 625
Mrs. Kresgc, enabling them to see much of the country and especially those points
which were of most interest to them. Mr. Kresge has been a most prominent
farmer of his community, a sagacious and farsighted business man and one whose
well defined plans have constituted the foundation upon which he has built the super-
structure of success.
CHARLES A. SCHMIDT.
-A tract of thirty-six acres of wild land on the Moxee covered with sagebrush
constituted the beginning of the present valuable and highly developed property of
Charles A. Schmidt. The transformation that has since been wrought indicates his
life of intelligently directed activity. Mr. Schmidt was born on the Atlantic while
his parents were en route to America, December 25, 1866. He is a son of John and
Caroline Schmidt, who took up their abode at Newcastle, Pennsylvania, where the
boy was reared upon his father's farm. The father remained an active factor in agri-
cultural pursuits in the cast for many years and both parents passed away in Pennsyl-
vania.
Mr. Schmidt of this review acquired a public school education and in early life
spent a few years at work in the oil fields of Pennsylvania. He afterward engaged
in farming in that state until 1900, when he came to the northwest, settling at Seattle,
and from that city he made his way to Alaska, where he lived for two years. In
1902 he came to Yakima county and purchased thirty-six acres of land, at which time
he at once began to develop and improve the property, converting it into a splendid
ranch. In 1911 he erected thereon a beautiful cement house, constituting one of
the attractive homes in this section of the county. He also has other modern im-
provements and in fact there are few ranches that indicate more clearly the pro-
gressive spirit on the part of the owner. He has twelve acres planted to apples
and pears and his orchards are in excellent bearing condition. The remainder of his
land is devoted to the raising of hay and such cereals as are best adapted to soil and
climatic conditions here. Mr. Schmidt is also a trustee of the Selah-Moxee Irrigation
District and has been general manager of the Selah-Moxee canal for several years.
He is a very prominent, enterprising and progressive farmer and has done much to
further general progress and improvement in this section of the state.
On the 16th of October, 1907, Mr. Schmidt was married to Miss Florence Cavin,
a native of Indiana and a daughter of John and Ida Cavin, who became residents
of the Moxee valley in 1905. The children of this marriage are Ruth, Naomi, Freida,
.^Mice and also a son and a daughter who died in infancy. In 1917 Mr.
Schmidt made a trip back to his old home in his Ford car, driving both ways. He
and his wife are members of the Congregational church at Moxee City. His political
allegiance is given to the republican party where national questions and issues are
involved but at local elections he casts an independent ballot. He has served as
a member of the school board and he is interested in all that has to do with the
welfare and progress of the community in which he makes his home. He belongs
to the Modern Woodmen of America and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows
and is loyal to the teachings of those organizations. Moreover, he deserves credit
for the success he has achieved in life, for he is a self-made man, having been both
the architect and builder of his own fortunes.
JAMES B. HARRIS.
James B. Harris, conducting an insurance agency in Yakima, was born in Mc-
Kinney, Texas, December 15, 1879, a son of Wood and Louisa Harris, who were
early settlers of Texas, removing to the Lone Star state from Tennessee. The father
served for four years in the Civil war as a member of the Confederate army, enlist-
ing from Texas. He was a farmer by occupation and owned a large amount of land.
626 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
conducting his agricultural interests on quite an extensive scale. He passed away
in the j'car 1896 and is survived by his widow, who yet makes her home in Texas.
James B. Harris, after mastering the branches of learning taught in the public
schools, became a student in the A. and M. College of Texas and when his text-
books were put aside turned his attention to clerking. The year 1902 witnessed his
arrival in Washington, at which time he settled in Bellingham, where he was manager
of the A. B. Clark Hardware store for four years. He next went to Tacoma. where
he remained for a few years as manager for the Stone Fisher Company, home fur-
nishings and crockery, and in January, 1908, he arrived in Yakima, where he en-
tered the hardware business in connection with Harry Ansart, with whom he was
thus associated for four years. On the expiration of that period he sold out to his
partner, in 1912, and has since been engaged in the real estate and insurance busi-
ness. At this period he was associated with the Yakima Valley Orchard Company
but in 1913 he and Harry E. Larson bought the insurance and real estate end of the
business. He now conducts a general real estate and insurance business, handling
both city and farm property, and he is thoroughly familiar with property values
and knows just what is upon the market. He is able to assist his clients in making
advantageous purchases and sales and is doing an extensive business.
In 1910 Mr. Harris was married to Miss Leone V. Stevens, of Tacoma, and they
have two children, Dorothy and Louise. Mr. Harris belongs to the Benevolent
Protective Order of Elks and is a member of the Commercial Club and of the
Country Club, while his political support is given to the democratic party. Those
who know him esteem him as a man of worth and his friends in Yakima are many.
LYMAX F. WITHEE.
The width of the continent separates Lyman F. W'ithee from the place of his
birth. Now a resident of the Selah valley of Washington, he was born in Skow-
hegan Falls, Maine, May 2, 18S9, a son of Hiram and Sarah (Nutting) Withee, who
were also natives of the Pine Tree state, where the father followed the occupation of
farming and thus provided for his family. In 1866 he removed to the middle west,
establishing his home in Jackson county, Wisconsin, where he cast in his lot with
the pioneer settlers who were reclaiming that district for the purposes of civiliza-
tion. He there lived for a quarter of a century or until 1891, when he removed to
Clark county, Wisconsin, and while there residing figured prominently in the public
life of the community. He was chosen to serve in the position of county treasurer
and by re-election was continued in that office for seventeen years — a most notable
record of faithful service. The record of perhaps no other official in that county has
extended over a longer period and none has been more faultless in honor, fearless
in conduct or stainless in reputation. The death of Mr. Withee occurred about 1908
and his wife has also passed away.
Lyman F. Withee acquired a public school education and through the period of
his boyhood and youth was trained to farm work, early becoming familiar with the
best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops. He afterwards went to
Iowa and was associated with the Standard Lumber Company of Dubuque for sev-
eral years but in 1908 came to the northwest, making his way to Yakima county,
Washington, where he purchased twenty acres of wild land in the Selah valley,
covered with sagebrush and giving little indication that it could ever be converted
into valuable fruit raising land. Today, however, he has splendid apple orchards
upon his place and is raising fruit of the finest variety and grade. In 1918 he erected
a modern residence of attractive architecture and supplied with all the comforts and
conveniences of the present-day home. He has also built a concrete warehouse,
thirty by fifty feet and two stories in height, which was erected in 1917. Half of his
farm is seeded to alfalfa between the trees. His place has all the appearance of being
in the hands of a painstaking manager and the beautiful bungalow shows that the
same care is practiced by Mrs. Withee in her duties as a housewife.
On November 15, 1882, Mr. Withee was married to Miss Emma Counrod. a
native of Wisconsin and a daughter of J. P. and Margaret Counrod. Mr. and Mrs.
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 629
Withce are consist-ent members of the Methodist church and the former is a re-
[lublican in politics but is not an office seeker. His life has been an active and use-
ful one. honorable and upright in all relations, and the sterling worth of his char-
acter is attested in the fact that the circle of his friends is constantly increasing as
the circle of his acquaintance widens.
RICHARD CONNELL, M. D.
Dr. Richard Connell, a prominent member of the medical profession in Yakima
who since December, 1915, has been county physician, is also a member of the local
exemption board and its examining physician. His life record began in Allegheny,
Xew York, where he was born April S, 1856. a son of Martin and Johanna Connell.
The father was a railroad employe who on leaving the east removed to Nebraska,
his son. Dr. Connell, being at that time a youth of eleven years. Martin Connell
passed away in Colorado and the mother is also deceased.
Dr. Connell acquired a public school education in Nebraska and in young man-
hood took up the study of telegraphy and became an operator at the age of seven-
teen years. In this way he earned the money whereby he provided for his medical
education, which was acquired in the Kentucky School of Medicine, from which
he was graduated in 1889. He then went to Fresno, California, and in 1890 arrived
in Washington, establishing his home at Tenino, where he remained for six months.
He next removed to Bellinghani, Washington, where he continued for nine months,
after which he came to Yakima but at that time remained for only a brief period.
Later he was in Spokane county and from there went to Odessa, Washington, in
1900, remaining there until 1907 when he returned to Yakima, where he opened an
office and continued his practice. His ability has brought him public recognition
in a growing patronage and he keeps in touch with the advanced thought of the pro-
fession. He is a member of the county and state medical societies and he is giving
excellent service to the public as county physician, which office he has filled for about
three years. He is also a member of and examining physician for the local exemp-
tion board.
In 1877 Dr. Connell was united in marriage to Miss Lulu Pelton, of Oakland,
California, and after her death he was married in 1882 to Miss Mary E. Israel, of
Iowa. She. too, passed away and in 1897 Dr. Connell wedded Miss Nina Hall, of
Yakima. He had two children of the second marriage: Fred, now residing in
Seattle: and Hazel, the wife of H. M. Chase, also of Seattle. Dr. and Mrs. Connell are
rearing an adopted son, Henry, who is eighteen years of age.
Dr. Connell belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows but has little
time for interests and activities outside his profession, for his duties in that connec-
tion are continually making greater and greater demand upon his energies. He dis-
charges his duties with a marked sense of conscientious obligation and he is keenly
interested in everything that tends to promote the efficiency of the medical profession.
CARL STINSON.
Ranching interests near Sunnyside are taking up most of the time and atten-
tion of Carl Stinson, who owns a valuable tract of forty acres and also rents eighty
acres which he is cultivating. He was born in Sweden. January 6, 1885, a son of
August and Christine Stinson, the latter deceased. The father, who is a butcher by
trade, yet resides in Sweden.
Carl Stinson passed his boyhood and early manhood in his native country, where
he attended the public schools and also the high school, thus acquiring sound funda-
mental knowledge. At the age of twenty-one years, in 1906. he decided to emigrate
to the LTnited States in order to profit by the greater opportunities presented here
and after his arrival settled in Minnesota, where he remained for a year. In 1907
he made his way to Tacoma, where he followed the carpenter's trade for two years.
630 HISTORY OF YAKIMA \ALLKy
The year 1908 marked his arrival in Yakima county and for the following three years
he worked in the employ of others, thus acquiring the means that enabled him to
purchase twenty acres of land four miles southwest of Sunnyside, which at that
time was all covered with sagebrush. The purchase of this property took place in
1911 and Mr. Stinson was the first in his section to take up agricultural pursuits. He
has since bought twenty acres more and has now cleared the forty acres, which are
in a good state of cultivation and from which he derives a gratifying income. He
augments his annual profits by renting eighty acres, which he has also largely
cleared. He is progressive and enterprising and by close attention and indefatigable
industry has made his a valuable tract. He has modern machinery and facilities
upon his place and the buildings are in a good state of preservation.
One the 1st of June, 1915, Mr. Stinson was married to Cynthia Graham, a native
of Ohio and a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Graham, who are mentioned at greater
length on other pages of this work. To this union has been born a daughter, Dora
Christine, while there are also two children by a former marriage of Mrs. Stinson,
Tames and William McPherson.
Mr. Stinson is a member of the Hay Growers .Association of Toppenish, where
he e.xchanges opinions and experiences with others who are interested in a similar
line of endeavor, his farm crop being largely alfalfa. In his political aftVliations he
is a democrat and has ever loyally supported the principles and candidates of that
party. Since coming to this country he has become thoroughly Americanized and
steadfastly stands for the principles which this government represents. Moreover,
he is deeply interested in the progress of his district and is ever ready to lend a
helping hand toward its upbuilding.
JOE WESLEY FITTS.
The ranch property of Joe W. Fitts seems to express the last word in agri-
cultural progressiveness. There is no equipment or improvement of the model farm
property that is lacking upon his place and his home is one of the beautiful resi-
dences in the vicinity of Zillah. The life story of Joe W. Fitts is an interesting one
in that it indicates what can be accomplished through determined individual cfifort,
intelligently directed. He was born at Madison, South Dakota, June 3, 1892, a son
of Frank D. and Etta L. (Hill) Fitts, the former a native of Michigan, while the
latter was born in Minnesota. The father lived in Chicago until he reached his early
twenties and was employed as a clerk in a bank. He afterward engaged in farming
in Illinois for a few years and then removed to South Dakota, where he again entered
the banking business, becoming president of the First National Bank of Madison.
He remained a prominent figure in financial circles in that place for thirty-five years.
Eventually his business operations sought a new field in the west. He became inter-
ested in the Yakima-Zillah Investment Company in 1912 and was made its vice
president. This company had two hundred acres of land a mile and a half north
of Zillah and irrigated the tract by pumping water to it. In 1913 Mr. Fitts brought
his family to the northwest, disposing of his interests in South Dakota, and he
established his home in Yakima. In 1917 the two hundred acre tract of land was
divided and he and his son Joe took one hundred and eighty-one acres of this, of
which eighty-six acres has been planted to fruit. His orchards are devoted to apples,
with peaches, pears and cherries as fillers. This is one of the largest orchards of
the valley and the trees are all in bearing now. There is also a twenty-five acre
tract planted to alfalfa, while seventy acres of the tract is still undeveloped. In the
family of Mr. and Mrs. Frank IX Fitts were four children: Mrs. O. R. Xichols,
now of Selah; Mrs. George Gorman, living in Beloit, Wisconsin; Joe W.. of this
review; and Frank Leland Hill, who died at the age of sixteen years.
Joe W. Fitts acquired a public school education in Madison, South Dakota,
and afterward attended the State University of Michigan. In 1914 he became a resi-
dent of Yakima and through the intervening period has taken an active part in the
management of the ranch which his father acquired. They have been closely asso-
ciated in carrying on the business of developing the orchards and cultivating the
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 631
fields. They have built a fine eiglu-rooni residence upon the place, supplied witli
hot and cold water and electric lights. They also have a large tenant house upon
the ranch and they are building extensive packing sheds and a storage warehouse.
In fact theirs is one of the best equipped ranch properties of the district, supplied
with every modern convenience. The whole ranch has water pumped upon it for
irrigation, derived from the Sunnyside canal. There are twenty horsepower electric
motor pumps which supply five hundred gallons per minute. There is also a two
hundred and eighty foot well for home use, which pumps water into a big tank on a.
high tower and thus supplies a constant flow of water into the house and barns.
On the 2d of February, 1916, Joe W. Fitts was united in marriage to Miss
Gertrude Clark, who was born in Colorado, a daughter of F. W. Clark, and they
now have one son, Joe Wesley, Jr.
Fraternally Mr. Fitts is connected with the Masonic lodge at Zillah and his
political endorsement is given to the republican party. Amid most pleasant and at-
tractive surroundings Mr. Fitts is most pleasantly situated. His home, which is
one of the finest places in the Yakima valley, commands a wonderful view of snow-
capped Mount Rainier and Mount Adams, with a gentle, rolling country between,
and the fine climate and natural resources of the district make the situation largely
an ideal one.
EDWARD SMITH.
The career of Edward Smith, a prosperous rancher of the Cowiche district of
the Yakima valley, is a most interesting one, for he has been engaged in various
occupations in various sections of the country and therefore his life's course has
brought him more experiences than fall to the lot of many. A native of Illinois, he
was born in Joliet, April 1, 1862, and is a son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Sampson)
Smith. The father was born in England and in his boyhood came to the United
States, locating in Joliet, Illinois, in 1846. For some time he worked for others
but later purchased land and became a successful agriculturist of Illinois, in which
state he passed away April 19, 1875. His wife, Elizabeth (Sampson) Smith, was also
born in England and was a daughter of Samuel Sampson, who removed to Illinois
in 1852. becoming a prominent farmer of that state. The property which he owned
is still in the family. In 1902 Mrs. Smith came to Yakima county, Washington,
where her death occurred in 1909. She was a devoted member of the Methodist
church, being deeply interested in its work. Her husband was a strict adherent of
the republican party, was active as a school director of his district in Illinois and
was respected by all who knew him as a public-spirited and substantial citizen. In
their family were eight sons and two daughters, of whom our subject is the fourth
in order of birth. The others of the family are: Samuel, a resident of Pasadena,
California; George, who follows agricultural pursuits; William, a resident of Iowa:
Joseph, who made his home in Yakima and died in November, 1918; Leonard, who
is ranching in the Cowiche district; Charles, who follows the same line of occu-
pation in this district; Alice, who resides in Yakima; John, who has remained a
resident of Joliet, Illinois; and Maggie, who died in infancy.
Edward Smith was reared under the parental roof and in the acquirement of his
education attended public school in his native state. He at first turned his attention
to farming, assisting his father in that pursuit, and subsequently became a traveling
salesman for the Western Union Supply Company. In 1884, at the age of twenty-
two years. Mr. Smith removed from Illinois to Minnesota, and in 1886 he went to
Beatrice, Nebraska, where he was for two years engaged in the livery business.
He was then again on the staff of the Western Union Supply Company for a year.
He removed to Tacoma. Washington, December 6, 1890, and while in that city
traveled for Redmond, Reese & Crandle for some time, making trips out of Tacoma.
Later he was for two months a traveling salesman in the employ of Hautelling &
Company of Portland. Oregon, but since that time has given his undivided atten-
tion to agricultural pursuits.
In April, 1891, Mr. Smith arrived in Yakima county and for two years worked
632 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
for wages. He then rented land for six years, at the end of which time he had
acquired the means that permitted him to buy eighty acres on the Cowiclic, to the
cultivation of which he devoted several years. He has since sold part of this tract
retaining twenty-eight acres. He raises hay and grain and also gives considerable
attention to cattle, having full blooded Jerseys and Holsteins. He has instituted a
high class dairy and receives a very gratifying income from his farming interests.
Ever following progressive methods and trying out new ideas, the years have brought
him prosperity and there is great credit due him for what he has achieved, as all
that he has acquired is the result of his own labor.
On December 13, 1894, Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Mamie Rockett. a
daughter of Robert Rockett, who is mentioned more extensively on other pages of
this work. To this union were born four children: Margaret, who has passed away:
Alice, who died at the age of six years; and Edward and Mildred, both at home.
Mr. Smith has always taken a laudable interest in public affairs although he is
not active in politics. He is serving as clerk of the school board, having held that
office for the past seventeen years and the cause of education has ever been dear to
his heart. Fraternally he is an active member of the Modern Woodmen of America
and serves as clerk of the local canton. At one time he was a candidate for the office
of county assessor but was defeated by one vote, the close contest indicating his
popularity. He is a faithful adherent of the republican party, the principles of which
he stanchly upholds. Both Mr. and Mrs. Smith have many friends in their neighbor-
hood, all of whom are agreed as to their high qualities of heart and character.
BEX'JAMIX S. CERSWELL, M. D.
Yakima has ever had reason to be proud of the success of the members of the
medical profession here. They have measured up to the highest standards and their
work has been the exemplification of the most progressive methods and ideals of
their calling. Among the recent additions to the medical fraternity of Yakima is
Dr. Benjamin S. Cerswell, who removed to this city from Toppenish, Washington,
in 1909. He is a native of Ontario, Canada, born June 8, 1875, a son of Samuel and
Christina (Sutherland) Cerswell, who were also of Canadian birth. The mother
was a daughter of Benjamin Sutherland, one of the pioneer citizens of Manitoba, but
a native of Ontario. The Sutherland family is of Scotch ancestry, while the Cers-
well family is of Scotch-Irish descent. The Doctor's father followed the occupation
of farming as a life work, but both he and his wife have now passed away.
In preparation for his chosen profession Dr. Cerswell attended the Toronto Uni-
versity and completed a course in its medical department as a member of the class '
of 1907, He afterward spent one year as interne in the Western Hospital of Toronto
and was thus further qualified for professional duties. Between the period in which
he completed his public school education and entered upon preparation for the prac-
tice of medicine he had attended the Ontario College of Pharmacy, from which he
was graduated in 1898, and he also received the pharmaceutical degree of Bachelor
of Pharmacy from Toronto University. He then engaged in the drug business in
Toronto for a year and for two years in Winnipeg. He afterward spent a year in
the same line of business in British Columbia, after which he crossed the border into
the United States, and for fourteen months was connected with the drug trade at
Portland, Oregon. His activity along that line awakened his deep interest in the
study of medicine and, as previously indicated, he went to Ontario to qualify for
practice. Following his graduation from the university there, he returned to Port-
land, where he passed the state board examination and then removed to Castle Rock,
Oregon, where he remained in active practice for fourteen months. On the expira-
tion of that period he opened an office in Toppenish, Washington, and practiced
there until July, 1916, when he was appointed whole time health officer for the
county and city of Yakima and so continues. While a resident of Toppenish he
was a member of the governing board of the Commercial Club for three years and
served as president of same during 1914.
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 633
He is a member of the county and state medical associations and was elected
to the vice presidency of the former in 1913.
In November. 1908, the Doctor was married to Miss Mary HoUaday. of Aurora,
Ontario, and they have become the parents of an interesting little daughter. Helen,
six years of age. Dr. Cerswell belongs to Toppenish Lodge, No. 178, F. and .\. M..
which he aided in organizing and of which he was master in 1913. He also has
taken the degrees of the Rose Croix and Council of Kadash in the Scottish Rite.
He likewise belongs to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and to the Knights
of Pythias. In politics he maintains an independent course and his religious faith
is that of the Presbyterian church.
GEORGE W. MORTIMER.
George VV. Mortimer, a well known and successful orchardist of Yakima county,
owns twenty acres of land on the Tieton which he acquired in the fall of 1911. His
birth occurred in Sauk county, Wisconsin, on the 19th of -August. 1867, his parents
being James and Margaret (O'Toole) Mortimer, the former a native of England,
while the latter was born in the United States. They became pioneer settlers of
Wisconsin and the father there devoted his attention to general agricultural pur-
suits during his active business career. Both have now passed away.
George W. Mortimer acquired his education in the public schools of his native
state and then took up the occupation of farming, to which he had been reared. He
was also identified with commercial interests for a period of four years, conducting
a grocery store at Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. In the fall of 1911, however, he decided
to establish his home in the Pacific northwest and made his way to Yakima count}',
where he purchased twenty acres of land on the Tieton. The tract was entirely
covered with sagebrush, but with characteristic energy he began its improvement
and now has twelve acres planted to apples, while the remainder is plow land. He
erected an attractive residence on his place and his trees are now in excellent bear-
ing condition, for he utilizes the most modern and scientific methods in their care.
He is a member of the Yakima County Horticultural Union. In 1914 he purchased an
interest in a general store at Tieton and was actively engaged in its management
for three years but at the end of that time returned to his ranch, although he still
owns stock in the business.
In 1907 Mr. Mortimer was united in marriage to Miss Daisy Winn, a native
of Ironton. Wisconsin, and a daughter of William and Sadie (Thornton) Winn.
Tlicy have become parents of seven children, namely: Margaret: Marion; James
Stanley; Herbert and Helen, twins: one who died in infancy: and n liaby.
In politics Mr. Mortimer is a republican where national questions and issues
are involved but at local elections casts an independent ballot. He has served as
postmaster of Tieton during the past four years and has made a most excellent record
in that connection. He is a worthy exemplar of the Masonic fraternity, while his
wife belongs to the Presbyterian church. Both are widely and favorably known
throughout the community in which they make their home, their many sterling
traits of character commending them to the high regard and confidence of those
with whom they have come in contact.
BOYD E. MOBERLY.
A splendidly developed property pays tribute to the care and labor bestowed
upon it by the owner, Boyd E. Moberly, who, actuated by a most progressive spirit,
has utilized his advantages along agricultural lines to the utmost in the develop-
ment of one of the fine farms of the Yakima valley. He was born in Clinton county,
Missouri, May 1, 1872, a son of William and Elizabeth (Moberly) Moberly, both
of whom were natives of Kentucky. In early life they removed to Missouri and there
634 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
the father followed the occupation of farming until called to his final rest. Both
he and his wife passed away before their son Boyd was ten years of age.
The latter acquired a public school education and in his youthful days worked
on farms, thus providing for his own support. Thrown upon his own resources
at an early age, whatever success he has achieved or enjoyed is attributable to his
persistency of purpose, keen discrimination and sagacity. In 1899 he came to Wash-
ington and for some time was employed in the sawmills at Everett. In 1904 he ar-
rived in Yakima and purchased twenty acres of land on Selah Heights. It was a wild
tract, the acreage having not yet been brought under the plow. He paid eight
hundred dollars for this property and such was the increase in its value because
of the rapid settlement of the district and the improvements which he had made
upon the land, that he sold it two years later for tifty-five hundred dollars. He then
purchased twenty acres of land on the lower Naches and devoted five years to its
cultivation and improvement and also cultivated land which he rented. He then
sold his property and made investment in twenty-eight and a quarter acres on the
lower Xachcs. whereon he has since engaged in raising corn, alfalfa and potatoes.
He also makes the raising of cattle and hogs a feature of his business and is now
the owner of one of the fine farm properties of the district, highly developed and
improved according to all modern standards of farm life.
In 1894 Mr. Moberly was united, in marriage to Miss Nora Daniels, a daughter
of Marcus H. Daniels, a native of Missouri. To Mr. and Mrs. Moberlj' have been
born three children: Mary Leta, the wife of R. E. Hughes, a resident of Yakima,
by whom she has two children; Floy Gladys, who is training for nursing: and Helen,
ten years of age.
Mrs. Moberly is a member of the Christian church. Mr. Moberly gives his
political allegiance to the democratic party and both arc held in high esteem be-
cause of their many sterling traits of character, their loyalty in friendship and their
devotion to those interests which figure in public-spirited citizenship.
HARRY WISE.
Harry Wise, conducting an auto trimming establishment in Yakima, his busi-
ness enjoying a most satisfactory growth, was born in East Dubuque, Illinois, on
the 25th of December, 1866, a son of Mathias and Pauline CSmith") Wise. The father
was connected for a long period with the freight department of the Illinois Central
Railroad at East Dubuque and was one of the pioneer residents of that city. Both
he and his wife have now passed away.
Harry ^^'ise, after his school days were over, took up the carriage trimming
trade, which he thoroughly mastered. He followed the trade in the east and won
promotion from time to time until he became factory manager in the Tom Conley
carriage shop of Dubuque. Iowa. With the introduction of the automobile he took up
the work of trimming motor cars and trimmed the first automobile that was shipped
into Minneapolis. He thoroughly knows the business from every angle and can trim
2ny kind of a car or vehicle. He was the pioneer in this field in Yakima, removing
to the west after having spent nineteen years in the trimming business in Minne-
apolis. He made his way to North Yakima in 1906 and purchased a ranch in the
Selah valley, upon which he resided for a year. He was afterward with Alexander
Christie of Seattle as a trimmer and in 1913 he opened a trimming shop in Yakima,
where he is enjoying a splendidly growing business. He does plate glass trimming
with nickel and in fact is acquainted with every phase of the business. His shop is
excellently equipped for all kinds of work of this character and the standard of his
workmanship is of the highest. He is the owner of two business lots on First street
and expects soon to erect a new shop. The building to be fifty by one hundred and
forty feet, two stories in height, situated on First street. South, near Chestnut,
and of cement construction. Mr. Wise expects to occupy one-half of the building
on the first floor, while John Schwartz will occupy the entire second floor, utilizmg
it for a modern auto paint shop. Mr. Wise has done trimming for many of the
leading automobile manufacturers and his friends justly claim that he is the best
HARRY WISE
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 637
carriage and automobile trimmer in the west. He carries an extensive stock of
nothing but the very best goods, handling the products of the firm of L. G. Mottey
& Son, of Buffalo, New York, manufacturers of the best automobile fabric in the
world. It is his purpose always to please his customers and he puts forth every
efifort in that direction. He possesses marked mechanical skill and ingenuity, is ever
ready to follow out the ideas of his patrons or make suggestions which will assist
them in getting the very best results in trimming. He employs from three to five
people and his work is unsurpassed.
In 1894 Mr. Wise was married to Miss Phoebe Weber,' of East Dubuque, Illi-
nois, a daughter of John and Elizabeth Weber. They were schoolmates in child-
hood and their early friendship ripened into a love that was consummated in mar-
rage. They have become the parents of four children: Hermey, the business part-
ner of his father, but at present with the United States army in France, as a mem-
ber of the Eighth Infantry: and Amy Marie, Walter E. and Percy M., — a family of
which they have every reason to be proud. They live at 804 North Sixth street,
where they have a pleasant home. Fraternally Mr. Wise is connected with Elks
Lodge, No. 318, of Yakima, also with the Knights and Ladies of Security, the
Travelers' Life Association and the Business Men's Association of Yakima. He has
lived an active and useful life, concentrating his efforts and attention upon his busi-
ness, giving his leisure to his family and holding at all times to the highest standards
of manhood and citizenship.
RALPH MASON.
Ralph Mason is the owner of a good ranch property of forty acres, one-half of
which came into his possession by purchase in 1900, since which time he has lived upon
the place. He was born in Minnesota, October 7, 1874, a son of G. W. and Malinda
(Twitchell) Mason, who were natives of Pennsylvania and of Maine respectively.
The father was a son of Jacob Mason, who removed to Wisconsin in 1847 and cast in
his lot with the early settlers of that state. Subsequently he and his son, G. W.
Mason, became pioneers of Minnesota and contributed to the early development of
that state. G. W. Mason served for three and a half years as a soldier of the Civil
war and throughout his entire life was actuated by a spirit of marked devotion to
his country and its welfare. He continued his residence in the middle west until
1875, when he removed with his family to the Willamette valley of Oregon, there
remaining until 1879, when he became a resident of Klickitat county, Washington.
For a period of ten years he resided in that county and in the spring of 1890 made his
way to North Yakima, where he lived for two years. In 1892 he bought twenty acres
of land two and a half miles north of Granger, which at the time was covered with
sagebrush. He at once began to clear the place and cultivate it and as the years
passed continued the work of general improvement and development, so that his labors
wrought a marked transformation in its appearance. He resided upon that farm until
his death, which occurred February 17, 1916. The mother survives and still occupies
the old home farm.
Ralph Mason spent his youthful days under the parental roof, being brought by
his parents to the northwest in his infancy. He acquired his education in the public
schools of tliis section of the country and in vacation periods and after his school
days were over worked with his father until he reached the age of twenty-five years.
In 1900 he bought twenty acres of land three miles northeast of Granger and, prosper-
ing in his undertakings, was enabled to double the extent of his acreage in 1916 by
the purchase of another twenty-acre tract, which he yet owns. He is now raisinng
corn, hay and potatoes and also conducts a dairy business, and the sound judgment
and enterprise which he displays in the management and improvement of his farm
are bringing to him well merited success.
On the 29th of December, 1903, Mr. Mason was married to Miss Grace E. Dopps,
who was born in Kansas, a daughter of J. H. Dopps, who came to the Yakima valley
in 1901 and took up ranching in this section. Mr. and Mrs. Mason have become the
parents of five children: Pearl, Helen, Gladys, Thelma and Jack R.
638 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
The religious faith of the family is that of the Methodist church and politically
Mr. Mason maintains an independent course, voting for men and measures rather
than party. He is now serving on the school board and the cause of education finds
in him a stalwart champion. He is numbered among the pioneer ranchers of this
section and his labors have constituted an important clement in the growth and
progress of the district.
ROBERT D. LOW.
Robert D. Low. the period of whose residence in Yakima county covers a quarter
of a century, is now successfully engaged in agricultural and horticultural pursuits,
owning a tract of land comprising thirty-five acres on the Xaches river. His birth
occurred in Kansas on the 21st of August. 1867, his parents being Robert D. and
Martha (Gibson) Low, who passed away before their son Robert was fourteen years
of age. He continued his residence in the state of his nativity until a young man of
twenty-two years, pursuing his education in the public schools and being employed at
farm labor after his textbooks were put aside. In 1890 he made his way to the Pacific
northwest, locating first in Seattle, where he worked in sawmills until 1894. The
latter year witnessed his arrival in Yakima county and here he continued in the
employ of others until 1901, when he purchased a tract of land of thirty-five acres on
the Naches river which was all covered with sagebrush. With characteristic energy,
however, he began the work of improving and developing the place and now has a
valuable property, of which an acre and a half is planted to orchards, while the re-
mainder of the land is devoted to the raising of hay, wheat and potatoes. He also
conducts a small dairy and in the various branches of his business is meeting with'
gratifying success, for his methods are most practical and progressive. He has erected
an attractive residence upon the place and also built barns and other necessary build-
ings, making his one of the well improved and valualile ranch properties of the district.
On the 7th of June. 1901, Mr. Low was united in marriage to Miss Dora Clark,
a native of Yakima and a daughter of Joseph Clark, who took up his abode in Yakima
county in 1870 and became one of its pioneer agriculturists. In later life he removed
to Seattle, where his demise occurred. Mr. and Mrs. Low have become the parents
of five children, namely: Harold. John. Robert D. Jr., Ruth and Grace.
Politically Mr. Low is a republican where national questions and issues are in-
volved but at local elections usually casts an independent ballot. His fraternal re-
lations are with the Yeomen. Both he and his wife are widely and favorably known
throughout the community in which they reside, having a circle of friends that has
constantly broadened as the number of their acquaintances has increased.
ADAM DUNCAN DUNN.
Adam Duncan Dunn is a representative of one of the old and prominent families
of Yakima county and was born within the borders of the county on the 31st of May,
1879. He is a son of Captain Robert and Annie (Curry) Dunn, who are mentioned
at length on another page of this work. Removing to the west, they were numbered
among the most prominent and honored residents of the Yakima valley, where the
mother still resides, but the father has passed away.
A. Duncan Dunn supplemented his public school education by study in the State
College at Pullman, Washington, where he completed a course in the department of
agriculture by graduation with the class of 1902. He has since carried on ranching on
his father's place and is also the owner of much land, which he holds independently.
He is associated with his brother George in the further development of the old hoine
property and they rank among the representative and prominent ranchers of their
section of the state. In addition to his other interests Mr. Dunn of this review has
served as a director of the First National Bank of Wapato.
On the 26th of November, 1907, Mr. Dunn was married to Miss Bonnie Lucy Davis,
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 639
who was born in Ohio, a daughter of G. U. Davis. Their children are Robert, Adam
Duncan, Jr., Bonnie Lucy and Clyde.
Fraternally Mr. Dunn is connected with Yakima Lodge, Xo. 318, B. P. O. E. He
votes with the republican party and is interested in all that has to do with progress
and upbuilding in the community in which he makes his home. He is now serving
as a regent of the State College and at all times he is recognized as a most public-
spirited citizen. He displays marked ability in the conduct of his business affairs
but he has never made the attainment of wealth the sole end and aim of his life. On
the contrary, he has ever recognized his duties and obligations to his fellowmen and
to his country and stands as a splendid representative of a high type of American
manhood and citizenship.
GEORGE B, HARVEY.
George B. Harvey, a well known and successful agriculturist of the Kittitas valley,
where he has been actively identified with farming interests for the past fourteen years,
is now engaged in the cultivation of a quarter section of land in the vicinity of Thorp.
He was born in Indiana, March 3, 1880, a son of Samuel Henry and Sallie Harvey,
who removed to Nebraska in 1882 and throughout the intervening period of thirty-six
years have made their home in Falls City of the latter state.
George B. Harvey acquired a public school education in his youth and also pur-
sued a business course at Falls City, Nebraska. When a young man of twenty-four
years he made his way westward to Washington, taking up his abode in the Kittitas
valley in May, 1904. .-Kfter working for others for two years he rented a farm of
one hundred and sixty acres near Thorp from Mrs. Amy A. Ellison and has since
devoted his efforts and attention to its further cultivation, raising grain and hay and
also some stock. Wide-awake, energetic and industrious, he has met with success in
his undertakings and enjoys an enviable reputation as a representative and prosperou-.
farmer of his community.
On the 2.Tth of December, 1905, Mr. Harvey was united in marriage to Miss Rosa
Etta Ellison, a daughter of John C. and Amy A. (Childs) Ellison, who are mentioned
on another page of this work in connection with the sketch of John W. Ellison, who
is a brother of Mrs. Harvey and a successful young merchant of the town of Thorp.
Mr. and Mrs. Harvey are the parents of two children, Olive and Elmer, aged twelve
and ten years respectively.
In politics Mr. Harvey is a stanch republican, exercising his right of franchise in
support of the men and measures of that party. He is a self-made man whose pros-
perity is attributable entirely to his own labors and whose life in all of its relations
is such as commands for him the confidence and esteem of those with whom he is
associated.
HERBERT ERNEST HAGER.
Among the agriculturists near Mabton is numbered Herbert Ernest Hager, a
native of LaSalle county, Illinois, and a- son of Stephen J. and Fannie Jane (Hoyt)
Hager. He. was born September 15, 1872, and in his native state received a public
school education. His parents were natives of Pennsylvania and New York respec-
tively, the family being numbered among the pioneers of Illinois, whither Stephen J.
Hager had removed with his father, Peter Hager, who bought land there in the early
days. Both parents have passed away, the father having for many years been quite
successful in agricultural pursuits.
Herbert E. Hager after laying aside his school books turned to farming as a life
work, thus following in the footsteps of his father. He remained upon the home
farm until the age of thirty and then rented the place, managing it until Stephen J.
Hager passed away. After his father's death he continued for two more years in the
operation of the property, but having heard many favorable reports in regard to the
640 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
new and more prosperous conditions maintaining in the Pacific northwest, he decided
to seek a home here and on Christmas Day of 1907 came to Yakima county. Upon his
arrival he bought one hundred and twenty acres of land five and a half miles north-
west of Mabton, of which forty acres were improved. He now has fifty acres in a
high state of cultivation, raising grain, potatoes and hay, the remainder of the land
being in pasture. Since becoming owner of this property he has made many valuable
improvements, instituting modern machinery and equipment, while he also has re-
modeled and modernized his home. As the years have passed his annual income has
increased and he is thus deservedly rewarded for his enterprise and energy.
On the 10th of September, 1902, Mr. Hager was united in marriage to Miss Nettie
Ford, also a native of La Salle county, Illinois, and a daughter of Eugene and Sophia
Ford, farming people of that county, both of whom were born in \'ew York. Her
father is deceased but her mother survives. To Mr. and Mrs. Hager have been born
four children, Genevieve, Floyd, Helen and Ernest. The parents have ever been
deeply interested in the moral and intellectual upbuilding of their district and are
faithful attendants of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Politically Mr. Hager is independent, following his judgment in support of can-
didates irrespective of party issues, taking into consideration only the qualifications
and reputation of a candidate. Ever interested in the cause of education, he has
served for three terms as school director. He served as registrar of the Wendell
Phillips precinct draft board during June, 1917, and also in September, 1918, thus giv-
ing visible evidence of his patriotism.
DANIEL L. DRUSE.
Daniel L. Druse, living in Yakima, is identified with the farming interests of
the valley. He is also a veteran of the Civil war and his record of loyal citizenship
is one of which he has every reason to be proud. He was born in Boone county,
Illinois, .August 24, 1842, and has therefore passed the seventy-sixth milestone on
life's journey. His parents were Zina and Sally .\nn ( Lawrence) Druse. The father
died in Illinois in 1846 and in 1849 the mother married again, becoming the wife of
Charles Dana. In 1856 they removed to Minnesota, where the death of Mr. Dana
occurred three years later. In 1864 his widow became the wife of Oliver W'ebb and
in 1895 Mr. Druse of this review brought his mother and stepfather to Yakima
county, where she passed away October 2, 1905, at the advanced age of eighty-six
years, while the death of Mr. Webb occurred in 1897, when he had reached the very
venerable age of ninety-three years. The mother of our subject had three sons: Ed-
mond H.. who formerly lived in Yakima for twelve j'ears but is now a resident of
Minneapolis; Daniel L., of this review; and Charles S. Dana, residing at Red Wing,
Minnesota. Both of the parents of Mr. Druse were natives of New York, the
father being of French descent. The mother was a daughter of John Lawrence,
who removed to Illinois in 1837, casting in his lot with the pioneer settlers of that
state.
Daniel L. Druse, reared under the parental roof, acquired a public school educa-
tion in Illinois and Minnesota and when twenty years of age enlisted for service as
a member of the Fifth Minnesota Infantry in August, 1862. He served for three
years or until after the close of the war in September, 1865, and participated in a
number of hotly contested engagements. His valor and loyalty bore out the family
reputation for patriotism, for his maternal grandfather had served in the War of
1812. When the country no longer needed his aid Mr. Druse took up farming in
Minnesota and there made his home until 1895, when he came to Yakima. The
previous year he had purchased twenty acres of land near the city and in 1895 he
purchased more land. At one time he owned seventy-five acres of orchard land but
has since sold much of this. Throughout the entire period he has made his home
in Yakima and has ever been accounted one of its valued and representative resi-
dents.
On the 6th of September, 1868, Mr. Druse was married to Miss Mary Carey, a
native of Wisconsin, who passed away November 8, 1869, leaving a little daughter.
DAXIEL L. DRUSE
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 643
Mary, who is now dean of the art department of the State Normal School at Belling-
ham, Washington. On the 21st of September, 1870, Mr. Druse was married to Sarah
Sackett, a native of Minnesota, who passed away July 30, 1886. They became the
parents of six children: Fannie, who is the wife of A. W. Schwartze, conducting a
fruit ranch on Nob Hill; John L., who was a veteran of the Spanish-American
war and has passed away; Charles E., who is engaged in the insurance business
and resides on Nob Hill; Helen M., who gave her hand in marriage to J. R.
Schwartze, the owner of a fruit rancli in Yakima county; Alice G., who is the wife
of C. L. Booth, also conducting a fruit ranch on Nob Hill; and Albert Z.. who owns
and operates a wheat ranch in Yakima county. On the 22d of July, 1888, Mr.
Druse was again married, his third union being with Amanda S. Dam. Death called
her on the 27th of April, 1906, and she is survived by her husband and two children:
Alton S., who is now a member of the Aviation Corps of the United States army;
and Mildred S., the wife of Leslie W. Adams, who occupies her father's old ranch.
On the 4th of January, 1909, Mr. Druse wedded Laura F. Dorsett, of Yakima,
where they make their home. In his political views Mr. Druse has always been a
stalwart republican, giving unfaltering allegiance to the party. He served as town
clerk in Minnesota for seventeen years, has been justice of the peace for twenty-
two years and township assessor for two years. He has discharged his duties with
marked promptness and fidelity, being ever loyal to the trust reposed in him. Since
1869 he has been a faithful metnber of the Methodist church. He was a charter
member of the Yakima County Horticultural Union and these associations indicate
the nature and breadth of his interests. He also maintains pleasant relations with his
old army comrades as a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and was at one
time commander of Meade Post, No. 9. He also served as adjutant of the post for
more than twelve years. The military history of America has ever been a credit
table one. At no time has this country ever engaged in war save for the protection
of its legitimate interests or the extension of democracy, and Mr. Druse may well
be proud to be numbered among its military heroes.
JAMES ANDREW BLINE, M. D.
Dr. James Andrew Bline, actively engaged in the practice of medicine at Yakima,
comes to the northwest from Indiana. His birth occurred in the Hoosier state.
May 4, 1878, his parents being Joseph L. and Charity C. Bline, both of whom are
residing in southern Indiana, where the father follows the occupation of farming.
The Doctor is the fifth in order of birth in a family of thirteen children. He
completed his college education in the Valparaiso University, where he won the
Bachelor of Science degree as a member of the class of 1906. He then determined
upon the practice of medicine as a life work and with that end in view matriculated
in the Chicago College of Medicine & Surgery, from which he was graduated with
the class of 1910. He received a degree in pharmacy and pedagogy at Valparaiso
and after winning his M. D. degree he served as interne in the Frances Willard Hospi-
tal and in the City Hospital of Chicago. Thus he gained broad and valuable expe-
rience, such as can be obtained more quickly in hospital work than in any other way.
He afterward practiced for a brief period at Lincoln, Nebraska, and subsequently
took post graduate work in the Eye & Ear Infirmary of Chicago. In 1916 he spent
a few months in the New York Post Graduate School, thus further promoting his
knowledge and efficiency. Since 1912 he has specialized in the treatment of diseases
of the e>;e, ear, nose and throat. In that year he came to Washington, settling first
at Walla, Walla, where he remained in practice for five years and then removed to
Yakima in 1917. Through the intervening period he has followed his profession in
Yakima and although one of the younger representatives of the profession here,
having remained in the city for only two years, he has been accorded a very liberal
practice.
In 1912 D'r. Bline was married to Miss Irene Rice, of Lincoln. Nebraska, and
to them have been born three children. Bernard, Rolland and Miriam. Fraternally
Dr. Bline is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, with the Yeo-
(25)
644 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
men and with the Knights and Ladies of Security and of the last named he is presi-
dent. He is also a member of the Country Club and he has membership in the
First Christian church, in which he is serving as deacon, while in the Young Men's
Christian Association he is serving on the board of directors. He has a pleasant
home in Yakima, in addition to a prune ranch near Walla Walla, and his property
holdings are the visible evidence of his life of well directed energy and thrift. He is
a man of strong purpose, holding to high professional ideals and utilizing every
opportunity to advance his knowledge and promote his skill, which has reached a
high point in the field of his specialty.
WILLIAM H. McKEE.
William H. McKee has been a resident of the Kittitas valley for three decades
and during the past twenty years has been actively identified with ranching and
stock raising interests, now owning one hundred and twenty acres of excellent
land five miles west of Ellensburg. He was born in Allamakee county, Iowa, on
the 1st of May, 1859, a son of David and Henrietta (McWillie) McKee, both of whom
were of Scotch-Irish descent. They had become pioneer settlers of Iowa and con-
tinued to make their home in that state until called to their final rest.
William H. McKee spent the first fourteen years of his life in the state of his
nativity and in 1873 removed to Kansas, where he followed farming until 1887. Sub-
sequently he spent one year in Nebraska and on the expiration of that period made
his way westward to Washington, settling in the Kittitas valley in 1888. Here he
devoted his attention to the trade of carpentering for a number of years and then in
1898 purchased eighty acres of land five miles west of Ellensburg. He has since
purchased an additional tract of forty acres, so that his holdings now embrace one
hundred and twenty acres, whereon he cultivates both grain and hay and also raises
cattle and sheep. His undertakings along these lines have been attended with
gratifying and well-deserved prosperity, for he is a man of good business judgment,
unfaltering industry and undaunted enterprise.
In 1882 Mr. McKee was united in marriage to Miss Annie Crabtree, daughter
of Benjamin Crabtree. They have become the parents of two children: Blanche,
who is now the wife of E. A. Smith, a ranchman of Kittitas county, and William
Glen, who is engaged in ranching in the Kittitas valley and is married and has two
children.
In politics Mr. McKee is independent, always considering the capability of a
candidate rather than his party afifiliation. His religious faith is that of the Pres-
byterian church, while fraternally he is identified with the Independent Order of
Odd Fellows. His career has ever been characterized by upright principles and
honorable motives and during the long period of his residence in this section of
the state he has won an extensive circle of warm friends.
ERNEST ]. TWEED.
Prominent among the energetic, farsighted business men of Toppenish is num-
bered Ernest J. Tweed, one of the proprietors of the Arcade Department Store,
which is the largest mercantile establishment under one roof in the city. Mr. Tweed
comes to the Pacific coast country from Iowa, his birth having occurred in Wesley,
that state, on the 8th of June, 1885. He is a son of A. J. and Carrie Tweed, who, in
1904, left the Mississippi valley and made their way to Silverton, Oregon, where the
father took up the occupation of farming, which he there followed to the time of
his demise. The mother is still living in that locality.
After leaving the public schools, Ernest J. Tweed continued his preparation for
life's practical and responsible duties by pursuing a course in a business college in
Salem, Oregon. He then took up bookkeeping in Portland and was thus employed
nntil 1908, when he came to Toppenish and entered the employ of the Washington
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 645
Nursery Company, with which he remained for four years. Ambitious, however, to
engage in business on his own account, he carefully saved his earnings until his
economy and industry had brought him sufficient capital to enable him to establish
a grocery store, which he opened in 1912 on South Toppenish avenue. He has been
active in that line continuously since, and in 1918 he broadened the scope of his
interests by combining his business with that of the Arcade Department Store, his
official connection being that of treasurer of the company. Their establishment is
an extensive one, attractive in its various ilepartments, a large line of goods being
carried. Mr. Tweed remains in direct control of the grocery department and has
built up for the business an extensive and well-deserved patronage.
On the 19th of October, 1911, Mr. Tweed was married to Miss Pearl Wilson, of
Toppenish, a daughter of J. T. Wilson, and they are now parents of one child, Aud-
rey. Mr. Tweed is well known as a representative of fraternal interests, having
membership in the Elks lodge of Yakima, in the Independent Order of Foresters and
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His political endorsement is given to the
republican party, which he has supported since age conferred upon him the right of
franchise. The Commercial Club of Toppenish finds in him a worthy and sub-
stantial representative, always ready to aid in its work for the upbuilding of the
city and the promotion of its interests. He stands for those things which arc most
worth while in the life of the individual and the district at large and Toppenish may
well be glad that he decided to cast in his lot here, for he is connected with that
class of progressive men to whom opportunity is ever the call to action.
ALFRED HICKS.
Alfred Hicks, one of the prominent orchardists in the vicinity of Grandview. hav-
ing thirty acres planted to apples, has readily adapted himself to conditions and op-
portunities of the northwest and through indefatigable effort and energy is winning
substantial success in his business affairs. He comes to this section from Illinois,
being a native of Jo Daviess county, that state, where his birth occurred January 3,
1866. His father, Henry Hicks, was born in Cornwall, England, as was the mother,
who bore the maiden name of Hester Ann Ingram. They were married in their native
country and their wedding journey consisted of a trip to the United States. Making
their way across the country, they settled in Jo Daviess county, Illinois, about 1845,
becoming pioneer residents of that district, where they spent their remaining days.
The father secured land and began farming, winning a place as the years passed among
the progressive, substantial and highly prosperous farmers of his region.
Alfred Hicks acquired a business college education after completing his public
school work and then concentrated his efforts and attention upon the work of the
fields upon the old homestead. He was thus engaged in farming until he reached the
age of twenty-four years. Disposing of his interests in that way, he then turned his
attention to the grain and live stock business at Scales Mound, Illinois, where he re-
mained for five years. In 1896 he went to Alaska and spent ten years in the far north,
traveling all over that section and making trips up and down the Yukon. He won
fortunes and lost them in that country but came out with some money. In 1906 he
arrived in Benton county, Washington, and purchased forty acres of land near Grand-
view, in the direction of Prosser. He now has thirty acres planted to apples and the
remainder to hay. His is a highly cultivated and improved ranch and he is meeting
with most gratifying success in fruit raising. Upon his place are produced some of
the finest apples grown in this section of the Yakima valley and his shipments arc very
extensive.
On the 3d of July, 1903, Mr. Hicks was united in marriage to Miss Rachel Bel-
lend, who was born in Norway, a daugliter of Rasmus and Annie Bellend. The mother
has passed away but the father still resides in Norway. Mrs. Hicks went to Alaska in
1899 and they were married at Dawson, she having spent seven years in that northern
country. To Mr. and Mrs. Hicks Iiave been born three children: Esther Olene,
born at Dawson in the Yukon territory, April 22, 1905; George Alfred, born at Prosser.
646 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
Washington, February 16, 1907: and Martha Bellend .born at Grandview, October 16,
1912.
Fraternally Mr. Hicks is connected with the Knights of Pythias and the Modern
Woodmen of America. His political allegiance is given the democratic party and
while he has never sought nor desired political office he served for six years on the
school board and did everything in his power to advance the cause of education in
this locality. He is actuated by a spirit of enterprise in all that he undertakes and his
progressiveness is manifest in the excellent results which have attended his efforts as
an orchardist of Benton county. His experiences have been broad and varied and
especially interesting are his reminiscences of his sojourn in Alaska. His activities
at the present time are being intelligently directed and the results achieved are most
gratifying.
WILLIAM CORPRON, M. D.
Dr. William Corpron has been actively and successfully engaged in the general
practice of medicine in Yakima for the past eleven years and has won an enviable
reputation as a skilled representative of his profession. His birth occurred in Middle-
sex county, Ontario, Canada, on the 7th of January, 1864, his parents being William
H. and Matilda M. Corpron, both of whom have passed away. The father followed
farming as a life worlc.
In preparation for his chosen profession William Corpron entered the medical
department of the University of Michigan, which institution conferred upon him
the degree of M. D. in 1891. He then began practice at Minnesota Lake in Faribault
county, Minnesota, and there remained continuously until 1901 with the exception of
the year 1898, which he spent in post-graduate work in New York. After leaving
Minnesota Lake he opened an office at Redwood Falls. Minnesota, where he followed
his profession for a period of six years or until the time of his removal to the Pacific
northwest. It was on the 4th of September, 1907, that he arrived in Yakima and
here he has remained active as a general practitioner of medicine to the present
time. Merited success has come to him. He is a member of the American Medical
Association and is widely recognized as a representative and able physician and
surgeon.
On the 16th of August, 1893, Dr. Corpron was united in marriage to Miss Anna
Victoria Douglas, a native of Strathroy. Ontario, Canada, by whom he has three
children, namely: Douglas, who is a student in the medical department of the Uni-
versity of Michigan; Mae Victoria, who is attending the University of Oregon: and
Bernice Winifred, now attending the Spokane University. All of the children are
graduates of the Yakima high school.
Dr. Corpron exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures
of the democratic party, while his religious faith is that of the Christian church. Fra-
ternally he is identified with the Modern Woodmen of America, the Modern Brother-
hood, the Independent Order of Foresters and the Ancient Order of United Workmen.
ALVIN H. V/INEMAN.
Modern commercial enterprise finds a worthy representative in Alvin H. Wine-
man of the firm of Wineman Brothers, owning and conducting at Yakima the largest
shoe store between Seattle and Spokane. He was born in Chicago. Illinois, February
19, 1882, a son of Samuel S. and Jennie Wineman, the father a clothing manufacturer
who in 1889 removed to California, where he established and conducted a successful
business that was ultimately taken over by his sons.
Alvin H. Wineman was but seven years of age at the time the family home was
established on the Pacific coast. He acquired his education there in the schools of
Oxnard and he received his business training under his father's direction. When his
textbooks were put aside he entered the store, which in 1889 had been established by
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 647
his father. He became associated with his brother, M. J. Wineman, in the coiuluct of
this enterprise and the Oxnard store is still carried on by the brother. In 1909 they
established business in Yakima, but in 1913 M. J. Wineman returned to California
upon the death of their brother, Samuel S.. and assumed the management of the Ox-
nard store, which is one of the leading commercial establishments of that city, em-
ploying seventeen people. The Yakima store was purchased from W. B. Dudley, who
had established it as the pioneer shoe store in the valley, and its first location was
at 206 East Yakima avenue. They removed to the corner of Third street and Yakima
avenue in September, 1917, remodeling the corner store, which is twenty-five by one
hundred and forty feet. They carry the leading stock of shoes in the city and in
fact have the largest retail shoe house between Seattle and Spokane, employing seven
people. The business has increased one hundred per cent between 1913 and 1917.
They began with three clerks and now have more than double that number. Their
store is thoroughly modern in its appointment and equipment and they have a fine
second-story stock room. They carry in stock more than ten thousand pairs of shoes
all of the time, including shoes for men, women and children, handling the Stetson,
Hanan, Florshcim and other fine lines of footwear. Their progressive business methods,
their earnest desire to please their patrons, their reasonable prices and straightforward
dealing, combined with the uniform courtesy ever extended patrons, have been the
salient features in the upbuilding of their constantly growing trade.
Mr. Wineman belongs to Yakima Lodge, No. 24, F. & A. M.; Yakima Chapter,
R. -A. M.; Yakima Consistory, S. P. R. S.; and to the Mystic Shrine. He i« also con-
nected with the Elks lodge and his membership relations extend to the Commercial
Club, of which he served as director for several terms, to the Yakima Valley Busi-
ness Men's .Association, of which he has also been a director, and to the Country
Club. He is preeminently a merchant and one who possesses in large measure that
quality which for want of a better term has been called commercial sense. He is the
f>rincipal stockholder of the Storaasli Company, of which he is the secretary and
treasurer, handling general lines of men's furnishing and outfitting goods. This con-
nection and his shoe business rank him with the most prominent, progressive and
enterprising merchants of Yakima. He looks ahead, studies modern conditions, formu-
lates his plans wisely and well and is ready for any emergency. There are no spec-
tacular phases in hjs career and he is the .last to claim any unusual qualifications, but
he has those admirable characteristics which make the typical, reliable and progres-
sive business man.
WALTER F. LOWE.
Walter F. Lowe has found in the vastncss of Washington his opportunity for a
successful career and is now a prosperous rancher near Sunnyside, where he has im-
portant property interests, deriving a gratifying income from his activities. He was
born in Sullivan county, Pennsylvania, December 2, 1880, a son of William J. and Ruby
(Gavitt) Lowe, both natives of the Keystone state, the former born in Sullivan county
and the latter in Susquehanna county. In that state they were married. The paternal
grandfather of our subject. William Lowe, was a farmer in Pennsylvania, which
vocation the father also successfully followed. In 1911 the parents removed to Ellens-
burg, Washington, and there they are now living retired.
Walter F. Lowe received a public school education, after which he pursued a
course at the Scranton Business College, from which he was graduated. For the
following five years he was engaged in office work and in 1904 arrived in EUensburg,
where for about a year he worked for wages along agricultural lines. At the end of
that time he had acquired sufficient means to enable him to rent land, which be con-
tinued to cultivate for two years, and then bought fifty acres in the vicinity of Ellens-
burg. In 1914 he sold that tract and acquired thirty-eight acres four and a half miles
southwest of Sunnyside and a quarter of a mile west of Emerald. There he has built
a fine eight-room house, has erected substantial barns and also a modern garage
and has installed modern machinery and equipment upon his place, which is now one
648 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
of the most valuable properties of the district. He is largely engaged in raising hay,
specializing along this line, and derives a very gratifying income from this source.
On the 25th of April, 1907, Mr. Lowe was married to Miss Katie M, Killmore, a
native of Ellensburg, Washington, and a daughter of VV. D. and Josephine (Rego)
Killmore, who were numbered among 'the first pioneers of Kittitas county, having
made their way to^ Ellensburg by packhorse from Seattle across the Cascades. The
father is now deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Lowe have been born two children, Geral-
dine and Donald, aged respectively eight and five years. The family are highly es-
teemed in their neighborhood, where they have made many friends, and at their beauti-
ful home they often entertain, their hospitality being greatly appreciated by all who
have the honor of their acquaintance.
Fraternally Mr. Lowe is connected with the Woodmen of the World and in politics
he is independent, preferring to follow his judgment instead of party dictation. In
his ranching interests he has become a leader and thus has not only acquired individual
prosperity Init also has been a factor in developing and carrying forward successful
agricultural methods in his section of the state.
H. B. MILLER.
H. B. Miller is the cashier of the Central Bank of Toppenish and one of the
most progressive and public-spirited citizens of the community. He attacks every-
thing with a contagious enthusiasm that secures co-operation and his plans and
efforts are at all times practical and resultant. Mr. Miller was born in .\dams county,
Ohio, in 1885, a son of S. B. and Elizabeth (Leach) Miller, who in 1904 removed
to Iowa, where the father engaged in the grain business.
H. B. Miller was at that time a youth of nineteen years. He supplemented his
high school course by study in a college and in a state normal school and then took
up the profession of teaching, which he followed for four years, spending one year
of that time in Ohio and three years in Iowa. He next entered the government
service in connection with the interior department and was thus employed for six
years. In 1907 he made his way to Oklahoma and the following year arrived in
Washington. He first settled at Fort Simcoe, where he spent five years as chief
clerk and in December, 1913, he was called to the position of cashier of the Central
Bank of Toppenish and has since occupied that position, contributing in marked
measure to the growth and success of the institution, which was organized in the
spring of 1910. Its first officers were: H. M. Gilbert, president, and E. O. Keck,
vice president, with L. A. Nichols as cashier. Mr. Keck died in February, 1917, and
was succeeded by J. D. Laughlin. The cashier resigned in 1913, at which time H. B.
Miller was called to the position and has since continued therein. E. P. Hinman was
the assistant cashier until November, 1916, when he was succeeded by F. F. Smith.
When Mr. Miller became cashier in December, 1913, the deposits amounted to only
seventy thousand dollars, while in November, 1918, they amounted to four hundred
and five thousand dollars.
The bank building was erected in the fall of 1910. It is a three-story white brick
structure, fifty by one hundred feet, and the. second floor is used for oflices, while
the third floor is a large hall used for lodge purposes, it being rented the entire time.
The bank occupies a space twenty-five by seventy-five feet on the first floor. The
bank room is finished in golden oak and there are modern vaults, safety deposit boxes
and in fact every equipment conductive to the comfort and convenience of the
patrons. Mr. Miller is thoroughly familiar with every phase of the banking busi-
ness and his enterprise and progressiveness have been dominant elements in the
upbuilding of the institution, which is now regarded as one of the strong financial
concerns of this section of the state.
Mr. Miller is also a heavy stockholder and secretary-treasurer of the Gang-
Miller Produce Company, a corporation engaged in the storage and general produce
business, such as the buying and selling of grain, hay, coal, potatoes, onions, etc.
The company owns a brick and cement warehouse two stories in height with a base-
ment, the dimensions of which are one hundred by one hundred and fifteen feet.
H. B. MILLER
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 651
!t is located in the heart of Toppenish. This company was organized in 1917. Mr.
Miller is not active in the management of the business only in an advisory way.
He owns several hundred acres of general farm land on the Yakima reservation and
also has a well developed fruit ranch in Idaho.
In June, 1913, Mr. Miller was married to Miss Mary B. Dennison, a native of
Waverly, Illinois, their wedding being celebrated, however, in Chicago. Mr. Miller
is chairman of the Toppenish branch of the Yakima Valley Chapter, American Red
Cross. He belongs to Toppenish Lodge, No. 178, A. F. & A. M., also to the Elks
Lodge No. 318 of Yakima and to the Court of Foresters of Toppenish. He is like-
wise a member of the Toppenish Commercial Club, of which he served as vice presi-
dent in 1916. During 1917 he was chairman of the special committee to get the
sugar beet industry started on the reservation. He took a most active part in this
project and his labors were resultant in obtaining a million dollar sugar beet fac-
tory, which is one of the most important industries of the valley. To do this a drive
was started whereby six thousand acres of land should be secured on which to grow
sugar beets. An offer had been made to the citizens of Toppenish that if they would
guarantee six thousand acres of land on which the farmers of the community would
raise sugar beets the factory would be erected and in addition a molasses factory
would be built which would manufacture molasses as a by-product of the sugar beets.
Many farmers were skeptical at first, but the agriculturist who was employed by the
sugar beet company told the men that in all his years of experience he had never
seen soil so particularly well fitted to growing sugar beets, the average production
running from seventeen to twenty tons per acres and at times as high as thirty-four
tons. The campaign for the six thousand acres of land was started in team work,
each manned by a captain, and after two weeks' work about a thousand acres had
been signed up. The factory people, however, said that the work was going too
slowly and a new plan was entered upon whereby a certain week was designated as
the one in which to secure the desired amount of land and Wednesday was the
particular day on which the special campaign was to be closed. It was a splendid
opportunity to show a community spirit of co-operation. While the farmers must
furnish the land, it was up to the townsmen to secure this co-operation of the agri-
culturists. Toppenish closed every business house on the designated Wednesday and
each merchant and salesman, employer and workman got out to do his bit in con-
vincing the farmer that Toppenish must have the beet factory. The canvass was
most thoroughly and systematically made, practically one hundred and fifty men
being out all day long canvassing the surrounding country, interviewing ranchers,
both white and Japanese. They returned in the evening tired with the day's work,
but when the result was announced there was a wild cheer, for the total acreage
had been brought up to sixty-nine hundred and community spirit had won! As the
directing spirit of the drive Mr. Miller certainly deserves much credit for what he
accomplished. He is at all times actuated by devotion to the general good and his
co-operation in behalf of many movements for the public benefit has been far-reach-
ing and effective. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and his
religious faith is that of the LTnited Presbyterian church. Both are dominant factors
in his life. He is loyal to every duty that devolves upon him and faithful to every
trust reposed in him, and Toppenish may well number him among her foremost
citizens.
ANNEUS A. GRUNDEN.
Anneus A. Grunden, who is engaged in the raising of apples in the lower Naches,
was born in Norway on the 1st of October, 1853, a son of Arndt and Annie Grunden,
who in the year 1891 became residents of Kittitas county, Washington, where the
father took up a homestead claim. He afterward removed to Yakima in 1902 and
lived retired throughout his remaining days, enjoying the fruits of his former tod.
Both he and his wife have now passed away.
Their son. Anneus A. Grunden, acquired a public school education in the land of
the midnight sun. where the days of his boyhood and youth were passed. He came
652 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
to the L'nited States in 1SS7 and for a few months was a resident of Minneapolis,
Minnesota. He then made his way to the Pacific coast, arriving in Kittitas county,
after which he worked for eight years in the mines. He was next employed on his
father's ranch and contributed to its successful development and improvement until
the family left the farm and removed to Yakima. Mr. Grunden afterward was em-
ployed by others until 1908. when he invested his savings in nine acres of land on the
Naches. Of this he has four acres planted to apples, while the remainder is devoted
to the raising of hay and potatoes. His place is well cultivated and his crops bring to
him a substantial annual income.
On the 5th of March, 1902, Mr. Grunden w^as married to Miss Clara Curtis, who
was born in Montana, a daughter of Irvine Curtis. They have become parents of six
children: Irvine, deceased; Esther; Glora; Andrew; Bessie; and Iva.
Mr. Grunden has never had occasion to regret his decision to make America his
place of residence. In this country he found the opportunities which he sought and in
the improvement of the advantages offered him, he has gained a place among the sub-
stantial citizens of the community. There have been no spectacular phases in his life.
His course has been a quiet one and the substantial worth of his character and his
business ability have gained for him the creditable place which he occupies in a busi-
ness way and in the regard of his fellow townsmen.
J. H. PRATER.
For over a quarter of a century J. H. Prater has been connected with agricultural
interests in Kittitas county, having come to the west in 1890. That he has been suc-
cessful in his pursuits is evident from the fact that he owns today a valuable property
called Spring Brook Farm, which is largely devoted to the raising of hay and grain
and to dairy interests. Mr. Prater is a native of Springfield. Missouri, born Sep-
tember 16, 1874, and is a son of John A. and Martha Jane (Roberts") Prater. The
mother was a native of Texas. Mr. and Mrs. Prater were pioneers of Missouri and
both have now passed away.
J. H. Prater was reared under the parental roof, acquiring his education in neigh-
boring schools and early becoming acquainted with farm work. In 1890. at the age
of sixteen, he came to Ellensburg and began his independent career by working as a
farm hand for some time. Subsequently he was for one and a half years an employe
of the electric power plant at Ellensburg and also followed farming until 1902, in
which year he started out for himself by renting land, so continuing for about six
years. At the end of that period he bought a farm three miles southwest of Ellens-
burg, to the further cultivation of which he gave his attention until 1911, when he
disposed of it and bought the adjoining property, which in the succeeding years has
become very valuable through his untiring labors and close attention. He has built
a new barn on the ranch and otherwise improved his property and installed modern
equipment, increasing the yield from year to year until he is now numbered among
the prosperous agriculturists of his neighborhood. His place is known as the Spring
Brook Farm and there he raises large crops of hay and grain and is also giving close
attention to dairying, keeping high grade Jersey cattle.
On the 8th of November, 1899, Mr. Prater was united in marriage to Lillian
Josephine Borden, a native of Farmington, New Mexico, and a daughter of Alex-
ander and Mary Borden, who in 1890 removed to Kittitas county. Both Mr. and
Mrs. Prater are well and favorably known in the social circles of their vicinity and
have many friends in Ellensburg, all of whom speak of them in the highest terms of
appreciation. , ,,
In his political affiliations Mr. Prater is a republican and has ever loyally sup-
ported the party although he is not an office seeker nor a politician in the commonly
accepted sense of the word. He is ever interested in all movements undertaken on
behalf of the public welfare. By his labors he has not only attained prosperity for
himself but has contributed to an appreciable degree in the upbuilding of his sec-
tion. His contagious enthusiasm in regard to the opportunities offered m Kittitas
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 653
county has had good results as it influenced others to take up farming here with ex-
cellent success. Particularly notable is his work in regard to dairying and the cattle
industry has received new impetus through his progressive and resultant methods.
DOLPHUS BECHARD.
Thirteen years have come and gone since Dolphus Bechard arrived in the Moxee
valley and through the intervening period he has been closly associated with its agri-
cultural and horticultural development. He was born in Quebec, Canada, April 2,
1864, a son of Moses Bechard, who in 1873 removed with his family to Illinois. Later
he became a resident of Kansas and subsequently returned to Canada, settling in
Alberta, where his remaining days were passed.
Dolphus Bechard accompanied his parents on their various removals and the
public schools of the different localities afforded him his educational privileges. He
came to the Moxee valley in 1905 and made investment in forty-five acres of land.
Four years later he sold that property and he and his brother Felix invested in
twenty-five acres, upon which they have since lived. They have devoted their atten-
tion to the further development and operation of the ranch, which has been brought
under a high state of cultivation and returns to them a gratifying annual income.
In Alberta, Canada, Dolphus Bechard was married on the 26th of February,
1900, to Miss Mary Anna Rabie, a daughter of Alphonse and Zelia (Houl) Rabie,
both of whom were natives of Quebec but removed to Red Lake Falls, Minnesota,
and later became residents of Alberta, Canada. In 1901 they came to the Moxee
valley, where the father is still living, but the mother passed away in 1907.
Mr. and Mrs. Bechard are members of the Holy Rosary Catholic church of
Moxee, and his political faith is that of the republican party. He is now well known
in the section of the county in which he lives and is regarded as an energetic and
active business man whose well defined labors are bringing him substantial success.
CHARLES H. BARNES.
Charles H. Barnes, a Yakima merchant imbued with the spirit of western enter-
prise and progress, was born in Nebraska, April 11, 1878, a son of Ambrose and
Catherine (Milliner) Barnes, both of whom were natives of Indiana and became
pioneer settlers of Nebraska, where they homesteaded land. The father devoted his
life to the occupation of farming and both he and his wife have now passed away,
the mother having died in 1885. The father afterward removed to Seattle, Wash-
ington, where he arrived in 1888, and later he took up his abode at Sehome, Wash-
ington, where he preempted government land. He realized ten thousand dollars
upon that investment and later he purchased a schooner and entered the trading
business, making trips among the islands of the Sound. He was thus engaged lor
several \-ears and in later life he lived retired in Bellingham, enjoying the fruits of
former toil. His death there occurred in the year 1915. He had served his country
as a soldier of the Civil war and was at all times a loyal citizen, being as true and
faithful to his country in days of peace as when he followed the nation's starry banner
on the battlefields of the south.
Charles H. Barnes was a lad of but seven years at the time of his mother's death
and was but ten years of age when the family home was established in Washington.
His education was largely acquired in the public schools of Bellingham and when
sixteen years of age he went to the east, where he secured a clerkship and also
attended school. He afterward returned to Bellingham, where he engaged in clerk-
ing for a number of years, and in 1901 he took up his abode in Yakima and became
a traveling salesman. Subsequently he was taken ill and remained at the hotel in
Yakima for a considerable period. He next took a position with J. A. Cook, proprie-
tor of a variety store, and afterward the business was removed to the Miller building
and about 1906 was taken over by Mr. Barnes, Miles Cannon and William Iler under
€54 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
the name of the Boston Store Company. This business was located on East Yakima
avenue and the firm continued to conduct the enterprise for a year and a half in the
original partnership relation, after which Mr. Barnes and Mr. Cannon purchased the
interest of Mr. Her. A little later C. H. Woodin became the successor of Mr. Cannon
and the Barnes-Woodin Company was thus formed, with Mr. Barnes as the manager
of the business. He so continued until 1914, when he sold his interest to his partner
and entered the jobbing business as a partner in the Rolle-Barnes Company, with
which he was associated for two years. Then going to New York for this company,
he did the buying for eleven retail stores handling ready-to-wear clothing. He still
has an interest in the wholesale business in Seattle but on the 6th of April, 1918, he
returned to Yakima and opened a fine store in the Masonic Temple, where he occu-
pies a space fifty by one hundred and thirty feet, carrying an extensive line of attrac-
tive millinery and ladies' and children's ready-to-wear clothing. Throughout prac-
tically his entire life he has been identified with the dry goods business and is thor-
oughly familiar with it in every detail. He has closely studied the trade, the market
and the demands of the public and is ready to meet any emergency or call that may
arise. His experience as a New York buyer has well qualified him to stock his store
in such a way as to give to the public a most desirable and attractive line of goods.
His business methods, too, are most reliable and his patronage, is continually
increasing.
On the 12th of June. 1900, Mr. Barnes was united in marriage to Miss Pearl
Van Loon, a native of Iowa and a daughter of John and Laura (Thompson) Van
Loon. The father was a grandson of Mr. Brady, a well known Iowa pioneer, his
name being also remembered in connection with the famous "Brady's Leap." Laura
(Thompson) Van Loon was a daughter of William Thompson, who was the first
white man to till soil in Iowa. To Mr. and Mrs. Barnes have been born two children,
Charles H. and Catherine Dean.
Mr. Barnes belongs to Yakima Lodge No. 24, F. & A. M., Yakima Chapter No.
21, R. A. M.; Yakima Commandery No. 13, K. T.; the Consistory; and Afifi Temple
of the Mystic Shrine. He is also a life member of the Benevolent Protective Order
of Elks. That he is active in support of business measures and conditions having
to do with the commercial welfare and progress of the city is indicated by his mem-
bership in the Yakima Valley Business Men's Association and in the Commercial
Club and in the latter he has for many years served on the governing board. He
attends the Congregational church and he gives his political allegiance to the repub-
lican party. Aside from his business he has become the owner of several fine ranches
and by his investment in property in the valley has manifested his faith in its future.
He is a self-made man whose enterprise and progressivcness have been the dominant
factors in his advancement. He is popular because of his personal worth and a social,
genial nature manifest in an unfeigned cordiality. Yakima numbers him among her
leading merchants and the valley classes him with the representative citizens who
have been the dominant element in the substantial upbuilding of the west.
ROSS MORRIS.
Ross Morris, connected with the plant department of the Valley Telephone Com-
pany, and also a rancher living near Zillah. was born in Harrison county, Missouri,
September 18, 1886, but has spent the greater part of his life in the northwest. He is
a son of Condee and Lovina (Alexander) Morris. The father was born in Newburn,
Indiana, in 1838, while the mother was born in Ray county, Missouri, a representa-
tive of a pioneer family of that state. The paternal grandfather, John Morris, was a
native of Philadelphia, born in 1760, and his death occurred in 1850. He became a
pioneer of Indiana, where he took up government land, and in that state spent his
remaining days. He was married twice and had twenty-two children. His second
wife also had a large family. His son, Condee Morris, was reared in Indiana and
after the outbreak of the Civil war enlisted as a member of Company C. Sixth Indi-
ana Volunteer Infantry, with which he served for three years and four months. All
but seventeen members of his company were killed, including all of the officers.
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 655
Following the war he became a contractor on the Union Pacific railroad through
Kansas and subsequently went to Missouri, where he engaged in the sawmill busi-
ness. He afterward became a resident of Harrison county, Missouri, where he car-
ried on farming until 1890. In that year he made his way across the country to
Goldendale, Washington, and in 1891 came to Yakima county, where he purchased
forty acres of land a half mile north of Zillah. He had contract No. 1 and deed No. 4
from the Washington Irrigation Company, being one of the first men to buy land
under this project. In 1898 he sold twenty acres of the property, which he had
cleared and planted to hay. He planted the remaining twenty acres to apples and
was one of the leaders in the development work of the region. He lived in Yakima
most of the time and as his financial resources increased made investment in prop-
erty over the valley. He died in the year 1912 and is still survived by his widow, who
yet makes her home in Yakima. ■
Ross Morris obtained a public school education in Yakima and afterward pursued
a course in the State College at Pullman, Washington. Early in his business career
he spent two years with the Oregon Western Railway Company and since that time
he has been wire chief of the Valley Telephone Company. He also conducts the
home ranch near Zillah, upon which he resides, and he is likewise the owner of forty
acres on the Yakima Indian reservation, on which he raises hay. His has been an
active and useful life, productive of good results. The home ranch has fifteen acres
in apples and three acres in prunes, and Mr. Morris is thoroughly familiar with the
best methods of developing and caring for his orchards and packing and shipping
his fruit.
On the 28th of April, 1917, Mr. Morris was married to Miss Anna Steffen, a
native of North Dakota and a daughter of A. E. Stefifen, who removed to King county,
Washington, where he took up the occupation of farming. Mr. and Mrs. Morris
have become parents of one child, Jean.
Fraternally Mr. Morris is connected with the Masons and is a past master of
Meridian Lodge No. 196. of Zillah. He is also a Royal Arch Mason, belonging to the
chapter at Yakima, and is identified with the Knights Templar Commandery at
Yakima and with the consistory and the Mystic Shrine at Tacoma. His political
allegiance is given to no party. He maintains an independent course, voting for the
candidates whom he regards as best qualified for ofiice. He is leading a busy and
useful life and the results which he has accomplished place him with the substantial
business men of his section of the valley.
JOHN D. GAMMONS.
John D. Gammons, the owner of an excellent ranch comprising one hundred
and sixty acres on the Nachc-s river, has here been actively and successfully engaged
in agricultural and horticultural pursuits since 1905. His birth occurred in Nova
Scotia on the 5th of July, 1868, his parents being Thomas and Matilda (Keith) Gam-
mons. In 1878 they crossed the border into the United States and settled at Boston,
Massachusetts, where Mrs. Gammons passed away. Thomas Gammons became a
bandmaster in the English army and died in England.
John D. Gammons, who was a youth of ten years when the family home was
established in Boston, acquired a public school education and when thirteen years
of age began providing for his own support. He entered the employ of the Whitney-
Reed Chair Company and that his work proved highly satisfactory is indicated by
the fact that he was retained jn the service of that concern for almost a quarter of a
century or until his removal to the Pacific northwest in 1905. That year witnessed
his arrival in Yakima county, where he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of
land on the Nachcs which he has cultivated continuously to the present time. He
has planted sixteen and a half acres of the tract to orchards, while the remainder is
devoted to the raising of hay and grain, of which he annually gathers abundant har-
vests. He has erected an attractive modern residence on the property and through
the wise and able management of liis Inisiness affairs has gained a measure of success
which now ranks him with the substantial horticulturists and farmers of his section.
656 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
In 1891 Mr. Gammons was united in marriage to Miss Cora Belle Powers, a
native of Oswego county, New York, and a daughter of Albert and Charlotte Powers.
To them have been born four children, namely: Albert, Etta, Dorothy and Charlotte.
The last named, however, died in infancy.
In his political views Mr. Gammons is independent, not considering himself
bound by party ties but casting his ballot according to the dictates of his judgment.
Fraternally he is identified with the Ancient Order of United Workmen, which he
joined in Massachusetts. His career has been upright and honorable in every relaT
tion of life and he well merits the respect and esteem so uniformly accorded him.
WILLIAM J. HAMBELTOX.
Among the successful orchardists of the Tieton district is William J. Hambelton,
who was born at Prescott, Maine, September 16, 1885. His parents, John N. and
Ellen (Fcnncll) Hambelton, were natives of Main and New Orleans, Louisiana,
respectively, and the mother is of Irish descent. John N. Hambelton, who passed
away in July, 1918, was a son of Samuel Hambelton, who was born in England and
about 1817, at the age of seventeen years, became a resident of the state of Maine,
where throughout the remainder of his life he followed agricultural pursuits. His
son, John N., engaged in the same occupation, but when a young man for several
years followed a seafaring life. The mother of our subject still survives.
Williani J. Hambelton was reared under the parental roof and in the acquire-
ment of his education attended the public schools, rounding out his primary learning
by attendance at a business college. He entered upon his independent career in con-
nection with the commission business at Boston, securing a position with John B.
Drake & Company. Later he was with Allen, Hurd & Company of Boston but in
1913 he came to Yakima county. In the following year Mr. Hambelton bought
twenty acres of land on the Tieton and there he has since built a handsome home.
Ten acres of this tract are in apples and he derives a gratifying income from this
source, being an up-to-date fruit raiser who has always followed progressive methods.
He also leases thirty acres of land and also raises hay, beans and other produce.
On December 5, 1917, Mr. Hambelton was united in marriage to Miss Myra
Warburton Abbott, a native of Bellingham, Washington, and a daughter of Harry
and Ellen (Warburton) Abbott, the former deceased. They were early pioneers of
this state and both were natives of England. The father throughout life was con-
nected with railroading as an engineer. Mr. and Mrs. Hambelton are very popular
in the social circles of Tieton and vicinity and have many friends. Politically he is
independent, giving his support to the candidate whom he considers best for the
position to which he aspires, irrespective of party affiliations. By developing a valu-
able property he has not only won prosperity for himself but has given a stimulus
to others engaged in fruit raising. He has thus proved a useful and substantial citi-
zen, who ever takes an active part in the promotion of the public welfare.
CHARLES J. ANDERSON.
Charles J. Anderson is the owner of three hundred and twenty acres of land in
the vicinity of Ellensburg, one hundred and eighty acres of which he has brought
under a high state of cultivation and is devoting to the raising of hay and grain.
He was born in Sweden on the Sth of November, 1867, a son of Swan and Christina
(Nelson") Anderson, both of whom are deceased.
In 1886, when nineteen years of age, Charles J. Anderson determined to try
his fortune on this side of the Atlantic and after landing on American shores made
his way into the interior of the country to Champaign county, Illinois, where he
remained for two and a half years. It was on the expiration of that period that he
came to the northwest, arriving in Roslyn, Kjttitas county, Washington, on the 3d
of December, 1889. He was first employed on a ranch for one year but during the
CHARLES J. ANDERSON
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 659
following eleven years worked in the mines. In 1904 he took up his abode on a
ranch in the Kittitas valley which he had purchased in July, 1902, and whereon he
has remained continuously to the present time. It comprises three hundred and
tvventy acres of land, one hundred and eighty acres of which is devoted to the culti-
vation of hay and grain, of which he annually gathers excellent crops. Mr. Anderson
has erected substantial new barns on the place and has made the many improvements
which have converted it into one of the fine ranch properties of the valley. His well
directed efforts have been attended with a gratifying measure of prosperity and he
has won an enviable reputation as a substantial and enterprising agriculturist of
Kittitas county.
Politically Mr. Anderson is a stanch republican, supporting the men and meas-
ures of that party at the polls. Fraternally he is identified with the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows, belonging to Lake Valley Lodge, No. 112, at Roslyn, in which
he has filled all of the chairs. Coming to the new world in early manhood, he eagerly
availed himself of the opportunities offered in this country and through persistency
of purpose and unfaltering energy has worked his way steadily upward to a position
among the successful farmers and representative citizens of his commimity.
MERRITT MONROE DAMMAN.
In the death of Merritt Monroe Damman, who passed away April 19, 1915,
Ellensburg and Kittitas county lost a public-spirited citizen who was highly esteemed
and respected by all who knew him. He was born in Stoughton, Wisconsin, Febru-
ary 27, 1851. a son of Jeremiah Douglas and Mary J. (Gushing) Damman, natives
of Maine, who migrated to Wisconsin as pioneers of that state and later crossed the
plains to Utah in 1869. The following year they came to the Kittitas valley and
there the father operated one of the first sawmills, also taking up a homestead claim,
to the cultivation of which he devoted his remaining days, passing away February 27,
1898. His wife had preceded him many years, her death occurring January 4, 1865.
Merritt M. Dammon passed his boyhood days under the parental roof and attended
the schools in the neighborhood of his father's farms in Wisconsin and in Utah.
The year 1872 marked his arrival in the Kittitas valley, whither he came from Ogden,
Utah, the latter city having been his home for several years. He soon turned his
attention to farming and in 1885 took up a homestead two and a half miles south of
Ellensburg, comprising one hundred and sixty acres of land, of which he later sold
eighty acres. To the cultivation and improvement of this property he devoted his
life, making it one of the valuable farms of the neighborhood, and here he followed
agricultural pursuits with growing success, always using modern and up-to-date
methods, making many improvements and installing modern equipment. As the
years passed his industry, tenacity and straightforwardness combined in bringing
to him success.
On the 28th of March, 1883, Mr. Damman was united in marriage to Miss Flor-
ence Agnes Stickney, a native of Horicon, New York, and a daughter of Henry J.
and Fannie Jane (Bunker) Stickney. While residing in the east Mrs. Damman w-as
a successful teacher but in 1884 she crossed the continent, becoming a resident of
Yakima county, where she continued in her chosen profession in old Yakima City.
She was there when the railroad first reached the town but later she moved to the
Kittitas valley, where she also witnessed the first coming in of the railroad. When
on a visit from here to Wisconsin she made the journey on the first passenger train
out of Ellensburg with her three-months-old son, Harold, who was the first baby to
ride out of this city on a train. Mrs. Damman's parents came to Ellensburg in 1887
and there they lived until their deaths, the father passing away April IS, 1901, and
the mother, February 4, 1909. To Mr. and Mrs. Damman were born the following
children: Harold, who is an efficiency engineer and resides at Bremerton, married
Ruth Fulmcr, of Port Angeles, Washington, by whom he has a son; Fannie M.
married Benjamin Cleveland, of Summit, Idaho, and they have three children, two
daughters and a son; Raymond Merritt is also married and resides in Seattle, Wash-
660 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
ington. The fourth member of the family, Dorothy Agnes, died at the age of eight
years.
Merritt M. Damman attended the Methodist Episcopal church, to which his
widow and family belongs. Fraternally he was connected with the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows and his political persuasion was that of the democratic party.
.Although not active in public life he was ever ready to give his support to worthy
movements undertaken on behalf of the public and his name was connected with
various enterprises which have proven of benefit to the inhabitants of Kittitas county.
All w4io knew him, and he had many friends, had the highest regard for him and
esteemed him as a straightforward, honorable man whose word was as good as his
bond. His death was a great blow to his family, who lost in him a beloved husband
and father, who had ever at heart the welfare of those dear to him.
CHARLES HUGH WHITE.
Among the young and successful agriculturists of Yakima county is Charles
Hugh White, a native of this county who was born in Cowiche, February 20, 1888,
and is a son of Anson and Almeda (Tigardi White, pioneers of Yakima county. More
extended mention is made of his parents on other pages of this work. The son was
reared under the parental roof and subsequently rounded out his school work by
attending a business college in Yakima. Laying aside his textbooks, he then engaged
in ranching with his father, thus early in life acquiring valuable knowledge of agri-
cultural pursuits. In November, 1913, he bought forty acres of the old homestead
and to the cultivation of this tract has since given his undivided attention, raising
hay and grain and also having important live stock interests, specializing in sheep
and hogs.
On the 16th of November, 1911, Mr. White was united in marriage to Miss Caddie
Bonney, a native of Thurston county, Washington, and a daughter of Clarence
Bonney, a pioneer of this state. To this union have been born two children, W-
meda Bonney and Clarence Anson.
Mr. White is a member of the Methodist church and his wife of the Christian
church, in the work of which organizations they are actively and helpfully interested.
In his political affiliations he is a republican and is thoroughly informed on the ques-
tions and issues of the day although he has never sought office, preferring to give
his undivided time and attention to his private affairs. Both he and his wife have
many friends in their part of Yakima cbunty and are highly respected by all who
know them.
WILLIAM L. MILLER.
William L. Miller, devoting his time and attention to the raising of apples and
pears in the Selah valley, has been a permanent resident of Yakima county since 1909.
He was born in Beaver county, Pennsylvania, September 27. 1847, a son of Hugh and
Mary (Lockhart) Miller, who were natives of Ireland and of Pennsylvania respec-
tively. The father became a resident of Pennsylvania when a young man and there
devoted his life to the occupation of farming. The mother was a representative of
one of the old pioneer families of that state and both Mr. and Mrs. Miller pas'^ed
away in Pennsylvania.
William L. Miller of this review acquired a public school education and followed
farming in his native state to the age of nineteen years, when he left the cast and re-
moved to Iowa. He worked at the carpenter's trade in Lucas county, Iowa, and also
owned and cultivated a farm there. In 1898, however, he made his way to the north-
west and took up his abode in Yakima county, where he purchased ten acres of
orchard land on Nob Hill. The following year, however, he disposed of that prop-
erty and returned to Iowa, where he remained for five years longer. He then spent
a summer in Yakima county but once more returned to Iowa, where he continued
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 661
to reside for four years. In 1909 he took up his permanent abode in Yakima county,
however, and purchased twenty acres of land in the Selah valley, eight acres of which
was in orchard. Later he sold ten acres of this but has the remaining ten acres, of
which eight acres is given over to the raising of apples and pears. He has very tine
trees upon his place and is annually gathering good crops.
On the 19th of October, 186S. Mr. Miller was united in marriage to Miss Eliza J.
Searight, who was born in Beaver county, Pennsylvania, a daughter of George and
Mary J. Searight, both of whom Iiave now passed away. The father died in Pennsyl-
vania, while the mother afterward removed to Iowa, where her last days were passed.
To Mr. and Mrs. Miller were born four children: Jennie M., now the wife of Everett
Taylor, a rancher living in the Selah valley George W., ho resides in Des Moines,
Iowa, and is married; Edgar A., a rancher of the Selah valley, who is married and
has eight children; and Ad. L., who is engaged in farming in Saskatchewan, Canada,
and is married and has one child.
In his political views Mr. Miller is a republican, which party he has supported
since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He has always been loyal and
progressive in citizenship, standing for those things which are most worth while in the
community, and his enterprise and diligence have brought to him a substantial measure
of prosperity.
A. J. GLADSON.
A. J. Gladson represents important commercial interests in Yakima as president
of the Valley Electric Supply Company, which he established in May, 1911, and the
business of which extends over a wide territory. Moreover, he has always taken a
helpful part in building up commercial activities in his city and extending its trade
relations, serving at the present time as president of the Yakima Valley Business
Men's Association. A native of Iowa, he was born in Corning, July 11, 1879, and is
a son of James Marion and Almira (Newcomb) Gladson, the former of whom is yet
living at the age of eighty-five years, while the latter passed away in 1912. The
father, who is a native of Indiana, removed to Iowa during the primitive period in
the development of that state, being one of the pioneers of 1854. He is highly
esteemed in his neighborhood and is honored as the oldest living settler of Adams
county, still residing on the farm which he took up under government grant upon
arriving in that state. In the conduct of his business aflfairs he has always been hon-
orable, careful and successful and is numbered among the afifluent agriculturists of
his county. Mrs. Gladson, a native of the Pine Tree state, came of an old family of
Maine, the original ancestor of which came to this country in the Mayflower. In
her early life she removed to Iowa and there she passed her remaining days.
A. J. Gladson was reared upon the home farm near Corning, Iowa, and under-
went the usual experiences of the farmbred boy. His parents, being desirous of
giving him a thorough education and thus well preparing him for life's arduous
duties, sent him, after the completion of a public school course, to the high school
of Corning, which he attended until he entered the State LTniversity of Arkansas, of
which one of his brothers. Professor William N. Gladson, was at that time dean
and vice president. Mr. Gladson, of Hhis review, graduated from Arkansas L'niver-
sity in 1901, having pursued an electrical engineering course. Being impressed with
the opportunities offered in the west, he then decided to cross the prairies and moun-
tains and in 1901 removed to Seattle, Washington, where for some time he was con-
nected with the engineering department of the Seattle Electric Company. Later he
secured a position with the Seattle-Tacoma Powdr Company and continued in that
connection until 1910, when he came to Yakima. Looking over the field of business
opportunities along his line, he in 1911 established the Valley Electric Supply Com-
pany, of which he has since been the president and which under his guidance has
become one of the most important enterprises of its kind not only in the city of
Yakima, but throughout the whole section which is generally described as the
Yakima valley. The business was established in May, 1911. by A. J. Gladson and
K. L. Wade, but in 1912 Mr. Wade sold his interest to Mr. Gladson. The plant was
662 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
located on North Second street until 1915, when in order to gain more spacious and
convenient quarters, removal was made to No. 313 East Yakima avenue, where it
occupies a space of twenty-five by one hundred and forty feet with basement. The
company carries a full line of electric fixtures, also farm lighting plants, and acts as
agent for Yakima and Benton counties for the Lally light, which is largely used upon
farms. Moreover, they are agents for the Willard batteries, their territory com-
prising Yakima county. Outside of carrying a large supply of electrical goods they
have also engaged in electrical contracting and construction work and among others
have equipped the five hundred thousand dollar Congdon residence with electricity.
In fact they have wired and installed electrical apparatus in about ninety per cent of
the leading buildings of the city, including both business blocks and residences,
among them being the Commercial Hotel, the Miller building and many others. The
success of the Valley Electric Supply Company must be largely ascribed to the able
management of Mr. Gladson, who is not only thoroughly versed in commercial
methods but has made a comprehensive study of the subject of electricity and by
his long connection with large companies has gained experience which now proves
of the utmost value to him. .As the years have passed his business has grown to large
proportions and the income he derives therefrom is most gratifying.
On the 30th of June, 1908, Mr. Gladson was married to Miss Edna Smart, a
native of Seattle, and to this union two sons have been born, Donald and Richard.
The family are prominent in the social circles of their city and their hospitable home
is often the gathering place of their many friends.
Mr. Gladson is a member of Yakima Lodge, No. 24, F. & A. M., and also be-
longs to Afifi Temple of the Mj^stic Shrine, while in the Scottish Rite he has at-
tained the thirty-second degree in Masonry. He is likewise a member of the Ben-
evolent Protective Order of Elks, a trustee of the Commercial Club and president of
the Yakima Valley Business Men's Association. In this executive position he has
done much toward promoting the objects and purposes of the organization and
many are the plans which he has inaugurated and carried through that have con-
tributed toward the commercial development of the valley and his city. Mr. Glad-
son has always been interested in farming pursuits and outside of his principal busi-
ness interests leases a valuable fruit farm near Yakima, in the cultivation of which
he not only finds pleasure and recreation but also a gratifying addition to his in-
come. In his political views he is independent, preferring to follow his own judg-
ment in supporting measures and candidates and is always giving his aid to those
movements and projects which he considers of the greatest benefit to the greatest
number. An enterprising, progressive and aggressive business man. he stands high
in the commercial circles of his community, where he is also respected as a patriotic
and public-spirited citizen and a man of high character, ever ready to cooperate in
measures and movements which contribute toward the general welfare and uplift.
ANSEL R. KEITH.
For more than a third of a century Ansel R. Keith has been identified with the
northwest and now makes his home a mile north of Buena, where he is busily en-
gaged in the further development and improvement of fifty-five acres planted to
orchards. He was born in Winslow, Maine, July 4, 1855, a son of Richard and Jane
(Hiscock) Keith, both of whom were natives of the Pine Tree state. The family
was an old one in New England. The grandfather, Sydney Keith, resided in Massa-
chusetts, whence he removed to Maine, where he followed the occupation of farming,
which also became the life work of Richard Keith. For many years the latter re-
sided in the east but eventually crossed the continent and lived retired in Washing-
ton throughout his remaining days. He was a veteran of the Civil war, having
served with the Third Maine Battery of Heavy Artillery, and his life, ever honorable
and upright, always commended him to the confidence and good will of those who
knew him.
Ansel R. Keith acquired a public school education in Maine and when twenty-
one years of age went to the Black Hills of South Dakota. He afterward took up
. ^"^ss^j^v^r^
ANSEL R. KEITH AND FAMILY
i
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 665
his abode in Trempealeau county, Wisconsin, becoming a successful farmer there,
and while devoting his attention to the work of the fields through the summer months
he also taught school in the winter seasons. The year 1885 witnessed his removal
to the northwest, at which time he became a resident of Umatilla county, Oregon,
where he took up government land. In 1889 he came to this state, settling at Puyal-
lup, where he purchased a fruit ranch upon which he resided until 1908. He then
came to the Yakima valley and bought ten acres of land a mile north of Buena,
while his sons became owners of an equal amount. In 1909 Mr. Keith purchased
additional tract of thirty-tive acres, so that they now have fifty-five acres in all. It
was covered with sagebrush at the time of the purchase. Today it is all in orchards
— apples, pears and peaches, and Mr. Keith has won classification with the represen-
tative orchardists of his section of the state. He has built a good home upon the
ranch and everything about the place is indicative of his progressive spirit and
practical methods, which have produced splendid results. He annually makes large
shipments of fruit and because of the size and e.xcellent quality of his product he
finds a very ready sale on the market.
On the 2d of April, 1882, Mr. Keith was married to Miss Mary Warner, a
native of Wisconsin and a daughter of Robert and Margaret Warner, who
came from Ireland to the new world and took up their abode among the pioneer
settlers of Wisconsin. The father followed farming throughout his active business
career and both he and his wife have now passed away. Mr. and Mrs. Keith have two
sons: George W., at home; and Mark, who is with the United States army in
France.
Mr. Keith and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church and are people
of genuine worth, their many excellent traits of character having gained for them
high regard among all who know them.
COLMAN ROSENSTEIN.
Commercial activity in Toppenish finds a worthy and progressive representative
in Colman Rosenstein, a dealer in men's furnishings and clothing. During the period
of his residence in this city, dating from December, 1910, he has built up a business
of substantial proportions. He was born in Roumania in 1880, a son of Mendel and
Rachel Rosenstein, who were also natives of that country and in the year 1907
crossed the Atlantic and became residents of Chicago, where the father died and the
mother still makes her home.
It was in 190O that Colman Rosenstein came to the United States, but he did not
tarry on the Atlantic coast or even in the central section of the country but crossed
the continent to California, where he began work on farms. Later he clerked for two
years in a store and subsequently he spent six years as a bricklayer in the employ of
the Southern Pacific Railroad Company. In 1907 he took up his abode at Portland,
Oregon, where he worked for the Portland Sash & Door Company, and in this way
he gained the capital that enabled him to engage in business on his own account.
All through his previous career he was actuated by the laudable ambition of some day
entering the mercantile field as proprietor of a store and his energy, industry and
eonomy enabled him at length to accomplish his purpose. He opened a men's furnish-
ing goods establishment in Portland and continued in the trade in that city for eight
months. In July. 1910. he removed to Goldendale, Washington, where he purchased a
store, but disposed of it in December of the same year and removed to Toppenish,
bringing his stock of goods with him overland. He then opened a store on First
avenue, where he remained for four and a half years, after which he secured a loca-
tion on South Toppenish avenue, where he has since continued. He carries a large
line of clothing and men's furnishings and his business has steadily grown and de-
veloped. He has made it his purpose to please his patrons and his enterprise and
progressiveness are manifest in the excellent stock which he carries and in the suc-
cess which has attended his venture.
On the 15th of August, 1910. Mr. Rosenstein was married to Miss Ethel Cohan,
who was then living in Portland but is a native of Roumania. His political endorse-
(26)
666 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
nient is given to the republican party. He became a citizen of the United States
in 1915 and is a loyal supporter of its interests. He was elected to the city council
in 1916 by his fellow townsmen, who recognized his worth and ability and his de-
votion to the welfare of the community. That he proved loyal to the trust reposed
in him is indicated in the fact that he is now serving in the position for the third
term, at all times exercising his official prerogatives for the benefit and upbuilding
of the city. Mr. Rosenstein has become the owner of an attractive home in Toppen-
ish and he also has property in Portland, which stands as a monument to his thrift
and well directed business activities. He has never had occasion to regret his de-
termination to come to America when a young man of twenty years, for on this side
of the Atlantic he found the opportunities which he sought. He did not think that
success was to be had for the asking, but recognized that industry will always win
its reward and by reason of unfaltering perseverance in business and straightforward
dealing he has made steady advancement and is now classed among the representa-
tive merchants of his adopted city.
PARKE E. WISE.
Parke E. Wise, devoting his attention to ranching near Wapato, was born at
Cedar Falls, Iowa, September 18, 1871, a son of Charles A. and Susan (Parmalee)
Wise, the former a native of Germany, while the latter was born in the state of
New York. Removing to the west, the father became a prominent and influential
citizen of Cedar Falls, where he was president of the Citizens Savings Bank for many
years. He has exerted a strongly felt influence over public thought and action in
that locality, while as one of the early bankers of the district he did much to promote
its best interests. He organized the State Bank of Cedar Falls and was its president
until i twas merged into the Citizens Savings Bank, of which he then became the
chief executive officer. He is now living retired in the enjoyment of a rest which
he has truly earned and richly merits. Not only did he devote his time to the de-
velopment of his individual business interests but was of immense benefit in public
affairs. He served for four terms as a member of the state legislature of Iowa and
gave most earnest and thoughtful consideration to all the vital questions which came
up for settlement. He left the impress of his individuality and ability upon the legis-
lative history of the state, supporting many measures which found their way to the
statute books of Iowa. He was the mayor of Cedar Falls for two terms and is a
very prominent and influential republican. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity
and has attained the Knight Templar degree of the York Rite, while he has also
crossed the sands of the desert with the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. His religious
faith is that of the Methodist church and his entire life has conformed to his pro-
fessions.
Parke E. Wise was the second in order of birth in a family of six children. He
attended the University of Michigan for two years, pursuing the pharmaceutical
course, and afterward engaged in the drug business under the firm name of C. A. Wise
& Sons Company of Cedar Falls, handling both the retail and wholesale trade. He
was identified with that undertaking until 1909, when he sold out preparatory to
removal to the Yakima valley. On reaching the northwest he purchased an in-
terest with H. W. Sawyer in land on Parker Bottoms. They have thirty-eight acres,
all planted to orchards, making a specialty of the raising of apples, pears, peaches
and prunes. They have their own packing sheds and a storage warehouse accommo-
dating five carloads of fruit. Their business is conducted along the most progressive
lines and desirable results are accruing owing to the enterprise and business sa-
gacity of the men in control.
On the 11th of October, 1899. Mr. Wise was united in marriage to Miss Mabel
Jordan, a native of Kenosha, Wisconsin, and a daughter of John S. Jordan. Mr.
and Mrs. Wise have a daughter, Margaret J., who is now attending the State Normal
School at Bellingham, Washington.
The family is a prominent one in the community, occupying an enviable position
in social circles. They attend the Presbyterian church and Mr. Wise has membership
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 667
in Yakima Lodge, No. 24, A. F. & A. M., in a Royal Arch chapter in Iowa and in
Yakima Commandery, No. 13, K. T. His political endorsement is given the republican
party and he keeps well informed on the questions and conditions of the day. The
sterling worth of his character, his reliability in business and his fidelity in friendship
are attested by all who know him.
EDWIN NELSON.
Edwin Nelson, who has a productive farm of eighty acres near Ellensburg, is
a native of Washington, his birth having occurred in King county, February 26,
1879. His parents are Halvor and Julianna Nelson, natives of Norway, both of whom
left the land of the midnight sun in order to profit by the opportunities presented on
this side of the .'\tlantic. As young people they removed to Nebraska, where they
remained for some time, but being impressed with the greater chances of a newer
country, they made their way to the state of Washington, settling on the Sound and
being numbered among the early pioneers of that district. Early in the '70s they re-
moved to the Kittitas valley and in 1880 Halvor Nelson homesteaded eighty acres,
to the cultivation of which he gave his close attention, and as success came to him
he acquired another eighty acres, now owning one hundred and sixty acres of valu-
able land, and he still lives upon that farm, having reached the age of seventy-seven
years. He is one of the leading farmers of his neighborhood and enjoys the high
respect of all who know him.
Edwin Nelson was reared under the parental roof, receiving the loving care
of devoted parents and attending the public schools in the acquirement of his educa-
tion. Early in life he familiarized himself with resultant methods of farming under the
able guidance of his father and upon starting out upon an independent career rented
his father's land for a few years with good results and also operated a sawmill.
In 1910 he acquired an eighty acre tract located four and a half miles southwest of
Ellensburg and there he has erected a fine home and commodious barns and out-
buildings and instituted modern equipment in order to facilitate the work of the
fields. Industrious and farsighted, Mr. Nelson is not only an expert in regard to
local farming conditions but has also proven himself a shrewd business man who is
able to obtain the highest prices by studying market conditions closely. He raises
hay and grain but gives to the former the larger acreage.
In 1903 Mr. Nelson was united in marriage to Miss Tilda Strande, a daughter of
Evan Strande, and to this union have been born three daughters, Thelma, Doris and
Freda. Both Mr. and Mrs. Nelson are popular among the younger social set of
Ellensburg and vicinity and have many friends here. Mr. Nelson is not bound by
party ties as regards politics, preferring to give his support to men according to
their ability and standing and not because of their party affiliations.
FRANK T. DICKINSON.
Frank T. Dickinson, a well known orchardist of the Yakima valley, .was born
in St. oseph county, Michigan, January 29. 1859, a son of C. F. and J. B. (ogers)
Dickinson. The father's birth occurred in Rutland county, Vermont, while the
mother was born in Sandusky, Ohio. Mr. Dickinson went to Michigan in 1833,
becoming one of the early residents of that state. He took up government land and
as a pioneer farmer developed his place, which he converted into rich and productive
fields. Both he and his wife continued residents of Michigan throughout their re-
maining days.
Their son, Frank T. Dickinson, acquired a public school education afld in young
manhood became identified with the lumber business in W^isconsin. Later he re-
moved to Colorado, where he took up his abode in 1889. While a resident in that
state he was the owner of sawmills and of retail lumberyards and for thirty years
was actively connected with the lumber trade. He disposed of his interests in
668 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
Colorado in 1906 and removed to Seattle, where he entered the lumber brokerage
business, in which he continued active for four years. In 1910 he settled in Yakima
county and purchased twenty acres of land in the lower Naches valley. He has
since planted it to apple trees, all of which are now in bearing, and he has a splendid
orchard which he carefully conducts, utilizing the most progressive methods in the
management of his place.
On the 12th of May, 1886, Mr, Dickinson was united in marriage to Miss Minnie
Tyler, who was born in Michigan, a daughter of Ansel and Harriett (Foote) Tyler,
Her father is now deceased but her mother is still living with Mr. and Mrs. Dickin-
son, and has reached the notable old age of ninety years. Notwithstanding her ad-
vanced age, she knitted sixty-five pairs of socks for the soldiers and thus manifested
her patriotic devotion to the country in the hour of international crisis.
Mr. Dickinson is a prominent Mason, belonging to Leadville Lodge, No. 51,
A. F. & A. M., of Colorado; to Leadville Chapter, R. A. M.; Holy Cross Command-
ery, No. 5, K. T.; and El Jebel Temple of the Mystic Shrine at Denver, He is also
a thirty-second degree Consistory Mason and he has membership in the Elks lodge
at Victor, Colorado. His political endorsement is given to the republican party.
His wife is a memlier of the Methodist church and they are both highly esteemed
in the community where they reside, Mr. Dickinson having gained an enviable reputa-
tion as a business man and fruit grower.
WILLIAM A. CHESS.
A fine farming property of eighty acres four miles southwest of Sunnyside is the
visible evidence of the industry and energy with which William A. Chess has pur-
sued his life's vocation. Today he is recognized as one of the prosperous agricul-
turists of his district and, moreover, has made valuable contribution to agricultural
development through his labors and investigations along that line. He has therefore
become an important factor in the progress of Yakima county and great credit is due
him for what he has achieved.
A native of Pennsylvania, Mr. Chess was born in Bristoria, October 25, 1855,
and is a son of Thomas and Martha (Grimm) Chess, both natives of the Keystone
state, the latter born in Hallbrock. Throughout his active career the father followed
farming and stock raising. He was born January 28, 1824, a son of Peter Chess,
whose birth occurred in Harveys, Pennsylvania, in 1799, on the day George Washing-
ton died. He was a son of Peter Chess, Sr., who was born in Allegheny, Pennsyl-
vania, and gallantly served his country in the Revolutionary war, while the father
of our subject was a veteran of the Mexican and Civil wars, in latter conflict serving
with tne Eleventh Pennsylvania Infantry. He died on the farm upon which he was
born. When he loyally and bravely took up the cause of the Union he participated
in many important engagements of that sanguinary war and was seriously wounded
at the famous battle of Gettysburg. He was a successful farmer of his district but
took an active part in public affairs, serving as school director and also as road com-
missioner. His political affiliation was with the democratic party.
William A. Chess attended the public schools of his native state in the acquire-
ment of his education and early in life became acquainted with farming methods
by assisting his father in the work of the home farm. He continued along agricul-
tural lines until 1890, when he became connected with the oil business and at this
writing he still has important interests of that character in Pennsylvania, where he
owned several oil wells and has also bought large tracts of land rich in oil and gas
but later sold the title to the land although he retained his oil and gas rights. He still
receives today a good sized royalty from this source. In August, 1904, Mr. Chess
arrived in Yakima county and, immediately perceiving the wonderful opportunities
presented here, invested in one and a half sections of wheat land in Horse Heaven.
This venture, however, did not turn out as well as he expected on account of crop
failures and he subsequently sold out. In 1909, undiscouraged, he bought eighty
acres four miles southwest of Sunnyside, which was then all wild land covered with
sagebrush. He now has this tract entirely under cultivation with the exception of
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 669
ten acres and has made many improvements thereon, including a handsome home.
He has ever been progressive and enterprising and as his land bears rich harvests
his yearly income is substantially increasing. He specializes in the raising of al-
falfa.
On the 30th of November, 1878, Mr. Chess was united in marriage to Miss Hannah
E. Garcy, a native of Aleppo, Pennsylvania, and a daughter of Gideon and Patience
(Limber) Garey, both of whom have passed away. The father pursued a successful
career as a farmer. To Mr. and Mrs. Chess have been born six sons and in this
connection it may be stated as a curious fact that Mr. Chess is one of a family of
eight sons and no daughters. The sons of Mr. and Mrs. Chess of this review are:
John T., a resident of Toppenish, Washington; Michael K., whose home is in the
state of Idaho; Samuel C, at home; Grover Cleveland, who has joined the United
States army, as have Allen T. and Andrew L. The last named is with the famous
Marines in France. Thus there are three who have represented the family in the
struggle for world democracy.
Mr. and Mrs. Chess enjoy the greatest popularity among their friends and neigh-
bors in and near Mabton. In politics he is a democrat and has ever kept in close
touch with the questions and issues of the day in regard to local aflfairs as well as
state and national problems. The cause of education has found in him a stalwart
champion and he has served as school director. His time is largely taken up with
his farming pursuits and the management of his other business affairs as well as the
many duties of devotion which bind him to his family. He has ever largely been
a home man and at his fireside is happiest and most contented. He is, however, by
no means a recluse and has made many friends since coming here, all of whom are
agreed as to his high qualities of character, which have made possible his success
and which also constitute the foundation of a thoroughly loyal and unselfish Ameri-
can citizenship.
HERBERT H. WILCOX.
Herbert H. Wilcox, engaged in the insurance business in Yakima, was born in
New York in November. 1852, a son of Elijah W. and Lydia (Strait) Wilcox, who
were also natives of the Empire state. The father was a merchant of West Winficld
and both he and his wife have passed away.
The son obtained a public school education, supplemented by study in an acad-
emy, and thus qualified for life's practical and responsible duties. He made his initial
step in the business world by becoming a clerk in a drug store in New York. He
thus gained a practical knowledge of the business and afterward established a drug
store on his own account, continuing therein from 1877 until the winter of 1901-
2. when he came to Yakima. He then purchased a fruit ranch, which he conducted
for four years, and in 1906 he took up his abode in the city of Yakima, wliere in
the following year he opened a real estate and insurance office in connection with
Granville Lowther. Subsequently they were joined by T. S. Johnson and afterward
both Mr. Johnson and Mr. Lowther sold out. Mr. Wilcox now conducts the busi-
ness alone and has a large clientage in both the real estate and insurance depart-
ments. He is thoroughly familiar with property values and has negotiated a number
of important property transfers. He also represents many of the old line insurance
companies and his activities have brought to him substantial success. He handles
fire, liability and automobile insurance. He also has charge of the Masonic building
at Yakima.
On May 6, 1877, Mr. Wilcox was united in marriage to Miss Florence O. Bab-
cock, a native of the Empire state and two children were born to them: F. L. Wil-
cox, who is connected with the United States reclamation service; and Fannie, who
died at the age of two years.
Fraternally Mr. Wilcox is connected with Yakima Lodge, No. 24, F. & A. M.;
Yakima Chapter, No. 21, R. A. M.; and Yakima Commandcry, No. 13, K. T. He has
also crossed the sands of the desert with the Noliles of the Mystic Shrine, belong-
ing to Afifi Temple. His religious faith is that of the Congregational church and his
670 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
political belief that of the republican party. In these associations are found the
rules which govern his conduct and the principles which guide him in all life's rela-
tions. He is a man of genuine personal worth and his admirable qualities have won
for him popularity among his many friends, and through his business and public
connections he ranks with the substantial citizens of Yakima.
DAVID BENTON GREENWALT.
David Benton Greenwalt, deceased, was a successful rancher of Yakima county
and when cailed to his final rest his death was deeply deplored by all who knew
him, for his many sterling traits of character had gained for him warm friendship
and kindly regard. Mr. Greenwalt was born in Adams county, Illinois, December
21, 1860. a son of Abraham and Louise Greenwalt, who were pioneer people of that
state and were natives of Pennsylvania. They remained residents of Illinois until
1870, when they removed to California, where they resided for some time and then
proceeded to Oregon. Finally in 1881 they brought their family to Yakima county,
the father taking up a homestead on the Ahtanum, where both he and his wife passed
away.
David Benton Greenwalt was a surveyor in young manhood and worked in that
way over the Lake Chelan country and in other new and undeveloped sections. He
afterwards pursued a commercial course at the Empire Business College in Walla
Walla and subsequently was appointed to the position of deputy auditor, which office
he filled acceptably for six years. In 1897 he removed to the farm of his father-in-
law, one of the old developed ranches on the Ahtanum, and he also purchased more
land until he had one hundred and fifteen acres in all. Upon this place he raised hay
and grain, also full blooded Holstein cattle and successfully conducted a dairy busi-
ness. In fact his farming and live stock interests were most carefully and systemati-
cally carried on and his enterprise brought to him a measure of success that was
most desirable and creditable.
On the 6th of April, 1892, Mr. Greenwalt was united in marriage to Miss Mary E.
Crosno, a native . of Clarke county, Washington, and a daughter of William P. and
Frances (Smith) Crosno, both of whom were natives of Illinois. The father was
a son of Reuben Crosno, who crossed the plains in 1865 and established his home in
Clarke county, Washington, where he passed away. In June, 1868, William P. Crosno
arrived in Yakima county and took up government land on the Ahtanum, being
among the first white settlers of that region. His wife passed away in 1875, but
he survived her for two decades and became a prominent rancher of his community.
He also served as county coroner and was in many ways prominently identified with
the development and progress of the region in which he made his home. He assisted
in establishing the first school of the district, building a one-room log schoolhouse.
in which his daughter, Mrs. Greenwalt, was afterward a teacher. In those early days
he hauled his provisions and brought his mail from The Dalles, Oregon, a distance
of one hundred miles. There were many Indians in this part of the country and the
wild regions and forests were rich in game. He- endured all of the hardships and
privations of pioneer life but aided in laying broad and deep the foundation upon
which has been built the present progress and prosperity of the county. He also
assisted in organizing the first church, which was of the United Brethren denomina-
tion. His entire life was actuated by Christian teachings and the most honorable
principles, and he commanded the unqualified confidence and respect of those with
whom he was associated. He passed away in 1895 and thus was chronicled the death
of one of the most honored and valued pioneer settlers of the region. His daughter,
Mrs. Greenwalt. was the first teacher in the new schoolhouse, which was the second
schoolhouse in the Marks district. She taught two terms there and also taught one
term on the Cowiche and one term in Kittitas county.
To Mr. and Mrs. Greenwalt were born five children: Elliott, at home; Louise,
who studied music in the University of Washington; Charlotte, a teacher; William,
who is a student in Pullman College; and Oliver. All are yet under the parental roof.
David Benton Greenwalt passed away November 1, 1915. He was a progressive
Ajnjy.
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 673
Slid loyal citizen, a faithful friend and devoted husband and father, his best traits
of character being reserved for his own fireside. He served as school director for
fifteen years and was a staUvart champion of anything that had to do with the
progress and improvement of the schools. His political endorsement was given to
the republican party and his religious faith was that of the Congregational church.
His was an honorable and upright life and the sterling qualities which he at all times
displayed made his course one well worthy of emulation. He left to his family not
only a goodly property but also the priceless heritage of an untarnished name.
RUFUS H. BONE.
Rufus H. Bone is the owner of one of the finest ranches of Yakima county, splen-
didly developed and equipped with all modern accessories and conveniences. More-
over, he has always recognized the fact that industry is the basis of all honorable
success and industry early became the beacon light of his life. Mr. Bone comes to the
northwest from Iowa, his birth having occurred in Mineral Ridge, that state, on the
23d of February, 1859. His parents, Joseph and Rachel (Bryan) Bone, were both
natives of Xenia, Ohio, and the latter was a daughter of Alanson Bryan, a native of
Ireland and a cousin of the father of William Jennings Bryan, so that Mrs. Rachel
Bone was a relative of the Nebraska statesman. Joseph Bone became a pioneer miller
on the Boone river in Iowa and for many years remained a resident of that state but
about 1890 removed westward to \'ancouver, Washington, where he resided to the
time of his death. He owned a farm in that locality but lived retired, leaving its
cultivation to others.
Rufus H. Bone acquired a common school education and after his textbooks
were put aside learned the blacksmith's trade, which he followed in Iowa until 1898.
That year witnessed his arrival in Washington. For several years he remained in
Tacoma and was employed by the United States government in conncctio'n with the
Indian department. He taught blacksmithing and steam engineering at the Indian
school at Puyallup, Washington, being thus engaged for several years. In 1902 he
purchased four hundred and eighty acres of land and also took up a homestead of one
hundred and sixty acres. He has since purchased forty acres more and now has six
hundred and eighty acres in all. His place is situated three and a half miles south-
east of Grandview and five and a half miles from Prosser. He located upon his ranch
in 1903. It was all wild land covered with sagebrush. He had few neighbors, for
scarcely any one had at that time settled in the district. He built a small house upon
his land and brought his family to their new home, where they arrived in the midst
of an awful dust storm, conditions being most desolate and discouraging. He had to
haul water from the river and it was necessary for the children to go five and a half
miles to school. They were never home in daylight in the winter. Notwithstanding
the disadvantages of securing an education under such conditions they made good
progress in their studies and later one of them gained the first prize in oratory
in Tacoma. Mr. Bone made the best possible use of his talents and powers and car-
ried on the work of improving his ranch as the years went on. He has since given
twenty acres of irrigated ranch property to each of his six children. His place is
one of the finest ranches in Yakima county. He built a beautiful residence thereon,
also erected large and substantial barns, doing most of the work himself. He pos-
sesses marked mechanical skill and ingenuity and not only erected the buildings
upon his own place but has also built many for his neighbors and has put in many
cisterns. His attention is given to the raising of hay, corn, potatoes and apples. He
likewise successfully engages in raising stock and conducts a small dairy. Every-
thing about his place is systematically and methodically done and the results achieved
are most satisfactory and gratifying.
On the 28th of July, 1886, Mr. Bone was united in marriage to Miss Alice Wilson,
who was born in Webster City, Iowa, a daughter of W. R. and Sarah Ann (Higby)
Wilson, who were pioneer settlers of that state. Her father was born in England,
while her mother was a native of Canada. Mr. Wilson is now deceased but the
mother survives and is living in Iowa at the advanced age of eighty-two years. To
674 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
Mr. and Mrs. Bone have been born six children: Claude, who is married and re-
sides in Vancouver, Washington; Florence, the wife of John Cartledge, a rancher
of Benton county, by whom she has one child, Verna; Myrtle, the wife of Fred TuU,
a rancher of Benton county, by whom she has three sons. Homer, Ed and Bob;
Feme, the wife of Harold Wilkins, a farmer of Ortonville, Minnesota, by whom she
has one child, Claire; Bryan, who follows ranching near his father's place and mar-
ried Edith Fordycc, by whom he has a son, Leroy; and Wilson, who is twelve years
of age.
Mrs. Bone is a member of the Christian church. Fraternally Mr. Bone is con-
nected with the Knights of Pythias. He also belongs to the Grange and he is inter-
ested in everything that has to do with the welfare and progress of community, county
and commonwealth. In politics he maintains an independent course but has ever
been an active supporter of the principles in which he believes. He has served as
road supervisor and has also been a school director. He has likewise been a mem-
ber of the board of trustees of the Sunnyside Water Users Association for a period
of eight years and has done most important work in this connection. He has closely
studied irrigation interests and opportunities and in the office indicated has done
important work in behalf of all who need to secure water for their farms. He is a
prominent and successful rancher, one whose ability is widely recognized, and his
sterling worth has gained for him the respect and good will of those with whom
he has been brought in contact.
WALTER L. ARMS.
General farming interests near Outlook have for a number of years claimed the
attention of Walter L. .^rms, who now owns fifty acres in this district, largely de-
voted to hay, corn and potatoes, although he also gives close attention to the dairy
which he operates in connection with the farm. A native of Randolph, Wisconsin,
he was born October 31, 1876, his parents being Myron and Mary (Parish) Arms,
both natives of Vermont and pioneers of Wisconsin. The father was a son of Richard
Arms, who brought the family to Wisconsin when his son Myron was but a small
boy. The father and grandfather successfully followed agricultural pursuits and
both died in Wisconsin, in which state the mother is still living.
Walter L. Arms was reared upon his father's farm and in the acquirement of his
education attended the public schools, while at the same time, under the guidance
of his father, he became acquainted with thorough agricultural methods. Desiring
to take up the same line of work as his ancestors, he realized the value of scientific
training along that vocation and took an agricultural course at Madison, Wisconsin.
He at first rented land in Wisconsin, but having heard favorable reports of condi-
tions in the greater west, he went to Livingston, Montana, in 1900. There, however,
he did not follow his old line of work but became connected with a mercantile es-
tablishment. In 1902 he went to Seattle, Washington, where he was connected with
a street car line. In 190S he came to Yakima county and acquired a tract of forty
acres of raw land, which was then all sagebrush, located four miles northwest of
Outlook. He immediately began clearing the land and bringing it under cultivation.
Energetically and industriously he set himself to work and, applying the methods
which he considered best, he soon had his farm in a prosperous condition. He has
built a fine house and suitable barns and gives his attention largely to the raising
of hay. corn and potatoes, while also operating a dairy, from which he receives a
gratifying addition to his income. He also acquired an additional ten acres, so that
his farm now comprises fifty acres.
On March 28, 1900, Mr. Arms was united in marriage to Laura Armstrong, who
was born near Fox Lake, Wisconsin, and is a daughter of J. P. and Louise Arm-
strong, farming people of that neighborhood. To this union were born two daugh-
ters, Dorothy and Helen. Mr. and Mrs. Arms are widely and favorably known in
the Outlook district, where they have made many friends. Both are members of
the Eastern Star, while Mr. Arms also belongs to the blue lodge of Masons. More-
over, he is a member of the Grange, in which organization he always takes a great
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 675
interest. Their religious faith is that of the Presbyterian church, and in politics
Mr. Arms is a republican. In the progress and development of his district he has
ever taken a laudable interest and has never failed to give his support to matters of
public concern. Especially has the cause of education found in him a w^rm champion
and for the past five years he has served on the local school board. There is much
credit due him for what he has achieved, as in a comparatively few years he has
built up a valuable property and by transforming a wild tract into a prosperous farm
has contributed toward the wealth of his district and county.
JAMES WALKER MOREN.
James Walker Moren, who since 1914. has resided upon his ranch on the lower
Naches and is there extensively and successfully engaged in raising apples and other
fruit, was born in Laurel county. Kentucky, May 20, 1876, a son of Daniel O. and
Sarah (Patton) Moren, both of whom were natives of Kentucky and were well known
farming people of Carroll county, that state.
James W. Moren acquired a public school education and began teaching when
but fifteen years of age. He afterward attended the Williamsburg Institute and
throughout his entire life he has been a man of studious habits who has continually
broadened his knowledge by reading, study and research. He is a graduate of law,
having completed a course in Center College of Danville, Kentucky, with the class
of 1898. Following his graduation he took up the practice of law at London, Ken-
tucky, where he remained for eight years, and during that period he served for four
years as county attorney in a most acceptable manner. The opportunities of the
northwest attracted him and in 1906 he removed to Yakima, where he opened a law
office, continuing in the practice of his profession in the city for six years, during
which period he was deputy prosecuting attorney for two years. He exerted much
influence over public thought and action, and his fellow townsmen, recognizing his
ability, 'called upon him to serve as their representative in the state legislature for
two years, he being a member of the general assembly of Washington in 1911 and
again in 1913.
In the meantime, however, Mr. Moren became interested in farming and orchard-
ing in this state. In 1907 he purchased forty acres of land on the lower Naches, of
which he has since sold twenty acres. In 1914 he removed to his ranch and now has
fifteen acres planted to apples, with peaches and pears as fillers. He has built a nice
home upon his place and added all modern accessories and conveniences for the
further development of his orchards and the care of his fruit. Everything is
thoroughly modern and his work is most systematically and efficiently done.
On the 12th of November, 1912, Mr. Moren was married to Miss Alma Lesh,
a daughter of D. E. Lesh, a pioneer settler of Yakima county, and they now have
one child, Alma. Mr. Moren belongs to the Elks Lodge, No. 318, of Yakima, while
politically he is a republican. He does not seek or desire office, however, notwith-
standing his fitness for public position has been demonstrated in the past. He pre-
fers now to concentrate his efforts and attention upon his business affairs and has
made a creditable name and place for himself as a leading orchardist on the Naches.
ANDREW CROOKSTON.
A native of Utah, Andrew Crookston has throughout his life been connected
with the development and upbuilding of the west and besides watching the wonder-
ful transformation that has taken place in the Pacific states has participated in their
growth. He is now a successful rancher near Sunnyside, Washington, and here he
has found opportunities that have permitted him to attain a substantial position in
life. He was born in American Fork, Utah, June 2, 1878, a son of Thomas and Betsy
(Crystal) Crookston, both of whom were natives of Scotland and became pioneer
676 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
residents of Utah, where the father has for many years been engaged in agricultural
pursuits.
Andrew Crookston there received his public school education and subsequently
turned to farming as a life work, learning the best methods under the able guidance
of his father. He subsequently worked for others but in 190S came to Yakima county,
Washington, where he was again in the employ of others for a period of one year
and then operated rented land for a year. Having carefully saved his earnings, in
1905 he was enabled to purchase forty acres of land four and a half miles southwest
of Sunnyside and he has since developed this property into a valuable ranch, a part
of which is devoted to fruit raising. He has seven acres in apples, the remainder
being devoted to hay and plow land. Enterprising and progressive, Mr. Crookston
has embraced many new methods and ideas in regard to farming and fruit raising and
thus has made rapid progress, being today numbered among the substantial agri-
culturists of his neighborhood.
On June 21, 1910, Mr. Crookston was married to Miss Mary Jane Wallace, a
daughter of John and Ellen Wallace, pioneers of Yakima county, the former a
whom has passed away. They have become the parents of two sons, Leroy and
Sheldon, and a daughter unnamed. Both Mr. and Mrs. Crookston are widely and
favorably known in their neighborhood, where they have made many friends, all
of whom speak of them in terms of warm regard. In his political affiliations he is
a republican, loyally supporting the candidates of that party, in the principles of
which he thoroughly believes. He is a self-made man and all credit must be given
him for what he has achieved.
HARVEY A, ZIRKLE.
Harvey A. Zirkle, a well known representative of fruit growing interests, living
in the vicinity of Yakima, was born in Clinton county, Missouri, October 1, 1878,
a son of T. L. and Artie E. (Brown) Zirkle, who are natives of Virginia and of
Missouri respectively. The father, removing to the latter state, there became' identi-
iied with farming interests and continued the cultivation of the land there until 1886,
when he removed with his family to Yakima, Washington, living in the city for three
months. He then took up his abode on the Naches and in 1887 rented the ClifT
Clemens ranch. He afterward resided on the Gibbs ranch for a year and later rented
the Housen ranch, which he occupied and cultivated for si.x years. On the expira-
tion of that period he purchased a ranch property on the Cowiche, obtaining one
hundred and eighty-two acres, all of which was wild and undeveloped when it came
into his possession. It is now planted to orchards and the father has divided the
land among his sons, while he is now living retired, enjoying a rest which he has
truly earned and richly merits.
Harvey A. Zirkle acquired a public school education and in his youthful days
worked with his father upon the home place, being thus employed until he attained
his majority. He was afterward in the employ of others for three years and on the
2Sth of June, 1903, he bought twenty acres on the lower Naches from his father, a
part of which was still undeveloped and unimproved. With characteristic energy he
began to transform this into a productive tract and now has six acres planted to
apples and pears, while one acre is given to the growing of Elberta peaches and
cherries, his trees being in excellent bearing condition. The remainder of his land is
devoted to the raising of corn, hay and potatoes, of which he annually gathers good
crops. The cultivation of his place is conducted along modern, progressive lines
and the results achieved are very gratifying.
On the 18th of May. 1901, Mr. Zirkle was united in marriage to Miss Mollie Ann
Capps, a native of California and a daughter of Carl and Hulda Jane Capps, who were
early settlers of Yakima county, where the father took up the work of ranching.
To Mr. and Mrs. Zirkle have been born five children, of whom the eldest died in
infancy. The others are: Gordon, thirteen years of age: Paul; Lester; and Norman.
In his political views Mr. Zirkle is a socialist. He has little time or inclination,
however, to figure prominently in connection with political or public affairs, for he
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 677
prefers to give his attention to his business and as the result of his judicious invest-
ment and indefatigable energy he has gained an enviable place among the successful
ranchmen and orchardists of his part of the state.
ROY J. RINGER.
Roy J. Ringer, an enterprising and successful young farmer of Kittitas county,
owns and cultivates eighty acres of valuable land four and a half miles west of
Ellensburg. His birth occurred in Galion, Ohio, on the 2d of February, 1888, his
parents being John H. and Lois (McConnell) Ringer, who removed to Washington
in 1901, settling in the Kittitas valley. The father cultivated a tract of rented land
for about seven years and then purchased a farm of eighty acres on the Yakima river,
which he operated until disposing of the property in 1910. In that year he bought a
tract of eighty acres four and a half miles west of Ellensburg, where he carried on
agricultural pursuits continuously and successfully until he sold the place to his son
Roy in 1918. He has become widely recognized as one of the substantial and es-
teemed citizens of his community and is now living retired in Ellensburg, enjoying
the fruits of his former toil in well earned rest.
Roy J. Ringer, who began his education in the public schools of his native state,
continued his studies in Ellensburg, for he was but thirteen years of age at the time
of the removal of his parents to the northwest. Through the assistance which he
rendered in the operation of the home farm he early became familiar with the duties
and labors which fall to the lot of the agriculturist, and aftr his textbooks were
put aside he continued to aid his father in the work of the fields until the latter's
retirement. He then purchased the home place and has since been actively engaged
in its further cultivation and improvement. It is a tract of land comprising eighty
acres, four and a half miles west of Ellensburg, which is highly productive and an-
nually yields excellent harvests as a return for the care and labor bestowed upon it.
In the conduct of his farming interests Mr. Ringer has manifested a spirit of pro-
gressiveness and energy which augurs well for his continued prosperity.
In 1912 Mr. Ringer was united in marriage to Miss Blanche Nelson, a daughter
of Albert and Minnie (Strande) Nelson. They now have two children. Marvel and
Wilma. The family attend the Christian church. Mr. Ringer gives his political
allegiance to the republican party where national questions and issues are involved
but at local elections usually casts an independent ballot. His aid and cooperation
are ever given on the side of progress and advancement and his many friends es-
teem him as a young man of many commendable qualities.
JAMES F. LINCE.
James F. Lince is engaged in the cultivation of apples and peaches and has
become one of the successful orchardists of the Selah valley, where he owns and
operates twenty acres of land. He was born in Middlesex county, Ontario. Canada,
April 22, 1881. a son of Leonard and Rachel (Wait) Lince, who were also natives of
Middlesex county. The mother passed away in the year 1881. The father afterward
wedded Sarah Sugden, also a native of Ontario, Canada, while her parents were born
in England. In the year 1894 Leonard Lince came to Yakima county, where he
spent a summer. He was pleased with the country and its prospects and in October,
1895, he disposed of his interests in Canada and removed with his family to Yakima
county. He then rented land on Nob hill and also purchased twenty acres in that
section. He afterward disposed of that property and bought ninety acres in the Selali
valley, most of which was wild and undeveloped. Three of his sons have since pur-
chased twenty acres each from him and he afterward sold the balance. He then
bought an acre tract on Xob hill and is there living retired, enjoying a rest which
he has truly earned and richly merits. His has been an active life and it is well
678 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
that in the evening of his days he should have this period in which to enjoy the
fruits of his former toil.
James F. Lince acquired a public school education in Canada and also spent
two winters as a student in a business college at Yakima. Through the period of
his boyhood and youth he worked with his uncle upon his farm and early became
familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops. He also
spent one winter in British Columbia and a summer in Idaho. In 1907 he pur-
chased twenty acres of land from his father and although it was in cultivation it
contained no fruit. He at once began its improvement and he now has six acres of
the land planted to orchard, wherein he is raising fine apples and peaches. The
balance of his place is given over to the cultivation of alfalfa and other crops and he
is meeting with success in his undertakings.
On the 2Sth of December, 1906, Mr. Lince was united in marriage to Miss Nettie
Lyon, who was born in Michigan and is a daughter of B. F. and Narcissus (Weimer)
Lyon, who were natives of West Virginia and at an early day removed to Michigan.
Subsequently, however, they returned to West Virginia but at a later date became
residents of Idaho and in 1902 came to the Yakima Valley, where Mr. Lyon pur-
chased ten acres of land in the Selah valley. To Mr. and Mrs. Lince have been
born four children, Oswald, Arthur, Harold and Lillie Rachel. Mrs. Lince is a
member of the Dunkard church.
Mr. Lince gives his political support to the republican party, with which he has
been connected since becoming a naturalized American citizen. He stands for
progress and improvement in all that pertains to the welfare and upbuilding of
the community and he is at the same time a successful farmer whose close appli-
cation and undaunted energy in business affairs have brought to him the measure of
success which he now enjoys.
AUGUST M. OTTO.
Among the successful orchardists and bankers of the Naches valley is August M.
Otto, a native of Wisconsin, who was born in Prairie du Chien. May 25, 1865, his-
parents being Henry and Ann (Hofifman) Otto, the former a native of Germany and
the latter of Illinois. As pioneers they removed to Wisconsin and there the father
was quite prominent, successfully conducting a hotel and also serving as county
treasurer in his district and as mayor of his town. Both he and his wife have passed
away.
August M. Otto received a public school education and after laying aside his text-
books in 1883, when eighteen years of age, began work by entering the employ of
the Northern Pacific Express Company, with which organization he remained until'
1906, or for a period of twenty-three years, thus demonstrating his abilit}' and loyalty,
his long years of service standing as incontrovertible proof of the appreciation his
work received from his superior officers. During the two following years he was
connected with the Wells Fargo Company in Nevada. Previous to this time, in the
employ of the Northern Pacific Company, he had been at Spokane in 1889 and in
1901 had been in Seattle, acting in the capacity of general agent in both places. He
remained in Seattle until 1907, when he was appointed agent at Goldfield. Nevada,
but in 1909 left the company and came to Yakima county, where in the spring of that
year he bought twenty acres of valuable land on the upper Naches. Ten acres of
this is devoted to orchard and from this enterprise he derives a very gratifying
income, the rest of his land being devoted to mixed farming. He has erected com-
modious barns and installed modern equipment and his residence is one of the best
of the neighborhood, being supplied with hot and cold running water, electric lights
and other conveniences. Mr. Otto is also prominent in financial circles, being presi-
dent of the Naches State Bank, to which position he attained in January. 1917, having
since had much to do with the successful conduct of this enterprise. The bank was
established in 1910 with a capital stock of ten thousand dollars and is well worthy-
of the confidence of the public.
On September 14, 1893. Mr. Otto was united in marriage to Sadie B. King, whch
AUGUST II. OTTO
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 681
like her Inisband is a native of Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, and is a daughter of
L. O. and Sarah B. (Belden) King, both natives of Cleveland, Ohio. Tlie parents
Iiecame pioneers of Wisconsin and in that state they passed away.
In his political affiliations Mr. Otto is a democrat and has always loyally adhered
to the principles of that party. He is very prominent in Masonic circles, having
assisted in organizing Naches Lodge No. 211, A. F. & A. M., and having served as
master from 191S, the year of its organization, until 1919. He is also a member
o^ the chapter and commandery at Yakima and belongs to El Katif Temple of the
Mystic Shrine at Spokane. Along tlie line of his business he is a member of the
Yakima County Horticultural Union, receiving and giving new ideas in regard to
horticulture through contact with others engaged in that business. He also was at
one time president of the Naches Commercial Club, which was organized in 1911,
largely through the instrumentality of Wallace Goodsell, who died in December.
1916, since which time Mr. Otto has taken a most laudable and leading part in the
afifairs and purposes of this club, which has done most valuable work in securing for
Naches City efficient railroad, freight and express service and has also ever inter-
ested itself in road building and many other things undertaken for the benefit and
welfare of the public. Mr. Otto's part in this connection can not be overestimated,
as he has given much time and thought to valuable projects, even at a personal sac-
rifice. He is ever interested in public affairs and has cooperated in many movements
which have contributed toward the development and growth of his section. A loyal
American citizen, he is now numbered among the sulistantial residents of the Yakima
valley.
E. B. VELIKANJE.
E. B. Velikanje, a prominent attorney of Yakima, also connected with im-
portant cattle and mining interests, was born in Brown county, Minnesota, Decem-
ber 31, 1874, a son of John B. and Louise (Werdick) Velikanje. The father was a
ranchman of Minnesota who in 1863 removed to that state. He was also identified
with the educational interests of the community in which he lived, devoting some
time to teaching and also serving as superintendent of schools of Brown county.
His wife became a resident of Minnesota in 1854, when she accompanied her parents
to St. Anthony, and thus they were closely associated with the pioneer develop-
ment of the state, witnessed much of its progress and bore a helpful part in its
advancement. Both have now passed away.
E. B. Velikanje was reared upon his father's farm in Minnesota, where he re-
mained until 1900, when he went to Alaska, spending two and a half years in that
country. In 1904 and 1905 he was in Mexico as manager of the Transvaal Copper
Company of Cumpas, Sonora, where he remained for two years, and in 1905 he fed
four hundred head of cattle near Outlook, Washington. The following year he
drove his herds to Alaska and has made four trips to that country, spending six
years in all in the northwest. He was with the White Pass Railway Company for
eighteen months while in Alaska. He took his cattle over the trail into the heart
of the country and gained knowledge concerning Alaska, its resources and its op-
portunities. Making investments there, he now has mining properties in the Eagle
Creek Circle mining district. In 1906 he walked out from Fairbanks, Alaska, having in
the meantime determined to enter upon preparation for the practice of law. He
made his way back to his native state and matriculated in the University of Minne-
sota as a law student, being graduated there with the class of 1909. He then prac-
ticed in Minnesota for a brief period and before his admission to the bar did pro-
bate court work there. In June, 1909. however, he sought the opportunities of the
northwest and made his way to Yakima, where he took up law work, in which he
has since engaged. He has continued in general practice and his knowledge of the
principles of jurisprudence is comprehensive. In addition he has other business
interests, being the owner of a fine twelve acre fruit ranch, while in 1912 he or-
ganized the Western Farm & Cattle Company, of which he served as secretary and
treasurer for several years and of which ho is still a director. He has a large ranch
682 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
in eastern Oregon and in addition to his mining interests in Alaska he is the secre-
tary of the Kellogg-Pcak Midland Mining Company, which owns ten claims at
Wardner, Idaho. His investments have been most judiciously made and his enter-
prise has brought to him substantial success.
On the 3d of January, 1906, Mr. Velikanje was married to Miss Louise C. Plath,
of Iberia, Minnesota, a daughter of Herman and Louise Plath. Her father became
a resident of that state in 1857 and was there residing at the time of the Indian
massacre. He died in Yakima on November 28, 1918, at the venerable age of
ninety-one years less five days. Mr. and Mrs. Velikanje have become the parents
of four children, Stanley, Richard, Frederick and Robert.
Mr. Velikanje is a prominent representative of the Masonic fraternity, belong-
ing to Yakima Lodge, F. & A. M., of which he is past master, having served in
1918. He also belongs to the Lodge of Perfection, No. 11, and to the Rose. Croix
Chapter, No. 9. He is also connected with the Council of Kadosh, No. 8, of which
he is commander, and he has attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite
in Tacoma Consistory, No. 3. His Masonic connection entitles him to membership
in Afifi Temple and thus he has crossed the sands of the desert with the Nobles of
the Mystic Shrine. He has long been an active worker in Masonry and a most
loyal supporter of the craft. In professional lines he is connected with the County
and State Bar Associations. He likewise has membership with the Alaska Sour
Doughs, in fact he was one of the organizers of this society in 1914, which now
has a membership of four hundred, being formed of men who have been in Alaska.
He is likewise connected with the Arctic Brotherhood. His experiences have been
broad and varied and his enterprise and progressiveness have brought him promi-
nently to the front in various connections.
JOHN D. GRIFFITH.
Orcharding has for a number of years claimed the attention of John D. Griffith,
who is one of the prosperous agriculturists of the Yakima valley, located in the
Tieton district. A native of Delaware county, Ohio, he was born November 1, 1853,
and is a son of John and Ann (McKinley) Griffith, the latter being a cousin of the
martyred president. John Griffith, the father, followed agricultural pursuits through-
out his life and was quite successful along that line. Both he and his wife have
passed away.
John D. Griffith was reared under the careful guidance of his parents, acquiring
his early education in the public schools and later rounding out his primary knowl-
edge at the Ohio Wesleyan L'niversity, in which he spent two years. Subsequently
he farmed for a few years but in 1900 went to Washington, D. C, becoming assist-
ant postmaster at the house of representatives. While in the capital city he read
law. The year 1909 marked his arrival in Seattle, Washington, to attend the fair,
and he became interested in Yakima county to such an extent that he decided to
remain and acquired title to forty acres of land on the Tieton which at that time was
all sagebrush. However, he did not immediately take up the cultivation of this
tract but spent a year and a half in Portland, Oregon, moving at the end of that
time, in 1911, upon his ranch. In a comparatively few years Mr. Griffith has developed
this land into a most valuable property, having built a fine home and erected suitable
barns and other outbuildings to care for his fruit, for he has twenty-three acres in
apples, the remainder of the land being under the plow. He is now considered one
of the most successful orchardists of his section, his annual income from that source
being very gratifying.
On December 31, 1891, Mr. Griffith was united in marriage to Miss Sue M. Jones,
also a native of Delaware county, Ohio, and a daughter of Philip and Jane (Tomley)
Jones, who were natives of Ohio and Wales respectively. Throughout his career the
father followed agricultural pursuits and enjoyed the respect and esteem of his
fellow citizens. Both he and his wife have passed away.
Mr. and Mrs. Griffith belong to the Presbyterian church, both being active and
helpful in the promotion of its interests. They are ruled by the true Christian spirit
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 683
and are ever helpfully aiding in movements undertaken for the uplift of humanity.
Politically Mr. Griffith is a republican, actively interested in the party's welfare but
not a politician in the commonly accepted sense of the word. He has served as
trustee of the Water Users Association for the past five years and has done valuable
work in this connection, fully realizing the importance of irrigation in regard to the
cultivation of land here and being considered an expert on the subject. Fraternally
he is prominent in the Masons, belonging to the blue lodge, chapter and commandery.
He is a member of the Yakima County Horticultural Union, through which associa-
tion he gives and receives ideas, and has ever been interested in general improve-
ment, thus being a valuable factor in the development of his section of the state along
material, moral and mental lines. He has many friends in the Tieton district and
is held in high regard by all who know him.
FRANK L. HARTMAN.
Frank L. Hartman, a successful farmer whose property is located near Ellens-
burg, has been a resident of this vicinity for about thirty years and through his
straightforward dealing, close application, industry and foresight has become one
of the prosperous agriculturists of Kittitas county. For many years he gave his
attention to the butcher business but since 1910 has been exclusively engaged in
farming pursuits, now owning land to the extent of tyvo hundred and eighty acres
besides valuable city property. Although a native of Germany, Mr. Hartman has
become thoroughly Americanized and has made the ideals of this country his guid-
ance for life. Born in 1863, he was a youth of seventeen years when he crossed the
.\tlantic, having been reared and educated in Germany, His parents were Frank L.
and Caroline Hartman, both of whom are now deceased.
.\s before indicated, Mr. Hartman of this review reached the United States in
1880 and for some time remained in New York but later made his way to Cincin-
nati, Ohio, and subsequently to Birmingham, Alabama, In 1885 he arrived in Port-
land, Oregon, and there gave his attention to the butcher business until 1889, which
year marked his arrival in Ellensburg, where he continued along the same line of
business until the fall of 1890. From 1890 until 1892 he worked as a butcher in
Roslyn, Washington, and in the latter year opened a shop of his own account in that
city, successfully continuing there until 1910, always following the most approved
business methods. Being thoroughly reliable, he built up a gratifying trade and de-
rived a substantial income from his venture, .\bout 1896, many years before he
discontinued the butcher business, Mr. Hartman had acquired one hundred and
sixty acres in the Kittitas valley and upon this property he moved in 1910, having
since resided thereon. There is a fine residence upon the property and suitable barns
provide ample shelter for the stock. His fields are in a high state of cultivation and the
latest equipment has been installed upon his place, which is now very valuable. .A.s
the years have passed Mr, Hartman has acquired additional farm land, his holdings
now comprising two hundred and eighty acres which are located, however, in diflfer-
ent places. Moreover, he has invested in valuable city property in Ellensburg. Mr.
Hartman gives his ^attention largely to the raising of grain and hay, and being a
shrewd business man disposes of his crops to the best advantage.
On the 30th of August, 1910, Mr. Hartman was united in marriage to Florence
Gcnasci Camozzy, of Nevada City, California, a daughter of Charles Genasci, who
arrived in California in 1847, two years before the rush of gold seekers to that
state. There are two children in the household of Mr. and Mrs. Hartman: Milton
Camozzy, who is a son of Mrs. Hartman by a former marriage and is in the United
States naval air service: and Frank C, aged seven. The family are highly respected
in Ellensburg and are numbered among the valued residents of the community.
In his political affiliations Mr. Hartman is a republican and has evgr loyally
supported that party. He is interested in all that pertains to the general welfare
and readily supports worthy public measures to the extent of his ability and means.
.At one time he was quite prominent as a stockman in his neighborhood, running
seven hundred head of cattle, but he has now given up that line of business. He is
684 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
a self-made man and there is much credit due him for what he has achieved, as his
prosperity has come to him entirely through his own efforts. A loyal American
citizen who is ever ready to make sacrifices on the altar of the nation, Mr. Hart-
man is appreciative of the opportunities which he here found and has made the
democratic principles represented in American ideals of government his own.
HUBERT L. STRAUSZ.
A comparatively young man, Hubert S. Strausz has already attained success as
an agriculturist in the Cowiche district of the Yakima valley, being the owner of
twenty acres of rich and valuable land, which he has independently operated since
1910. A good farm home bespeaks his prosperity and everything about his place
indicates the progressive and resultant methods that he has always employed in his
work. A native of Barton county, Missouri, Mr. Strausz was born December 15,
1886. his parents being Jacob and Ida (Lively) Strausz, the former a native of Ohio
and the latter of Illinois. The family arrived in Yakima county on the 30th of Novem-
ber, 1900, and here the father bought one hundred and sixty acres of land on the
Cowiche, of which at that time one hundred acres were under the plow. Now, how-
ever, all of the land is in a high state of cultivation, the father, with the help of his
family developing the property until it is today one of the most valuable of the
neighborhood. As his income increased he subsequenly added forty acres more,
which is planted to grain, and he also has ten acres in orchard. He now resides
on Nob Hill in Yakima and most of the old farm he has deeded to his children. His
wife passed away in 1901, her demise being a great shock to the family as well as
to many friends, who esteemed in her a woman of high qualities of character.
Hubert L. Strausz was reared under the parental roof and attended school in
his native state but in 1900, when only fourteen years of age, came with the family
to the Yakima valley. After completing his public school work he also took a course
at a business college in Yakima, thus acquiring that knowledge which is so indis-
pensable to the farmer of modern times. Later he received twenty acres of the
home farm in a deed from his father and since 1910 has given his whole attention to
the cultivation of this land. He has erected a good residence and suitable barns
and everything about his place bespeaks the progressive agriculturist. He raises
hay, grain, potatoes and beets and also has important dairy interests.
On February 11. 1906, Mr. Strausz was united in marriage to Maude Hobson, a
native of Kansas and a daughter of Mark and Susan Mary Hobson. Her father is
now deceased and her mother resides in Idaho. Mr. and Mrs. Strausz have four
children. Cleva, Melvin, Fenwick and Helen. The family are highly respected in
their community and both Mr. and Mrs. Strausz enjoy the friendship of many in
their neighborhood. Mr. Strausz is a member of the Evangelical church. In his
political views he is a prohibitionist and in local aflfairs supports the candidates whom
he considers best fitted for the offices to which they aspire. In the conduct of his
affairs he has already attained a degree of prosperity which promises well for the
future. ,
E. W. BRACKETT.
Nature has been not only kindly but lavish in her gifts. Nestled among the
mountains are to be found the valleys whose fertility responds readily to the care
and labor of man. The Yakima valley has proven one of the most productive regions
of the great west, for within its boundaries are raised great crops of wheat and other
grains and the land has been found to be equally valuable for fruit production.
Numberecf among the successful farmers of this district is E. W. Brackett, who has
come to the Pacific coast from the Atlantic seaboard. He was born in Sharon,
Massachusetts, April 9, 1869, a son of Francis A. and Maria (Drake) Brackett. The
latter died in 1872. The family came to Yakima county on the 16th of September.
1890. The father purchased eighty acres of land on the Tieton drive, about two miles
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 687
west of Yakima, of which only twenty acres was under water, but when the Congdon
ditch was built the entire tract was irrigated. There the father extensively and suc-
cessfully engaged in the raising of cantaloupes and other melons, also hay and
various crops. Eventually, however, he removed to Corning, California, where he
passed away in 1915. During the period of the Civil war Francis A. Brackett ably
defended the interests of the Union as a soldier of the P'irst Massachusetts Volunteer
Infantry.
E. \V. Brackett spent his youthful days upon his father's farm and early became
familiar with all of the work necessary for its development and cultivation. After
attaining man's estate he purchased a part of his father's land and has since success-
fully operated it. He now has about seventy acres, of which sixty acres is planted to
orchard, and he raises large crops of apples, pears, peaches and cherries. He has his
own packing plant and storage basement — in fact every equipment for the care of the
fruit is to be found upon his place. He has made a close study of the kinds of fruit
that may best be raised in this locality and has also exhaustively studied the best
methods of keeping the soil in good condition. His orchards are a picture of beauty
in green and red, tints and gold — a picture of bountiful nature's gifts when in season
red and golden apples and multicolored other luscious fruit in rich ripeness grace the
foliage of vigorous trees bent vmder loads of harvest blessings.
On the 21st of March, 1900, Mr. Brackett was married to Miss Ida H. Carvosso,
of Yakima, and they have three children: Leroy, Cecil and Rosemary. Mr. Brackett
became a charter member of the Grange and he attends the Methodist church. In
politics his attitude is that of an independent republican who, usually voting for
the men and measures of the party, does not hesitate to cast an independent ballot
if his judgment so dictates.
REV. JOHX T. ROBERTS.
Rev. John T. Roberts, who since 1909 has made his home in Yakima, Washing-
ton, having retired from the ministry, was for many years a helpful factor in the
Metliodist Episcopal church, in which he was active in various parts of the country.
In this city he took up the line of fire insurance, opening offices in the Yakima
National Bank building, and he has ever since successfully followed this vocation,
being now in his seventieth year. A native of England, he was born in Shropshire.
March 22, 1848, a son of Timothy and Elizabeth (Phillips) Roberts. The father
passed away in England and in the '50s the mother crossed the Atlantic with her
ihree children and located in Utica. Xew York. In 1853 the family removed to
.'\uburn, that state, and there Mrs. Elizabeth Roberts passed away in August, 1866.
John T. Roberts was the second child in this family, his older sister being Eliza-
beth, who married George B. Lewis, a resident of Boulder, while his younger sister.
Rose, died in 1868. He received his education in the public schools of Utica, New
York, subsequently entering Cazenovia Seminary of that state and later Hillsdale
College of Michigan and also attending the Northwestern University of Chicago.
Of a studious nature and serious in the pursuit of his lessons, he was able at the early
age of sixteen to take up teaching and thus employed himself at that age. There is
great credit due him for his eflforts in gaining an education, as he provided the means
to pursue his college course entirely by his own labors, working as a clerk in a cloth-
ing store in order to provide the necessary funds. During the Civil war he stood
loyally for the L'nion cause and his patriotic spirit is evident from the fact that at
the early age of sixteen, in the fall of 1864, he enlisted in Company E, One Hundred
and Ninety-second New York Regiment, serving as a drummer boy and being mus-
tered out in February, 1866. Subsequent to this Mr. Roberts taught school during
the winters and during the summers provided the means for his subsistence by herd-
ing cattle. In 1868 he united with the Illinois Annual Conference of the Methodist
Episcopal church and in 1870 was ordained a deacon in Shelbyville, that state. Two
years later, in Decatur, Illinois, he was ordained an elder by Bishop Andrews and
traveled as a Methodist Episcopal minister in Illinois for sixteen years or until
1884. when he was transferred to Nebraska, becoming a member of the Nebraska
(27)
688 fllSTORY OF YAKIMA XWLLEY
Conference. In that state he was active in spreading the gospel and converted many
to his church, so continuing for about twenty-tive years, or until 1909, and being
placed in charge of about eight different churches in that commonwealth at various
times. In the latter year he made removal to Yakima, Washington, which has ever
since remained his home. He has now retired from the ministry and gives his atten-
tion to the fire insurance business, having built up a gratifying patronage which
assures him of a good income. He also has acquired land, which he has developed
and which is devoted to fruit and alfalfa growing.
In 1876 Rev. Roberts was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Holloway, of
Piatt county, Illinois, and they have become the parents of the following children:
Logan Hall, who was born July 10, 1877, in Butfalo, Illinois, is mentioned at greater
length on other pages of this work. Webster W. enlisted in Company .A, Third Bat-
talion of Engineers. U. S. A., loyally taking up the cause of his country, but was
discharged on account of ill health, his malady having been incurred while serving
in the army. Ethel I. married M. K. Peck and they reside in Garrett Park, Maryland.
J. Vincent is a well known attorney of Yakima, assistant secretary of the Yakima
Savings & Loan .'\ssociation, and was connected with Companj- D, Forty-Third
Engineers, U. S. A., receiving his training at Washington L'niversity.
Rev. Roberts has always taken a decided stand on the prohibition question and
has been an adherent of the prohibition party since it was founded. He has been
very active in the cause of temperance and was an active agitator for prohibition in
Illinois in 1870, helping to form the prohibition party in that state. He has ever
since continued in the cause and has been active in every campaign since, helpfully
assisting in making Washington a dry state. He is an honored member of the Grand
Army of the Republic and has been connected with various posts in the communi-
ties in which he has lived and now identifies himself with Meade Post. \o. 9, of this
state. He is also a valued member of the .Ancient Order of L'nited Workmen. Rev.
Roberts has followed out the well known saying, "there is something higher than
making a living — making a life," and through his activities has greatly helped to guide
the human race toward loftier ideals.
ALVA E. GOODWIN.
-Alva E. Goodwin is the owner of an excellent ranch property of twenty acres on
the Parker Bottoms, which he acquired by purchase in 1893. He was also id'-ntified
in former years with contracting interests in the Yakima valley, being active in the
building of roads, ditches and railways. His life therefore has been characterized by
energy, enterprise and industry and has brought him a substantial measure of suc-
cess. Mr. Goodwin is a native son of the Yakima valley, born January 5, 1870, his
father being John W. Goodwin, who is mentioned elsewhere in this work. In the
acquirement of his education he attended the public schools and when his textbooks
were put aside he began working for wages, but he was ambitious to engage in busi-
ness on his own account and eventually rented land. He also rode the range in the
stock business and in time acquired horses and cattle of his own. The steps in his
orderly progression are easily discernible. As his industry brought him sufficient
capita! he made investment along business lines and in 1893 purchased twenty acres
of land on the Parker Bottoms. .Annually he gathers a large hay crop and a con-
siderable amount of fruit, for he is always busily engaged in the development of his
ranch, keeping it up to a high standard of productiveness. Twelve years of his life
were devoted to contracting in the Yakima valley, during which time he assisted
largely in building roads, ditches and railways and thus contributed to the substan-
tial development of the section.
On the 3d of Xovember, 1891, Mr. Goodwin was married to Miss Mattie E.
Alexander, a native of Oregon and a daughter of G. W. and Mary F. .Alexander,
who removed to the Yakima valley in 1890, after devoting some years to ranching
in Oregon. The father has now passed away, but the mother is still living. Mr.
and Mrs. Goodwin have one son, Chester E., at home.
In his political views Mr. Goodwin is a democrat but office holding has never
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 689
had any attraction for him, as he has always preferred to give his attention to his
business atTairs. His cooperation, however, can always be counted upon in matters
of progressive citizenship and he is deeply interested in everything that pertains to
the welfare and progress of the county in which his entire life has been passed.
THOMAS J. TAYLOR.
Thomas J. Taylor, owner of a farm of forty-four acres on the Xaches, was born
in Wapello county, Iowa, April Xl, 1S49, a son of Mayheld and Tempy (Harris)
Taylor, both of whom were natives of Indiana. The father was a son of Jacob
Taylor, one of the pioneer settlers of the Hoosier state. Mayfield Taylor in early
life went to Iowa and after residing for a number of years in that state removed to
Yakima county, Washington, where he arrived in the early '70s. Much of the land
was still in possession of the government and he took up a claim on the Wenas,
securing a tract of wild land which he at once began to develop and improve. His
remaining days were devoted to the further cultivation of that farm, upon which he
lived until called to his final rest. His first wife had died in Iowa, after which he
married again and his second wife passed away in Washington.
Thomas J. Taylor enjoyed the educational advantages offered by the public
schools of his native state and after his textbooks were put aside he devoted his
attention to farming in Iowa until 1877, when he sought the opportunities of the
northwest and arrived in Yakima county. He, too, took up a homestead on the
Wenas and thereon resided until 1908, when he sold that property and removed to
his forty-four acres on the Naches, upon which he is engaged in the raising of grain
and hay. This place originally contained eighty-four acres but some time before
locating on it he disposed of forty acres of the place. His crops are systematically
cultivated and the thoroughness with which he prepares his fields and does the work
insures success in his undertakings.
On the 9th of July, 1870, Mr. Taylor was married to Miss Ann Malone, a native
of Ohio and a daughter of Henry and Nancy Malone, who removed to Iowa and
afterward became residents of Missouri, where the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Taylor
was celebrated. The latter passed away in 1917, her death lieing the occasion of deep
regret not only to her immediate family but also to many friends. By her marriage
she had become the mother of ten children: Tcmpy and Frankie, both deceased;
.Mbert, who resides at Selah and has a wife and four children; Henry, who is mar-
ried and is engaged in the real estate business in Yakima; Russell, a resident of Selah,
who is married and has two children; Cora and Eva, who have passed away; George,
of Wapato. Washington, who has a wife and one child; Everett, of Wapato, who has
a wife and two children; Lillic, the wife of Charles Swoope, who is farming the home
place and by whom she has four children.
Mr. Taylor was numbered among the pioneer agriculturists of his section of
the state. Great changes have occurred during the years that have intervened since
his arrival here and his memory forms a connecting link between the primitive past,
with its hardships and privations, and the progressive present w-ith its opportunities
and advantages. He has contributed to the work of general improvement, especially
along agricultural lines, and he still gives general supervision to the development of
his home farm.
LESTER VAXDER COOKE.
Lester Vander Cooke, who follows ranching near Mabton, is numbered among
the native sons of Washington, his birth having occurred in Kittitas county, January
26, 1S90, his parents being M. D. and Belle (Fulton) Cooke. Extended mention of
the family is made on another page of this work in connection with a sketch of the
father.
Lester Vander Cooke acquired a public school education and afterward entered
690 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
the Washington State College at Pullman, from which he was graduated with the
class of 1914. He then engaged in ranching with his father for two years and in
1916 he made his first purchase of land, becoming owner of thirty-five acres three
and a half miles south of Sunnyside. There he is raising hay and hogs and also con-
ducts a dairy business. The various branches of his business are proving profitable,
for he is energetic and persistent and carries forward to successful completion what-
ever he undertakes.
On the 28th of April. 1917, Mr. Cooke was married to Miss Mary Bernice
Edwards, who was born in Junction City. Oregon, a daughter of William C. and
Lucinda (Akers) Edwards. Her father, a native of Ohio, was a son of James
Edwards, who brought the family over the plains in 1854 and located in Oregon.
The mother was a daughter of J. H. Akers, who came to the Pacific coast country
about 1868, proceeding to San Francisco and thence by boat to Portland, Oregon.
The parents of Mrs. Cooke were married in Oregon and are still identified with the
ranching interests of that state. To Mr. and Mrs. Cooke has been born a son,
William Rufus, whose birth occurred February 12, 1918. The parents attend the
Presbyterian church and Mr, Cooke gives his political allegiance to the democratic
party where national questions and issues are involved but casts an independent
ballot at local elections. During his college days he took great interest in athletic
sports and was well known as a sprinter. He held the championship high school
record of a quarter-mile dash in fifty-one and two-fifths seconds. He also holds the
record of a two hundred and twenty yard dash in twenty-two seconds flat. He yet
displays enthusiasm concerning athletic ports, but his business demands his time and
attention, preventing active participation therein. He is a progressive young man,
alert and energetic, realizing the opportunities that are before him and utilizing them
iplish desired results.
ROBERT HEPBURN.
Robert Hepburn is one of the successful agriculturists of the Yakima valley
whom the Dominion of Canada has furnished to this country, for he is a native of
Quebec, Canada, and was born June 26, 1864, his parents being James and Jean
(Gilbraith) Hepburn, natives of Scotland, who removed to Canada in their early lives.
There the father was successful along agricultural lines and in the Dominion both
he and his wife passed away.
Robert Hepburn was reared under the parental roof and from his good parents
learned the first lessons of life. In the acquirement of his education he attended the
public schools of the Dominion and after laying aside his textbooks took up the
serious and arduous duties of life. In 1889, at the age of twenty-five, he became a
resident of Kittitas county, Washington, and for about three years, or until 1892,
worked as a farm hand. He carefully saved his earnings and in that year was able
to lease one hundred and sixty acres of land four miles southwest of EUensburg and
so well did he apply himself to the cultivation of this tract that in five years he
was able to buy the property. Mr. Hepburn has built a residence upon the property
and has also erected barns to afford shelter for his stock and grain. He has ever
followed progressive methods and has made many improvements upon the farm,
devoting his acres largely to the raising of hay and grain and also deriving a grati-
fying income from dairying, to which he gives considerable attention. He has
planted an orchard and is thoroughly acquainted with the climatic conditions pre-
vailing here and has carefully studied the soil, so that he is able to operate his farm
to the best advantage. Moreover, he is a business man of more than ordinary acumen
and carefully gauges his opportunities in order to obtain the best prices for his
produce and stock.
On April 16, 1901, Mr. Hepburn was united in marriage to Miss Cynthia Rogers,
a daughter of W. S. Rogers, a Civil war veteran. Her father came to the Kittitas
valley in 1887 and here took up farming but is now deceased. Mrs. Hepburn is a
native of Texas and by her marriage she has become the mother of eight children:
Henry, who is in the United States navy: Nellie, who married J. R. Jones, a resident
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 691
of EUensburg; Alja, the wife of Ed Policy, of Ellensburg; Blanche, who is the wife
of Tracy Phelps, of Sunnyside. Washington; Spencer, seventeen years of age; Frank,
aged fifteen; Margaret Jean, eleven; and Alfred, nine years of age.
In his political affiliations Mr. Hepburn is a republican, being thoroughly in
accord with the principles of that party. Although interested in anything that has
for its purpose the upbuilding of the community, he is not a public man in the com-
monly accepted sense of the word, preferring to concentrate his attention upon his
private interests and doing his duties as a citizen at the ballot box only. He has
made many friends in Ellensburg and vicinity, all of whom are agreed as to his
high qualities of character. Being a self-made man, there is great credit due Mr.
Hepburn for what he has achieved, as his prosperity has been brought about entirely
through his own efforts. Farsighted, progressive, industrious and reliable, he is a
loyal American and typically western, demonstrating in his career what may be
achieved in this state when industry and perseverance lead the way.
EUCLID J. DUPRE.
-\ large number of the residents of Moxee City and vicinity are of French
Canadian birth. This number includes Euclid J. Dupre, who was born in Queljec,
Canada, March 25, 1873, and whose parents were Andrew and Rosalie Dupre. Re-
moving to Massachusetts in 1876, they spent their remaining days in that state.
Their son Euclid acquired a public school education in Ware, Massachusetts,
and after his textbooks were put aside began working in the mills of that state, be-
ing thus employed until he reached the age of twenty-two years. He then turned
his attention to commercial pursuits, securing a clerkship in a store at Gardner,
Massachusetts. He was thus employed until 1908, when he removed to --Mberta,
Canada, settling near Edmonton, and establishing a furniture store at River Que-
barre. He afterward disposed of his business there and accepted the position of
manager of a hardware store at that place. The year 1909 witnessed his removal
from Canada to Washington, at which time he took up his abode in Yakima county.
This was in the month of October. He purchased seven acres of land in the Mo.xee
valley and devoted his attention to agricultural interests for two years, but in 1911
sold his farm and purchased the general store of .\. Champoux & Brother at Moxee
City. Through the intervening period he has carried on general merchandising and
has a well selected line of goods, while the enterprise and integrity of his business
methods have secured for him a very liberal and gratifying patronage.
On th 21st of May. 1894, Mr. Dupre was married to Miss Angeline Mandeville,
a native of Canada and a daughter of Henry and Louise (Befford) Mandeville, who
were married in Massachusetts. Her mother has passed away and her father is
now living with Mr. Dupre. It was in Massachusetts that Mr. and Mrs. Dupre were
married and to them were born six children; Edmund, who is a member of the
United States Navy; .Alice and Lucy, twins, at home; Cora; Lelia; and Elizabeth.
Mr. Dupre and his family are communicants of the Holy Rosary Catholic church
of Moxee City, in which he is serving as a trustee. He takes an active interest in
the work of the church and does everything in his power to further its growth and
extend its influence. His political endorsements is given to the republican party
but he has never sought nor desired political office. He has, however, served for
three years on the school board and he is interested in all those activities which
make for the material, intellectual and moral progress of the community.
JOHN H. WEIGEL.
John H. Weigel has since 1903 been numbered among the leading merchants
of Yakima, where he is engaged in the clothing, shoe and hat trade, having the
second oldest clothing house of the city. Mr. Weigel is of European birth. His
natal year was 1872 and when a lad of nine years he came to the United States with
692 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
his parents, C. C. and Elizabeth VVeigel, who settled in Wisconsin, where they lived
for about two years and then removed to Huron, South Dakota. They afterward
took up their abode upon the Pacific coast, making their way to The Dalles, Oregon,
in 1886, and there the father is now living retired.
John H. Weigel acquired a public school education in Milwaukee. Wisconsin, and
when a youth of sixteen years entered the dry goods business as a clerk and thus
gained his initial experience along commercial lines. He started in business fo!
himself in Yakima in 1903 and has the second oldest clothing house of the city.
He established the business, in connection with E. M. Williams, under the firm style
of John H. Weigel & Company and their first location was at the corner of Third
street and East Yakima avenue. In January, 1906, a removal was made to the Wash-
ington Hotel building, Mr. Weigel becoming the first tenant of that building. He
handles an extensive line of men's and boy's clothing and furnishings, purchasing
his stock from a number of the best known and most reliable manufacturing houses
of the country. The business includes a complete shoe and hat department and
four people are regularly employed. The building occupied has a fifty foot frontage
on East Yakima avenue and a depth of seventy feet. A gratifying trade is enjoyed
and the business is one of the important commercial enterprises of the city.
Mr. Weigel was married in 1900 to Miss Mattie Gushing, of The Dalles, Oregon,
and their children are Maurice and John. Mr. Weigel belongs to Yakima Lodge,
No. 24, F. & A. M., also to the Elks lodge and to the Commercial Club, and in the
last named has served on the board of directors for many years. He also has mem-
bership in the Yakima Valley Business Men's -Association, of which he was formerly
the president. He is also a member of the Country Club and his political allegiance
is given to the republican party but he has never been an aspirant for office, preferring
to concentrate his energies and attention upon his commercial activities. .A spirit of
progressiveness and energy has carried him steadily forward and he has prominent
rank among the energetic, farsighted and successful business men of his adopted city.
EDWARD H. DUFFY.
Edward H. Duflfy, of Midvale, has not only been successful along agricultural
lines but also been in mercantile enterprises. Moreover, he has assisted in promoting
social and public life and has become particularly well known in connection with
the Knights of Pythias lodge in Yakima, which he helped to organize. He is a well
informed and well read man who has gained much experience and knowledge
through travel, having visited most parts of the United States. A native of Penn-
sylvania, he was born near Darlington, in Beaver county. January 10, 1866. his parents
being John and Mary (Haddie") Duflfy, the former a native of Ireland, while the latter
was born in Scotland. The parents were married in the land of hills and heather
but in 1862 decided to emigrate to the new world and in that year went to Penn-
sylvania, where they made their home throughout the remainder of their lives, both
passing away in that state. Although the father was a butcher by trade he also took
up agricultural labors and was quite successful along both lines- of occupation.
Edward H. Duffy was reared in Pennsylvania and in that state attended the
public schools. .After laying aside his textbooks he took up the boilermakers' trade,
which he thoroughly learned, but subsequently decided not to follow that vocation
and at the age of eighteen removed westward to Illinois, where he worked on farms
for wages for a short time. In the same year, 1884, having heard favorable reports
in regard to New Mexico, he decided to go to that state and there was engaged in
mining for two years. Fortunes being made in old Mexico, these reports decided
him to try his luck in that country, which remained his home for a year and a half,
being engaged in mining at Durango. He subsequently returned to New Mexico,
wliere he continued to follow the same line of occupation. Another change took him
to Wyoming, where he was connected with a cattle ranch, and subsequently he ob-
tained a position in connection with the smelters in Anaconda. Montana. All these
removals covered about four years, his entrance into the state of Washington taking
place on February 28, 1888, when he located in Roslyn. where for about four years
EDWARD H. DUFFY
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 695
he was engaged in mining. The year 1S92 finds him again in Montana, but later he
returned to Roslyn and in April, 1898, undertook the hazardous trip to Alaska, being
lor four and a half years connected with that far northern empire of riches. While
he did not acquire millions in the north he did fairly well, far outstripping the aver-
age, and in the fall of 1902 returned southward, taking up a homestead in October
of that year, buying a relinquishment. This land, comprising one hundred and si.xty
acres, situated two miles south of Sunnyside, had been homesteaded seven time be-
fore and everyone else had given up the work of further cultivation. However, the
enterprising spirit of Mr. Duffy was not so easily conquered. On the contrary he
set himself seriously to the task of making this a valuable property and how well
he has succeeded is evident from its present value. He now has water for about one
hundred acres and forty acres are in a high state of cultivation. In 1907 the L'nion
Pacific Railroad Company built a track across the farm and put a station here
called Midvale. Mr. Duffy has opened a country store here and in July, 1915. a post-
ofiice was established and he has since been postmaster. As the years have gone
by he has rapidly developed his property, not passing up anything that may be
of value to its further improvement. He built a good house, suitable and commo-
dious barns and other outbuildings, which unfortunately were destroyed by fire in
1919. He has installed modern machinery and other equipment which make his a
modern, twentieth century farming establishment. He raises alfalfa, potatoes, ruta-
bagas and beets and also gives considerable attention to apiaries, marketing a high
grade of honey. Moreover, he acts as assistant at the depot.
In 1906 Mr. Duffy was married to Mrs. Alma (Neuling) Delea, a native of New
Jersey and a daughter of .\ugust and Clara Neuling. To this union three children
were born: Tessie, Ray and May. Mrs. Duffy also has a son by her former mar-
riage. Eugene, who is thirteen years of age.
Mr. Duffy has always taken a helpful part in public affairs and has ever had at
heart the progress and development of his section of the state. He is a democrat
in his political affiliations and has ever supported the principles and candidates of
that party but has never sought office for himself. Fraternally he stands high in the
Knights of Pythias, of which he has now been a member for thirty years, having
held all of the chairs in the lodge. He helped to organize the local lodge at Yakima
and also was a representative to the Grand Lodge at Olympia, Washington, in 1894.
He is a member of the Grange, where he meets those from whom he receives valu-
able information, giving out as well from his own rich store of experiences. He is
a successful rancher and merchant, a loyal American and a man who has become
thoroughly imbued with the western spirit of enterprise. .-Mthough his educational
privileges were limited in his youth he has become a well informed man, having
traveled extensively in this country and possessing the valuable gift of ready obser-
vation and assimilation.
WILLL\M SQUIER.
William Squier, a well known orchardist living near Zillah, was born in .'\ddison
county, Vermont. January 26, 1848. a son of Seymour and Lois (Wheeler) Squier.
The father was a native of Vermont, while the mother's birth occurred at .\lstead.
\ew Hampshire. The paternal grandfather was Timothy Squier. of Massachusetts,
who died at the age of ninety-seven years. Seymour Squier became a farmer of
Vermont and spent his last days in that state. The mother afterward removed west-
ward to Illinois, where her death occurred.
William Squier was reared in New England and acquired a public school educa-
tion, after which he devoted his attention to farming in the Green Mountain state
until 1878. Attracted by the opportunities of the growing west, he then went to
Kansas and afterward to Lyon county, Iowa, where he located in 1881. There he
followed the carpenter's trade until 1895, when he removed to Zillah, Washington.
He purchased twenty acres a mile northwest of the town, which was all covered
with a native growth of sagebrush, and with characteristic energy he began the work
of improving and developing the ranch. He now has an excellent property, of which
696 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
ten acres are devoted to apples. He has built a good packing house and storage
warehouse and he has also erected a comfortable residence upon the place. He is a
carpenter by trade and his building operations have enabled him to make excellent
improvements upon his ranch. He followed his trade in order to gain a start on
coming to the northwest, working for others, but now he gives his entire attention
to the care of the orchard.
On the 5th of April, 1869, Mr. Squier was united in marriage to Miss Roxana
Allen, a native of New York. Their children were: Cora and Allen, both deceased;
Alvin and Allen, twins, who have also passed away; Lottie, the wife of J. E. Ray-
mond, of Yakima; and Ralph, who is married and has one child and now largely
carries on his father's farm.
Mr. Squier is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and also of
the Modern Woodmen of America. His religious faith is that of the Presbyterian
church, and in politics he is a progressive republican. He has always stood for
advancement and improvement and his influence is ever given on the side of the
material, intellectual, social and moral progress of the community in which he lives.
SAMUEL B. MOREX.
Samuel B. Moren, devoting his time and attention to the raising of fruit in
Yakima county, "was born in Laurel county, Kentucky, December 21, 1878, and is a
brother of James W. Moren, who is mentioned at length on another page of this
work. Liberal educational opportunities were accorded him. He supplemented his
public school training by a course in Berea College of Kentucky and then took up
farming in connection with his father, being thus engaged until 1906. That year
witnessed his removal to the northwest. He bade adieu to his old Kentucky home
and the friends of his boyhood and made his way to Yakima county, after which
he cultivated his brother's farm for three years. He then purchased ten acres ad-
joining his brother's place and now has the entire tract planted to orchards, giving
his attention largely to apples, with peaches and pears as fillers. His orchards are
in excellent condition and are now in full bearing.
On the 10th of September. 1905, Mr. Moren was married to Miss Cora Dalton,
who was born in Laurel county, Kentucky, a daughter of Samuel and Sarah Dalton,
who in the year 1912 arrived in Yakima county, since which time they have been
identified with farming interests in this section. Mr. and Mrs. Moren have two
children, Clarence and Donald. Their religious faith is that of the Baptist church
and their sterling worth is attested by all who know thein. Mr. Moren is today
accounted among the successful farmers of his district and the spirit of enterprise
and determination which he has always manifested points to further success in the
future.
T. C. WOLD.
T. C. Wold, manager of the Monarch Orchard Company, in which he is inter-
ested, was born in Xorway, November 25, 1864, a son of Christian and Maren Wold,
both of whom have now passed away. The son spent his youthful days in his native
country, pursuing his education in its public schools and upon attaining his majority
determined to try his fortune in the new world. Accordingly he left the land of the
midnight sun in 1885 and crossed the Atlantic to the United States. He settled first
in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he was employed in a sash and door factory and
where he afterward engaged in the grocery business until 1910. He then became
associated with others in organizing the Monarch Orchard Company, which was
formed in that year with Mr. Wold as manager. H. A. Brastad, a resident of Minne-
apolis, became the vice president, with George L. Davis, also of that city, as the
president. O. N. Dyste, of Minneapolis, was elected secretary and treasurer and
other stockholders are A. N. Dyste, M. Dyste and Matilda Wold. The company
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 697
has eighty-five acres in apples, all in bearing. They are raising Wincsaps. Roman
Beauties, Spitzenbergs. Jonathan and Yellow Newton apples. The trees are in ex-
cellent condition. They are systematically sprayed to prevent blight or destruction
of any kind and the soil, naturally rich and productive, is carefully cultivated so that
large crops of fruit are annually gathered. All of the orchard is seeded to alfalfa.
Upon the place is a fine residence and large barns and all equipment necessary to
care for the fruit and facilitate its shipment. With the organization of this company
Mr. Wold was chosen manager, and removing to Yakima county, has since occupied
the position, the success of the enterprise being attributable in large measure to his
ability, energy and determination. He has made a close study of the questions relat-
ing to the propagation of fruit, particularly apples, in this district and the result of
his study and experience is found in the substantial success which the company is
now enjoying.
On the 6th of .lune, 1891, Mr. Wold was married to Miss Matilda Brastad, who
was born in Norway, and their children are Carl, now residing in Seattle; Henry,
who makes his home in Pasco, Washington; Rudolph, at home; Margaret, deceased;
and Sigme, at home.
Mr. Wold maintains an independent course politically, voting for the candidates
whom he regards as best qualified for oflice without considering party tics. His
own time and attention are given exclusively to his business affairs and he has made
for himself a most creditable position as one of the leading orchardists of this sec-
tion of the country.
LOGAN H. ROBERTS.
Among the well known attorneys and bankers of Yakima is numbered Logan
H. Roberts, a native of Illinois, born July 10, 1877. He is a son of the Rev. John T.
and Mrs. Elizabeth (Phillips) Roberts, who are mentioned on other pages of this
work. In the acquirement of his education he attended public school in Nebraska
and in 1899 was graduated from the Nebraska Wcsleyan University, removing with
his parents to the various places of residence to which the call of the gospel took
his father. He subsequently took a post graduate course in the New York Univer-
sity and in 1903 graduated from the law department of that school. Like his hon-
ored father, he vigorously took up the cause of prohibition and for three years served
as one of the field secretaries of the International Collegiate Prohibition Association
and assisted in its organization, being one of its first secretaries, .•\fter he had filled
the position of secretary for about three years he came to Yakima on a visit in 1906
and was so favorably impressed with the opportunities here offered that he decided
to remain. He has since built up a gratifying practice, readily demonstrating his
legal ability and worth. He not only has a logical, analytical mind and is well velrsed
in the precedents and fundamentals of the law but he has a convincing way of pre-
senting his cause and is cf^fective before judge and jury. He has been connected with
much important litigation since establishing himself in this city and the success
which has come to him is well merited. He maintains offices in the Yakima National
Bank building. Outside of his private practice he is secretary and attorney of the
Yakima Savings & Loan Association, of which he was one of the organizers. He is
a member of the firm of Roberts & Udell.
In October, 190.S, Mr. Roberts was united in marriage to Miss Grace May Hud-
son, of Nebraska, and to this union were born six children, one of whom, Corena,
has passed away. The others are Loma, Roberta C, Mildred, Grace and Donald.
The family are prominent socially in Yakima, where both Mr. and Mrs. Roberts have
made many friends, and the hospitality of the best homes is accorded them. In fact
they are to a large extent the life and spirit of the social set to which intelligence
and high minded purposes in life are the passports.
Mr. Roberts has always taken a deep interest in educational progress and par-
ticularly in university work and he finds opportunity to realize his ideas in his posi-
tion as a trustee of the Puget Sound Llniversity. In the Masonic order he stands
high, being a member of the blue lodge and having attained the thirty-second degree
698 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
in the Scottish Rite. In politics he is a republican, strongly representing the pro-
hibition interests in the party, and although he is not a politician in the ordinary
sense of the word he is ever active in upholding the principles of the organization
and loyally supports the candidates of his party. He is a member of the Commer-
cial Club, being thoroughlj- in accord with the purposes of that organization in ex-
panding the trade relationship of his city and the Yakima valley, and he is also active
as secretary of the Young Men's Christian Association, of the local branch of which
he was one of the organizers. Along professional lines he belongs to the County
and State Bar Associations and his religious faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal
church. He finds recreation and relaxation from his arduous duties in outdoor life
and can frequently be seen on the grounds of the Country Club, of which he is a
member. Well known and popular in Yakima. Mr. Roberts has attained to a high
position in professional circles as well as to an honored place as an .American citizen.
GRANT MATTHEWS.
Grant Matthews is the owner of fifty-four acres of land bordering the Yakima
river, six miles west of Sunnyside, and is there bending his efforts and energies to
the further development and improvement of what has become an excellent ranch
property. He was born in Harrison county, Missouri, November 20, 1861, a sob of
Newton Lee and Minerva (Hildebrand") Matthews, both of whom were natives of
Illinois. In early life they removed to Missouri and became identified with the farm-
ing interests of that state. The father afterward went to Kansas and secured one
hundred and sixty acres of land but did not move his family to that state. His death,
however, occurred in Kansas, while his wife passed away in Missouri. Newton L.
Matthews was a veteran of the Civil War.
Grant Matthews is indebted to the public school system of Missouri for the edu-
cational opportunities which he enjoyed, his youthful days being there passed in
the usual manner of the farm-bred boy. At the age of twenty-three years he went
to Nebraska, where he carried on farming for several years, and in 1902 he arrived in
the northwest, making his way to Oakland, Oregon. In the spring of 1903 he came
to Yakima county and purchased twenty acres of land, to which he afterward added
thirty-four acres on the banks of the Yakima river, six miles west of Sunnyside. His
place is devoted to the raising of hay. grain and corn, but he specializes in the pro-
duction of hay. He also raises some stock and his place presents a neat and thrifty
appearance, indicating his practical methods and his careful supervision.
On the 17th of October, 1889, Mr. Matthews was married to Miss Nellie Hoover,
a native of Iowa and a daughter of Jacob E. and Hannah C. (Iddings) Hoover. Her
father was a son of John Hoover, of Logansport, Indiana, who was born in Ger-
many. Jacob E. Hoover was a brother of the father of Herbert Hoover, LTnited
States food administrator, whose wonderful executive power and business ability has
done so much toward furnishing food to starving thousands, bringing about a more
equitable distribution of the food supply of the country that America might extend
her aid to stricken lands whose people were starving owing to the fiendish spirit of
Germany that would ruthlessly trample upon the rights of other countries without
regard to the conditions that were thus brought upon women, children and all the
helpless. Jacob E. Hoover devoted his life to the occupation of farming. He was
reared in the Quaker faith and always adhered thereto. Mr. and Mrs. Matthews
have become the parents of seven children: Hazel, now the wife of Arthur Barrett,
residing near Shelton, Washington, by whom she has three children, Bernice, Thur-
low and Raymond; Walter, who enlisted November 16, 1917, and served with the
One Hundred and Forty-ninth Spruce Squadron, being mustered out on the 27th
of December, 1918; Fern, the wife of Guy Barnhart, a rancher of Yakima county,
by whom she has one son, Philip G.: Efiie. the wife of Ernest L. Nichols, residing
near Tacoma; Edna and Rollin. both at home; and Helen, who is ten years of age
and completes the family.
In his political views Mr. Matthews has always been a republican since age con-
ferred upon him the right of franchise yet is not bound by party tics, casting an
HISTORY OF YAKIMA \-ALLEY 699
independent ballot if his judgeient so dictates. He has usually confined his efforts
to his business interests and his close application and energy have constituted the
measure of his growing success.
JAMES H. ERASER.
James H. Eraser, a successful and prominent orchardist, lives on his ranch in
the Xaches valley in the summer and in Yakima during the winter. He was born
in Xew Zealand, May 15, 1860. His parents, Hugh and Jennie (Thompson) Eraser,
were natives of Scotland and in early life went to Xew Zealand, where the father
engaged in the live stock business. Thinking to have still better opportunities, how-
ever, he left that country and made his way to Oregon, arriving at The Dalles in
1877. There he 'became identified with the live stock business and in course of time
was accounted one of the most prominent sheep men of that section, pasturing large
flocks in the district. He was one of the first to take sheep into the state and he was
one of the first to introduce sheep into the Mackenzie country, the southern part of
Xew Zealand, where he had over thirty thousand head. He engaged in sheep raising
on an almost equally extensive scale in Oregon, having twenty thousand head there,
and in addition he raised cattle and horses. His business interests made him a
man of prominence in the community and one whose contribution to the general
development and upbuilding of the district was important. His demise occurred in
1914 and his wife has also passed away. Both were consistent members of the Pres-
byterian church and their religious faith guided them in all of life's relations.
James H. Eraser pursued his education in the public schools and the University
of Xew Zealand and also in Oakland. California. He then entered into active connec-
tion with the sheep and cattle business in Oregon, having gained valuable experience
along that line through assistance rendered to his father in previous years. He
became one of the leading stockmen of the district and also one of the prominent
wheat growers but disposed of his interests there in 1898 and came to tlie Yakima
valley. He took up his abode in the city of Yakima, where he engaged in the vehicle
and implement business for seven years, winning substantial success, but at the
end of that time he sold out. He then purchased one hundred and twenty-five
acres of land on the lower Naches. of which he afterward disposed of forty-five
acres. The balance is devoted to the raising of apples and pears and he now has sev-
enty-five acres in orchards. His equipment for handling his fruit is thoroughly ade-
quate. He has his own packing plant and every modern facility for caring for the
fruit and he has taken a most progressive stand in connection with all of his work.
On July 1, 1886, Mr, Eraser was married to Miss Lillian A. Wright, who was
born in Zanesville, Ohio, a daughter of the Rev. John A. and Eva (Vestal) Wright.
who removed to Oregon at an early day. To Mr. and Mrs. Eraser have been born
the following named; Clifford M., who has a wife and three children; Lillian Zelah,
the wife of C. B. White, an attorney of Seattle; and James E., who is attending high
school.
Mr. Eraser is a well known Mason, belonging to Yakima Lodge Xo. 24, F. &
A. M., and Yakima Chapter Xo, 21, R. A. M. He also has membership with the
Modern Woodmen of America and the Woodmen of the World, while his religious
faith is indicated by his membership in the Presbyterian church, to the teachings of
which he loyally adheres. His political endorsement is given to the republican party
but he does not seek nor desire office, preferring that his undivided attention shall
be given to his business affairs. He has, however, been chairman of the Commercial
Club of Yakima for one term and he was chairman of the committee that adjusted
the water rights of the Yakima valley up to the Columbia river and appointed all
of the sub-committees having this work in charge. Mr. Eraser was also active in
politics and in public affairs in Oregon and has ever been a man of wide influence.
owing to the fact that his vision is keen, his judgment sound and his views at all
times practical. His orchards, however, are the paramount interests in his life and
he has attained prominence as one of the fruit growers of his section of the state.
In his undertakings his sons are now associated with him. They raise their own
700 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
nursery stock and they develop their orchards according to the most modern, pro-
gressive and scientific methods. They closely study the trees, the demands made
upon the soil and the care of their orchards to protect them from blight or hurt of
any kind. They have the latest spraying devices and everything necessary to keep
their trees in good condition and the extent of their interests as well as their pro-
gressive methods have made the name of Fraser synonymous with progressive
orcharding in the Yakima valley.
EMORY THOMPSON.
Prominent among the energetic, farsighted and successful business men of
Yakima county is Emory Thompson, who has important ranching interests near
Sunnyside but whose business activities hav& also extended into various other lines
which have constituted important elements in the growth and progress of the dis-
trict in which he has operated. He was born in Trumbull county, Ohio, August 1,
1865, a son of Emory and Sarah A. (Cross) Thompson. The father's birth occurred
in Summit county, Ohio, which was also the birthplace of the mother, and the former
was a son of William Thompson, one of the pioneer residents of the Buckeye state.
The maternal grandfather was John D. Cross, who was born in Connecticut and es-
tablished his home in Ohio during the period when it was a frontier state. Emory
Thompson, Sr., devoted his life to the occupation of farming and to the operation of
a sawmill. He continued a resident of Ohio until his death and his widow still lives
in that state at the age of eighty-one years. She has survived her husband for a
number of years, for his death occurred on the 1st of .April, 1907, when he was seven-
ty-four years of age. In their family were thirteen children, of whom the eldest,
.Adelbert, is deceased. The others are: Elbridge, a farmer residing at Hartford. Ohio;
Xora, the wife of Sanford E. Fcrrell, living at Ravenna, Ohio; Cora, twin sister of
Nora, and the wife of Ichabod Payne, of Indiana; Sadie E., who died at the age of
twenty-eight years; .Mice E., the wife of Charles Logan, living at Farmdale. Ohio;
Emory, of this review; J. D., a farmer at Kinsman, Ohio; Sanford F., also living at
Kinsman, Ohio; Blanche, the wife of Clare True, of Pennsylvania; Pearl M., the wife
of Wilbur McCormick, of Kinsman, Ohio; Norman W., residing upon the old home
farm at Kinsman; and Ralph W., who was a farmer of Ohio but has now passed away.
Emory Thompson, whose name introduces this review, supplemented his public
school education by two years' study in the Grove City College of Pennsylvania.
After his education was completed he began farming in his native state, where he
continued to engage in the cultivation of rented land until 1894. During that period
he carefully saved his earnings and in the year mentioned he removed to the north-
west with Yakima county as his destination. Here he made investment of his earn-
ings in twenty acres of land southeast of Sunnyside, which at that time was a wild
tract covered with sagebrush. He has since concentrated his efforts and attention
upon the development of ranch property in this section of the state. He planted a
part of his first tract to orchards and a part to alfalfa but later retired from fruit
raising. .\t length he sold his original land and in 1900 bought eighty acres two and
a half miles southeast of Sunnyside. This, too, was at the time producing a crop of
sagebrush but nothing else. With characteristic energy he began its development
and has added to it many modern improvements, converting it into one of the ex-
cellent farm properties of the district. He raises hay and potatoes and annually
gathers good crops. He -built a fine residence upon his place in 1905 and he has
also put up good barns and other substantial outbuildings which furnish ample
shelter to grain and stock. The progressiveness of his methods renders him one
of the leading ranchmen of this part of the valley. In addition to his other busi-
ness interests Mr. Thompson is a director of the First Xational Bank of Sunnyside,
also a director of the Yakima Valley Potato Growers' .Association and a director and
the vice-president of the Sunnyside Telephone Company. He was one of the organ-
izers of both the telephone company and the bank. He is a man of sound business
judgment and keen discrimination and readily recognizes the value of each business
opportunity. He also sees with equal clearness the obstacles between him and the
successful accomplishment of a purpose and by reason of this is enabled to form
EMORY THOMPSON
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 703
his plans and direct his actions so that such obstacles and difficulties shall be readily
overcome.
On the 29th of Xovember. 1888. while a resident of Ohio. Mr. Thompson was
married to Miss Carrie D. Morse, who was born in Williamsfield. Ohio, a daughter
of A. L. and Mary P. (Treat) Morse, the former a native of Ohio, while the latter
was born in New York. Her father was a son of Ansel Morse, who was born m
Connecticut and was a veteran of the War of 1812, in which he served as a musician.
He belonged to one of tlie early colonial families long established on American soil.
The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Thompson was an own cousin of Samuel F. B.
Morse, the inventor of the telegraph. The parents of Mrs. Thompson were farming
•people, the father devoting his entire life to agricultural pursuits, but both he and his
wife have now passed away. Mrs. Thompson has one brother, Grant A. Morse, still
living in Ohio, and three sisters: Flora, who is the wife of Edgar A. Rose of Wil-
liamslield. Ohio, now residing at Sunnyside, Washington; Elsie, who married Clyde
L. Smith of Ohio and also lives at Sunnyside; and Ida, the wife of Burke Rice, whose
home is at Andover, Ohio. To Mr. and Mrs. Thompson have been born three chil-
dren: Celia M., who was graduated from the Washington State College at Pullman
with the class of 1916 and is now successfully engaged in teaching; Howard, who
was drowned at the age of sixteen years; and Elmer Eugene, who married Florence
George and resides at Sunnyside.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Thompson are members of the Congregational church and
in politics he maintains an independent course, supporting men and measures rather
than party. He is recognized as one of the leading citizens of his part of the valley.
He has done much to improve roads and he takes an active and helpful interest in
everything pertaining to the public welfare. He passed the first petition around for
the Yellowstone Trail, which will be paved in 1919 and passes his house. He secured
the signatures of one hundred and eight farmers and at the meeting the resolution
passed without a dissenting vote. His father was a man who enjoj'ed a reputa-
tion for unsullied integrity, his word being as good as his bond, and the life record
of both his father and mother has ever been an inspiration to Emory ThomT^son, who
has ever endeavored to follow in their footsteps, living up to the highest standards
in all things. His course has indeed been a commendable one. commanding for him
the respect, confidence and good will of all with whom he has been associated.
CALVIN L. BRADLEY.
Calvin L. Bradley occupies an attractive home in the Selah valley which he
built in 1908. It stands in the midst of his ranch property of ten acres, which is
largely devoted to the raising of apples. He is an alert, energetic business man
and whatever success he has achieved is entirely attributable to his own labors.
He comes to the northwest from the Empire state, for his birth occurred at Otto.
New York, on the 10th of April, 1858, his parents being Charles and Catherine
(Widrig) Bradley, both of whom were natives of New York. The mother was a
daughter of George Widrig, also a native of the Empire state and a representative
of one of its old colonial families. Charles Bradley was a son of Levi Bradley, a
native of Vermont, who in 1832 removed from New England to New York. His
father had served with the colonial army in the Revolutionary war and aided in
winning independence for the colonies. Charles Bradley became a farmer of New
York, and that he possessed the same spirit of patriotism that characterized his
ancestors is indicated in the fact that at the time of the Civil war he joined the
Union army and went to the front in defense of the Stars and Stripes. He died in
a hospital at Annapolis, Maryland, his health having been broken down through the
rigors of war. He had been taken prisoner at the battle of Chancellorsville but was
afterward exchanged. However, he could not overcome the disease which the hard-
ships of war and the rigors of prison life had brought on and he passed away, as
previously indicated. His widow long survived him and died at New York in 1895.
Calvin L. Bradley was accorded liberal educational opportunities. He com-
pleted a course of study in Hamilton College of New York by graduation as a inem-
704 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
ber of the class of 1882, after which he taught school for a year. He next went to
Fargo, North Dakota, in 1883 and there took up the study of law, to which he de-
voted his time for about four years, when he was admitted to the bar. He then
located for practice in Fargo and also followed the profession in Wahpeton, North
Dakota, until 1906, when, attracted by the opportunities of the far west, he made his
way to Yakima county, Washington, and in connection with D. F. Sanders pur-
chased thirty acres of land on Selah Heights. The partnership between them was
afterward dissolved but Mr. Bradley still remains active in horticultural pursuits
and is now the owner of ten acres, planted to apples. In 1908 he erected his
attractive home, which is supplied with all modern conveniences and comforts. He
is now most pleasantly situated in life and is accounted one of the progressive agri-
culturists and fruit raisers of his section of the state. He belongs to the Yakima
Valley Fruit Growers Association and he has also served as a director of the Selah
Water Users .Association, occupying that office during the existence of the company.
He is now secretary of the Naches-Selah Irrigation District.
On the 12th of October. 1897. Mr. Bradley was married to Miss Millie Sanders,
a daughter of D. F. and Nettie (Carey^ Sanders. The father was born in New York
and the mother in Pennsylvania and in childhood they removed to Wisconsin with
iheir respective parents and were married in that state. Subsequently they became
residents of Minnesota, afterward removed to Iowa and still later to South Dakota.
From that point they came to the northwest, settling in Yakima county, and the
mother passed away in this district. The father is still living and now makes his
home with Mr. and Mrs. Bradley, who by their marriage have become the parents
of three children: Beatrice, who is now a student in the State University: Florence;
and Roland. All three of the children are yet at home.
Mrs. Bradley is a consistent member of the Congregational church. Mr. Bradley
has been an exemplary representative of the Masonic fraternity and was also identi-
fied with the Knights of Pythias and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows but has
demitted from these societies. In politics he maintains an independent course, pre-
ferring to vote according to the dictates of his judgment. He is interested in the
public welfare, however, and cooperates in many well defined plans and measures
for the general good. He came to the Selah valley when it was new and unde-
veloped and is now one of the leading farmers in that section. He has lived to see
remarkable changes and. moreover, he has the satisfaction of having borne his full
share in the work of general improvement and development.
ELDRIDGE A. SMITH.
Representative among the younger agriculturists of Kittitas county is Eldridge
A. Smith, who is now the owner of a valuable farm about four and a half miles
southwest of Ellensburg. A native of Virginia, he was born in Franklin county, June
10, 1887, and is a son of James R. and Ann Martha (Bennett) Smith, both of whom
were also born in Franklin county, Virginia. The grandfather, Stephen Smith, was
also born in the Old Dominion, of an honored pioneer family. James R. Smith served
in the Confederate army during the rebellion and in that state he passed away in
-August, 1893. His wife was a daughter of Coleman and Pamelia (Glass) Bennett,
also members of a distinguished pioneer family of Virginia. In 1896 the family
removed to West Virginia, in which state they made their home for about six
years, or until 1902. when they came to Kittitas county, where they resided for a
time on the farm of Reese Smith, a brother of our subject. In 1908 Eldridge A.
Smith and his brother Walter bought eighty acres four and a half miles southwest
of Ellensburg, to the cultivation of which they assiduously devoted themselves. In
1911 another eighty acre tract was purchased and each of the two brothers then
look eighty acres individually. Our subject now largely raises hay and grain but
also gives some attention to live stock. He has a pleasant and comfortable home
and has greatly improved his farm, upon which he has installed modern equipment.
His mother now makes her home with him and his brother Walter. He is the fourth
in order of birth in the familv, having the following brothers .ind sisters: Willie
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 705
ICsthev, a resident of Ellensburg and the widow of Charles Collins; Reese, who suc-
cessfully follows ranching in Kittitas county; Frank, who still resides in West Vir-
ginia; and Walter, who follows farming in conjunction with our subject.
Although the educational advantages of Eldridge A. Smith were limited, as his
father died when he was but si.x years old, he has learned many valuable lessons by
life's experiences and today is a well informed young man to whom great credit is
due for what he has achieved, as he has made his own way entirely unassisted. On
the 22d of October, 1913, he was united in marriage to Miss Etta Blanche McKee, a
daughter of VV. H. McKee, who is mentioned more extensively elsewhere in this
work.
Mr. Smith has made many friends since coming to Kittitas county for he is a
stalwart, pleasant and dependable young man who is guided by the most honorable
|)rinciples and largely devotes his attention to his own business affairs to good pur-
pose. Politics have never held attraction for him and he is not closely allied with
any party but prefers to give his support to candidates irrespective of their party
affiliations, taking into consideration only their personal qualifications and record.
.Any movement undertaken to upbuild Kittitas county and Ellensburg finds in him a
true champion, who is exer ready to give of his time and means to promote the gen-
era! welfare. .Although yet a young man, I^lr. Smith has already made his mark and
a prosperous future may be predicted for him.
H. W. CHASE.
H. W. Chase, who for about four years has been a resident of Yakima, has during
this period been prominently identified with the real estate business and since 1912
has been the president of the Washington Realty Investment Company, which he
established in that year. Great success has attended this enterprise, which under his
able management has grown from year to year so that it is today one of the im-
portant institutions of its kind in the Yakima valley.
As indicated above, the Washington Realty Investment Company was established
about six years ago, at which time it acquired about six thousand acres of land in
Benton county under the Horse Heaven irrigation district. The scheme, which has
proven of such great success, was carefully thought out and promoted bj- Mr. Chase,
who organized the company and largely sold the stock in the east. Five thousand
acres of this land are now under cultivation and devoted to wheat raising and it is
expected that they will soon be put under irrigation. Mr. Chase has been very
active in promoting irrigation development in his district but this beneficial measure
has naturally been retarded by war conditions.
.A native of Wisconsin. H. W. Chase was born .August 25, 1867, his parents being
O. C. and Harriet Jane (Hadlcy) Chase, both of whom have passed away. The
father throughout his life followed agricultural pursuits and well earned prosperity
attended his arduous and earnest labors. Our subject received his education in the
public schools of Wisconsin, preparing himself for a commercial career by attend-
ing a business college. He subsequently gave his attention to the insurance busi-
ness, which he decided upon as a suitable field for his activities, and from 1895 until
1908 was actively engaged in this line. In that year, however, he turned his atten-
tion to real estate and for a short time conducted a business of that kind at Fan
Claire. Wisconsin. The opportunities presented in the newly developed west, how-
ever, attracted his attention and he therefore crossed the continent in order to profit
by the advantages here offered. In 1910 he began to Stll western lands for the
Yakima Realty Investment Company and in 1912 organized the Washington Realty
Investment Company of Yakima, which he has since so ably managed. The highes*
business principles guide him in all of his dealings and he has built up a reputation
which begets for him the trust and confidence of the public. The present officers of
the company are: H. W. Chase, president: L. E. Gerde, of Eau Claire, Wisconsin,
vice president; and W'. S. Woodruff, of Minneapolis. Minnesota, secretary and treas-
urer. Mr. Chase has entire charge of the local afTairs, being the resident manager of
the property. The importance of the company and its vast business dealings may
706 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
well be imagined when it is stated that there are two hundred and twenty-five stock-
holders.
On June 24, 1896, Mr. Chase was united in marriage to Miss Anna L. Hobbs.
of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, and they have three children: Warren L., Joseph Wayland
and Kendall Leigh. Politically Mr. Chase is a republican, strongly and eflfectively
supporting the candidates and measures of that party, and is also strongly imbued
with prohibition principles, which he warmly advocates and upholds. Fraternally
he is a Mason, belonging to Yakima Lodge, No. 24, F. & A. M.. and his religious
faith is that of the Baptist church. He is an American citizen in the best sense of
the word, ever ready to support his government, his state, his county and his city in
worthy measures, and has made many friends in Yakima, all of whom speak of him
in terms of respect not only on account of his business success but because of those
honorable qualities of his character which have made that success largely possible.
THOMAS HALEY.
Few white men had penetrated into the Kittitas valley when Thomas Haley
became a resident there and until his denjise he was identified with its farming inter-
ests. A pioneer of fifty years ago, Mr. Haley had attained the age of seventy-two years
w-hen he suddenly passed away on March 18, 1919, the immediate cause of his death
being a stroke of paralysis. He had not been well for some time and had planned a
trip to California for his health. Through his sterling qualities and by reason of his
straightforward character he had made many friends in the Kittitas valley, all of
whom keenly feel his loss and were deeply shocked when the news of his death
reached them.
Mr. Haley was born in Waterville, Oneida county. New Y"ork, January 8, 1847,
a son of Michael and Elizabeth B. (Feeny) Haley, both of whom were natives of
Ireland. They came to the L'nited States in 1822, settling in New York, where the
father took up the occupation of farming, which he followed in Oneida county for a
number of years. Both he and his wife have now passed away.
Thomas Haley was reared in the Empire state and left school at the age of
fifteen years, at which time he went to Pennsylvania, where for two and a half years
he worked in the oil fields. His first removal westward, in 1867, took him to Omaha,
Nebraska, where he ran a stationary engine in a foundry. For two years he was
employed on the line of the L'nion Pacific Railroad between Laramie and Cheyenne
and also in Utah, and he saw the gold spike driven near Salt Lake City in 1869, at
which time the two divisions of the road were united, for the work had been carried
from either end until the two parts joined. In July, 1869, Mr. Haley came to the
Kittitas valley and was among the first settlers here. He turned his attention to
the cattle business and later he engaged in buying and selling cattle. He traveled
across the Cascades to the Sound with his stock and thus gained his start in the
business world in the northwest. In 1878 he took up one hundred and sixty acres of
land near Ellensburg and afterward purchased forty acres, so that he owned two
hundred acres in all. L'pon this tract he engaged in raising hay and grain and the
care and precision with which his business aflfairs were conducted and managed
constituted the salient forces in the attainment of his growing success. In 1896 his
home and farm buildings were destroyed by fire, but Mr. Haley immediately rebuilt
and again increased his holdings. For many years he was a director of the High
Line canal and was always identified with movements for the development of the
valley and county. ^i-.
On the 10th of April, 1878, Mr. Haley was united in marriage to Miss Vancha
Hackett, a native of Oregon City, Oregon, and a daughter of John and Ellen (John-
son) Hackett, the former a native of Illinois and the latter of Indiana. They became
pioneer settlers of Oregon, where the father devoted his time and energies to ranch-
ing, but both he and his wife have passed away. To Mr. and Mrs. Haley were born
two children: Katie, the deceased wife of John Sheldon, a resident of Idaho, by
whom she had four children; and .A.llie, a rancher of the Kittitas valley, who is mar-
ried and has one son.
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLFA' 709
Mr. Haley was well known as a representative of the Masonic fraternity. He
had taken the degrees of lodge, chapter, coinmandery and of the Mystic Shrine and
he was also a past grand of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. In politics he
was a republican but he was chiefly known as a prominent rancher and one whose
business afifairs were wisely conducted. I<>om pioneer times he was identified with
the development of this section of the state and his worth was widely acknowledged
by all with whom he came in contact. In his death Kittitas county lost one of its
loyal and public-spirited citizens as well as a man who ever conscientiously met all
obligations of life. An old friend. Austin Mires, said of Mr. Haley shortly after his
death: "Mr. Haley was one of the squarest men I have ever known. He was born
a square, unvarnished man, and he was a friend of every honest inan. All his life he
had it in for crooks." At the time of his death a local paper wrote as follows: "Mr.
Haley has been prominent as one of the pioneer farmers of the county * * * *
He was widely knovi'n and liked in the valley and news of his sudden death comes
as a shock to his many friends." Truly there were many friends whom he had
made during a long and righteous life — friends whom he ever upheld and in whom
he trusted and who in turn gave to him their entire confidence. Having passed the
Psalmist's allotted span of three score years and ten, those dear to him may find
solace in the beautiful life which he led, which gained for him the high respect of
all those with whom he came in contact and which through incessant and painstaking
labor was crowned with a most gratifying material success.
WILLIAM V. E. ROBBINS.
The life record of William V. E. Robbins is an interesting story of a man who
has carefully formulated and given shape to his own character and career. .Actuated
by a spirit of progress, he has faced hardships and difficulties, has overcome obstacles
and step by step has advanced to a desired goal. He is now one of the highly re-
spected ranchers living in the vicinity of Zillah. He was born in Birmingham, Eng-
land, September 26, 1863, a son of Dr. John and Elizabeth (Benton) Robbins. The
father's birth occurred in Birmingham, May 21, 1834, and his death occurred on the
22d of February, 1907, while his wife passed away on the 2d of December, 1902. The
paternal grandaprents were John and Elizabeth (Burton) Robbins, both natives of
England. The former, who was born in England in 1810, died when seventy years
of age and the latter, whose birth occurred in 1812, passed away in 1850. They were
married in 1833. Their son, Dr. John Robbins, acquired his education in a Church
of England school and at the age of fourteen years was apprenticed to a noted en-
graver, for whom he worked for seven years. He then entered business on his own
account with a partner and his work received prizes at the World's Exposition in Lon-
don in the early '50s. He afterward took up the study of medicine under Dr. Hast-
ing, R. C. S., and Dr. Lawrence, S. M. B., but his health failed, and resorting to
outdoor life, he engaged in farming until 1872, when he came to the United States,
taking up his abode in Lincoln, Nebraska. He secured a homestead near Hastings,
Xebraska, but afterward returned to Lincoln and later went to Omaha, where he re-
mained for three years, and while there he engraved the first map of Nebraska for
the Omaha Bee. Subsequently he removed to San Francisco in 1875 and went to
Portland, Oregon, in the same year. In 1878 he removed to the Kittitas valley with
his wife and fourteen children and settled on what is now known as the Springfield
farm, there remaining until his death. He was the first physician in the Kittitas
valley and practiced for three years but gave up professional work when other
physicians came who could take care of the needs of the population in that vicinity.
In the year 1854 Dr. Robbins was married to Mary Ann Garrett, of England, who
passed away March 18, 1859, and later he wedded Elizabeth Benton, who was born
at Leamington, England, March 7, 1839, and passed away December 3. 1902, at the
age of sixty-three years. She was the only child of William Benton, who was valet
to an English nobleman in early life and later engaged in general merchandising.
He and his wife died in England. Dr. Robbins had seventeen children, two of whom
were born of his first marriage and fifteen of the second. The familv became a prom-
(28)
710 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
inent and well known one in Washington. In the fall of 1878, during the Indian
outbreak in Kittitas county, their home was used as a fort by the few families living
in that locality. The life of Dr. Robbins was one of great usefulness. He attained a
high degree of efficiency in various lines and not only was he an able meical prac-
titioner but he also studied veterinary surgery and was the first representative of the
profession in Kittitas county. Both he and his wife were members of the Church of
England and they possessed many admirable traits of character which won them
the confidence, high regard and love of those with whom they came in contact. In
many ways Dr. Robbins left the impress of his ability and individuality upon the
history of the community in which he lived and no record of pioneer development
in this section of the state would be complete without a tribute to the worth of his
work in connection with the early settlement and upbuilding of the state.
William V. E. Robbins of this review acquired a public school education in
Omaha, San Francisco and Portland, as his parents followed the tide of western
emigration and established the family home in these various cities. When his text-
hooks were put aside he assisted his father in the development of the home farm
until he had attained his majority, when he and his brother, Charles O., rented the
home place of the father and later purchased the farm, which they have since culti-
vated together. The ranch is located on Reeser creek, in Kittitas county, and com-
prises six hundred and forty acres of farm land and an equal amount of ranch land.
Upon this place they raise grain, hay and stock, and Mr. Robbins of this review was
busily engaged in the further cultivation and development of that property until
1912, when he and his brother sold the land and the two entered the hardware busi-
ness in Ellensburg. Washington. They conducted their store until 1915, when they
disposed of their stock of hardware and removed to Yakima county. Here they
purchased one hundred and forty-two acres of land four miles north of Toppenish,
constituting one of the improved ranches of the district, whereon they have since
engaged in the raising of hay and corn. They also handle cattle and are conducting
a dairy business.
On the 12th of May, 1914, Mr. Robbins of this review was married to Wil-
helmina .Agnes Finley, who was born in Washington, D. C, a daughter of B. L. and
Maude (Thompson) Finley, who were also natives of the national capital and came
to Washington in 1909, in which year they settled in Ellensburg. There the father
entered the real estate business, in which he has since been engaged. To Mr. and
Mrs. Robbins have been born two children: Wilhelmina Katherinc, now three years
of age; and Esther Blanche.
Mrs. Robbins is a member of the Christian Science church. Mr. Robbins is an
independent democrat in politics and has never been an office seeker. He is a suc-
cessful pioneer rancher and one whose record in the development of his business
interests denotes close application, honorable purpose and successful accomplish-
ment.
MICHAEL A. O'LOUGHLIX.
Michael A. O'Loughlin has the distinction of being the pioneer merchant of
Moxee City. He opened the first store in the town, placing a stock of hardware on
sale, and since that time he has figured prominently in connection with the commer-
cial interests of the place. Mr. O'Loughlin is a native of Ireland, his birth having
occurred in County Clare in February, 1852. His parents, Michael and Margaret
(Maroncy) O'Loughlin, coming to America in 1867, established their home in Wright
county, Minnesota, where the father purchased land and thereafter devoted his atten-
tion to farming, but was only permitted to enjoy his new home for three years when
death claimed him. The family afterward settled near Fort Snelling, not far from
St. Paul, Minnesota, and subsequently became residents of Rosetown, Minnesota.
.At a subsequent period they returned to the old homestead in Wright county and
there the mother passed away in the year 1897.
Michael O'Loughlin. assuming charge of the old farm, cleared and developed it,
transforming it into a valuable property which he afterward sold for the highest
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 711
price paid for any land in the county up to the year 1910, which was the year in which
he disposed of it. He had added to it many modern improvements and equipment
and the eighty-acre tract was indeed a valuable and desirable one.
On disposing of his landed interests in the Mississippi valley Mr. O'Loughlin
came to the northwest, arriving in Yakima county in 1910. Moxee City had just
been founded and he purchased two lots, upon which he erected a store building
and opened a stock of hardware, thus establishing the first mercantile enterprise of
the town. He has added a stock of farm implements and has since conducted an
excellent business, having a large trade. He likewise has a service station for gaso-
line and oil and he also handles Goodyear tires. In his hardware and farm implement
line he handles the best grade of goods obtainable and he has become very widely
known as a most progressive, alert, enterprising and thoroughly reliable merchant.
Mr. O'Loughlin is a member of the Holy Rosary Catholic church of Moxee City
and votes with the republican party. He is well known in his community, where he
has long resided, and his worth as a man and citizen is widely acknowledged.
THOMAS C. McNAMARA.
Thomas C. McXamara, one of the leading orchardists of Yakima county, whose
progressive spirit is manifest in the excellent results which have attended his efforts,
was born in Dayton, Ohio, July 26, 1854, a son of Martin and Johanna (McNahan)
McNamara, both of whom were natives of Ireland. They came to the United States
in lb'4y and established their home in Wisconsin. Later they removed to Dayton,
()hio, but subsequently returned to Wisconsin, settling in Manitowoc county in 1856.
There they lived until 1876. when they went to Nebraska, where the father engaged
in farming to the time of his death, which occurred in 1893, when he had reached the
advanced age of eighty-four years. The mother afterward died at the home of her
son Thomas, when she had reached tlie notalile old age of ninety-three years.
Thomas C. McXamara acquired a public school education in Wisconsin and
through his youthful days was with his father upon the home farm, there remaining
until 1885, at which time his father deeded him one hundred and sixty acres of land.
He was obliged to give up his farm, however, through losses entailed by the hog
cholera. He afterward went to Sterling, Colorado, where he followed railway con-
struction work, and he took up a homestead in Weld county, Colorado. He subse-
quently removed to Utah, where he assisted in building a big canal near Bear creek.
Later he engaged in railway work again, teaming and doing contract work in con-
nection with buildings. It was always his desire, however, to obtain land and have a
home for himself. Selling his team, he went to Montana in 1892 and there entered
upon railway work in connection with the Great Northern. He was next at Ana-
conda, Montana, where he was employed in the smelters for two and a half years.
He had heard much concerning the Yakima country and came to the district to look
at it, arriving in the city of Yakima on the 20th of June, 1898. He had previously
been in twenty different states of the Union and was more pleased with the Yakima
valley than any other district which he had ever seen. He began working in the
hay fields at a wage of a dollar per day. He found that the homestead law had been
changed, so that he could take another homestead, and looking over the new country
on Selah Heights and the lower Xaches, he bought a relinquishment on a homestead
from a Mr. Webster, obtaining one hundred and sixty acres of land in all. This
was risht in the hills of the lower Xaches and there was not a house within a mile.
The land was all wild and undeveloped, being covered with sagebrush, and no one
considered the hills wortli anything. Mr. McNamara, however, cleared twenty acres
of his land the following year and thereon raised a good crop of potatoes, onions and
alfalfa, obtaining water from the Selah ditch. Later the Wapentox ditch extension
was built and Mr. McXamara became foreman of the construction work. This fur-
nished water for ninety acres of his land. .About 1907 he also bought a water right
from the Selah ditch and in 1908 he planted ten acres to apples. He has since sold
all of his land save fifty acres and he now has twenty-five acres planted to fruit
trees and is numbered among the leading orchardists of this section of the state.
712 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
His orchards are in splendid condition. They present a most beautiful picture in
blossom time and one of equal loveliness when the fruit hangs heavy on the trees.
He cares for his fruit in the most systematic and progressive manner and his sales
annually reach a large figure.
On the 27th of Xovember, 1884, Mr. McXamara was married to Miss Catherine
Hanlon, who was born in Nebraska City, a daughter of Edward and Catherine
(McGraw^ Hanlon. both of whom were natives of Ireland, whence they came to
America when young people and were married in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, .\bout
1853 they arrived in Nebraska, being numbered among its pioneers. They lost all of
their gOods in the Mississippi river while crossing by boat, but notwithstanding
this early handicap, Mr. Hanlon became an extensive and successful farmer of Ne-
braska, where he took up a homestead near Dunbar. Later he sold that property and
purchased a large ranch ten miles south of Nebraska City. Both he and his wife
have now passed away. To Mr. and Mrs. McNamara have been born seven children:
Mary Rosalia, the dcecased wife of John Lynch, an attorney of Yakima; Thomas
Albertus. who is ranching on the .Ahtanum and is married and has three children;
Ellen Johanna, who died at the age of seven years and eight months while the family
were in Montana; Edward Patrick, a rancher near Toppenish. who has a wife and two
children; Martin Marcus, a sergeant in the Signal Corps of the United States army.
now in France; John James, who is ranching with his brother; and Bernard Joseph.
at home.
Mr. McNamara and his family are communicants of St. Paul's Catholic church.
in which he has always taken an active and helpful interest. He has also been a
member of the Knights of Columbus for many years. He was formerly a Bryan
democrat but is now a meinber of the Non-Partisan League. He is a successful
farmer, progressive and enterprising, carrying forward to successful completion
whatever he undertakes, and his life should serve as a stimulus to others, showing
what may be accomplished through individual effort.
CHARLES L. CHAPPLE, M. D.
Fruit raising interests in the Tieton valley claim the attention of Dr. Charles L.
Chappie, who to some extent still follows the medical profession but limits his prac-
tice to a small circle. A native of Beldenville, Wisconsin, Dr. Chappie was born
September 5, 1869, a son of William H. and Elizabeth (Phillips) Chappie. The
father's birth occurred in 1819. The mother was born in Canada and was of French
descent. John Chappie, the grandfather, took the family to Canada about 1832 and
in the country passed away. His son, William H. Chappie, in 1856 removed to Wis-
consin, where he bought a farm and there spent the remainder of his life, dying in
1892. He survived his wife for about nine years, her death occurring in 1883.
Charles L. Chappie was reared under the parental roof and attended the common
schools. He was graduated from the L'niversity of Minnesota in 1892, at the age of
twenty-three, with the degree of B. L. He later turned his attention to medicine
and in 1898 was graduated from the medical department of that institution. He then
served for fourteen months as interne at the St. Barnabas Hospital in Minneapolis
and subsequently was for twelve years connected with the State Hospital for the
Insane at Rochester. Minnesota. In 1911 Dr. Chappie came to Yakima county and
bought twenty acres of land on the Tieton, his brother, B. P. Chappie, also acquiring
twenty acres adjoining. The Doctor now has fifteen acres planted to apples, the
remainder being under the plow. He has devoted himself to the cultivation of his
tract and is now comfortably situated.
On the 8th of October. 1905, Dr. Chappie was united in marriage to Miss Grace
Guernsey, who was born in .Mmond, Wisconsin, and is a daughter of George H. and
Miranda (Bearel Guernsey, natives of New York, the former born at Mount Upton
and the latter in Delaware county. In 1855 they removed to Wisconsin and the father,
wh<5 was a nurseryman in New York state, took up general farming in Wisconsin.
Both have passed away. Dr. and Mrs. Chappie have two children, a son and a
daughter, Guernsey Phillips and Helen Marion. They attended the Presbyterian
HISTORY (JF YAKIMA VALLhV 713
church, in the work of which they are helpfully interested. Politically the Doctor
is a republican as regards national politics but in local afTairs he prefers to follow
his own judgment irrespective of party issues. Mrs. Chappie is quite gifted along
musical lines and is a popular teacher. Fraternally Dr. Chappie is a Mason, belong-
ing to the blue lodge, and he and his wife are esteemed residents of Yakima county,
being people of culture and refinement.
JAMES WILLIAM VAUGHN.
.Agricultural interests of Kittitas county find an active and foremost represen-
tative in James William Vaughn, a native of Kansas City, Missouri, born .\ugust 3,
1859, and a son of Drake and Jennie (Jackson) Vaughn, the former a native of Penn-
sylvania and the latter of Kentucky. During the early history of Kansas City the
parents removed to that place, near which the father successfully cultivated a farm.
In 1861 the family removed to Leadville, Colorado, and Mr. Vaughn was numbered
among the discoverers of the famous mines there. Later he took up his residence
in Cheyenne, Wyoming, where he was employed as a blacksmith on railroad . con-
struction work, being connected with the construction gang which built the road up
fo Corinnc, Utah. In 1870 he and his family made their way by wagon to Seattle,
passing through Kittitas county. The ne.xt year, however, they returned to this
county, theirs being the seventh family to settle in the valley. The father took up
government land, to the improvement of which he gave his undivided attention, and
he continued in the successful cultivation of his fields until a few years before his
death, when he retired. His demise occurred in 1914. He was at the head of the
first postoffice to be established in the valley, which was known as Pleasant Grove
and which opened its doors in 1872. He was postmaster there for four or five years,
or until an office was started at Ellensburg. He suffered to some extent from Indian
depredations although no serious consequences resulted. Once three Indians came
to his home, asking for supper, and on being refused for good reasons, they burned
up a lot of valuable fence rails which Mr. Vaughn had brought together with much
labor. His wife is still living in Ellensburg and 'has now reached the venerable age
of eighty-four years. /
James W. Vaughn, having made the various removals with the rest of the family,
was reared under the parental roof and attended public school in the neighborhoods
in which the family resided. .At the age of twenty-four years he bought one hundred
and sixty acres of land si.x miles southwest of Ellensburg. but he has since sold most
of his property, retaining only forty-five acres. He raises hay and also gives con-
siderable attention to live stock, being successful along both lines.
On the 18th of .April, 1886, Mr. Vaughn was united in marriage to Miss Lavinnia
Haynes, a native of Oregon and a daughter of William and Amelia (Stephens)
Haynes, pioneers of that state. In 1876 Mr. and Mrs. Haynes came to the Kittitas
valley and here the father engaged in ranching. He now resides in Hunters. Wash-
ington, but his wife has passed away. He conducted the first hotel-restaurant and
harness shop in Ellensburg. To Mr. and Mrs. Vavighn were born the following
children: Lottie, who married Grover Castor, of Ellensburg: Millie, the wife of Nor-
man Bland, who successfully follows ranching in the Kittitas valley: Benjamin, at
home: and .Archie, aged eleven.
In his political affiliations Mr. A'aughn is a republican, loyally supporting the
candidates of that party. He has ever taken a great interest in local advancement
and has contributed toward the upbuilding and growth of Ellensburg and vicinity.
He is numbered among the early farmers of his district, where his family arrived at
an early da}-. There they lived amid the pioneer conditions that prevailed upon the
frontier among the red men. In those days the family had to freight their flour from
Walla Walla to Ellensburg and later had to bring it from The Dalles. Such were the
conditions when hardly a furrow had been turned in this section of W'ashinston and
Mr. Vaughn is thoroughly conversant with conditions as they existed in the primi-
tive days and also with the development of the present day, having in no small
measure contributed to this development. He has a large acquaintance in the Yakima
714 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
valley and those who know him are agreed as to his high qualities of heart and char-
acter. He holds friendship inviolable and has ever been a public-spirited, loyal citi-
zen, ready to sacrifice his private interests where national objects were involved.
THEODORE \V. CLARK.
Theodore \V. Clark, for twenty-two years a resident of Yakima county, is the
owner of a fine home standing in the midst of fifty acres of highly developed fruit
land. He was born in Windham. Trumbull county, Ohio, April 27, 1842, and has
therefore passed the seventy-seventh milestone on life's journey. Notwithstanding this
fact he is still active in the world's work, his sound judgment and unfaltering enter-
prise being the salient features in the successful conduct of an important business.
His parents were John Harmon and Abigail May (Higley) Clark, the foriner a
native of Ohio, while the latter was born in Massachusetts. The father was a son
of James Harvey Clark, one of the early pioneer settlers of the Buckeye state. He
married Zilpha Brooks, who was born March 11, 1787, a daughter of David and Waty
Brooks, who passed through the Miami massacre in Ohio. The father of Zilpha
(Brooks) Clark died in 1841, while his wife survived until 1844. They had located in
Ohio prior to the Revolutionary war. The grandparents of Theodore W. Clark
m the maternal line were Cyrus and Eunice (Bowen') Higley. natives of Massachu-
setts, in which state they were reared and married. The Higley line is traced back
to John Higley. a native of England, who came to the new world in 1646, and repre-
sentatives of the name served in the Revolutionary war.
In 1844 John Harmon and Abigail May (Higley) Clark removed with their
family from Ohio to Wisconsin, settling near Platteville, at which time Theodore
W. was a little lad of but two summers. In 1847 the father took up a homestead
sixteen miles west of Madison. Wisconsin, in the vicinity of Pine BlufT, and there
resided until 1854, when he went to Mount Hope, Wisconsin. He afterward became
a resident of Bell Center, Crawford county, and there i both he and his wife passed
away.
Theodore W. Clark was reared upon the Wisconsin frontier when that state was
in the process of its initial development. At the time of the Civil war he volun-
teered for active service at the front, enlisting on the 14th of August, 1862, as a
member of Company I, Twentieth Regiment, Wisconsin Infantr}-, and with that com-
mand remained until honorably discharged and mustered out on the 28th of July,
1865. He participated in a number of hotly contested engagements, including the
battles of Vicksburg and Spanish Fort, the campaign in Missouri and the battle of
Springfield, in that state. Following his return from the war Mr. Clark resumed
his education as a student in Pratt's Grove Academy of Wisconsin and afterward
attended a commercial college in Chicago. He also took up the profession of teach-
ing, which he followed for five years, but the greater part of his life has been de-
voted to agricultural interests. He farmed in Wisconsin until 1871, when he removed
to South Dakota, where he took up government land in the vicinity of Canton and
there successfully carried on farming for twenty-five years, or until 1896. In 1894
he made a trip to the Yakima valley, looking over the country, and was so pleased
with the opportunities here offered that two years later he sold his Dakota farm and
on the 11th of April, 1896, established his home in the valley. Here he purchased
land which he at once began to further develop and improve. He now has fifteen
acres, of which twelve acres is planted to orchard. He raises apples, pears, nuts,
strawberries, grapes, raspberries, loganberries and cherries and has excellent facili-
ties for handling and shipping his products. He maintains the highest standards of
production and places upon the market fruit which for size, beauty and flavor can not
be excelled. At this writing Mr. Clark has sold his ranch and is retiring to a beau-
tiful bungalow on Harris and Twentieth avenue, Yakima.
On the 6th of August. 1869. Mr. Clark was married to Miss Maggie E. Tripp,
who was born in Union Grove, Illinois, October 1, 1848, a daughter of Stephen and
Eva Eliza (Hess) Tripp, the former a native of New Brunswick, while the latter was
born in New York. In early life they became residents of Illinois and in 1854 re-
THEODORE W. CLARK
MRS. MAGGIE E. CLARK
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 719
moved to CassviUe, Wisconsin, where they resided until ltS8. They then estab-
lished their home at Blake's Prairie. Wisconsin, and afterward lived at various points
in that state until 1873. when they became residents of South Dakota, where their
remaining days were passed. Mr. and Mrs. Clark have a family of six children:
Harold L.. born June 13. 1870. is married and follows ranching in Yakima county:
Orin A., born August 11, 1872. and now engaged in ranching in the Selali valley, is
married and has six children; Josephine, born September 30, 1874, became the wife ot
W. C. Wimer and died September 11, 1913. leaving three children; Eva May, born
October 12, 1876, is living in Se:ittlc; Lulu V.. born November 27, 1879, became the
wife of Jean W'atts and died September 19. 1915. leaving two children; George, born
February 11. 1882, is married and follows ranching in the Yakima valley.
Mr. Clark and his family are active members of the Methodist church, taking
a helpful interest in everything that pertains to its growth and progress. He belongs
to the Grand Army of the Republic and is a past commander of Meade Post No. 9.
He is patriotic instructor for the post and was chosen to install the officers for 1919.
Taking the deepest interest in the inspiring traditions and purposes of the organiza-
tion, he has ever devoted his time and efforts thereto and has induced the govern-
ment to furnish headstones for his comrades of the L'nion army to the amount of one
hundred and eight, and is thus seeing to it that the places where the heroes of the
rebellion sleep their last sleep are appropriately marked, so that they may remain
hallowed spots and shrines of veneration and worship as well as altars before which
a younger generation of Americans may rejuvenate and rekindle that true patriotism
and sacrificing love of country which ever since the revolution has been the proud-
est heritage of our republic. To the duty of suitably marking the graves Mr. Clark
was appointed by his post. In politics he is a republican and served as township
assessor while in South Dakota but has never been an office seeker, although he is
ever true and faithful to his duties in citizenship and is as unfaltering in his loyalty
to his country as he was when he followed the nation's starry banner upon the
battlefields of the south.
FRANCIS M. McLean.
P'rancis M. McLean is the owner of a valuable ranch of one hundred and twenty
acres in the Cowiche district of Yakima county and from his place there is to be
had one of the finest views in the valley. As evidence of his years of industry there
stands today a handsome residence upon his place and everything about his ranch
bespeaks the progressive, thorough methods which he has ever followed in the
achievement of his success.
A native of Minnesota, he was born in Houston county, October 5, 1859. his
parents being Thomas A. and Sarah (Armstrong) McLean, the former a native of
Ohio and the latter of Pennsylvania. They were early pioneers of Minnesota and in
the '50s they went to Denver, Colorado. In 1862 they removed to Texas, and there
they made their home among the Cherokee Indians for eighteen months. Later
the parents spent a few years in Iowa and then came to the Wenas valley of Wash-
ington, on their way to the Sound, in November, 1865. Not being able to make the
crossing they went around by way of The Dalles and it so happened that they settled
in Clarke county, this state, where they remained for six years. At the end of that
period they retraced their steps to Kansas and later to Texas, going from there to
Arkansas, then to Missouri and Kansas and at length to Colorado, these various
removals covering a period of ten years. In 1884. they again made their way to
Clarke county, this state, and in later life the father came to Yakima county, where
he passed away. The above trips were all made by ox team and the family there-
fore experienced all of the hardships and privations incident to such travel, meeting
with many adventures and also enjoying the romance of the early days. .
Francis M. McLean accompanied the family on their various removals and there-
fore has a thorough knowledge of conditions in all of these states during the pioneer
period. About 1888 he came to Yakima county and at first worked for others,
carefully saving his wages. Thus he was enabled to rent land on the Cowiche and
720 HISTORY OF YAKIMA \ALLEY
later he acquired two hundred and forty acres here but of this he sold all but one
hundred and twenty acres. He devotes his land to grain and hay, following general
farming, and as the years have passed he has become one of the prosperous agri-
culturists of his district, having always followed progressive methods.
In 1890 Mr. McLean married Miss Lillie Frances Masters, a native of the Cowiche
valley and a daughter of Lafayette Masters, a pioneer of this district, who after many
years of farming opened the first store here. He also served as the first postmaster
of Cowiche. To Mr. and Mrs. McLean were born the following named; Alice May
and Rosclla, both deceased; Jesse; Annie, at home; and Ellsworth. Mrs. McLean
passed away in 1913 and in her the family lost a devoted wife and mother. Her
death also caused deep sorrow to many friends, all of whom had learned to love her
for her many good qualities.
Mr. McLean votes independently, giving his support to the candidate whom he
^•onsiders best qualified for the ofiice to which he aspires, and fraternally he is con-
nected vvith the Modern Woodmen of America. He is an honored pioneer who not
only has witnessed wonderful changes in this state but by his labors has contributed
toward making this one of the rich agricultural districts of the country.
JOHX X. BIEVER.
There is perhaps no one better informed concerning realty values or who more
thoroughly understands the realty market in Yakima than does John X. Biever,
who has been a resident of the city for only a brief period but who does with thor-
oughness everything that he undertakes. He was ))orn in Coopcrstown, Wisconsin,
in 1868, a son of John and Elizabeth Biever, both of whom were natives of France.
They removed to Minnesota about 1872 and the father devoted his life to the occu-
pation of farming. Both he and his wife have now passed away.
-After acquiring a public school education John X. Biever gave his attention to
farm work on his father's place until he reached the age of nineteen, when he entered
commercial circles, being employed for a time as a clerk. In 1890 he established a mer-
cantile business on his own account in Hankinson, Xorth Dakota, and subsequently
was numbered among the merchants of Brainerd, Minnesota, where he conducted a
large store, continuing in business successfully there for fourteen years. In 1915,'
however, he sold out and came to Yakima, where he purchased a ranch and also
entered the real estate business in connection with W. J. Burianck, their interests
being conducted under the name of Burianek & Company. Mr. Biever being the junior
partner. He is a man of marked business enterprise, carrying forward to successful
completion whatever he undertakes. Obstacles and difiiculties in his path seem to
serve as an impetus for renevyed effort on his part — effort that results in the attain-
ment of his purpose.
On the 18th of December, 1915, Mr. Biever was married to Miss .Anna Burianek,
of Yakima, a daughter of W'encil Burianek, who came to Washington from Iowa
about 1910. He was born in Bohemia in 1849 and passed away in Yakima in June,
1917. It was in 1873 that he crossed the Atlantic to the L'nited States, settling at
Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He was a wagon maker by trade and followed that business
in the Mississippi valley for a considerable period but in 1898 removed to Cosmo-
polis, Washington, where he had charge of mill work. In 191)9 he became a resident
of Yakima and here lived retired until his demise, for his industry and enterprise
in former years had brought to him a substantial competence that relieved him of
the necessity of further labor in order to provide for his support. In early man-
hood he wedded .Anna Brzak, of Bohemi^, her birth having occurred near Prague.
They were married in the United States in 1877 and Mrs. Burianek passed away in
1910. They had a family of six children, three of whom are living; .Anna, the wife
of John N. Biever; Stanley, who resides in Hoquiam, Washington; and Wencil J.,
who is a lieutenant of the Sixty-second United States Infantry and is a member of
the firm of Burianek & Company, real estate dealers of Yakima. Those who have
passed away are Wencil. Emma and Bessie, who wore respectively the second, third
and fiftli members of the family.
HISTORY OF YAKIM.-v v ALLE\ 721
In his fraternal relations Mr. Bievcr is a Mason, belonging to bfakima Lodge
Xo. 24, F. & A. M.; Yakima Chapter, Xo. 21, R. A. M.; the Lodge of Perfection .No.
11; Rose Croix Chapter, No. 9; Yakima Council of Kadosh; and also to Afifi Temple
of the Mystic Shrine. He is likewise connected with the Benevolent Protective Order
of Elks and he has membership in the Commercial Club, cooperating heartily in
all of its plans and movements for the upbuilding of the city, the extension of its
trade relations and the upholding of its civic standards. In politics he is an active
republican, giving earnest support to the principles of the party in which he so
firmly believes. He has never been an aspirant for office, however, as he has pre-
ferred to give his undivided attention to his business affairs, and through his close
application and unfaltering enterprise he has gained for himself a very creditable
position in business circles. He is now the owner of an excellent fruit and stock
ranch in the Yakima valley and in addition is carrying on an extensive real estate
business in Yakima, meeting with well deserved success. He has ever been persis-
tent in purpose, sagacious and of sound judgment. J-le has long realized that when
one avenue of opportunity seems closed he can carve out another path whereby he
may reach the desired goal and it is this trait of character that has brought him to a
creditable and enviable position among the business men of his adopted city.
PETER J. HERKE.
There is no phase of pioneer development in the west with which Peter J. Herke
is not familiar and he has lived to see the marked transformation of this section
of the country. He is now identified with ranching interests near Wapato. His birth
occurred in Germany, July 25, 1865, his parents being Antone and Gertrude (Kramer)
Herke. who were also natives of that country but brought their family to the United
States in 1870. They made their way westward to California, where they lived for
six months and then came to the Yakima valley by way of The Dalles, Oregon, trav-
eling by team to their destination. They proceeded to the Ahtanum and took up a
homestead of one Inindred and sixty acres a short distance above the old Catholic
mission. They had only a few neighbors at that time and these were widely scat-
tered. Wild game could be easily obtained, including venison, for deer were then
plentiful in the district. Bears were also frequently shot and there was every evi-
dence of frontier life. The Herke family were among the first settlers and shared
in all of the hardships and privations incident to the establishment of a home in a
region hitherto uninhabitated by white men. The Dalles, Oregon, was their nearest
postoffice — a distance of one hundred miles. The father left Germany in order to get
away from the militarism and autocracy of that country. After coming to the
Yakima valley he walked one hundred and fifty miles to Walla Walla, Washington,
to take out his first papers of citizenship. The kaiser was trying to get him back
into Germany so that his son, Peter J., could be made to serve in the German army,
but Mr. Herke frustrated that plan and became a loyal and progressive .American
citizen. After living in Yakima county for a time he purchased one hundred and
sixty acres of land on the Parker Bottoms and resided thereon to the time of his
death. He owned altogether two and a half sections of valuable land in the valley
and became one of the best known and most successful farmers of the district. He
passed away in the year 1908, having for a long period survived his wife, who died
in 1879.
They were the parents of ten children, five of whom have passed away, the eldest
being Barbara, now deceased. Peter J. is the second member of the family. Kate
became the wife of .Adam Fleck, who has now departed this life and his widow
resides in Oregon. She has eight children. J. A., the fourth member of the family,
is engaged in ranching near Tampico. Gertrude is also identified with ranching in-
terests near Tampico. Mary is deceased. Frank is a rancher near Wapato. Joseph,
who follows ranching near Tampico, has a wife and two children. Philip died in
infancy. Two other children of the family died in infancy in Missouri, where the
family had stopped for a short time while en route for the west.
Peter J. Herke has been largely reared upon the western frontier and is familiar
722 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
with every phase of pioneer life in Washington. He assisted his father in the arduous
task of breaking the sod and developing new land. He can well remember all of the
experiences of the Indian days. The red men would come by the house, emitting
wild war whoops, yet the family were never molested. It was no unusual thing to
see bear tracks in the yard and wild cats and cougars made the night hideous with
their screaming. As the years passed, however, the seeds of civilization were
planted and bore rich fruit and the conditions of pioneer life were supplanted by
modern-day conditions, making Yakima county one of the progressive districts of
the northwest.
Mr. Herke is now the owner of a ranch of ten acres near Donald. He also en-
gages in selling wood and coal and he has built and operates a fine warehouse on
Donald. His home is a beautiful and attractive residence near the town and he has
two grown daughters: Rosie, who was born in 1896 and is the wife of Verne Brown,
a resident of Kirkland, Washington, by whom she has two children; and Lcona, who
was born in 1894, and resides in Los .\ngeles, California.
Mr. Herke speaks the Indian language as well as English and his native tongue
and he thoroughly knows the ways of the red men. He has attended their war
dances and has seen them wearing the scalps of innocent white men and women. He
has looked upon many of the pole and adobe forts that the settlers made in order
to protect themselves from the savages and he has lived to witness remarkable
changes as the years have passed by.
ALBERT A. DALTON.
The voyage of life for Albert A. Dalton has at times been a rough and tempes-
tuous one, but he has come to anchor at last in a safe harbor, being now most pleas-
antly located in Yakima county. His experiences have indeed been varied. He has
met the hardships of prospecting and mining in .'Maska, has pioneered in different
sections of the country, but is now meeting with substantial profit through his wisely
directed efforts as an orchardist of the Yakima valley.
Mr. Dalton was born in Terre Haute. Indiana, February 16, 1869, a son of
Michael and Susan (Keys) Dalton, The father was born in Virginia and in 1849,
attracted by the discovery of gold on the Pacific coast, made his way to California.
L^pon his return eastward he located in Indiana and there devoted his life largely to
farming and mining. It was in that state that he wedded Susan Keys, who was born
in Evansville, Indiana. His death occurred in the Hoosier state in 1877, while his
wife survived him for twenty years, passing away in 1897.
.Albert A. Dalton mastered the branches of learning taught in the public schools
near his father's farm and before attaining his majority went to Cheyenne, Wyoming.
Later he was a resident of Colorado, where he was employed as a cowboy, and
afterward he engaged in railway construction work in New Mexico. He next went
to Seattle in 1890, and was there engaged in the dairying business on his own account
until 1896. In the latter year he went to Alaska, being one of the first to go over the
Chilkoot Pass. He stopped at Sixty Mile Post and thence proceeded up the Indian
river and to the headwaters of the Klondike. He opened a claim on Gold Bottom
and engaged in freighting by boat and by pack trains. The short seasons there, how-
ever, made it necessary for him to give up the claim but nevertheless he had worked
out a good grubstake. Subsequently he staked a claim on Hunker creek, twenty-
seven miles from Dawson, and from that made over thirty-three thousand dollars
but lost it all in The Last Chance. Later he spent two years in Seattle but again
returned to Alaska and was one of the first to go over the Fairbanks trail. His raft
was wrecked on the Tananna river and he lost everything but his blankets. He
worked on Cleary creek for F. G. Manley in the vicinity of Fairbanks, becoming
foreman of his employer's interests at that point. Mr. Dalton obtained an interest
in other claims but finally sold out his mining property at a good price and with
the capital thus secured returned to Seattle. It was in 1908 that he made his way
over to the Yakima valley and purchased eighteen acres of two-year-old orchards.
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY Hi
He now has a fine orcliard proptrty and is meeting with very substantial success
as tlie result of his careful cultivation tliereof.
On the 18th of December, 1898, Mr. Dalton was married to Miss Josie Soper,
who was born in Virginia City, Nevada, a daughter of T. D. and Caroline (.Sand-
rock) Soper, her father a pioneer mining man of Nevada now living in Seattle. He
is a stepson of Joseph B. McCurdy, who was a pioneer of Nevada and about 1898
came to Yakima, county. Mr. Soper was born in Indiana and his wife in Missouri.
Mr. and Mrs. Dalton have two children: Charles, seventeen years of age. residing
in Seattle: and Ruth, aged four.
Fraternally Mr. Dalton is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fel-
lows and expects to ioin the Masons and he also has membership with the Sour
Doughs, a society that draws its membership from former residents of Alaska. His
political faith is that of the socialist party. There is no phase of pioneering in the
northwest with which he is not familiar, and though he has met many obstacles,
hardships and difficulties, he has overcome these by determined purpose and has
had the sound judgment to know when and where to make investments and sales.
This has enabled him to gain a good start in life and he is today the owner of valu-
able orchard property in the Yakima \alley. from which he derives a gratifying
annual income.
DAVID P. BROWN.
David P. Brown owns and occupies a beautiful home in the Selah valley which
he erected in 1914. It is typical of the spirit of enterprise which has guided him in
all of his business relations throughout his entire life. Mr. Brown is a native of the
state of New York, his birth having occurred in Washington county. May 5, 1861,
his parents being William and Jane (Ostrander) Brown, who were also born in the
Empire state, where the father followed the occupation of farming. The family re-
moved to Kansas City. Missouri, and there the father and mother both passed
away.
David P. Brown obtained a public school education in the Empire state and was
reared to the occupation of farming, early becoming familiar with the best methods
of tilling the soil and caring for the crops. He aided in the work of the fields during
vacation periods and after his school days were over farmed his father's place in
New York. In 1880, however, the family left the Empire state and removed west-
ward to Kansas City, Missouri, where David P. Brown worked for Armour & Com-
pany for a period of five years.
In 1885 he arrived in Washington, making his way to Taconia, where he secured
employment at the carpenter's trade, which he followed in that city for about fifteen
years. He then came to Yakima county and purchased fifteen acres of land on
Selah Heights. The tract was covered with sagebrush, just as it came from the
hand of nature, and gave little indication of ever being anything but an arid and
useless stretch. Great changes have since been wrought and Mr. Brown has taken
an active part in the development of the place which he purchased. Today he has
thirteen acres in apples and his orchards are most attractive in appearance. His
work is systematically done and an air of neatness and thrift pervades his place.
He closely studies the best methods of caring for the trees, uses the best sprays
and in his planting secures nursery stock splendidly adapted to soil and climatic
conditions here. He is a member of the Yakima County Fruit Growers Associa-
tion and is interested in everything that has to do with horticultural interests of the
northwest.
On the 4th of September, 1881, Mr. Brown was united in marriage to Miss Anna
R. Wilson, a native of New York and a daughter of Washington and Paulina (Madi-
son) Wilson. Mr. and Mrs. Brown have become parents of one child, Alva, who
was born June 4, 1884. and is at home. Mr. Brown and his family are members of
the Baptist church and occupy an enviable position in social circles. In politics he
maintains an independent course, voting for men and measures rather than for party.
He is interested, however, in all that has to do with the welfare and progress of his
724 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
community and his aid and support can be counted upon to further progressive
plans and measures. His reliability as a business man is attested by all with whom
he has dealings and his enterprising labors have constituted a valuable contribu-
tion to the material upbuilding of the section in which he lives.
JOSEPH B. FREEMAN.
Joseph B. Freeman is the owner of an excellent property of twenty acres, which
he purchased before the town of Grandview was established. He acquird this land
in 190S. at which time it was a tract of sagebrush. Today it is a most highly culti-
vated property, devoted to the raising of cereals and fruit, and in his business aflfairs
Mr. Freeman is meeting with gratifying success. He was born in Germany, August
24, 1865, a son of Jacob and Mary Freeman, who were farming people. He came
to the United States in 1882 and took up his abode in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where
he resided for eight years. Afterward he traveled largely over the United States
and about 1890 became a resident of the Yakima valley, where he worked for wages
and was also engaged in railroad work for several years.
It was in .April, 1906, that Mr. Freeman purchased his present propety. acquir-
ing twenty acres near the present townsite of Grandview. It seemed a difficult task
to clear away the sagebrush and make this a fertile and productive tract of land,
but with characteristic energy he began the work and good results were secured
because of his untiring industry and determination. He improved the farm
erected thereon a good house and barns and he has now four acres planted to fruit
trees, while the remainder is plow land, on which he is raising hay and corn. His
fields now bring forth good crops and his orchards produce a large amount of fruit
annually. His work is wisely, systematically and successfully conducted and he is
meeting with gratifying returns as a reward for his labors.
On November 26, 189.S, Mr. Freeman was married to Miss Margaret A. Karney,
who was born in Iowa. Their children were six in number: Myrtle, who died at
the age of nineteen years; and Thomas, Josephine, Irene, Joseph and Margaret, all
yet at home.
The religious faith of the family is that of the Catholic church and fraternally
Mr. Freeman is connected with the Brotherhood of American Yeomen. His political
endorsement is given to the democratic party and he served for one term as a mem-
ber of the school board. He prefers to concentrate his efforts and attention, how-
ever, upon his ranching interests. He has long realized that close application is one
of the strong foundation stones of .success and his indefatigable energy and indus-
try are bringing to him the substantial and desirable rewards of labor.
FINGAL A. GOTHBERG.
Fingal A. Gothberg is prominent among the citizens of Swedish birth who have
contributed in such large measure to the development of Academy Heights and other
sections of Yakima county. He is winning substantial success as an orchardist and
his life record should serve to inspire and encourage others, showing what can be
accomplished through individual effort and determination. Mr. Gothberg was born
in Sweden, October 25, 1870, a brother of Gottfreid Gothberg, who is mentioned
elsewhere in this work. He remained a resident of his native country until he had
attained his majority, coming to the United States in 1891. He first took up his
abode in Chicago, where he was employed at sheet metal building work, and in 1900
he made his way to Nome, Alaska, where he remained for about seven years, owning
a fine mine near Nome. Eventually, however, he disposed of his mining interests
there and in 1909 visited Sweden. As he did not care to remain, however, and after
spending some time in pleasant association with relatives and friends of his early
life he returned to the new world. He visited for a brief period in California and
then came to Yakima county, where he purchased twelve acres of land on .Academy
FINGAL A. GOTHBERG
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 727
Heights, and in connection with two others purchased four hundred and fifty acres
here, which he developed and sold in small tracts. In this undertaking he was asso-
ciated with F. Xelson and L. Stephenson and the undertaking proved one of sub-
stantial profit. They have sold about two-thirds of the entire amount and are now
developing the balance, selling it in small lots. They recognized the value of the
land when properly developed and knew that there must come a demand for it.
They have thus realized a good income on their investment. Mr. Gothberg has also
greatly improved his private holdings. He built a fine home upon his place, also
erected large barns and in fact has added all modern equipment. His interests in
association with his partners are conducted under the name of the Jupiter Invest-
ment Company, with Mr. Gothberg as the vice president. This company also still
owns mining interests in .-Xlaska, together witli the orchard property in the Yakima
valley.
On the 4th of February, 1913, Mr. Gothberg was united in marriage to Miss Eliza-
beth S. Isaacson, who was born in Sweden, a daughter of August and Emma Isaac-
son, the former now deceased, while the latter resides in Minnesota, to which place
the family removed during the early girlhood of Mrs. Gothberg. They were farm-
ing people, the father always devoting his life to general agricultural pursuits. To
Mr. and Mrs. Gothberg have been born two children, Irma Elizabeth and Dagmar
Marie. The parents are members of the Swedish Mission church, in the work of
which they are deeply interested, doing all in their power to promote it? growth and
e.xtend its influence.
Mr. Gothberg supports the republican party but has never been an office seeker.
He was the first man to break land on .Academy Heights and his example as a pio-
neer settler has been followed by many, so that the district in which he took the
initial step along the line of cultivation and improvement has been transformed into
one of the productive regions of the Yakima valley. Mr. Gothberg has never had
occasion to regret his determination to come to the new world, for he here found
the opportunities which he sought and in their utilization he has advanced steadily
toward success.
JERRY M. WHEELER.
Jerry M. Wheeler, proprietor of a country store situated ten miles up the Naches
valley from Yakima, is there conducting a profitable and growing business owing
to the enterprising spirit that underlies all that he attempts. He was born in In-
dependence. Iowa. December 10, 1863, a son of John P. and Elizabeth (Middleton')
Wheeler. The father was one of the first settlers of Independence, where he es-
tablished a lumberyard which he conducted successfully for sixteen years and then
removed to Kansas in 1879. He was engaged in ranching in the Sunflower state
until 188.S, in which year he came to Washington, settling at Grays Harbor, where
he resided until 1888. He then became a resident of Yakima county and purchased
a small ranch near the city of Yakima, upon which he continued to reside until the
time of his death, which occurred in 1893. His widow survived him for a number of
years, passing away in 1908.
Jerry M. Wheeler is indebted to the public school system of Iowa for his educa-
tional opportunities. He went with his father to Kansas and assisted in the develop-
ment of the home place there until he began ranching on his own account in that
state. He afterward came to Yakima county, bringing his father with him, and
worked in various ways in the northwest. He was the first express delivery agent
in Yakima, acting in that capacity for two years. Later he cultivated a tract of rented
land for eight years and in 1906 he opened a general store ten miles from Yakima up
the Naches valley and has since successfully conducted it. He carries a large and
carefully selected line of groceries, hardware, dry goods and shoes, having an ex-
cellent country store. He studies the wishes and needs of the surrounding popula-
tion and is thus ready to meet their demands. Moreover, the integrity of his busi-
ness methods and the enterprise which governs the conduct of his business have
been salient elements in the attainment of his prosperity.
728 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
On the 10th of December, 1885, Mr. Wheeler was married to Miss Amelia
Koehn, a native of Illinois. Their children are four in number: Edith, the wife
of George Coverdale, a rancher of Naches; Clara, deceased; Alvina and Caroline,
both at home.
Fraternally Mr. Wheeler is connected with the Loyal Order of Moose, the
Royal Neighbors and is a charter member of the Modern Woodmen camp at Yakima.
In politics he is a republican where national questions and issues are involved but
at local elections votes independent of party ties. He has served on the school board
and the cause of education finds in him a stalwart champion. He is the pioneer
merchant of the Xaches valley and as a representative business man and reliable
citizen is highly esteemed in the community.
JOSEPH CALVIX WALKER.
Joseph Calvin Walker is a self-made man whose success is the direct result
of earnest and unfaltering labor. Today he is the owner of a good ranch property
of thirty-five acres two miles west of Emerald. He was born in Marion county,
Iowa, August 27, 1863, a son of Jesse and Rhoda Miranda (Childers) Walker, who
were pioneer settlers of the Hawkeye state, where the father died in 1865 and the
mother in 1871.
Joseph C. Walker was thus left an orphan when a little lad of but eight years
and spent his youthful days in the home of an uncle, acquiring a public school educa-
tion. In 1879 he went to Nebraska, where he worked on a ranch, and later he took
up government land and began the development of a farm. Eventually he sold that
property preparatory to removing to the northwest. He made his way to Port
Townsend. Washington, where he arrived on the 9th of November, 1882, and there
he engaged in the draying and transfer business until 1894, when he came to Yakima
county and entered the employ of David Longmire. for whom he worked for his
board. Later he worked for wages and in due course of time he leased land near
Yakima, which he cultivated for three years. While thus engaged he carefully saved
his earnings and in 1899 he purchased ten acres on South Nob Hill, of which he
planted four acres to orchards. The remainder of his land was devoted to the
raising of hay and potatoes. He sold out there in October, 1917. however, and pur^
chased thirty-five acres two miles west of Emerald, Washington. Upon this plact
he raises hay, potatoes and corn and he now has a well developed ranch property
from which he annually derives a substantial income.
On Christmas day of 1894 Mr. Walker was united in marriage to Miss Cora
.'\umiller, who was born in Mendota, Illinois, a daughter of William and .'\nna Eliza-
beth (Mcllroy) Aumiller, who were natives of Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Walker
have become parents of three children: Jesse Edgar, who married Myrtle Whidden
and is now a member of the United States army: William Eugene, who enlisted on
the 10th of .'^pril, 1917, and has been with the LTnited States Marines in France: and
Earl, at home.
Mr. Walker and his family are well known in the community where they re-
side and have gained many warm friends in their part of Yakima county. He has
won a place among the substantial ranchers and certainly deserves much credit for
■ what he has accomplished. His life illustrates the possibilities for achievement
through energy, enterprise and determination and his record should serve to in-
spire and encourage others.
WILLIAM S. ROSS.
The agricultural interests of the Kittitas valley find a worthy representative
in William S. Ross, who has followed farming in Kittitas county for 'the past eleven
years and now resides on a highly improved property five miles west of Ellens-
burg. His birth occurred in Harrison county, Missouri, on the 2Sth of June, 1874,
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 729
liis parents being Branson M. and Susan Anise (Terhune) Ross, who were natives
of Ohio and Indiana respectively and were married in Iowa. They removed to
Missouri in 1862 and there continued to make their home until 1888, when they
journeyed westward to Idaho. In the latter state Mr. Ross turned his attention to
agricultural and horticultural pursuits, being engaged in farming and in fruit raising
with good success. He is still living in Idaho, but his wife has passed away.
William S. Ross acquired a public school education in Missouri and was a
youth of fourteen when he accompanied his parents to the west. Aiding in the
operation of the home farm in Idaho, he early became familiar with the duties and
labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist and he remained the active assistant
of his father until thirty-one years of age. The year 1907 witnessed his arrival in
Kittitas county, Washington, where he purchased one hundred and fifteen acres of
land l)ut subsequently sold forty acres of the property. He disposed of the entire
farm three years later and purchased a tract of one hundred and sixteen acres near
Thrall, on which he resided for seven years. On the expiration of that period, in
1917, he again acquired possession of his former place of seventy-five acres, situated
five miles west of Ellensburg, where he has since made his home. His holdings now
comprise one hundred and ninety-one acres of rich and productive land and he is
successfully engaged in the raising of hay and grain as well as stock, including
horses. His farming interests are conducted along progressive and modern lines
and prosperity is attending his well directed labors.
On the 13th of Xovember, 1907, Mr. Ross was united in marriage to Miss Xorna
Roth, a native of Hancock county, Illinois, and a daughter of August and Lucy
Roth, who were pioneer settlers of Idaho. Mr. and Mrs. Ross now have three
children: Delta, Anise and William Edward.
Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Ross has supported the
men and measures of the republican party and his cooperation can ever be counted
upon to turther measures and movements looking to the general welfare. By the
able management of his business afTairs he has won the proud .'\mcrican title of .■'
self-made man and his career has ever been such as to elicit the esteem and regard
of those who know him.
ROSS K. TIFFANY.
It is a current saying in the Yakima valley that if you want to know anything
about irrigation ask Ross K. TifTany, project manager for the United States recla-
mation service. His active work in this field has indeed made him an authority upon
questions relative to the development of irrigation systems in otherwise arid dis-
tricts and his labors have been of the greatest benefit to the northwest. He was
born in Union, Iowa, June 11, 1879, a son of W. J. and Harriet Emily (Kerr) Tif-
fany, who liecame residents of Iowa in 1872, removing to that state from Ohio. The
father devoted his early life to the occupation of fanning and afterward turned his
attention to merchandising but is now living retired.
Ross K. Tiffany was accorded liberal educational opportunities and is a graduate
of the civil engineering course in Cornell College of Iowa of the class of 1900. He
later took up special work in irrigation in the Washington State College in 1901,
after which he became connected with private irrigation companies in the Yakima
valley, including a company having in charge the Sunnyside canal. He was thus
associated from 1901 until 1906, having to do with the development and operation
of that canal system, which was owned by the Washington Irrigation Company. In
the latter year he was given charge of land development work by the Washington
Irrigation Company and continued to serve in that capacity until 1910. He also did
outside engineering work in Washington and Oregon. In the year indicated he be-
came superintendent of irrigation on the Sunnyside canal for the United States gov-
ernment and in 1912 was made project manager for Sunnyside. In 1914 he was made
project manager for the Sunnyside and Tieton systems and also of the development
of a complete reservoir system. His work is largel}- in charge of operation in con-
nection with the irrigation interests of the district and he has also built important
730 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
extensions to the systems uni^er his control, which cover one hundred and forty
thousand acres of land. He is one of the most active and valued men of the Yakima
valley in connection with the development of the irrigation interests and his labors
have been most far-reaching and resultant. He has closely studied every problem
connected with the work, is familiar with every practical and scientific phase of
the business and knows the value of land and the possibilities of development. He
is in charge of the investigation concerning the development of new projects for
irrigation and as he prosecutes his work he is continually adding to the productivity
of hitherto arid regions and thus enhancing property values and the general pros-
perity of the state.
On the 3d of July. 1903, Mr. Tiffany was married to Miss Ella Eicher, of Ains-
worth, Nebraska, and they have become parents of a son and a daughter, Ross K.,
Jr., and June. In addition to a pleasant home in Yakima Mr. Tiffany owns two
fine fruit ranches in the valley from which he is deriving a substantial income. He
belongs to Sunnyside Lodge, No. 138, A. F. & A. M., also to Sunnyside Chapter, R.
A. M. In politics he maintains an independent course. He is president of the Com-
mercial Club of Yakima and in that connection is doing important work along the
lines of public development and improvement, his labors bringing about many desired
results, while his leadership in this connection at all times works for public good.
THOMAS B. GOODWIN.
"Westward the star of empire takes its way," and Thomas B. Goodwin, now
deceased, was among those who followed that star on its westward way. He became
identified with the pioneer development of various states and eventually reached
the Pacific coast country, and Washington numbered him among her substantial and
worthy citizens. He was born in Putnam, Indiana, July 24, 1846, a son of Rolla
and Hannah (Gardner) Goodwin, who in 1852 removed with their family to Iowa,
casting in their lot with the early settlers of that state. In 1864 Mr. Goodwin trav-
eled by ox team and wagon to Omaha, Nebraska, in company with a brother and
neighbor and also went on to Montana but returned the same year. Thomas B.
Goodwin then spent two years upon his father's farm in Iowa, after which he pur-
chased a home in Wayne county, that state, and concentrated his efforts and atten-
tion upon its development. He later sold that property and invested in cattle, but
the investment proved an unfortunate one and he lost everything. In 1873 he made
his way westward to California and after living for a time in the Golden state pro-
ceeded northward to Portland, Oregon, where he remained until 1877 and then came
to Kittitas county, Washington. He and his cousin, Thomas Goodwin, brought the
first "header" into the valley. Thomas B. Goodwin purchased land a mile and a
half west of Thorp and in time acquired one thousand acres of land, of which he
placed nearly five hundred acres under cultivation, becoming one of the prominent
and representative farmers of his section of the state.
It was in 1865 that Thomas B. Goodwin was united in marriage to Miss Sarah
Cumberland, who was born in Indiana in 1841, a daughter of Moses and Amanda
(McClung) Cumberland, the former a native of Ohio, while the latter was born in
Indiana. The death of Mrs. Goodwin occurred in 1893 and on the 3d of June. 1896,
Mr. Goodwin married her sister, Jennie Cumberland. The children born of the first
marriage are: Elmer, a rancher on the Wenas, who is married and has six children;
Launa, the wife of Isaac Burns, a rancher, by whom she has four sons and three
daughters; Jennie, the wife of Reuben M. Osborn of Kittitas county and the mother
of one son; Norman, of Tacoma, who is married and has one son; Lillian, Oce and
Olive, all at home; Stanley E., a rancher of the Kittitas valley, who has a wife and
one son; and .Aubrey, who is married and follows ranching in the Kittitas valley.
Mr. and Mrs. Goodwin also reared Patrick C. Cox. who became a member of their
household at the age of ten years and remained with them a part of the time until
he attained his majority. He is now mess sergeant in the Marine Corps of the
United States navy. He has served in China, having been connected with the navy
since 1911. He is married and has a da.ughter.
THOMAS B. GOODWIN
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 73J
Mr. Goodwin attended the Christian church and guided his life by high and
honorable principles. His political allegiance was given to the democratic party
and he exerted considerable influence over public thought and action, especially
along political lines. In 1891 he served as a member of the state legislature and gave
earnest and thoughtful consideration to all the vital questions which came up for
settlement. He passed away on the 15th of April, 1917, when he was in the seventy-
first year of his age. He was widely known and greatly beloved by all with whom
he had come in contact, for he possessed many sterling traits of character and his
worth was recognized by all who knew him.
JOHN A. KINNEAR.
John A. Kinnear, largely devoting his time to fruit raising near Zillah, was born
in New Brunswick, April 27, 1860, a son of Lennox and Zena (Tingley) Kinnear,
both of whom were natives of New Brunswick, where the father devoted his atten-
tion to the occupation of farming and where he continued to make his home until his
demise. His wife also died in that country.
John A. Kinnear acquired a public school education and remained upon the home
farm until he reached the age of twenty, dividing his time between attendance at
school and the work of the fields. On leaving home he went to Illinois, where he
worked for wages, remaining in the employ of one man for five years — a fact indi-
cative of his capability and faithfulness. He then returned home, spending another
year in New Brunswick, after which he went to Manitoba, Canada, where he took up
government land and carried on farming for fifteen years. In 1901 he arrived in the
Yakima valley and purchased twenty acres near Outlook. After five months, however,
he sold that property, receiving more than double what he had paid for it. He
ne.xt invested in eleven acres two miles west of Zillah, the land being at that time
planted to alfalfa. He has converted this, however, into an orchard property, rais-
ing apples, pears and prunes, and his trees are in excellent condition owing to the
thoroughness of his care and propagation. He has built a good house upon his
place, also substantial barns and now has a fine ranch property.
On the ISth of May, 1884, Mr. Kinnear was married to Miss Elizabeth A. Lund,
who was born in New Brunswick, a daughter of John and Mary Ann Luncf. Their
children are: Jennie, who died at the age of four years; and Mabel, the wife of
George Silvers, a rancher near Zillah, by whom she has two children, Frances and
Mildred.
Mr. Kinnear gives his political allegiance to the republican party and keeps well
informed on the questions and issues of the day. He cooperates in all plans and
measures for the general good and does everything in his power to bring about
public progress and improvement, while at the same time he is carefully and suc-
cessfully directing his private business interests.
CHARLES MOREHEAD.
There is great credit due Charles Morchead, a successful agriculturist of Kittitas
county, for what he has achieved in life, as he has attained his present prosperity
practically unassisted, now owning a valuable property of one hundred and seventy
acres four and a half miles west of Ellensburg. He is a native of Linn county, Iowa,
and was born February 11, 1870, his parents being Joseph Charles and Matilda
Jane (Larkin) Morehead, honored pioneers of Iowa. Subsequently they decided to
remove farther west in order to profit by the opportunities presented in a newer
country and became residents of Goldendale, Washington, in 1870, journeying here
by team. The father took up a homestead, to the cultivation of which he devoted
the rest of his active life, but is now living retired in Goldendale. His birth oc-
curred in 1842, while his wife was born in Iowa in 1843.
Charles Morehead was reared under the parental roof and in the acquirement of
(29)
734 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
his education attended the public schools. Laying aside his textbooks, he then took
up agricultural pursuits and continued to assist his father in the farm work until
the age of twenty-seven, when he operated the farm at Goldendale for a time on
his own account. From there he went to Lynn, Washington, and purchased a ranch
in 1903. remaining upon that porperty until he came to Kittitas county in 1906. He
acquired one hundred and twenty acres four and a half miles west of Ellensburg,
to which he has since added a tract of fifty acres, so that his property now comprises
one hundred and seventy acres, which is largely devoted to the raising of hay and
grain. Upon his farm he has built a substantial home and has also erected com-
modious barns for the shelter of his stock and grain and has installed modern equip-
ment, so that his property is now accounted one of the most valuable of the neigh-
borhood. His place was formerly known as the Ed Russell farm and upon it there
still remains one old building which was there erected in 1871 and is considered- one
of the earliest buildings in the valley.
On the 21st of November, 1897, Mr. Morehead was united in marriage to Miss
Emma Crawford, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Crawford, of Goldendale, Wash-
ington. To this union were born three children, a son and two daughters. Orris
is in the United States Marine service. The daughters are Wilma and Elma Doris.
Mr. and Mrs. Morehead enjoy the respect of all who know them and have many
friends in Ellensburg and vicinity, all of whom speak of them in terms of enduring
regard.
Politically Mr. Morehead is a republican, following that lead as far as national
issues are concerned , but preferring to vote independently in regard to local politics.
-Mthough a loyal American, thoroughly in accord with all measures undertaken on
behalf of the general public, Mr. Morehead has never been a politician in the com-
monly accepted sense of the word, giving his undivided attention to his farming in-
terests, along which line he has met with gratifying success. By instituting modern
and progressive methods he has not only attained individual prosperity but has con-
tributed in a large measure to the upbuilding of agricultural interests in his section
of the state and his reputation as a business man as well as a private citizen is
without blemish.
JAMES A. CADWALLADER.
James A. Cadwallader, who has been actively and successfully identified with
farming interests in Yakima county during the past decade, is the owner of sixty
acres of rich and productive land on the Tieton. His birth occurred in McDonough
county, Illinois, on the 12th of August, 1877, his parents being George W. and
Sarah (Nichols) Cadwallader, who established their home in Kansas in 1879. The
father purchased land in Washington county of the latter state and there continued
to reside to the time of his demise, which occurred in 1898. The mother still sur-
vives, making her home with a son in Washington county, Kansas.
James A. Cadwallader acquired a public school education in his youth and after
putting aside his textbooks turned his attention to general agricultural pursuits, being
engaged in farming in Kansas until 1909. When thirty-two years of age he came to
the northwest and settled in Yakima county, Washington, where he purchased twenty
acres of land on the Tieton. He has since purchased an additional tract of forty
acres, so that his place now comprises sixty acres of land, which he has devoted
to the raising of hay, grain and potatoes. The farm today bears little resemblance
to the tract which came into his possession, for the sagebrush has been transformed
into fertile fields and rich crops of farm produce annually reward the care and labor
of the owner.
On the 17th of November, 1909. Mr. Cadwallader was united in marriage to Miss
Laura Payne, a native of Washington county, Kansas, and a daughter of Frank J.
and May (Wiley) Payne, who were natives of Iowa and Wisconsin respectively.
They became pioneer settlers of the Sunflower state, where they were married and
where the father took up a homestead. Subsequently they removed from Washing-
ton county to Norton county, Kansas, where Mr. Payne passed away in 1899 and
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 735
where his widow still makes her home. To Mr. and Mrs. Cadwallader has been
born a daughter. Edith May, whose natal day was November 12, 1916.
In his political views Mr. Cadwallader is a republican while fraternally he is
identified with the Modern Woodmen of America. His wife is a consistent and de-
voted member of the Methodist church. Both are highly esteemed in the com-
munity in which they reside and Mr. Cadwallader is widely recognized as a sub-
stantial agriculturist and representative citizen who well deserves the proud Ameri-
can title of a self-made man.
THEODORE THOMAS HOLLEN.
Theodore Thomas Hollcn, better known among his friends — who are legion —
as "Ted" Hollen, was born in Erie, Pennsylvania, December 22, 1882, a son of Joseph
and Harriett (Thomas) Hollen, the former a native of Wales, while the latter was
born in Brownsville, Pennsylvania. The father became a very prominent and influ-
ential citizen of Erie, Pennsylvania, where he was a large property owner and where
he exerted marked influence over public thought and action, especially in connection
with political affairs. He was an active democrat and served as mayor of the city,
to which he gave a businesslike and progressive administration resulting greatly to
the benefit of the municipality. He passed away in Pennsylvania and is still sur-
vived by his wife, who yet makes her home in Erie.
At the usual age "Ted" Hollen became a pupil in the public schools of Erie and
afterward was graduated from Pratt Institute of Brooklyn, New York, completing
an electrical engineering course with the graduating class of 1903. He then entered
the employ of the General Electric Company of New York city and later was as-
sociated with the Western Electric Company. At a subsequent period he became
connected with the AUis Chalmers Company and supervised the installation of elec-
trical works on the battleship Connecticut. He afterward traveled all over the
United States and to various other parts of the world, following electrical engineer-
ing in connection wath various firms. In 1905 he arrived in Seattle, Washington,
and subsequently spent some time in other cities of this state. He entered the em-
ploy of the Pacific Power & Light Company and by that corporation was sent to
Yakima to install the first tungsten lights in 1907. In 1909 he purchased thirteen
acres of land on the Naches and another ranch on the Tieton but lost both prop-
erties. Later he became manager of warehouses for the Yakima Fruit Growers'
Association and in 1918, in partnership with Semen Van Vliet, he purchased fifty-
five acres of land, of which thirty-five acres is planted to apples, pears, peaches and
prunes. The balance is devoted to the raising of hay and corn. He also raises
cattle, making a specialty of pure-blooded Guernseys, and he likewise keeps some
high-grade hogs. The various branches of his business are being profitably con-
ducted and he has thus become an active factor in connection with the devolpment
of the ranching interests of Yakima county.
On the 17th of February, 1912, Mr. Hollcn was married to Miss Frances M.
Van Vliet, a daughter of Semen Van Vliet, and they now have one child, Theodore
Thomas, Jr., who was born February 14, 1913, and who won second prize at the
baby show at the State Fair when eight months old. Mr. and Mrs. Hollcn are both
widely and favorably known in this section and occupy an enviable position in
social circles, the hospitality of the best homes of the locality being cordially extended
them.
JAMES A. PI LAND.
James .'\. Piland, an orchardist living near Wapato, was born in Ozark county,
Missouri. February 4, 1854, a son of Joseph J. and Nancy C. (Peden) Piland, who
were natives of North Carolina and of South Carolina respectively. They became
pioneer settlers of Missouri, where the father devoted his life to the occupation
of farming, and both he and his w-ife died in that state.
736 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
James A. Piland acquired a. public school education and when a youth of nine-
teen years took up a homestead in Ozark county, Missouri. He there devoted his
attention to general agricultural pursuits until 1888, when attracted by the oppor-
tunities of the northwest, he came to Kittitas county, Washington, and secured a
preemption claim. There he engaged in farming for fourteen years, after which
he came to Yakima county in 1902 and bought a ranch on the 27th of May. In
June he took up his abode upon this place and he now has forty acres of land on the
Parker Bottoms. This is a valuable and productive tract, of which twenty-four
acres is planted to peaches, while the remainder of his land is devoted to pears and
cherries. It is a beautiful ranch, splendidly situated in the rich and fertile Yakima
valley and commanding a magnificent view of the snowy peaks of Mount -Adams and
Mount Rainier. His place is located on the state highway and is supplied with an
abundance of water. By reason of his care and cultivation of the land, his wise
selection of nursery stock and the thoroughness with which he protects his trees
from blight of any kind he has become owner of one of the finest orchards in his
section of the state.
On the 6th of March, 1873, Mr. Piland was married to Miss Martha J. Evans,
who was born in Missouri, a daughter of Jesse and Bartema Evans. The mother
passed away in Missouri, but the father came to the Kittitas valley of Washington
in 1882 and later died at the home of Mr. and Mrs. PiVand. Eight children have been
born to Mr. and Mrs. Piland. William S., who is married and has five children, is
engaged in ranching near Outlook. Joseph K., who has a wife and six children, is
ranching near the home place. Jesse S., who has a wife and one child, is also a
rancher in the vicinity of Wapato. Dora D. is the wife of Oscar Lazier, of Seattle,
and has one child. James A., who has a wife and one child, is living in Walla Walla.
Robert E., who is married and has two children, follows ranching near his father's
place. Ernest, who is married and has five children, makes his home in Hoquiam,
Washington. The other member of the family died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Piland
now have twenty-two grandchildren.
In politics Mr. Piland is a republican, strongly supporting the principles of
the party because of his firm belief in their efficacy as factors in good government.
He served for twelve years on the school board while in Kittitas county and he has
served as a director of the irrigation district in Kittitas county. His aid is always
given on the side of advancement and improvement and his efforts in behalf of
public progress have been practical, far-reaching and^ beneficial. What he has ac-
complished in a business way represents the fit utilization of his innate talents and
powers. He has always made wise use of his time and has ever recognized the fact
that industry is the basis of success. As the years have passed he has worked earn-
estly and diligently and as the result of his labors he is today one of the prosperous or-
chardists of the Yakima valley.
GEORGE D. HOGUE.
During the epoch of pioneer development in the Yakima valley George D.
Hogue became one of its residents. He was born in Kno.N; county, Illinois, January
8, 1860, a son of George and Mary (Killen) Hogue, the former a native of Pennsyl-
vania, while the latter was born in Ohio. About 1850 they became residents of Illi-
nois and there the father engaged in business as a carpenter and farmer, remaining a
resident of that state until 1866, when he removed to Nebraska, where his death oc-
curred. His wife had passed away in Illinois.
George D. Hogue acquired a public school education in Nebraska and at the
age of twenty-one years made his way to the Kittitas valley, traveling to San Fran-
cisco by train, thence to Seattle by boat and from Seattle walking across the Cas-
cades. He was five days in making the trip from that city to his destination. He
worked out for more than a year, after which he engaged in the cultivation of rented
land until 1885, when he purchased one hundred and twenty acres south of Ellens-
burg. Later he disposed of that property and went back to Nebraska and again to
Illinois. Subsequently he made his way to Iowa, remaining three months in that
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 72,7
district, but he did not like that section of the country and returned to Kittitas
county. For four years he continued his residence in Ellensburg and then went to
Sunnyside, where he purchased a ranch upon which he remained for two years. On
the expiration of that period he sold out and returned to Ellensburg. He then in-
vested in one hundred and sixty acres of land seven rniles we^t of Ellensburg and
subsequently took up his abode upon the farm. He afterward purchased another
tract of one hundred and sixty acres and now cultivates one hundred and twenty
acres of this, while the remainder is devoted to pasture land. He raises hay and
grain, producing the crops best adapted to soil and climatic conditions here, and by
reason of his careful, systematic and scientific methods of plowing and planting his
land and caring for his crops he annually gathers large harvests. His place is well
improved with a fine home.
On the 25th of October, 1885, Mr. Hogue was united in marriage to Miss Sina
Maxey, a daughter of S. W. and Minerva (Whittenburg) Maxey, who removed from
Illinois to the Kittitas valley in 1882. The father engaged in farming here and was
one of the first to introduce fruit raising into the Kittitas valley and for many years
he served as county fruit inspector. He also served on the state board of horticulture
and he had charge of the exhibit of Kittitas county at the World's Columbian Ex-
position in Chicago and also at the world's fair at Portland. He was a very promi-
nent man who did much for the upbuilding and development of the section in which
he lived, demonstrating upon his own place the possibilities for successful fruit
growing. His ability and genuine worth made him highly respected and he en-
joyed the full confidence and esteem of all who knew him. To Mr. and Mrs. Hogue
have been born four children: George Maxey, who is now a member of the United
States army: Lctah, the wife of V. V. Weaver, a rancher of the Kittitas valley, Ijy
whom she has two children: Herbert Glen, who married Grace Prater and has one
son and is living at Thorp, where he is principal of the schools; and Rhea, the wife
of Linn Lee, who is with the LTnited States army, while Mrs. Lee is at home with
her parents.
Mr, Hogue and his family are consistent and faithful members of the Metho-
dist church. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and he is ever
loyal to any cause which he espouses. He does not seek nor desire ofiice, however,
preferring to concentrate his time and energies upon his business affairs, which are
wisely directed and are bringing to him success that has classed him with the leading
and representative farmers of the district.
ARTHUR C. FRY.
Arthur C. Fry is living in an attractive modern residence, standing in the midst
of a good ranch property of thirty acres, and his attention is given to the ciiltiva-
tion of fruit and cereals with results that are most satisfactory. Mr. Fry was born in
Delaware county, Iowa, March 11, 1873, a son of Lewis and Mary (Mcader) Fry,
both of whom were natives of England. In childhood days they crossed the At-
lantic to Canada with their respective parents and were married in the latter country.
Subsequently they removed to Iowa, settling in Delaware county in the early '60s, and
there the father devoted his time and attention to the occupation of farming. He
afterward removed to Fayette county, Iowa, and still later to Buchanan county, that
state. He is still living at the advanced age of eighty-four years but his wife has
passed away.
Arthur C. Fry obtained a public school education while spending his youthful
days under the parental roof and when not busy with his textbooks he was trained
to the work of the fields. After his school days were over he concentrated his entire
attention upon farming in Iowa and in fact even prior to this time he worked for
others for fifty cents per day and thus put himself through school. At the age of
twenty-two years he rented land and carried on farming independently for a time.
Later he entered the butchering business at Aurora, Iowa, and was numbered among
the enterprising merchants of that town for seventeen years. Attracted by the
growing northwest, he then made his way to Washington, arriving at Grandview
738 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
on the 14th of March, 1911. He first purchased ten acres of land, to which he itas
since added a tract of twenty acres, so that he now holds thirty acres in all. Ten
acres is in orchard, having been planted to apples, with grapes as fillers. He has
altogether four acres of grapes. The balance of his land is devoted to the raising of
corn and hay and he also conducts a small dairy business. His home, which is thor-
oughly modern in construction and equipment, was built by him and the barns were
also put up by him. A most progressive spirit has actuated him in all that he has
done in connection with the development of his land, which is now highly cultivated,
so that he derives therefrom a good annual income.
On the 6th of November, 1901, Mr. Fry was married to Miss Cora L. Howe,
who was born in Marengo, Illinois, a daughter of Nelson and Mary A. (Harrison)
Howe, the former born in Ohio, while the latter was a native of West Virginia
and a descendant of William Henry Harrison and a cousin of Benjamin Harrison,
both presidents of the United States. Her people were early settlers of Illinois
and afterward became pioneer farmers of Missouri. The mother of Mrs. Fry passed
away in 1904 but the father is still living and has reached the eightieth milestone
on life's journey.
Mr. Fry exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of
the republican party. He belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America and to
the Methodist church, and his life work has been founded upon high and honorable
principles which recognize his obligations to others and his duties as a citizen. He
stands for all of those forces which make for the uplift of the individual and the
benefit of the community and he is characterized by the utmost straightforward-
ness in all of his dealings.
MARSHALL S. STONE.
Marshall S. Stoije is engaged in the cultivation of forty acres of land in the Selah
valley. He was born in Floyd county, Iowa, November 3, 1867, a son of David and
Harriet (Bidwcll) Stone, the former a native of Vermont, while the latter was born
in New York. The father became a pioneer settler of Wisconsin and at a very early
day also went to Iowa. His identification with the vast west dated from 1874, when
he settled near Portland, Oregon. There he engaged in the sawmill business for two
years, after which he took up the occupation of farming, which he followed in that
state until 1888. He then again began the operation of a sawmill which he owned
and about 1891 he removed his mill to Lewis county, Washington. In 1897 he came
to Yakima, while his sons continued to operate the mill in Lewis county. The father
opened a lumberyard in Yakima and conducted that business with the aid of a son
until about 1903, when he retired from active life and spent his remaining days in
the enjoyment of a well-earned rest. He continued to make his home in Yakima
until his death, which occurred in 1909. His widow survives and yet makes her home
in Yakima.
Marshall S. Stone is indebted to the public school system of Oregon for the edu-
cational opportunities which he enjoyed. He was but seven years of age when the
family home was established in that state and he has since remained on the Pacific
coast, imbued in all that he has done by the spirit of western enterprise and progress.
After his textbooks were put aside he began assisting his father in the operation of a
sawmill and afterward followed the trade of sawyer for two years. In 1900 he came
to Yakima county and leased one hundred and twenty acres of land in the Selah
valley. Later he sold eighty acres of the lease and in 1909 he purchased the remain-
ing forty acres. He now has thirteen acres in fruit and of his tract he sold twenty
acres to his mother but still manages the property for her. In 1905 he built a fine
home and has profitably conducted his business as the years passed but in 1918
suffered severe losses through fire that destroyed his barn and packing house. He
is a man of resolute will, however, and of determined energy and has set to work to
retrieve his lost possessions. His business affairs are wisely and carefully managed
and obstacles and difficulties in his path seem to serve but as aii impetus for renewed
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 741
effort on his part. Mr. Stone is also engineer at the Cold Storage plant and runs
spray plant at Selah.
In 1892 Mr. Stone was married ti Miss Ella Reynolds, of Oregon, a daughter
of John and Ella Reynolds, and to them were born four children: Vena; Doris; Ver-
nal, who is living in Los Angeles, California; and Bernice. Three of the children are
at home. The wife and mother passed away in 1908 and her death was the occa-
sion of deep regret not only to her immediate family but also to many friends whose
high regard she had won.
Mr. Stone is a member of the Brotherhood of American Yeoman and also of the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His religious faith is that of the Christian
church, and his political belief is that of the republican party. He stands loyally by
every cause which he espouses and puts forth earnest and effective effort to promote
the welfare of the community in which he lives, cooperating heartily in all plans and
measures for the material, intellectual, social and moral advancement of the district.
C. E. RUSK.
C. E. Rusk, filling the position of receiver of the United States land oifice at
Yakima, being appointed for a four years' term, was born in Knox county, Illinois,
November 20, 1871, a son of James A. and Josie A. (Maxwell) Rusk, who removed
to the territory of Washington in the fall of 1874. They settled in the eastern part
of Klickitat county, where the father took up government land in Wood gulch.
Later he built "The Happy Home" stage station, situated near what is now the
town of Warwick, at the foot of the Columbia hills. This was in 1879 and 1880.
He conducted the station for several years but afterward removed to a ranch, which
he occupied for a few years. In January, 1887, he established his home at Wetemis
Soda Springs, commonly known as Rusk Soda Springs, on the Klickitat river, which
property he had acquired, and he still owns two hundred and forty acres of valuable
land there. In the spring of 1896, however, he removed to Josephine county, Oregon,
where he became interested in mining properties, and he makes his home in that
district. He has been closely associated with the development of the West in many
ways and his labors have been productive of excellent results not only in the up-
building of his own fortunes but in the development of the community at large..
Mr. Rusk of this review has a sister, Leah, who was born in Wood gulch, Wash-
ington, in 1878, and is now the wife of M. Braat, residing near Dayton, Oregon.
C. E. Rusk obtained a public school education and when a youth of seventeen
began teaching in the schools of Washington. He took up newspaper work when
in 1892 he became editor of the Goldendale Courier, with which he continued for a
year. He afterward studied law and in 1902 was admitted to the bar. He then
located for practice at Lake Chelan, where he followed his profession for six years,
but in the spring of 1910 left there and became the leader of the Mazama expedi-
tion, which was making an effort to reach the top of Mount McKinley to determine
whether Dr. Cook as he claimed had climbed to the top of that mountain. When his
labors in that connection were ended he returned to Oregon, where he was identified
with mining interests until 1912. He next removed to the Yakima valley and became
editor of the Benton Independent, published at Prosser, Washington, but sold his
paper there in 1913 and resumed active law practice, in which he continued until the
spring of 1915, when he was appointed to the position of receiver of the United
States land office at Yakima for a four years' term and is now concentrating his efforts
and attention upon the duties of that office.
On the 30th of October, 1898, Mr. Rusk was married to Miss Rachel N. Gil-
more, a daughter of James L. and Isabel (Crofton) Gilmore, who were pioneer resi-
dents of Klickitat county, Washington. Her grandfather, John Crofton, was one
of the first settlers of that locality, having established his home there in the early
'70s. To Mr. and Mrs. Rusk has been born a son, Rodney L., now thirteen years of
age.
Mr. Rusk gives his political allegiance to the democratic party but has never
been a politician in the sense of office seeking. He belongs to the United Artisans
742 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
and to the Commercial Club and is interested in all that has to do with the welfare
and progress of community and state. His aid and influence are always on the side
of advancement and improvement and his support can be counted upon for every
measure for the general good.
RICHARD STROBACH.
Richard Strobach, registrar of the United States land office at Yakima, was born
in Vienna, Austria, on the 23d of September, 1860, a son of Paul and Rosalie Stro-
bach. The father came to the United States early in the '60s as a war correspondent
for German papers and after studying the situation he responded to the call of the
Union for aid and enlisted in defense of the Stars and Stripes. He had been in this
country for only a brief period when he sent for his family. Later they located
in Montgomery, Alabama, where the father was engaged in various lines of busi-
ness. He became a prominent leader in politics in that section and filled the office
of United States marshal for the middle and southern district of said state. In 1884
he removed with his family to the northwest, settling in Spokane. Washington, where
he remained until called to his final rest, his death occurring about 1911. In the
meantime he had engaged extensively in real estate operations, becoming one of
the prominent representatives of real estate dealing in that city.
Richard Strobach acquired a private school education in Montgomery. Alabama,
and starting out for himself, secured a position in the United States land office.
Later he filled the position of United States deputy marshal under his father and in
the spring of 1885 he arrived in North Yakima, where he occupied the position of
deputy clerk of the district court for two years. Becoming interested in the north-
west and its oportunities, he bought land and later he became a partner of George
Goodwin in the real estate and loan business. Throughout the period of his resi-
dence in this section of the country he has been engaged in farming and his invest-
ments show his faith in the future of the district. He was made registrar of the
United States land office on the 29th of May, 1913, and has since occupied that
position.
On the 9th of September, 1885, Mr. Strobach was married to Miss Nettie Belli-
yeaux, of Mobile, Alabama, and their living children are thre^ in number: Rosalie,
Nettina and Portia.
Mr. Strobach has membership in the camp of the Ancient Order of United
Workmen, also with the Woodmen, the Brotherhood of American Yeomen, the
Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and other orders. He belongs to the Com-
mercial Club and cooperates heartily in all of the projects instituted for the up-
building of the city, and in politics is a democrat. His aid and influence are always
given to promote the material, intellectual, social and moral progress of the district
in which he makes his home.
PETER MEYER.
After living at various points in the middle west Peter Meyer came to the Pa-
cific coast and for a number of years was closely and actively identified with farm-
ing in Yakima county. He was born July 16, 1845, in Holland, where the name was
originally spelled Meijer, his parents being Peter and Minnie (Brower) Meyer. The
paternal grandparents were Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Meyer, who, crossing the Atlantic,
became pioneer settlers of Pella, Iowa. Several years later, in 1856, Peter Meyer,
Sr., brought his family to the new world and they too made their way to Pella, Iowa,
where the father and mother spent their remaining days, his attention being given to
general agricultural pursuits in that locality.
Peter Meyer, Jr., took up a homestead in Sioux county, Iowa, but did not keep
it, for the grasshoppers destroyed his crops and he was forced to abandon that prop-
erty. He afterward settled in Gove county, Kansas, where he once more secured a
government claim. After two years, however, he returnd to Iowa and a few years
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 743
later he removed to Douglas county, South Dakota. At a subsequent period he be-
came a resident of Missouri, then again lived for a time in Iowa, and once more
went to South Dakota. Thus with various removals he continued his residence in
the middle west until 1902, when he came to the Moxee valley of Washington and
purchased twenty acres of land, to which he afterward added a similar tract and
devoted his time and energies to the cultivation of his forty acres, which he brought
under a high state of development and improvement. He continued to successfully
carry on this farm until 1915, when he sold the property to his sons.
On the Sth of March, 1869, Mr. Meyer was united in marriage to Miss Gertie
Jongewaard, who has now passed away. He was again married October 7, 1871,
when Miss Jane Jongewaard, a daughter of Nicholas Jongewaard, of Holland, be-
came his wife. Mr. Meyer's family numbers sixteen children. A son, Peter, born
of the first marriage, has passed away. The eldest child of the second marriage, also
named Peter, has departed this life. The others are: Elizabeth, the wife of Joe
Verwolf. a resident of Manhattan, Montana; Minnie, the wife of Alonzo Brown,
of Yakima; Nicholas and Jennie, both deceased; Ellen, the wife of John George, re-
siding in South Dakota; Gertie, the wife of Claude Brown, of Yakima; Jennie, who
has passed away; Richard. livinR in Yakima; Jacob, who makes his home at Har-
wood, Washington; Cornelius, who is living at Harwood and has a wife and one
child; \\'illiam, who farms the home place and is also married; Ira, who is married
and who served in the United States Navy during the World war, now at home
with an honorable discharge; Benjamin, a member of the United States army, who
has also been honorably discharged; and Albert, at home.
The religious faith of the family is that of the First Reformed church of Moxee,
and in politics Mr. Meyer is a Democrat. He was a lad of but nine years when the
family crossed the Atlantic from Holland to the new world. He has enjoyed the
opportunities here offered and especially since coming to the northwest, where he
found the chances which he sought and in their utilization worked his way steadily
upward, becoming one of the men of affluence in his community. The methods
which he employed were always such as would bear the closest investigation and
scrutiny, and the integrity and enterprise of his business career have constituted
the basis of his well deserved prosperity.
CHARLES A. HUDSON.
Charles A. Hudson, well known as a successful orchardist living not far from
Yakima, was born in St. Louis, Missouri, March 23, 1868, a son of Mark and Mary
(Downing) Hudson, the father a native of England, while the mother was born
in Wisconsin. Mr. Hudson was a lad of but seven years, however, when brought
to the United States by his father, who settled in St. Louis, Missouri. Mark Hudson
became a contractor, following that business throughout his active life there, cover-
ing a period of forty years. Both he and his wife passed away in St. Louis.
Charles A. Hudson, after acquiring a public school education, learned the brick-
layer's trade and worked with his father in that connection for five years. In 1893
he removed westward to Colorado Springs and followed his trade at that place for a
year. He then returned to St. Louis but afterward again took up his abode at
Colorado Springs, going there with his mother for the benefit of her health. At a
subsequent date, however, she returned to St. Louis, where she passed away, and
two years later the death of the father occurred. After having lost his parents Charles
A. Hudson removed to Cherryvale, Kansas, where he was associated with AlcClced's
Fire Brick Company. He was in St. Louis, however, during the period of the Louis-
iana Purchase Exposition in 1904 and later he was engaged in contract work in
Kansas but afterward returned to his native city, where he spent a short time. In
San Antonio, Texas, he engaged in contract work for nine months and then once
more went to St. Louis, where for three years he was employed as a bricklayer. He
next went to Kansas, where he engaged in farming for a year. On the expiration
of that period he came to the northwest, settling in Yakima county, where he pur-
chased eighteen acres of land on the lower Naches, for three hundred 'and fifty dol-
744 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
lars per acre. He afterward sold seven and a half acres of the place for five hundred
dollars per acre. He now has eight acres in orchards, while the balance is devoted
to the raising of potatoes and corn. In 1911 he built a fine cement-block house upon
his place, containing eight rooms and supplied with every modern convenience.
On the Sth of .\pril, 1904, Mr. Hudson was married to Miss Lois Ebert, who
was born in Kansas, a daughter of Lewis and Emma (Roberts) Ebert. Mr. and
Mrs. Hudson arc parents of eight children: Mark, Robert, Lois, Charles, Francis,
Dorothy, Mary and John Pershing.
During much of his residence in the northwest Mr. Hudson has continued to
follow his trade and his children have largely assisted him in the work of the farm.
He has a splendid property now and his orchards are in excellent bearing condition.
At the same time he is a well known representative of industrial activity, having
developed a high degree of skill in the field of his chosen occupation. His political
allegiance is given to the republican party and he is a Mason, belonging to West-
gate Lodge, No. 445, A. F. & A. M., of St. Louis. His life has been an exemplifica-
tion of the spirit and teachings of the craft, to which he most loyally adheres. In
Mr. Hudson one sees a self-made man whose industry and close application have
been the basis of his success and whose course may well serve as an example to
others, showing what may be accomplished through personal effort guided by sound
judgment.
FRANK CAREY.
Since 1912 Frank Carey has owned a valuable property in the Cowiche district
■which is largely devoted to hay raising and thereon he has erected a handsome resi-
dence, which stands as the visible evidence of his prosperity. He was born in Linn
county, Oregon, June 24, 1867, and is therefore a typical westerner, his parents be-
ing Thomas B*. and Martha (Redmond) Carey, the former a native of Missouri and
the latter of Iowa. In 1852 they traveled in true pioneer style to Oregon, endur-
ing the hardships and privations connected with such a trip. In 1882 the family spent
six weeks in old Yakima City. Thomas B. Carey was a son of Armeness Carey, who
brought his family to the west, becoming one of the prominent ranchers of Oregon.
His son, Thomas B. Carey, removed to Sprague, Washington, in 1882 and there
turned his attention to farming and also became prominently known in connection
with the live stock business. He served two years as county commissioner of Lin-
coln county, continuing there until his death. His wife passed away in Tacoma,
July 6, 1912. In their family were two children besides our subject, these being
Emanuel B., of Nezperce, Idaho, and Mrs. Annie Calavan, who lives near Tacoma,
Washington.
Frank Carey was reared under the parental roof and in the acquirement of his
education attended the public schools, soon thereafter taking charge of the home
ranch on the death of his father, which occurred in 1890. He continued to cultivate
that property until 1904, when he sold out and came to Yakima county, having dur-
ing his previous visit in 1882 received a favorable impression in regard to the op-
portunities here presented. At first he decided to engage in merchandising and for
one and a half years conducted a grocery store at Yakima. He then was engaged
in government work for five years in connection with the reclamation service but
in 1912 acquired title to one hundred and twenty acres on the Cowiche and there
he largely raises hay, deriving a gratifying income from this source. He has erected
a very pleasant home and other suitable buildings and everything about the place
bespeaks the progressiveness and industry of the owner.
On the 26th of November. 1890. Mr. Carey was united in marriage to Miss Edith
Frink, a native of Illinois and a daughter of W. E. and Orilla Frink, who in 1883
took up their abode near Sprague, Washington, where the father engaged in ranch-
ing. Mr. and Mrs. Carey have become the parents of four children: Elva, the wife
of Chester H. Worthen, who is now in the United States navy, while she is at home;
Verna. the wife of Jesse S. Comer, who is also serving with the L^nited States army
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 745
ill France, his wife remaining witli her parents; Avis, who is a student in the State
College at Pullman; and Thomas Benton, who was born in Yakima, April 27. 1908.
Mr. and Mrs. Carey are devoted and helpful members of the Baptist church
and politically he is a republican, warmly supporting the measures and candidates
of that party. He is a member of the school board, the cause of education ever re-
ceiving his warm support. He has attained a position of prosperity that entitles him
to respect, especially as it has been won through his own labors. Moreover, he is
always ready to give his aid to worthy public measures and thus cooperates in the
advancement of his community, county and state.
JOHN H. MALMBORG.
John H. Malmborg, who for eighteen years has resided in Yakima county, where
he is engaged in general farming, was born in Sweden on the 4th of February, 1858,
a son of Hans and Sissa (Bartlett) Pierson. The father died in Sweden and the
mother afterward came to the LInited States, spending her last days in South Dakota.
John H. Malmborg acquired a public school education in his native country and
in 1879 bade adieu to friends and relatives preparatory to coming to the new world.
He made his way to Chicago, where he followed carpentering for many years or
until 1901, save for a period of two years which he spent in South Dakota. In 1900
he arrived in Yakima county, where in the same fall he purchased twenty acres of
land a mile south of Sunnyside. All was covered with sagebrush, not a furrow hav-
ing been turned nor an improvement made upon the place. He has since erected a
good dwelling and substantial barns and the sagebrush has been replaced by hay,
corn and small grains, his fields annually producing good crops. He also conducts
a little dairy business and in the conduct of his affairs is meeting with substantial
success.
On the 19th of September, 1896, Mr. Malmborg was married to Miss Anna
Matilda Johnson, who was born in Sweden in 1862, a daughter of John and Anna
Corine (Carlson) Johnson. Her father passed away in his native country in 1873,
after which the mother came to the new world and spent her last days in Michigan.
Mr. and Mrs. Malmborg have one child, EstTier, who is now a pupil in the normal
school, and Mr. Malmborg has a son Axel, by a former marriage now with the
I'nited States army in Honolulu.
The religious faith of the family is that of the Congregational church and Mr.
Malmborg also belongs to the Independent Order of Foresters. Politically he is a
republican but not an office seeker, preferring to concentrate his efforts and atten-
tion upon his business affairs. He has lived to witness notable changes during the
period of his residence in Yakima county. At the time of his arrival there were only
three stores and four houses in Sunnyside. He has seen the tiny hamlet grow into a
thriving city, while the entire countryside has been transformed from a wild region
of sagebrush into productive fields. He has borne his part in the work of general
development and at all times stands for progressiveness in public affairs.
JAMES H. SCHOLES.
To see James H. Scholes busily employed in the development of an excellent
fruit ranch in the lower Naches valley, one would scarcely dream that his has been
a most eventful career; yet Iiis life experiences have made him familiar with pioneer-
ing in the west and with residence in Honolulu, the Philippines and in India. He was
born at Fall River, Massachusetts, November 21, 1843, and has therefore passed the
seventy-fifth milestone on life's journey. His parents were Meshach and Caroline
(Gannon) Scholes, both of whom were natives of England, whence they came to the
new world in childhood, settling in Massachusetts. The father worked at calico
printing in the mills of Fall River as a boy and later engaged in the coopering
business. In 1847 he removed to Chicago, where he worked at the cooper's trade.
746 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
and later he established a grocery store at Chillicothe, Illinois. At a subsequent
period he devoted his attention to farming in Marshall county, Illinois, taking up
that work in 1851. He afterward lived upon another farm but later resumed work
at coopering in Lacon, Illinois. Again he became a resident of Chillicothe, where he
resided to the time of his death, both he and his wife passing away at that place.
James H. Scholes acquired a public school education and was a youth of but
eighteen years when in response to the country's call for troops he enlisted in 1862
as a member of the Fifty-third Illinois Regimental Band. He later joined Com-
pany L of the Eighth Illinois Cavalry in 1863 and with that command served until
the close of the war. He was a member of the brigade band in the cavalry. He par-
ticipated in the battle of Shiloh and other engagements and after the close of
hostilities he returned to Chillicothe. Illinois, where he engaged in the drug business
for a few years. In 1871 he went to Kansas City. Missouri, where he followed the
cooper's trade for a few months and for six years he engaged in railway work. He
afterward spent several years in the employ of a wholesale grocery firm in Kansas
and for five years was in office work, after which he went upon the road as a
traveling salesman, thus representing the house for several years. In 1888 he came
to the northwest, settling at Tacoma, where he engaged in various lines of busi-
ness, and in 1898 he went to Honolulu for the purpose of establishing a branch com-
mission house in that city. Changing his plans, however, he continued his journey
to Manila in the Philippines and afterward entered the cattle trade at Burma, India,
and for one year there he was engaged in the construction of an irrigation' canal
for the government. He was also engaged in mining and prospecting in India, travel-
ing to a point one hundred and forty miles from the Thibet border. His experiences
in these foreign lands were broad, varied, interesting and sometimes exciting. In
1908 he returned to the United States but subsequently went back to Rangoon, where
he lived for a year. He then again became a resident of Tacoma, Washington, and
in 1910 took up his abode in Yakima county in order to develop a fruit ranch that
his daughters had purchased.
Mr. Scholes has been a member of the Masonic fraternity since 1866 but is not
active in the order. He has ever given his allegiance to the republican party. His
has been an unusual and varied career and his memory is stored with many inter-
esting reminiscences of his travels and experiences in foreign lands. His four daugh-
ters are now the owners of a fine fruit ranch in the lower Naches valley, which he
is helping to develop and on which they reside, and he is among the highly esteemed
and substantial citizens of the region — still active in the business world, although
he has now passed the seventy-fifth milestone on life's journey.
WILLIAM E. BOWES.
William E. Bowes, manager of the Ruebow ranch, not far from Yakima, has
made his home in the northwest for the past eight years. He was born at Crown
Point, Indiana, August 16, 1873, a son of Edward and Mary (Gettings) Bowes, both
of whom have now passed away. The father devoted his life to the occupation of
farming for many years, but ultimately retired from business and made his home in
Chicago, where he enjoyed a well earned rest until called by death.
William E. Bowes pursued his high school education in Chicago and started
out in the business world as a messenger boy with Armour & Company. In that
connection, by reason of his faithfulness, capability and loyalty, he won advance-
ment from time to time until he became general manager of the railway billing de-
partment. At length he resigned that position, however, in May, 1910, and removed
to Yakima, where he became interested in land with his brother-in-law, R. C.
Rueschaw, the vice-president of the Mitchell Motor Car Company of Racine. Wis-
consin. Associated with his brother-in-law in the business, Mr. Bowes is now acting
as manager of the orchard property called the Ruebow ranch, whereon he is exten-
sively and successfully engaged in raising apples, pears and cherries. His trees are
kept in excellent condition. He knows the best methods of spraying, the needs of
the soil and the opportunities for the development of his orchard. In fact he has
WILLIAM E. BOWES
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 749
most closely studied everything that bears upon fruit production in the northwest
and his labors have brought to the firm a very gratifying measure of prosperity. He
has his own packing plant for the packing of the fruit which he raises and his ranch
is thoroughly equipped according to the most modern standards for the propagation
and care of the fruit.
On the 11th of January, 1911, Mr. Bowes was united in marriage to Miss Mary
Russell, a native of Chicago. They are members of St. Paul's Catholic church and
Mr. Bowes belongs to the Knights of Columbus. He is also a member of the Com-
mercial Club of Yakima and of the Grange. In politics he is a democrat where na-
tional questions and issues are involved but at local elections casts an independent
ballot. Opportunity has ever been to him a call to action and with his advent into
the west he entered upon the wise and rapid utilization of the opportunities which
came to him and has promoted his business interests to a point of substantial pros-
ARTHUR W. GRAY.
Arthur W. Gray is a western man by birth and training and also by preference,
as is indicated in the fact that he retains his residence in the state in which he was
born. His birth occurred at Talbott, Washington, July 27, 1881, his parents being
Christopher Harrison and Mary (Agnew) Gray, the former a native of Indiana,
while the latter w-as born in Iowa. The father came to Washington as a pioneer settler
traveling across the country after the picturesque but difficult manner of the times,
making the trip with wagon and ox teams. His widow is a daughter of Peter Agnew,
also one of the early settlers of this state. Christopher Harrison Gray engaged in
the logging business on the Puget Sound for many years. Eventually he purchased
a ranch in the Kittitas valley, becoming the owner of the property about 1879. In
1892 he took up his abode thereon and made it his place of residence until his
death, which occurred about 1903. He had been engaged in the butchering busi-
ness in Ellensburg for two years prior to his demise. His widow survives and is
still living in Ellensburg.
.\rthur W. Gray obtained a public school education while spending his youthful
days under the parental roof and during vacation periods and after his textbooks
were put aside he engaged in farming with his father. Later he rented the home
place and is now engaged in the cultivation of a tract of land of two hundred and forty
acres, devoted largely to the raising of hay and grain. His farming interests are
wisely managed and the progressive methods which he follows have produced excel-
lent results.
In 1900 Mr. Gray was united in marriage to Miss Hazel E. Swazy, who passed
away in 1910. In 1913 he was again married, his second union being with Flora
Belle Lamb, of Ellensburg. His children are Westley Harrison, Audrain C, Vernon
and Stanley.
Fraternally Mr. Gray is connected with the Loyal Order of Moose. In politics
he maintains an independent course, not caring to ally himself with any party. He
feels that his time and attention are fully occupied by his business affairs and he
is making for himself a creditable place among the successful farmers of his na-
tive state.
JOHN B. LACHANCE.
Among the substantial residents of Yakima county who are French Canadians
is John B. Lachance, who was born in Quebec, Canada, February 2, 18S6, a son of
Joseph and Sophia (Roy) Lachance, who on leaving Canada crossed the border into
Minnesota, establishing their home in Mower county, where the father purchased a
tract of wild land in 1875. In 1881 he removed to Crookston, Minnesota, taking up
government land on Poplar river. Not a furrow had been turned nor an improve-
750 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
merit made upon that place and he at once began its development and cultivation,
there successfully carrying on farming for a number of years, or until he retired from
active business. Both he and his wife have now passed away.
John E. Lachance acquired a public school education and through vacation periods
worked with his father upon the home farm. After his textbooks were put aside he
concentrated his efforts and attention upon the work of the old homestead until he
reached the age of twenty-three years, when he secured employment in the lumber
woods of Wisconsin and there spent several years. He next took up government
land near Crookston, Minnesota, but afterward sold that property and removed to
Ashland, Wisconsin, where he followed carpentering for a time. Later he became a
resident of Duluth, Minnesota, and subsequently established his home at Red Lake
Falls, Minnesota. Through this entire period he was leading a most active life and
whatever success he achieved and enjoyed was attributable entirely to his own labors
and determination. In the fall of 1901 he came to Yakima county and, settling in
the city of Yakima, there took up carpentering and contract work. He has since made
his home in the city, where he has a very wide and favorable acquaintance. In June,
1916. he purchased ten acres of land on the Moxee and has since remodeled the
house and improved the property. In addition to cultivating his land he does
carpenter work in his locality. He also raises hay, potatoes, beets and other crops
well adapted to soil and climatic conditions here.
On the 7th of January, 1884, Mr. Lachance was united in marriage to Miss Odile
Tessier, who was born June 17, 1863, at Georgian Bay, Canada, a daughter of Xavier
and Celina (Deroche) Tessier. The father died in Canada and the mother afterward
removed with the family to Red Lake Falls, Minnesota, in 1880. She is now living
at Moxee with her son. To Mr. and Mrs. Lachance have been born the following
named. Rose is the wife of Ildedge Beaudry, a merchant of Yakima, by whom she
had three children, one of whom has passed away. Delia married E. F. Benoit, a
resident of Cle Elum, Washington, and they have six children. Harvey, who is mar-
ried, is now in the LTnited States army as a member of the Aviation Corps. .-^rad
is a member of the United States navy. Elsie is at home and Walter and Leo com-
plete the family.
Mr. Lachance and his family are communicants of the Holy Rosary Catholic
church at Moxee City. Fraternally he is connected with the Modern Woodmen of
America. In politics he is a republican where national issues and questions are
involved but at local elections casts an independent ballot. He has never been an
aspirant for office but has concentrated his efforts and attention upon his business
affairs, and the success which he has achieved is the direct result of his persistent
and earnest labors.
LESTER M. HOLT.
Lester M. Holt, supervising engineer for the Indian irrigation service, with
headquarters at Yakima, was born in Rock county, Wisconsin, February 25, 1877,
a son of Lester C. and Sarah E. (Snyder) Holt, the fprmer a native of Connecticut,
while the latter was born in New York. The ancestral line can be traced back to
Sir John Holt, of England, who flourished there about 1640 and was a well known
attorney. The Holt family was established on American soil in early colonial days
and the great-grandfather of Lester M. Holt was a soldier of the Revolutionary
war, valiantly aiding the colonies in their struggle, which resulted in the establish-
ment of American independence. Lester C. Holt became a resident of Wisconsin
in the early '60s and there resided for many years, passing away May 23, 1916. For
only a few months had he survived his wife, who died on the 23d of July, 1915.
Lester M. Holt was graduated from the high school of Evansville, Wisconsin,
taking his examinations while working in the treasury department at Washington,
D. C. He was afterward graduated from Columbian University (now George Wash-
ington University) with the Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering in 1900
and subsequently took post graduate work there, pursuing a course, which he com-
pleted in 1902. He made a specialty of the subjects bearing upon water power and
1 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 751
irrigation. In 1902 when the irrigation bill was passed Mr. Holt became the first
appointee of the service and was assigned to duty in connection with the geological
survey, the gauging of streams and the acquiring of data necessary for the de-
velopment of the work. He was afterward sent to Colorado as irrigation assistant
on the Grand Valley project and later served in connection with the Uncompahgre
project in Colorado. His next work was in Oklahoma, where he was connected with
the irrigation survey, and later he had charge of the construction of the waterworks
of the city of Lawton, Oklahoma, and was assistant engineer on the construction of
sewers, bridges, courthouses, schools, jails and other public works in Oklahoma. On
leaving that state he became identified with the Truckee-Carson project as assistant
engineer in charge of designs and surveys and was later transferred to the Indian
service in 1908 as engineer in charge of the Tongue River project in Montana, on
which he worked for two years. On the expiration of that period he went to Wash-
ington, D. C, where he was in charge of the irrigation section of the Indian service
for two and a half years and was then appointed superintendent of irrigation for the
district comprising Washington, Oregon, northern California and northern Idaho.
In .'Vugust, 1912, he arrived in Yakima, where he established his headquarters in
connection with this work, and here he has since remained. The largest project is on
the Yakima Indian reservation including one hundred and twenty thou-;and acres. Dur-
ing the period from 1912 to 1918 the irrigated area has increased from thirty-two
thousand acres to sixty-two thousand acres, the greatest increase being made during
the two seasons the nation was at war. The total irrigation possibilities on that
reservation include one hundred and eighty thousand acres of Indian land. For twenty-
two years Mr. Holt has been with the service, or for a longer period than any other
man. having been the first appointee after the irrigation system was established by
the United States government. There is no question as to his ability and fidelity.
These are indicated by his long identification with the work and there are few who
equal him in comprehensive knowledge of irrigation interests in all branches.
On the 29th of November, 1904, Mr. Holt was married to Miss Clara V. Trow,
of Washington, D. C, and to them were born three children: Gordon T., aged
twelve years; Walter Morton, a youth of nine; and Harriet Elizabeth, a little maiden
of seven summers. The wife and mother passed away October 13, 1916, her death
being deeply regretted by the many friends whom she had made in Yakima during the
period of their residence here.
Mr. Holt is independent in his political views, nor has he ever been an office
seeker. He is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers and his thought
and study have been largely concentrated upon his professional interests and ac-
tivities. He is continually broadening his knowledge and promoting his skill through
reading and experience and speaks with authority upon all questions having to do with
the irrigation interests not only of the northwest but of many other sections of the
country.
OTIS A. REYNOLDS.
Otis A. Reynolds is engaged in the further cultivation and development of
seventy acres of land in Y'akima county, of which he owns thirty acres on the Tie-
ton. He is largely engaged in orcharding and raises some of the finest apples pro-
duced in this section of the northwest. Much of his life has been passed in the
Pacific coast country although he is a native of Illinois. His birth occurred in Wood-
ford county, that state, on the 29th of August. 1880, his parents being Albert and
Betsy Madeline (Lawrence') Reynolds. The father died in Illinois in 1883, after
which the mother became the wife of W. B. Shannon, of Oregon, and they are now
residents of Sherman county, that state.
Otis A. Reynolds was but three years of age at the time of his father's death.
He was reared by his mother and stepfather in their Oregon home and the public
schools afforded him his educational opportunities. A spirit of patriotism prompted his
enlistment for service as a member of Company A, Second Oregon United States
Volunteer Infantry, during the Spanish-.\merican war. He joined that command on
752 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
the 28th of April, 1898, almost as soon as war was declared, and served throughout
the period of hostilities between the two countries. He was on active duty in the
Philippines and was mustered out at the Presidio in California on the 7th of August,
1899.
Mr. Reynolds then went to Seattle, where he engaged in blacksmithing, and later
was employed in the navy yard at Bremerton, where he engaged in mechanical work.
On the 5th of March. 1908, he came to Yakima county and purchased nine and six-
tenths acres of land on Selah Heights. This he further developed and improved
for a decade and in 1918 sold that property, which he had converted into fine orchards.
In August, 1918. he purchased thirty acres of land on the Tieton, of which ten acres
is in orchard. He also rents his father-in-law's place of forty acres, of which twenty-
seven acres is in apples. His business affairs are most wisely and carefully conducted.
He is working most persistently and energetically for the further development of his
orchards and displays scientific care of his trees and the handling of the fruit.
On the 22d of July, 1914, Mr. Reynolds was married to Miss Nina E. Hersom,
a daughter of E. B. and Evaline E. Hersom. They now have one child. Madeline
Darling. In his political views Mr. Reynolds is a republican but the honors and
emoluments of office have no attraction for him, for he prefers to concentrate his
time and energies upon his business affairs, which are wisely directed and are bring-
ing to him substantial success.
ROBERT C. RUESCHAW.
Robert C. Rueschaw is identified with the business interests of the Yakima valley
as one of the owners of the Ruebow ranch. In the middle west he isi prominently
known in connection with automobile manufacturing, being the vice-president of
the Mitchell Motor Company of Racine, Wisconsin. He was born in Chicago in
1865, and supplemented a public school education by a course in a business college.
He started out in life as an employe of the Featherstone Company, baby carriage
manufacturers of Chicago, and thoroughly mastered the business, faithfully perform-
ing every duty intrusted to him. Later he was with the Pope-Toledo Company and
afterward the Pope-Hartford Automobile Manufacturing Company as a salesman and
from that time to the present has been closely and prominently connected with the
motor car trade. On leaving the Pope-Hartford people he went with the Reo Auto-
mobile Company as general sales manager and occupied that position for thirteen
years. He next became vice president of the Mitchell Motor Company of Racine and
is now bending his efforts to administrative direction and executive control in con-
nection with one of the large motor car manufacturing interests of the country, its
output being sent to all sections of the United States.
Mr. Rueschaw was united in marriage to Miss Mary Bowes and they have four
children. Mr. Rueschaw is a member of the Masonic fraternity and is an active
sportsman. He is very fond of the Yakima valley, which he visits every year, and
here he owns a fine fruit ranch which is conducted on shares by his brother-in-law,
William E. Bowes.
JOSEPH A. WERNER.
Joseph A. Werner is an orchardist of the lower Xaches valley, largely engaged
in the raising of Delicious apples, so rightly named. He was born in Lake City,
Minnesota, August 17, 1873, a son of Andrew Anderson and Edla M. (Edholm)
Werner, both of whom were born in Sweden, whence they came to the United
States in the '60s. The father was a pioneer of Minnesota and died in that state,
after which the mother made her home with her son, Joseph A., until her demise.
Mr. Werner of this review acquired a high school education in Minnesota and
after his textbooks were put aside entered the telephone business and built and
owned the third independent telephone plant in Minnesota, at Lake City. Subsequently
ROBERT <'. RT'ESCHAW
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 755
he sold the business and became connected with the Bell Telephone Company, being
made division superintendent at Redwood Falre, in which capacity he continued to
serve for five years. In 1909 he came to Yakima county, Washington, and purchased
fifteen acres on tlic lower Naches. He has seven acres of this planted to Delicious
apples and annually makes large shipments. The remainder of his land is plowed
and is used for the cultivation of various vegetables and cereals best adapted to
soil and climatic conditions here. The fruit which he raises is of the highest grade
and has been on exhibition in twenty leading cities of the United States in 1917,
being placed there by the Northern Pacific Railway. He holds to the highest possible
standards in the care of his orchards and in the development of his fruit and the
results attained are indicated in the fact that he was chosen to be one of the exhibi-
tors in the Northern Pacific Railway display of the products of the northwest.
On the 16th of October, 1907, Mr. Werner was married to Miss Ellen Marie
Rhode, a native of Minneapolis and a daughter of Erick and Cecelia (Mortonson)
Rhode, the father a leading contractor of that city. The children of this marriage
are Joseph R. and Morton A.
Mr. Werner is a member of the Foresters and in politics he is a republican
where national issues are involved but otherwise casts an independent ballot. He
served as appraiser on the Federal Farm Loan during 1918 and he is now a member
of the Farm Loan Association. He is interested in all that has to do with the progress
and prosperity of the community in which he makes his home and as a public-
spirited citizen cooperates in many plans and measures for the general good.
FRANK L. TRAPP.
Frank L. Trapp, who owns ten acres of valuable land on the Tieton, has been
successfully engaged in the raising of hay and potatoes there since the spring of
1912. His birth occurred in Dodge county, Minnesota, on the 30th of April, 1857,
his parents being David and Margaret (Long) Trapp, both of whom were natives of
Indiana. They became pioneer settlers of Minnesota and in 1869 removed to Cerro
Gordo county, Iowa, where they spent the remainder of their lives, the father de-
voting his attention to general agricultural pursuits.
Frank L. Trapp acquired a public school education in his youth and was twelve
years of age when the family home was established in Cerro. Gordo county, Iowa.
After putting aside his textbooks he became actively identified with farming inter-
ests and also engaged in drilling wells throughout the section of the state in which
he resided. Subsequently he made his way to Palo Alto county, Iowa, and later to
Emmet county, that state, while his next removal took him to Havana, North Dakota.
In these various places his time and energies were given to agriculture and success
attended his undertakings. In 1905 he came west to Washington and spent one year
in Seattle, while for seven years he remained a resident of Snohomish. He had pur-
chased ten acres of land on the Tieton in 1910 and in the spring of 1912 took up his
abode thereon, planting the tract to hay and potatoes. He erected an attractive
residence on the place and has been continuously engaged in its cultivation to the
present time with excellent results. In 1918 he raised ninety-four one-hundred-pound
sacks of potatoes from a half acre of land. Progressive, enterprising and industrious,
his efforts have been rewarded with well merited success and he has become widely
recognized as one of the substantial and representative farmers of Yakima county.
On the 4th of April, 1883, Mr. Trapp was united in marriage to Miss Lucelia
Angell. a native of Lafayette county, Wisconsin, and a daughter of Henry and
Martha Piersol Angell. who were born in New York and Ohio respectively. ' They
removed to Wisconsin in pioneer times and later went to Iowa, while subsequently
they established their home in Kansas. Returning to Iowa, however, tlicy remained
residents of the Hawkeye state until called to their final rest. Throughout his active
business career Mr. Angell devoted his attention to general • agricultural pursuits.
Mr. and Mrs. Trapp became the parents of five children, as follows: Ernest, who has
passd away; Earl, who died leaving a wife and two sons: Iva; Ray: and Mabel, who
passed away at the age of fifteen vears.
(30)
756 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
Mr. Trapp gives his political allegiance to the republican party where national
questions and issues are involved bm at local elections casts an independent ballot.
Fraternally he is identified with the Modern Woodmen of America. His life has
ever been characterized by high and honorable principles and he has therefore won
the warm regard and esteem of those with whom he has been associated.
FRED NELSON.
Fred Nelson has been the owner of his present farm property for more than a
decade and has resided thereon for a more extended period. He was born in Kent,
Washington, October 31, 1873, a son of Halvor and Julianna Nelson, who are natives
of Norway and became pioneer settlers of Nebraska. After being identified with
that state through the epoch of its frontier development they continued their west-
ward journey and became residents of Washington, arriving in the Kittitas valley
in 1878. The father purchased eighty acres of land four miles west of Ellensburg
and later bought eighty acres more. He has since been identified with farming inter-
ests in this locality but has sold all of the land to his boys. However, he is the
owner of a ranch in, a nearby canyon.
Fred Nelson acquired a public school education and was reared to the occupa-
tion of farming, which he followed in connection with his father until 1906. He then
rented a part of his father's place and lived thereon until 1908, when he purchased
forty acres of the old homestead. He has converted this into a valuable and well
improved farm. He has built thereon a new house, good barns and outbuildings
and in fact has all of the equipments of the model farm of the twentieth century.
He is engaged in raising hay and grain and his business afTairs are wisely and care-
fully directed, bringing to him therefore a substantial measure of prosperity.
On the 23d of December, 1908, Mr. Nelson was united in marriage to Miss Ger-
trude Evans, a native of Tacoma, Washington, and a daughter of Morris Evans, who
is now a retired rancher living in Prosser, this state. Mr. and Mrs. Nelson have an
adopted daughter. Marguerite, who is a year and a half old. Mr. Nelson never seeks
to figure in any public light, content to concentrate his efforts and attention upon
his business affairs, and his close application and energy are the basic principles of
his growing success.
RALPH CHAMBERS.
A highly cultivated farm near Cowiche stands as the visible evidence of the in-
dustry, enterprise and progressiveness of Ralph Chambers, one of the young agri- .
culturists of Yakima county. He also has given considerable attention to orchard-
ing, having five acres in fruit. A native of Washington, he was born in Thurston
county, June 25, 1886, and is a son of George and .\lla (Waddel) Chambers, also
natives of Washington. The family is among the honored pioneers of this state,
their fate and fortune being^closely connected with the growth and development of
the commonwealth as out of a wilderness a great and rich sta'te has arisen. The
grandfather of our subject. David Chambers, was born in Ireland and came to this
country in order to profit by the opportunities presented here. Making his way to
the west, he became connected with early frontier life in Washington. George Cham-
bers, the father, and his family came to Yakima county about 1903 and here he
bought ranch property on the Cowiche, giving his close attention to the cultivation
of that land, which he later sold, and in 1913 removed to White Bluffs, Washington,
where he is now engaged in farming, having become one of the prominent agricul-
turists of that district.
Ralph Chambers was reared under the parental roof and from his parents re-
ceived his first lessons in regard to life's conduct. In the acquirement of his educa-
tion he attended the rural schools and in 1903, at the age of seventeen, he came with
his parents to Yakima county. Being old enough to begin his independent career.
i HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 757
he worked for wages in the employ of David Longmirc for two years. After this
he farmed his father's ranch for two years as a renter and then in 1906 bought a
ranch on the Cowiche. Later he disposed of that property and acquired a farm on
the south fork of the Cowiche, comprising thirteen hundred and sixty acres, of which
ninety acres are in hay, grain, corn and potatoes. Mr. Chambers has important live
stock interests, raising horses, mules and cattle. In 1914 he bought a twenty-five
acre tract near Cowiche Station, of which five acres arc in orchard, and removed to
that place in order to be nearer the schools which his children attend. The rest
of this tract is in hay. He has always followed modern and progressive methods
and upon his property has made many up-to-date improvements, including a nice
home and good barns, so that his ranch today is a most valuable one.
On the 10th of February, 1906. Mr. Chambers was united in marriage to Katie
Livengood, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ira Livcngood. who are more extensively
mentioned on another page of this work. To this union were born three children:
Ella Lctitia, Viola May and Farrell John. The family are very prominent in their
neighborhood, where they have many friends, all of whom are agreed as to their
high qualities of character. In their home they often entertain and their hospitality
is famed throughout the countryside.
Fraternally Mr. Chambers is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America
and belongs to the Elks Lodge No. 318, of Yakima. In politics he gives his alle-
giance to the democratic party and while not a politician in the commonly accepted
sense of the word, he is thoroughly informed in regard to public questions, particu-
larly as pertaining to his locality. Not only has he assisted in bringing about agri-
cultural progress in his district through his activities but he is a progressive and en-
terprising man, interested in upbuilding alon-g many lines, and is therefore to be
considered one of the valued citizens of Yakima county.
WALLACE WILEY.
Wallace Wiley, one of the extensive landowners and prominent stockmen of the
Yakima valley, making his home in the city of Yakima since 1868, was born in Plain-
view, Minnesota, April 21, 1861, a son of Hugh and Mary A. Wiley, who in the year
1868 arrived in what is now Wiley City, Washington. On leaving Minnesota they
went to New York and thence came by way of the water route to the Pacific coast,
crossing the Isthmus of Panama. Mr. Wiley brought with him his wife and four
children. They started in 1866 and were two years in reaching their destination,
making their journey by team from Salem, Oregon. The father homesteaded where
Wiley City now stands and there continued to reside until called to his final rest on
the 1st of January, 1884. His widow survives and is yet living at Wiley City.
Wallace Wiley pursued his education in the Pacific University of Oregon but
upon the death of his father returned to the home farm and with his brother James
took charge of the place and has since continued its operation. In 1902 they in-
corporated the Wiley Land & Stock Company, which indicates the nature of their
Inisiness. They own six thousand acres of range land and seven hundred acres of
farm land under a high state of cultivation. They raise graded cattle and also have
a large number of horses upon their place. The ranch is situated about eighteen
miles from Yakima and includes Wiley City, which has a population of three hun-
dred, with a good store. Wallace Wiley is familiar with every phase of ranch life
and his broad experience has enabled him to wisely and carefully direct his ener-
gies, resulting in the substantial measure of success which is today his.
In October, 1903. Mr. Wiley was married to Miss .\nnette Wingard. of Cen-
tralia. Washington, a daughter of Isaac Wingard, one of the pioneer settlers of the
state. To them have been born five children: Lenora, Hugh, James, Marion and
Robert.
Fraternally Mr. Wiley is connected with Yakima Lodge No. 24. F. & A. M., and
has also taken the degrees of capitular Masonry in Yakima Chapter No. 21, R. A. M.,
while his wife is a member of the Eastern Star and the Baptist church. In his
political views Mr. Wiley is a republican, stanchly supporting the party, yet has
758 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
never been an aspirant for public office. He has made his home in Yakima since
1868 but spends much of his time upon the ranch, superintending his extensive
interests in that connection, and his business by reason of his intclHgent direction
has brought to him a most gratifying measure of success. Moreover, he is one of
the honored pioneers of this region, having resided continuously in Yakima county
for over fifty years.
EDGAR W. SILVERS.
A life of diligence is resulting in the attainment of substantial success by Edgar
W. Silvers, who has resided in Yakima county since 1902, arriving here when a
young man of twenty-nine years. He was born in Iroquois county, Illinois, Febru-
ary 25, 1873, a son of William H. and Nancy J. (Reeves) Silvers, the former now
deceased. Extended mention of the family is made on another page of this work in
connection with the sketch of William H. Silvers.
Edgar W. Silvers acquired his education in the public schools of Illinois and
Nebraska. He took up ranching while in the latter state and won substantial success
through his efforts there. In 1902 he accompanied his father on his removal to
Yakima county, Washington, and after reaching his destination purchased a ranch
of ten acres a half mile east of Buena. It was already planted to fruit and thereon
he built a fine residence. In 1910 he bought twenty acres in the Parker Bottoms, de-
voted to the raising of hay. In 1917 he added to his holdings another tract of twenty
acres in the same district, which is likewise hay land, and upon that place he also
raises stock. Upon the home ranch he has a good orchard of prune, apple and
pear trees and his fruit raising has become an important branch of his business.
On the 25th of February. 1895. Mr. Silvers was united in marriage to Miss Edith
Cook, who was born in Iowa, a daughter of W. L. and Glendora (Daugherty) Cook.
The children of this marriage are: Ethel, the wife of Vesper Cox, who is engaged
in ranching near Zillah; Frank, who follows ranching in connection with his father;
Earl, Raymond, William and Carmen, all at home.
In politics Mr. Silvers maintains an independent course nor is he identified with
any lodge or church. He is an independent thinker and he gives his time and at-
tention to his business affairs. Gradually he is nearing the goal of substantial suc-
cess, already being numbered among the men of affluence in his community.
JESSE C. CHILDS.
Jesse C. Childs, an orchardist of Donald, was born in Prescott, Wisconsin, .\pril
12, 1875. His father, E. D. Childs, was a native of Westboro, Massachusetts, and in
Wisconsin was married to Eliza McLorinan. E. D. Childs was a son of Elsworth
Childs, who removed with his family to Wisconsin when the former was but thirteen
years of age. There he was reared to the occupation of farming, which he made his
life work, remaining in active identification with the agricultural interests of the
Badger state until 1878, when he removed to Minnesota. There he again secured
land and devoted his attention to general farming until he removed to Yakima county
in the spring of 1907. At that date he purchased twenty acres of land on Parker
Heights, all covered with sagebrush. He and one of his sons took up their abode
upon that place in the summer of 1907. Mr. Childs built an attractive home on Sum-
mit View, Yakima, and it has since been his place of abode.
Jesse C. Childs came to the Yakima valley in 1908 and has since been in charge
of the orchard. He has the entire twenty-acre tract in fruit, raising apples, peaches,
pears and cherries. In 1908 he built a pleasant and attractive residence upon the
place. The business and property are incorporated under the name of the E. D.
Childs & Sons Company, with E. D. Childs as the president and Jesse C. Childs as
vice president and manager, while R. D. Childs is the secretary and treasurer. The
father has charge of the selling of the fruit crop, going east each fall and selling the
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 759
output of the company's ranch and of other ranches in this district. The business
has been developed along progressive lines and is now a profitable source of income.
Jesse C. Childs acquired a public school education, supplemented by a course in
Oberlin College of Oberlin, Ohio, from which he was graduated in 1896 with the
degree of Bachelor of Arts. For eleven years in early manhood he successfully
taught school, imparting clearly and readily to others the knowledge that he had
acquired. He became professor of English in the State Normal School at Mayville,
North Dakota, and occupied that position for four years before his removal to the
northwest. He had previously been at the head of the department of English and
history in the high school at Fargo, North Dakota, and has made continuous advance-
ment in the educational field.
On the 1st of July, 1903. Mr. Childs was united in marriage to Miss Blanche
Kenyon, a native of Norwood, New York, and a daughter of Herbert J. and Ida C.
(Rood) Kenyon, the former a native of Troy, New York, and the latter of Green-
wich, that state. Her parents removed to Minnesota in 1874 and the father became
an officer of the state penitentiary at Stillwater, that state. He had previously been
engaged in the grain business. To Mr. and Mrs. Childs have been born three chil-
dren, Herbert, Ralph and Marshall.
In politics Mr. Childs is a republican and a stanch supporter of the principles
of the party. He has served on the school board and the cause of education has
ever found in him a stalwart champion. He is a member of the Presbyterian church
and his life is actuated by high and honorable principles, commending him to the
confidence and goodwill of all. His sterling traits of character are many, his busi-
ness ability pronounced, his loyalty in citizenship unquestioned and he has gained
a place among the valued residents of Yakima county.
FRED HANSON.
-Among the successful native sons of Washington who give their attention to
agricultural labors is Fred Hanson, a native of the Kittitas valley, who was born
December 17, 1890. His parents, Olaf and Ingeborg (Peterson) Hanson, were natives
of Sweden and in their youth came to the United States. The father came to the
Kittitas valley in 1871 and is therefore numbered among its pioneers, taking up a
homestead west of EUensburg. As he prospered in his undertakings he acquired
more land until he owned over four hundred acres, all of which was well improved.
Besides general farming he gave his attention to the raising of horses and cattle and
was quite successful along that line. At present, however, he lives retired, making
his home in Seattle, and there he enjoys the comforts of life which his former labors
have made possible. He terminated his active connection with farm work in 1906.
To him and his wife were born five children: Henry, who passed away in February,
1917; Tillie, the wife of A. S. Jensen, of Seattle; Fred; Clara, at home; and Oscar
William, who died at the age of seven years.
Fred Hanson, the third in the family, was reared under the parental roof and in
the acquirement of an education attended the public schools. In order to better fit
himself for life's practical and responsible duties he then pursued a business course
at Everett, subsequent to which time he decided upon agricultural pursuits as best
suited to his tastes and ability. For a few years he rented the home ranch but since
1912 has operated the property on his own account. Not only does he raise large
crops of grain and hay but he also has one hundred and seventy-five head of cattle.
In all of his undertakings he follows progressive and modern methods and since
taking charge of the place has made a nutnber of improvements which show his effi-
ciency and wise management. He is a business man who carefully watches his oppor-
tunities and therefore always succeeds in marketing his produce and stock most
advantageously.
On October 1, 1913, Mr. Hanson and Miss Laura Jeannette McNeil were united
in marriage. She is a daughter of H. G. and Eva (Buck) McNeil, who are men-
tioned at greater length on other pages of this work. Mr. and Mrs. Hanson have
three children, Helen Eva, Frederick Herbert and Lorene Esther.
760 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
Mr. Hanson is a republican in his political affiliations, loyally supporting the
measures and candidates of that party. Although he is thoroughly informed in
regard to local political issues and takes a laudable interest therein, he prefers to do
so as a private citizen, having never shown any inclination for public office. In his
fraternal associations he is a member of Elks Lodge No. 1102, of EUensburg. Mr.
and Mrs. Hanson are valued members of the younger social set of their neighbor-
hood and have many friends in EUensburg and vicinity. Mr. Hanson, although com-
paratively speaking a young man, has made a good start toward prosperity and
while promoting his own fortunes he also assists in the upbuilding of his county
and district by making his one of the valuable farm properties of the state.
ALBERT STEXGLE.
.\lbert Stengle is the manager of a ranch covering one hundred and thirty acres
for the Netherlands American Mortgage Bank, of which eighty-five acres is planted
to orchards. He has lived in the Yakima valley since 1902 and in the United States
since 1871. He was born in Norway, May 25, 1849, a son of Emil and Paulina Stengle,
both of whom have passed away. His youthful days were spent in the land of the
midnight sun and when he had reached the age of twenty-two he determined to try
his fortune in the new world. Accordingly he crossed the Atlantic in 1871 and took
up his abode in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, where he followed farming until 1892. The
succeeding six years were spent in Oregon and then he went to California, where he
resided until 1902, when he removed to the Yakima valley. The following year he
entered the employ of the Buchell Land Company as manager, thus representing
them for a few years, after which he became manager for the Netherlands .American
Mortgage Bank in charge of their orchards. He is now controlling a ranch of one
hundred and thirty acres, of which eighty-five acres is planted to fruit and fifty-five
acres to alfalfa. Thereon he is engaged in raising apples, pears and peaches and his
orchards are in excellent bearing condition, so that he annually harvests large crops.
He has also had large farming interests on the Yakima Indian reservation and he
likewise developed a twenty-acre orchard of his own near Grandview which he has
now sold. In 1917 he bought another ten acres near Grandview and took up his
abode thereon in 1919.
In October, 1875, Mr. Stengle was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary Nelson, a na-
tive of Norway and a daughter of Nels and Mary Nelson. She crossed the .Atlantic
to the LTnited States when a young woman of twenty years and became the wife of
Mr. Stengle in Wisconsin. Ten children have been born to them but only two sur-
vive, namely: Edward, who is married and is the owner of a garage at Wapato,
Washington; and Carrie, the wife of E. E. Norling, who is engaged in ranching near
Grandview and by whom she has one child.
In his political views Mr. Stengle is a republican and w'hile at Butternut. Wis-
consin, he served for two terms as assessor. While in Oregon he was a school clerk.
His religious faith is that of the Lutheran church and he is a member of the Frater-
nal Brotherhood. His success in life is the direct result of his perseverance and
energy. Actuated by a laudable ambition, he came to the new world to try his for-
tune and has made good use of his time, talents and opportunities as the years have
gone on. He is now most comfortably situated in life and has never had occasion
to regret the step that brought him from his native country to the United States.
JOHN W. ALEXANDER.
John W. Alexander owns and occupies a ranch of one hundred and sixty acres a
mile southeast of Sunnyside, which came into his possession through purchase in
1902. Mr. .'Alexander is a native son of Iowa, his birth having occurred in Dubuque
county on the 2Sth of November, 1853. He is a son of Philip and Adeline (Higgins)
.Alexander. The father was born in Vermont and the mother in Connecticut and they
ALBERT STENGLE
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 763
became pioneer residents of Iowa, where Mr. Alexander carried on farming to the
time of his death. His wife also passed away in that state.
John W. Alexander supplemented a public school education by study in the
Hopkinton University of Iowa and when his textbooks were put aside devoted his
attention to farming in his native state for a time and later for sixteen years in
South Dakota. In 1902 he arrived in Yakima county and made investment in one
hundred and sixty acres of land near Sunnyside. The greater part of the tract
was wild and undeveloped, but he now has one hundred acres under cultivation and
has made his place one of the excellent ranch properties of the district. He annually
produces large crops of hay, corn, potatoes and sugar beets and he is conducting an
extensive dairy business, keeping fine graded Holstein cattle for this purpose. In
business affairs his judgment is sound, his sagacity keen and his enterprise unfalter-
ing. He displays the most progressive spirit in connection with his dairy interests.
He milks from thirty to forty-five cows, utilizing a modern electric-driven milking
machine and a cream separator. His house and his barns are supplied with electric
light and all modern improvements and accessories are found upon his farm.
On the 6th of March, 1878, Mr. Alexander was united in marriage to Miss Mar-
garet McElwain, who was born in Dubuque county, Iowa, a daughter of Moses
McElwain, one of the pioneers of that state. They have become the parents of a
large family of six daughters and eight sons, and with the exception of two sons"
all are yet living. Mrs. Addie Smith, residing one hundred miles northwest of Seat-
tle, has two daughters. Frank, who is engaged in ranching near his father's place,
is married and has two sons. Sarah is the wife of Gordon Vance, a rancher near
Sunnyside, and they have five daughters. Mrs. Mary Cry is a resident of California.
Judd, Oscar and Benjamin are at home. Laura is engaged in teaching school. Eliza-
beth and Grace are likewise still under the parental roof. Philip is deceased. Henry
is also yet at home. Millard and Ernest were twins but the latter has departed this
life. The children were all given good educational opportunities.
Mrs. Alexander is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Alex-
ander is a democrat in his political views and keeps well informed on the questions
and issues of the day but has never been an office seeker. His has been an active
and useful life along agricultural lines and his persistent effort and energy have con-
stituted the foundation of his growing success.
FRANK B. SHARDLOW.
Frank B. Shardlow became a resident of North Yakima about the time the
town was started, and while he has not continued uninterruptedly here, h'e has for
much of the period been actively connected with the city. He is now living retired
from business, deriving his income largely from judicious investments in ranch prop-
erty and city real estate. He was born in Rochester, New York, July 15, 1855, a son
of Richard and Fannie Shardlow, both of whom have passed away. Tlic father was
a printer by trade.
Frank B. Shardlow, after acquiring a public school education, entered the nursery
business in New York, in which he continued for a short time. He then removed
to Oregon in 1876 and with George Thomas and John Edwards, of The Dalles, Ore-
gon, came to the city of Yakima in 1879. He took a desert claim about 1882, the
place being located on Sulphur creek, but he did not prove up on the property. Later
he secured other land near Zillah and improved one hundred and sixty acres, winning
title to his claim. Thereon he raised hops, fruit and other crops. In 1885 he came
to North Yakima, in which year the town was established, but in 1886 he removed
to Ellensburg, Washington, where he resided for two years. In 1888 he returned to
North Yakima, however, and was in business here until 1915, when he retired. In
1902 he built a fine brick business block, from which he now derives a good rental,
and he also has some excellent ranch properties in this section of the state.
On the 8th of May, 1888, Mr. Shardlow was united in marriage to Mrs. Jennie
(Leet Munson. a daughter of Josiah and Lucinda (Hatton) Lee, the former a native
of Iowa. Her father came w-ith ox teams across the plains as a pioneer to Wash-
764 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
ington, being one of the early ranchers of Whitman county, Later he removed to
Canada, where he resided for ten years and afterward took up his abode in Felida,
Washington, where he passed away on the 18th of November, 1910, his widow sur-
viving him until 1914. On October 16, 1900, there was born to Mr. and Mrs. Shard-
low a daughter, Lois Lee, who is now attending high school at the age of eighteen
years.
Fraternally Mr. Shardlow is connected with the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows and he and his wife have been members of Isabella Rebckah Lodge No. 23,
for more than twenty-five years. His political allegiance is given to the republican
party but he has never been an aspirant for office, concentrating his efforts and atten-
tion upon other interests. He was one of the early members of the Commercial
Club and continued his identification therewith until his retirement from business.
He and his family occupy one of the beautiful homes of Yakima, erected in 1910 and
situated on a lot which Mrs. Shardlow selected when North Yakima was first estab-
lished. Both Mr. and Mrs. Shardlow have been identified with the city throughout
the entire period of its progress and development and have been most interested wit-
nesses of what has been accomplished.
PETER VAN MAVERN.
Peter Van Mavern, who is engaged in the raising of fruit and farm products in
Yakima county, was born in Marion county, Iowa, September 23, 1861, a son of
Arthur and Bertha (Mullenberg) Van Mavern, botli of whom were natives of Hol-
land and became pioneer settlers of Iowa. They resided for a time in Marion county
and subsequently became residents of Sioux county, that state, where both passed
away.
The educational opportunities of Peter Van Mavern were somewhat limited,
owing to the fact that it was necessary for him to provide for his own support at an
early age. When he had reached the age of twenty-six he began renting land and
throughout his entire life he has been identified with agricultural pursuits. He ar-
rived in Yakima county in 1896 and for fourteen years was employed by the firm
of Coffin Brothers. In 1900 he purchased ten acres of land on the lower Xaches
and in 1913 sold that property and purchased another tract of ten acres in the same
district. He has three and a half acres planted to fruit trees and his orchards are in
good bearing. The remainder of his land is devoted to the cultivation of alfalfa
and the raising of grain and his place is now in excellent condition, returning a sub-
stantial income for the care and labor which he bestows upon it.
In 1887 Mr. Van Mavern was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Williamson, a
native of Holland, who came to the United States in early life. Their children are:
Arthur, who resides in Alaska: and Bert, who is a member of the United States army
and is now in France. He is married. The parents are members of the Congrega-
tional church and are highly esteemed people of the community in which they make
their home. Mr. Van Mavern votes with the republican party, which he has sup-
ported since attaining adult age. He is a self-made man and now ranks with the
successful farmers of Yakima county.
WILLIAM O. HARRISON.
William O. Harrison, for fourteen years a resident of Washington, was for a
considerable period identified with industrial activity but is now concentrating his
efforts and attention upon ranching in the vicinity of Grandview. He was born in
Acworth, Georgia, August 10, 1875, a son of Bill and Bettie (Chastine) Harrison,
who were farming people. The mother died in the latter part of the 70s.
William O. Harrison acquired a public school education in his native state and
took up the occupation of farming in Georgia but later removed to Tennessee, where
he became identified with mechanical interests, running an engine for nine years.
I HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 765
In 1900 he removed to Oklahoma, where he was again employed as an engineer,
and in 1905 he arrived in Montesano, Washington, where he resided until his removal
to Renton, Washington. He next took up his abode in South Tacoma and also lived
at other points in the state, being employed as an engineer and machinist. He con-
tinued to devote his attention to mechanical pursuits for a long period. In 1910 he
removed to Mabton, Washington, where he lived until 1914, when he turned his at-
tention to agricultural interests, taking up a homestead near Grandview. He now
owns about thirteen acres of land and devotes it largely to the raising of cantaloupes
and hay. The buildings upon it were erected by him and include a pleasant, attrac-
tive dwelling and good barns. The equipment of his farm meets all modern-day re-
quirements and his methods are at once scientific and progressive.
" On the 24th of May, 1902, Mr. Harrison was married to Miss Rachel Eiklor, who
was born in Arkansas. Their children are Harper, Wheeler, Kelley, Naomi, Marie
and Kenneth.
Mr. Harrison votes with the democratic party where national issues and ques-
tions are involved but at local elections casts an independent ballot. Fraternally
he is a Royal Arch Mason, a loyal adherent of the craft and an exemplary representa-
tive of the principles upon which the order is founded. He is ever loyal to its teach-
ings and his worth, not only as a Mason but as a man and citizen, is widely acknowl-
edged.
HENRY JENKINS.
The great fertility and productiveness of the lands of the Yakima valley are
indicated in the results which have come of the efforts of Henry Jenkins, one of
the successful farmers living in the vicinity of the city of Yakima. He is certainly
entitled to representation in this work as one of the leading orchardists of the sec-
tion and, moreover, as a member of one of the oldest pioneer families of the north-
west. He was born in Douglas county, Oregon, May 6, 1860, a son of William and
Emeline (Belieu) Jenkins, who were natives of Kentucky and Missouri respectively.
The paternal grandfather, Willis Jenkins, brought his family to Washington in 1844,
crossing the country with ox teams, and located in Klickitat county, where he was
engaged in the stock business to the time of his death. His son, William Jenkins,
removed to Douglas county, Oregon, as a young man and there engaged in farming,
having six hundred and forty acres of valuable land. He is now living retired, mak-
ing his home in Marshfield, Oregon. He served in the Indian wars in the north-
west, participating in the battle of L^nion Gap in Yakima county in 1856 and also in
the Cayuse war in Oregon. He married Emeline Belieu, a daughter of M. B. Belieu,
who took his family to Douglas county, Oregon, in the early '40s. Mrs. Jenkins
passed away in 1903.
Henry Jenkins acquired a public school education and at the age of nineteen
years started out in the world on his own account. He was employed in railroad
work and in the lumber woods and in 1907 he took up his abode in Yakima county
upon a ranch which he had purchased in 1904 — a tract of twenty acres on the lower
Naches. It was all wild and unimproved, but with characteristic energy he began
its development and now has five acres in orchards, while the remainder is devoted
to the raising of hay and such cereals as are best adapted to soil and climatic condi-
tions in the northwest. He has been very successful in his undertakings and has
followed the most progressive methods in the conduct and care of his place. He
belongs to the Yakima County I'Vuit Growers' Association. Something of the wis-
dom and the enterprise of his business methods is indicated in the fact that during
1918 he packed twelve hundred boxes of apples raised on three and a half acres and
five hundred and twenty-five boxes of peaches produced on a half acre. He also har-
vested forty tons of alfalfa from seven acres and one hundred and fifty bushels of
corn from three acres. He also sold potatoes to the amount of seventy-four dollars
and has eighteen sacks left, all raised on a sixth of an acre. These are of a very fine
grade. The ranch produced an income of more than two thousand dollars in 1918.
On the 19th of February, 1884, Mr. Jenkins was married to Miss Mary Tomlin-
766 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
son, a native of Marion county. Oregon, and a daughter of Samuel C. and Elizabeth
(White) Tomlinson, the former a native of Missouri, while the latter was born in
Michigan. The mother was a daughter of James White, who arrived in Oregon in
1843. Mr. Tomlinson became a resident of Oregon in 1853 and it was in that state
that he married Miss White, who has novi' passed away, but Mr. Tomlinson is still
living. To Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins has been born a daughter, Stella, now the wife of
E. T. Barnett, a rancher of Yakima county, by whom she has three children.
Mr. Jenkins belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America and is also identified
w.ith the Grange. In politics he maintains an independent course nor has he ever
been an office seeker. While living in Cowlitz county, Washington, however, in
young manhood he served for seven years as school clerk. He prefers to give his
undivided time and attention to his business affairs, which are wisely and carefully
conducted and are bringing to him substantial success as the reward of his industry
and perseverance. He has always lived in the northwest and the spirit of western
enterprise has actuated him in all that he has undertaken. His labors have been
untiring and resultant and his property is yearly increasing in value owing to the
improvements which he puts thereon.
HERBERT G. McXEIL.
Herbert G. McNeil is numbered among the substantial citizens of the Kittitas
valley, owning a valuable property near Ellensburg. A pioneer of this section of
the state, he is widely and favorably known and all who come in close contact with
him are agreed as to his high purpose. Not only has Mr. McNeil attained individual
success but through his arduous labors has greatly helped in the upbuilding of his
section, particularly along agricultural lines.
A native of Minnesota, he was born in Sherburne county, November 15, 1868,
and is a son of Luther and Mary E. (Spencer) McNeil, the former a native of Kala-
mazoo, Michigan, while the latter was born near Valparaiso, Indiana. Early in life
they migrated to Minnesota, among the pioneers of which state the father was num-
bered. He also had the distinction of having been a veteran of the Civil war, serving
for three and a half years with Company M, Second Minnesota Cavalry. He par-
ticipated in a number of important engagements and valiantly upheld the Union
cause, putting aside all personal considerations when the call for troops was issued.
The parents continued to make their home in Minnesota until 1902, when they came
to Ellensburg. where the father lived retired to the time of his demise, in 1910. but
the mother survives.
Herbert G. McNeil was reared under the parental roof and grew to manhood
amid farm surroundings, thus early becoming acquainted with efficient methods in
tilling the soil and garnering the crops. In the acquirement of his education he
attended public school in his native state and there continued after laying aside his
textbooks until 1890, when he made his way to Seattle, Washington, being connected
with the civil engineering department of the Northern Pacific Railroad. In 1897 he
decided to try his fortune in the far north and went to the Klondike, where he
remained for five years with one interruption. This was in 1898, when he returned
to Kittitas county, where he bought a farm, but shortly thereafter he returned to the
north. Interesting" as well as exciting were his adventures while in that country
and in those five years three trips in particular stand out as memorable when three
times he went over the trail from Skagway to Dawson, a distance of six hundred
miles. Mr. McNeil hunted, mined and freighted as the opportunity offered, thus
improving his fortunes to the best of his ability. In 1902, however, he returned to
his Kittitas vallfey farm. He sold his first place and in 1906 bought one hundred acres
three and a half miles south of Ellensburg. which has since remained his home farm.
He also has nine hundred acres of range land. Although he gives considerable
attention to general farming he makes a specialty of raising cattle, particularly
graded and pure blooded shorthorns, and also horses and hogs. He has his land
under a good state of cultivation and has made many improvements upon the
ranch, including excellent barns and other equipment, as well as building a hand-
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 767
some residence. Everything about the place indicates the progressive methods
which he has ever followed and that western spirit of conquest which guides him in
all of his actions and which has led him into his present prosperous condition as
one of the leading farmers of his neighborhood.
On the 2d of July, 1892, Mr. McNeil was united in marriage to Miss Eva G. Buck,
of Grays Harbor, Washington, a daughter of John Buck, who was a native of Maine,
and became one of the early pioneers of this state. Mr. and Mrs. McNeil have
become the parents of five children: Edith, the wife of R. W. Waite, of EUensburg,
by whom she has a daughter; Laura, who married Fred Hanson, a prominent rancher
of the Kittitas valley, who is mentioned on other pages of this work; G. H., a farmer
of the Kittitas valley, who is married and has one child; Benjamin A., of EUensburg,
who is married and has a daughter; and Doris, fourteen years of age.
Mr. McNeil is a wideawake, public-spirited citizen, ever ready to give his sup-
port to movements for the public good if he is convinced of their value. He is not a
politician in the commonly accepted sense of the word and does not strictly adhere to
party, preferring to give his support to the man best qualified for the office in ques-
tion regardless of his party affiliation. For six years he served as a member of the
board of county commissioners and did valuable work in that connection, bringing
about many improvements which have been of great benefit to the county. For the
past four years he has been chairman of the board, his selection for the office indi-
cating the confidence which his fellow tow^nsmen have in his ability. Fraternally
he is a member of the Elks Lodge No. 1102, and has many friends in that organiza-
tion.
RICHARD HENRY HAYDEN.
Richard Henry Haydcn, of Yakima, who has been prominently identified with
reclamation and irrigation projects and is now secretary of the Tieton Water Users"
Association, making his home in Yakima, was born in Cheboygan. Michigan, on the
25th of July, 1882, a son of William and Bessie (Granger') Hayden. After acquiring
his education in the schools of Michigan, he made his way to the west in 1905, when
a young man of twenty-three years, establishing his home at Everett, Washington.
In the fall of 1905, however, he came to Yakima and made his initial step in its
business circles as clerk in a grocery store. In 1906 he entered the reclamation
service and later became a member of the Midland Engineering Company, with
which he was identified from 1908 until 1910 inclusive, in charge of its office work.
He is now doing contract work in connection with irrigation. In 1910 he again
entered the reclamation service as cost keeper on the Clear Creek dam and later was
associated with the Sunnyside project on the Benton extension, having charge of the
clerical work. In 1915 he became secretary of the Tieton Water Users' Association
and has since acted in that capacit}'. His efforts in these various connections have
contributed in marked measure to the reclamation, irrigation and development of the
sections in which he has labored and he is now, in addition to his service as secre-
tary of the Tieton Water Users' Association, the secretary of the Yakima-Tieton
irrigation district. He is likewise the secretary of the Washington Irrigation Insti-
tute anti there is perhaps no man who is more largely familiar with irrigation projects
and problems in this section of the state or is more capable of speaking with author-
ity upon questions which have to do with the reclamation of the arid districts and
the wise utilization of the water supply.
In 1910 Mr. Hayden was united in marriage to Miss Adah Shannon, of Prosser.
\\'ashington, and they have one son, Robert John. Mr. Hayden belongs to Yakima
Lodge No. 24, F. & A. M.; Yakima Chapter No. 21, R. A. M.; Yakima Commandery
No. 13, K. T., of which he was installed as eminent commander January 7, 1919; and
Yakima Council No. 12, R. & S. M. He is also a member of Afifi Temple of the
Mystic Shrine and an active member 'of the Eastern Star. His membership relations
further extend to the Commercial Club and he is interested in every project put
forth by that organization for the benefit and upbuilding of the city. In politics he
is a republican and he attends the Methodist Episcopal church. He has a fine ranch
768 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
on the Sunnyside project which is the visihle evidence of his life of well directed
energy and thrift. Thoroughness, characterizes everything that he undertakes and
this has been a most valuable feature in promoting the irrigation and reclamation
projects with which he lias been associated. His work has been indeed of great value
to the districts in which he has labored and Yakima justly accounts him one of her
representative men.
EARL BAKER.
The last decade or two has constituted a period of marvelous development and
prosperity in the northwest. The once arid lands of the Yakima valley have been
converted into valuable ranch properties which are devoted exclusively to the raising
of fruit. It has been a matter of marvel that the soil in this district is so splendidly
adapted to the raising of all kinds of fruit and handsome competences and large for-
tunes have been made in this way. Mr. Baker is among those who are now devoting
their energies to the cultivation and development of apple orchards. He was born
in Stromsburg, Nebraska, July 4, 1884. a son of J. E. and Ella (Stump) Baker. The
father was born in the state of New York and in November, 1890, he brought his
family to Washington, settling in Tacoma. In May, 1897, he removed with his wife
and children to Yakima county and for a year rented land on Nob Hill. In 1900 he
purchased seventy-six acres in the Selah valley, of which he has since planted tw^enty
acres to fruit trees. He has converted it into a valuable orchard and upon his ranch
he continued to reside until he retired from active business and took up his abode in
Yakima.
Earl Baker, whose name introduces this review, acquired a public school edu-
cation and when his textbooks were put aside became the active assistant of his
father, with whom he carried on business until 1905. He then purchased thirty
acres of land on Selah Heights and began the development of this tract, which at
that time was all covered with sagebrush just as it had come from the hand of nature.
He afterward sold ten acres of his purchase and now has a valuable place of twenty
acres, oT which eighteen acres is in orchard, ten acres being in bearing apple trees.
Most of the place is seeded to alfalfa and the ranch is now a very productive one
from which he annually ships large crops of fruit that return to him a gratifying
income. In 1912 he built a fine home upon his place and it is now one of the pleasing
features of the valley.
In 1908 Mr. Baker was married to Miss Jennie Bourdon, a daughter of Louis
Bourdon, who is mentioned elsewhere in this work. Their children are Maxine and
Ray.
In his fraternal relations Mr. Baker is an Odd Fellow and his political belief is
that of the republican party. He belongs to the Yakima County Horticultural Union
and he is leading a busy and useful life. He does not dissipate his energies over a
broad field but concentrates his efiforts and attention upon the development of his
property along progressive and scientific lines productive of excellent results.
ISA.\C W. DURHAM.
A well bearing orchard comprising six acres of apples and pears, located near
Granger, is the visible evidence of the prosperity of Isaac W. Durham. A native of
Jefferson county, New York, he was born July 31, 1856, a son of George W. and Mary
(Young) Durham, who in 1867 followed the general westward trend and removed to
Rice county, Minnesota, where the father bought land. In the successful operation
of that property he spent his remaining days and there both he and his wife passed
away.
Isaac W. Durham was reared under the parental roof and began his education in
Jefferson county. New York, continuing the same in Rice county, Minnesota, where
he arrived with his parents when he was eleven years of age. After laying aside his
ISAAC W. DURHAM
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 771
textbooks he assisted his father in the farm work, thus becoming thoroughly ac-
quainted with the most efficient agricultural methods. At the age of twenty-one he
decided to start out in life independently and bought land. This he later sold and for
two years worked for others, at the end of which time he acquired title to land in
Minnesota, which he farmed with good results until 1901. lla\ing heard many favor-
able reports in regard to the fruit raising business in the Yakima vallex-, he then sold
out and bought ten acres four miles north of Granger, which was covered with sage-
brush. He immediately began the task of setting out an orchard and he now has
six acres in splendid bearing, raising apples and pears, while the balance of the land
is under the plow. He has erected a good home and suitable buildings and every-
thing about his place indicates progressive methods and painstaking care.
On November 10, 1881, Mr. Durham was united in marriage to Mary Gutchoff,
a native of Wisconsin and a daughter of Joseph and Mary Gutchoflf, Wisconsin pio-
neers. In that state the mother passed away and the father subsequently removed
to Minnesota, where death claimed him. To Mr. and Mrs. Durham were born the
following children: Ida, who married Ed Kielsmeier, a prosperous orchardist. who
lives near his father-in-law's place; Maude, the wife of Edmund Chenaur, a rancher
near Zillah. by whom she has four children; Wilbur, who is married and is success-
fully ranching on the Indian reservation; Edith, the widow of Homer Woodall, by
whom she had one child; Cecil, who married Doffny Sandberg and who farms his
father's place; Charles, at home; and Grace and Gladys, twins, the former now in
high school and the latter deceased.
Since coming to Granger Mr. and Mrs. Durham and their family have made
many friends, all of whom appreciate their worth. They are members of the Chris-
tian church, in the work of which they are deeply interested, and in politics Mr. Dur-
ham is independent, preferring to follow his own judgment when doing his duty at
the ballot box. While a resident of Minnesota he served as constable and also was
a member of his school board but he has not held any public positions since coming
to Granger. He is a man of estimable qualities whom it is a pleasure to meet and
as a citizen he is valuable as one of those progressive men who are ever ready to
lend their aid to valuable public improvements.
ALBERT B. CUTLER.
Albert B. Cutler represents important fruit interests in the Yakima valley near
Zillah, having not only for a number of years been closely connected with the devel-
opment of fine orchards but also identified with fruit packing and distributing com-
panies. At present he has three ranches, all of which arc in good bearing, assuring
him of a comfortable annual income. Mr. Cutler was born in Harrison county, Iowa,
.April 13, 1866, a son of William E. and Violet (Hall) Cutler, the former a native of
Michigan and the latter of Ohio. They were among the early pioneers of Iowa, re-
moving to that commonwealth when it was still wild prairie, about 1845, and in Iowa
both parents passed away.
Albert B. Cutler grew up in that state amid pioneer conditions and early learned
from his father practical methods in regard to agriculture. He received his education
in the public schools and after laying aside his textbooks he farmed in Iowa until
1889, when he went to Tacoma, Washington, where he remained about two years,
returning to Iowa in 1891. There he again took up farm work and so continued until
1898, when he came to Yakima county. For four years he worked for wages and
saving his earnings he was then enabled to rent land. Later he bought a tract which
he subsequently sold, but in 1902 he acquired title to twenty acres close to Cutler
station, which was named in his honor. Of this land he sold six acres, while he still
has title to the remainder. Six acres of the tract are planted to grapes and pears,
while seven acres are in hay and one acre in plowed land. L'pon this ranch he lived
for a year and then, although he retained the same, he became foreman for the
Thompson Fruit Company, subsequently for the Sanger Fruit Company and also the
Olson Fruit Company and so continued until 1910. In that year Mr. Cutler bought
ten acres one mile east of Buena, which is in apples, pears, peaches and cherries.
772 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
and upon this tract he has since lived. In the same year he also acquired title to
fourteen acres near Parker Heights and this tract is also all in orchard, devoted to
appks, peaches, pears, plums, prunes, apricots and cherries. Thus Mr. Cutler today
owns three very valuable fruit ranches, to the improvement and development of
which he gives his entire time and attention. As the years have passed he has
prospered as he has closely studied the subject of fruit raising and has ever em-
ployed the most modern methods. He has made many improvements upon his place,
erecting suitable buildings and instituting modern equipment, and thus he has become
a prosperous orchardist. Moreover, he is a stockholder and vice president of the
Thompson Fruit Company, one of the large orcharding concerns of the valley.
On December 22, 1904, Mr. Cutler was united in marriage to Miss Phoebe A.
Martin, a native of Whitman county, Washington, and a daughter of Frank M. and
Rosaltha (Northrup) Martin, the latter a native of Walla Walla, Washington, and
a daughter of J. C. Northrup, a pioneer of this state. In fact both parents of Mrs.
Cutler were honored pioneers. Her father has passed away, while the mother makes
her home in Yakima. Mr. and Mrs. Cutler have five children: Genevieve, Albert,
Alicia. Wilma and Constance.
Mr. Cutler has greatly contributed toward the growth and development of the
districts in which he owns ranches and in many ways he has furnished examples to
others by instituting new and resultant methods in regard to horticulture. He is a
public-spirited citizen, ever ready to give his support to worthy measures of a gen-
eral nature, and in his political affiliation he is a republican. He is serving as school
director of his district, thus giving evidence of his interest in educational progress.
JAMES N. PRICE.
James N. Price, county agricultural agent for Yakima county, was born in
Grundy county, Missouri, December 26, 1879, a son of John W. and Mary E. (Rey-
nolds) Price, who were early settlers of Missouri. The father, who has devoted his
life to farming, is now living retired in Uniontown, Washington.
James N. Price was graduated from the agricultural department of the Univer-
sity of Missouri with the class of 1905 and thus supplemented the preliminary train-
ing which he had received in practical work upon the home farm during his boyhood
days. He also was assistant in dairying at the University of Missouri for one year.
The thoroughness of his training and the ability which he displayed in mastering the
scientific branches to which he gave his attention brought him the position of head
of the dairy department of the University of Tennessee, which position he occupied
from 1906 until 1908. He then turned his attention to farming in Missouri and was
thus engaged until 1911, when attracted by the opportunities of the west, he made
his way to Bonner county. Idaho, where he carried on farming in connection with
his brother, E. E. Price, who is still conducting the ranch. Mr. Price of this review
next removed to Pullman, Washington, where he did work in the extension depart-
ment, of the State .Agricultural College. On the 1st of October, 1917, he came to
Yakima as county agricultural agent, employed by the county and by the United
States government. He advises with the farmers on all of their problems in con-
nection with the cultivation of the soil and the production of crops and also gives
attention to marketing problems and in fact every question that has to do with the
productivity and success of farming operations. He assisted in organizing the
Granger Warehouse Company and is also active in the organization of cooperative
elevators and of selling agencies. His efforts in behalf of scientific farming have
carried him to all parts of the state of Washington, where he has lectured and where
his teaching has been productive of excellent results.
In June, 1905, Mr. Price was united in marriage to Miss Cora Matheny, of Dun-
lap, Missouri, and to them have been born three children: Frances Ellen, Katherine
Elizabeth and Marion Esther.
Mr. and Mrs. Price are members of the Christian church and in politics Mr. Price
maintains an independent course. He is a member of the Grange. His time, thought
and attention are chiefly concentrated upon his important duties as county agricul-
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY m
tural agent. He has as an assistant Miss Elizabeth Jacobscn, who is home demon-
stration agent, working with the women in their homes. The time has long since
passed when the farmer was largely an isolated being, carrying on his work as best
he might, for today in almost every section of the country are found men who are
active in promoting a knowledge of scientific methods of farming, resulting in the
careful study of the soil, its needs and the demands for further productivity. The
training of Mr. Price for this work has been thorough and he seems to possess
natural adaptability in training others. His labors have been most resultant and his
efforts have brought him prominently to the front as an educator in this field. E. C.
Scott is assistant county agent and boys' and girls' club work is maintained under
the direction of William Wier.
JACOB FREDERICK.
Among the younger agriculturists of the Kittitas valley is Jacob Frederick, who
devotes his attention to a farm of eighty acres which is in a high state of cultivation.
He comes of one of the pioneer families of this section of the state, his parents being
Henry and Anna (Gulling) Frederick, the former a native of Germany, while the
latter was born in Ohio. They came to the Kittitas valley in 1876. the father taking
up a homestead claim five miles west of Ellensburg. The following year he passed
away, being survived by his widow until 1890. After his death she married again,
her second union being with Patrick G. Carey, a rancher of the Kittitas valley, who
died in 1908.
His son, Jacob Frederick, who was born in the Kittitas valley on the 26th of
October, 1877, is one of those energetic young men whose whole life has been spent
upon the western frontier. He was reared on the home farm, early becoming
acquainted with the labors of the agriculturist, and in the acquirement of an educa-
tion he attended the public schools. In 1915 he bought eighty acres of the old home
farm, to the cultivation of which he has since given his close and resultant attention.
He raises large crops, for which he receives adequate returns, has built a pleasant
home and commodious barns, and everything about the place bespeaks the activities
of the twentieth century agriculturist who is thoroughly conversant with modern
ideas of farming. His land is devoted largely to hay and grain and he also gives
some attention to stock raising.
On the 28th of October, 1908, Mr. Frederick was united in marriage to Miss
Anna Lein, a native of Michigan and a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Nels Lein. To this
union were born two daughters: Dorothy, aged seven; and Ayleen K., who is a
year old.
In his political affiliations Mr. Frederick is a republican, steadfastly supporting
the candidates of that party. Although he is interested in everything that pertains
to the growth o*' his community and county, he has never been an aspirant for office
but prefers to give his entire attention to his private aflfairs, which under his able
guidance, have so developed that he is today considered one of the well-to-do
farmers of his district. An energetic man, he is ever ready to learn and embrace
new principles and methods and by his labors has contributed to the upbuilding of
his section. He has many friends in the valley and in Ellensburg and all who know
him speak highly of his qualities of character, which are representative of a loyal
.American citizen.
VAXACE BEAUDRY.
Vanace Beaudry, who has resided in the Moxee valley since 1900, was born in
Douglas, Massachusetts, May 24, 1864, a son of John T. and Philomena (Benoit)
Beaudry, both of whom were natirves of Quebec, Canada, to which country they re-
turned in 1864 after living for a time in Massachusetts. At a subsequent date, how-
ever, they again came to the United States, settling in Crookston, Minnesota, in
774 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
1874, after which the father devoted his attention to farming in tha' locality. In
1900 he arrived in Y'akima county and made his home with a son in the city of
Yakima until his death, which occurred in 1910. For more than a decade he had sur-
vived his wife, who passed away in 1899.
Vanace Beaudry was reared under the parental roof and his youthful experiences
were those which usually fall to the lot of the farmbred boy. After reaching man's
estate he began farming on his own account in Minnesota, where he owned a tract
of land which he continued to further develop and improve until 1900, when the
opportunities of the northwest attracted him and he made his way to the Moxee
valley. Here he purchased thirty acres of wild land, on which he built a good resi-
dence, substantial barns and other buildings. He afterward sold ten acres of this
place.
In 1890 Mr. Beaudry was united in marriage to Miss Leo Caddie Champaux,
who passed away in 1902. On the 29th of October, 1907, he was again married, his
second union being with Marie F. Carpenter, of Crookston, Minnesota. The children
of his first marriage are: Herbane, deceased; Regine, a Sister of a Catholic order;
Rose Alma, who has also taken vows in a Catholic sisterhood; Corinne, a Sister in
the Catholic church; Oliver, at home; Romainc, who is residing with an uncle in
Portland, Oregon; and two others who have passed away. The family are all mem-
bers of the Holy Rosary Catholic church of Moxee City. Mrs. Beaudry's father,
Michael Carpenter, removed from Quebec, Canada, to Crookston, Minnesota. About
1904 the family came to Yakima county, where the father purchased farm land in
the Moxee valley and he was also the owner of a farm in Fruitvale. He passed away
in 1914 but his widow survives and is tiow living in Moxee.
In his political views Mr. Beaudry is a democrat, having supported the party
since becoming an American citizen. He is ever loyal to any cause which he espouses
and true to any principle that he adopts. In business he is determined and energetic,
carefully planning his interests and carrying out his plans with resolution and de-
termination. The success which he has won has come to him as the reward of per-
sistent, earnest labor, and his life illustrates what can be accomplished through in-
dividual efTort, combined with persistency of purpose.
WILLIAM M. FILEY.
William M. Filey, one of the popular and highly esteemed residents of the Selah
valley, where he is identified with agricultural and horticultural interests, was born
in Mendocino county, California, on the 6th of September. 1863, a son of William
M. and Mary Elizabeth (Monroe) Filey. The father was born in 1826 in Illinois and
in 1852 went to California by way of Cape Horn. He continued his residence in the
Golden state throughout his remaining days, passing away in 1910. when he had
reached the venerable age of eighty-four years. While in California he had engaged
in mining and ranching.
William M. Filey acquired a public school education in California, where he re-
sided to the age of twenty-seven years, assisting his father after putting aside his
textbooks. He then made his way to Washington, locating first in Seattle. In 1893
he went to Priest Rapids, where he took up a homestead, proving up on the property,
which he afterward sold. He later secured two hundred acres more of government
land near Priest Rapids on which not a furrow had been turned nor an improvement
made and with characteristic energy he began its development. In 1907 he removed
to Yakima county and in 1911 he purchased one hundred and eight acres of land
in the east Selah. He has since sold all but forty acres of this tract and to its
development and improvement he is giving his time and energies, ranking with the
leading and representative farmers in his section of the state. While on the Colum-
bia river near Priest Rapids, he was one of the first settlers in that locality and shared
in all the hardships and privations of pioneer life. He made the improvements upon
his place with driftwood and he put in water wheels to pump water for irrigation pur-
poses. He lived the life of the typical pioneer, being dependent upon his own efforts
and resources for all that he had. Cutting timber, he floated it down the river and
WILLIAM M. FILEY
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 777
sold it at Pasco and Kerinewick for whatever he could get. He was the pioneer of
the Priest Rapids country and the seeds of civilization which he there planted have
borne excellent fruit. He has carefully and wisely conducted his farming interests
in the Selah valley and won a well-earned reputation as a most progressive man
whose labors are characterized by sound judgment.
In 1911 Mr. Filey was married to Miss Lucile .\shley. of Denver, Colorado, and
they a-re both widely and favorably known in the section in which they make their
home. In politics Mr. Filey is a republican where national questions and issues are
involved but at local elections casts an independent ballot. His genial manner and
pleasing personality have made him popular among all who know him and he is
everywhere spoken of in terms of high regard. He is now developing a very fine
ranch in the Selah valley and the development of his property is contributing in no
small measure to the prosperity and general improvement of the district in which
he li\es. Like her husband, Mrs. Filey -shares in the warm regard of those who
know tliem. She was born in Victor, Iowa, a daughter of James and Adeline .\shley,
who removed to Denver prior to the establishment of the town, and the mother still
lives there. Both Mr. and Mrs. Filey are widely and favorably known in Yakima
county and the list of their friends is constantly being extended as the circle of their
acquaintance broadens.
THOMAS EDWARD HOBBS.
The great prosperity of the state of Washington is to a very large extent due
to its progressive agriculturists, who have made this one of the richest ranching sec-
tions of the country. Among these is numbered Thomas Edward Hobbs, who
has a valuable farm in the Cowiche valley, of which ten acres are devoted to
apples, peaches and pears. He has closely studied fruit raising methods and has
been very successful in orcharding. Born in Ripley county, Indiana, July 12. 1857,
he is a son of William and Eliza (Rozell) Hobbs, natives of Virginia and Kentucky
respectively. Both on the paternal and maternal sides the family were pioneers of
Indiana, his grandparents having located in that state at an early day. There
William Holibs and Eliza Rozell were married and the former successfully engaged
in tarniing in that state until his demise.
Thomas Edward Hobbs was reared under the parental roof, amid farm surround-
ings, and from his parents received his first lessons in regard to life's duties. Thus
were taught him honesty, industry and perseverance — the three virtues upon which
a successful career essentially depends. Acquiring his education in the public schools,
he subsequently turned his attention to farm labor in' his native state but in 1S8I.
at the age of twenty-four, removed to Pottawatomie county, Kansas, where he suc-
cessfully farmed for about seventeen years. In 1898 he came to Yakima county and
at first rented twenty acres on the Cowiche but in 1908 was able to buy the ranch
which he now owns and he erected thereon a handsome residence and also built
suitable barns and installed modern equipment. 'When he arrived here there were
only thirty families in the valley and he has seen this district grow into one of the
prosperous agricultural sections of the state. Since fruit raising has proved so suc-
cessful, Mr. Hobbs has taken up this profitable industry and now has ten acres in
orchard, devoted to apples, peaches and pears, while the remainder of the land is
under the plow.
On the 9th of January, 1883, Mr. Hobbs was united in marriage to Miss Sarah
Sumner, who was born in Brown county, Illinois, and is a daughter of William and
Sarah (Colson) Sumner, natives of Virginia, who early in their lives became pioneers
of Indiana, but later removed to Illinois and subsequently, in 1868, to Kansas, where
both parents died. Mr. and Mrs. Hobbs have a son, Clarence, now engaged in ranch-
ing. He married Grace Stewart, a daughter of William Alfred and Alice (Smith)
Stewart, prominent pioneers of this district, of whom more extended mention is
made on another page of this work. Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Hobbs have two chil-
dren. Mrs. Thomas E. Hobbs and her son and his family attend the Baptist church,
in the work of which they are actively interested.
(31)
778 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VAii.l'V
In his political affiliations Thomas E. Hobbs is a republican, upholding the
standards of that party in national and state politics although in local affairs he fol-
lows his own judgment to some extent. He has ever been interested in the growth
and development of his district, to which he has greatly contributed. He is a suc-
cessful man and great credit is due him for what he has achieved as he began life
empty-handed. Many arc those whom he calls friends in his district, all of whom
agree as to his good qualities as a citizen, busint ss man and valuable member of the
communitv.
JACOB MARTIX JENXE.
Jacob Martin Jenne, the owner of one of the best ranches in the vicinity of
Grandview, was born in Germany, March 18, 1849, a son of John Martin and Mary
Jenne, who on coming to the new world took their family to Illinois, settling in Cal-
houn county, where the father purchased a large farm. His remaining days were
devoted to its cultivation and improvement, and following his death, which occurred
in Calhoun count}', his widow removed to St. Louis, Missouri, and later came to
Washington, where she passed away.
The year 1876 witnessed the arrival of Jacob Martin Jenne in Island county,
Washington, where he rented a large farm which he cultivated for several years.
Subseouently he spent twelve years in California but afterw-rd return'-d to Inland
cornty, Washington, where he resided until 1897. He then went to Alaska, where he
was connected with the Treadwell Mining Company, spending six years in that
country and winning substantial profits during the period. He then located his
family at Pullman, Washington, sending his boys to college there, and in 1905 he
purchased a ranch of forty acres two miles from the present town site of Grandview,
although it was not until the succeeding year that the town was platted and laid
out. He later sold twenty acres of his land for more than he had paid for the
entire tract. He had given fifty-eight hundred dollars for the forty acres and later
sold this for more than twenty thousand dollars. In 1909 he bought twenty acres
south of Grandview, built thereon a fine residence and good barns and bent his
energies to the development and improvement of the place, which at that time was
wild and covered with sagebrush. His labors have since wrought a marked trans-
formation in the ranch, of which twelve acres is now planted to apples and pears,
while the remainder is plow land devoted to the raising of hay and grain. He also
conducts a dairy business and his is regarded as one of the best ranches of the
neighborhood. He has also planted sixty acres of orchards for others and he is an
acknowledged authority upon 'fruit production in the west.
On the 21st of February. 1878, Mr. Jenne was united in marriage to Miss Mary
E. Bingham, a native of California, who for thirty years successfully engaged in
teaching school. Their children are as follows; Frank .A., tlie eldest, with his father,
is a graduate of Pullman College, in which he comrdetc
He married Lora D. Malone. who was born near I'u
of John H. Malone. who located in the Walla Walla
near Moscow. Idaho. He took up a homestead in the Falouse countr\ in ll^/.i. lie
had crossed the plains with ox teams in 1864 and was anions t'le earlirst of the
pioneers in the section in which he lorated. His wife was born in Oregon, while
Mr. Malone is a native of Missouri. Mrs. Malone bore the maiden name of Mary
Sparr and was a daughter of one of the pioneer settlers of California who afterward
removed to Oregon. As stated, their daughter Lora became the wife of Frank A.
Jenne and to them have been born two children: Don E., who was born in Mexico,
where his father was engaged in surveying work; and .Adelle M. Both are now in
school. The second of the Jenne family was Eldred L.. who passed away at the early
age of twenty-six years. He, too, was a graduate of Pullman College and of Cornell
L'nivcrsity. He became a famous entomologist and was the discoverer of the
methods and habits of the codling moth. He became a famous expert on all insect
pests. .A young man of great promise, his ability won high recognition from the
government and he was the author of much data on insect life. He made many
urse in ci\ il
.n-meenng.
Wa-liingto„,
a (laughter
in 18r.4 and
now resides
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 779
discoveries concerning tlie enemies of fruit trees and various articles which he wrote
have been published and widely circulated by the United States Department of Agri-
culture. He worked to within ten days of his death, which was occasioned by con-
sumption. The next of the family died in infancy and Alvin passed away at the age
of six years.
Mr. Jenne belongs to the Masonic fraternity. His political attitude is one of
independence of party tics. He votes for men and measures rather than for party
and he stands loyally for his honest convictions. He is today a prominent rancher
of tlic northwest. He shipped the first car load of apples out of Grandview and he
and his son have been continuously connected with the development of this section.
In fact his son, Frank A. Jenne, came to the district a year before the father and
aided in making a survey of the land which they now own and cultivate. He ,ilso
helped raise the dam across the Yakima river at Prosser and aided in building tlic
sewer system of Prosser and its sidewalks. He has been a prominent engineer and
rancher and the family, both father and son. have contributed in marked measure
to the progress and upbuilding of tlio section of the state in which they make their
home.
S. J. SIMOXSOX.
S. J. Simonson has been instrumental in the development of a most prominent
industry of Yakima conducted under the name of the Cascade Creamery Company.
He was born in Denmark. July 26, 1886, thus coming from a land in which dairying
interests constitute a most important feature in prosperity and business activity.
His parents were Soren and Sine Simonscn. The father has now passed away.
Init the mother is still living in Denmark.
It was in his native land that S. J. Simonson acquired his public school edu-
cation and after his textbooks were put aside he there entered into active connection
with the creamery business. In 1907, however, he crossed the Atlantic, attracted by
the favorable business opportunities of the new world, and made his way to Port-
land, Oregon, where he was connected with the Hazelwood Company for about
three years. In 1910 he came to Yakima in charge of the branch house of the com-
pany at this place. He purchased the business in 1913 and reorganized it under
the name of the Cascade Creamery Company. In this undertaking he was associated
with Mrs. X. E. Duncan. Their plant was originally at Xo. 8 X^orth Fourth avenue,
where they continued until the spring of 1918, when the company erected a new-
building at Nos. 114 to 120 Xorth Front street. They have a frontage of one hun-
dred feet, with a depth of one hundred and forty feet, and the building of pressed
brick and cement is one story in height, with white finish inside. The company
engages in the manufacture of liutter, condensed milk and ice cream. Everything
is conducted along most sanitary and cleanly lines and the place is most attractixe
by reason of the systematic methods followed and the care that is taken in ihe pro-
duction of a high-grade outpftt. The company is now making five hundred thousand
pounds of butter per year and has a capacity for one million pounds or more. Its
output also includes five hundred thousand pounds of condensed milk annually ami
fifty thousand gallons of ice cream per year, the latter being sold throughout the
Yakima valley. They use the product of about four thousand cows, furnished by
three hundred ranchers, and they employ about twenty people in the factory. Theirs
is the best equipped dairy plant in Washington. It is all modern equipment, includ-
ing electric power and the latest 'improved machinery. I. Benediktson has been the
vice president and in charge of the manufacturing for the past three years. Mr.
Simonson gives his attention largely to constructive effort, to administrative direc-
tion and executive control of the business and his sound judgment in all matters of
dairying and kindred interests constitutes a most important element in the continued
growth of the trade.
On the 26th of July. 1912, Mr. Simonson was married to Miss Jessie \'an Bus-
kirk, of Yakima, and they have become parents of two children. Jolianna and Paul.
Fraternally Mr. Simonson is connected with the Benevolent Protective Order of
780 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
Elks, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Christian church.
He belongs to the Coninicrcial Club, also to the Y'akima Valley Business Men's As-
sociation and is active in promoting through these organizatons the commercial
interests and material development of this section of the state. He is also a mem-
ber of the Country Club and is appreciative of the social amenities of life. In poli-
tics he is a republican, versed on the questions and issues of the day and yet vv^ith-
out desire for public office. However, he is never remiss in the duties of citizen-
ship and stands for those interests which are of greatest value in promoting the wel-
fare and progress of community, commonwealth and country.
JEROME T. BAIRD.
Few men have contributed in as large or in more substantial manner to the
development of ranching interests in Yakima county than has Jerome T. Baird,
whose efforts have been directly resultant in the upbuilding of the section in which
he lives. He is a man of resolute purpose who accomplishes what he undertakes
and his actions are at all times guided by sound judgment. He was born in Wayne
county, Ohio, October 16, 18S8, a son of Cyrus and Amy (Tyler) Baird, who were
also natives of the Buckeye state. The ancestral line is traced back to Cyrus Baird,
the grandfather, and Aaron Baird, the great-grandfather, who became one of the
early pioneer settlers of Ohio, taking up his abode in that state in 1812. The mother
of Jerome T. Baird was a daughter of Benjamin Tyler, who arrived in Ohio in his
boyhood days — also in the year 1812. Indians were numerous there and Jerome T.
Baird was named for an Indian who had espoused the Baptist faith. The family
took up government land and old Fort Hill was situated on the farm of Benjamin
Tyler. Cyrus Baird was also a farmer by occupation and he had financial interests
and investments in Iowa, but both he and his wife passed away in Ohio. In politics
he was a prominent democrat but never an office seeker.
Jerome T. Baird acquired a limited education and when but fourteen years of
age started out in the business world in connection with the drug trade, serving an
apprenticeship in a store at Wooster, Ohio. Subsequently he purchased a drug
store in that city and conducted it for a few years, while later he established a livery
business at Wooster and conducted it for twelve years. He next went upon the
road as a traveling salesman and afterward engaged in the insurance business. In
1899 he became a resident of Iowa but in 1900 came to Yakima county, where he
has since made his home. Here he found conditions, opportunities and advantages
such as he sought and desired. He bought forty acres of land seven miles west of
Sunnyside. It was all covered with sagebrush, hut with characteristic energy he
began its development. In the fall of 1900 he removed to Sunnyside and engaged
in clerking in a drug store there until 1906, during which period he was developing
his ranch. He now has twelve acres planted to apples, while the remainder is used
for the growing of alfalfa, of which he annually produces large crops. His business
affairs have been conducted along most progressive lines. In 1912 he built a fine
packing house and warehouse upon his place with a capacity for ten car loads of
fruit. He also has a railway station on his place called Baird. He has erected an
attractive residence and added to his ranch all modern improvements indicative of
the progressive spirit of the twentieth century as manifest in agricultural and hor-
ticultural lines.
On the 11th of February. 1914, Mr. Baird was married to Mrs. Eunice (Finne-
gan) White. She was born in Missouri, a daughter of Patrick and Margaret (Kitel
Finnegan, the former a native of Ireland, while the latter was born in Iowa, in
which state they were married. Her father was a railroad man and both he and
his wife are now deceased. By -her former marriage Mrs. Baird had a daughter.
Helen White, who was born October 3, 1910, and is now in school. By his first
marriage Mr. Baird had three sons: Herbert and Hiram, twins, the former now in
school, while the latter died on the 19th of February, 1917: and Ora, who was born
April 23, 1907, and is now in school. The sons were the first twins born in Sunny-
side. their natal day being May 10, 1903.
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 781
In politics Mr. Baird is a republican. He has served as school director for two
terms but has never sought or desired political office, preferring to give his thought,
time and attention to his ranching interests. He is a charter member of the Yakima
I'ruit Growers' Association, is a trustee of the main organization and the president
of the local branch. He keeps in close touch with everything bearing upon condi-
tions relative to the agricultural and horticultural development of the, district and
his progressive spirit has constituted a contributing factor to the success which has
been achieved along these lines in Yakima rouiity.
FRANK M. CRABI
Frank M. Crabb dates his residence in Yakima county from 1894 but has been a
resident of Washington since 1875. when the family home was established in Clarke
county, this state. He was born in Coles county. Illinois, March 27. 1864, a son of
Stephen and Mary Crabb. who were natives of Indiana and of Illinois respectively.
The father came to Clarke count}-, Washington, in 1875, his wife having passed away
in Illinois in 1867. when her son Frank was but three years of age. Following his
removal to the west the father carried on general farming in Clarke county, Wash-
ington, where he continued to make his home until his death, which occurred in
January, 1916.
Frank M. Crabb acquired a public school education in Washington, having been
a lad of but eleven years when the family home was established in this state. When
his textbooks were put aside he began working for wages and was thus employed
until 1889. when he purchased a thirty-acre ranch in Clarke coimty, which he
further developed and improved until 1894, when he sold the property and removed
to Yakima county. Here he worked for wages until January, 1906, when he pur-
chased ten acres of land on the lower Naches and later bought eleven acres more.
He now has an orchard of two acres, while the remainder of his place is devoted to
the raising of hay, corn and other farm crops. He also has a fine dairy and keeps
high-grade Holstein cattle. The various branches of his business are carefully man-
aged and arc proving very profitable.
On the 3d of June, 1903. Mr. Crabb was united in marriage to Miss Carrie Hall,
who was born in Shelby county, Illinois, a daughter of W. F. and Matilda (Warner)
Hall. They have an adopted son, Albert H., who is now twenty-one years of age.
Mr. and Mrs. Crabb are members of the Congregational church, are loyal to its
teachings and take an active interest in its work. In politics Mr. Crabb is a repub-
lican and he has served on the school board and on the ditch board. He is a public-
spirited citizen, interested in everything that has to do with the welfare and progress
of the community, and any project for public benefit always receives his endorse-
ment and support.
ALVIDO BERXIER.
There is a very considerable element of the citizenship of the Selah valley that
has come from France or traces its ancestry to that land. Among this number is
Alvido Bernier, who is of French lineage although Ijorn in St. Paul. Minnesota, on
the 7th of February. 1873. His parents were Telespher and Odelia Bernier. pioneer
settlers of Crookston. Minnesota, where they took up their abode in 1878, when their
son Alvido was a little lad of but five years. They were farming people and the father
devoted his attention to the cultivation of the soil in that locality to the time of his
death. His widow survives and is now living with her son.
.\lvido Bernier acquired a public school education in Minnesota, where lie was
reared to the occupation of farming, which he followed in that state until 1903.
The reports which reached him concerning the opportunities of the west determined
him to try his fortune in this section of the country and in 19t)3 he arrived in Yakima
county. After looking over the district he purchased, in 1904, forty acres of land on
782 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
Selah Heights and since has bought sixty acres more. It was a wiUl and undeveloped
tract on which not a furrow had been turned nor an improvement made, in fact he
had to open a road to his place. After a time he sold twenty acres of the original
purchase but still has twenty acres of that tract, which he has planted to apples,
grapes, prunes, and cherries. His orchards are in excellent condition, his vineyards
also bring forth excellent fruit and he has won for himself a creditable place among
the horticulturists of this part of the state. In 1911 he erected a fine stone residence
upon his ranch and he has also built a good packing house and such barns and sheds
as are necessary for the shelter of his products and the stock upon his place.
On the 18th of April, 1898. Mr. Bernier was married to Miss Marie Poulin, who
was born in Polk county, Minnesota, and they have become the parents of ten
children: Bert, Odele, Sydney, Rosabel, Mabel. A. J., Teles, Maurice. Ernest and
Nelson, who died in infancy.
The family are members of St. Joseph's Catholic church and are loyal adherents
of its teachings. Mr. Bernier is a republican in his political views but is not an
office seeker. He served as school clerk in Minnesota but has always avoided public
office, preferring to concentrate his efforts and attention upon his business affairs
that he might provide a comfortable living for himself and family. In this he has
succeeded and his prosperity is shown in the fact that in 1918 he purchased thirty-
three acrc^ of land adjoining his original holdings and now has eighteen acres of
this planted in orchard. He also has forty acres in Grant county, Washington,
which makes a total of one hundred and fifty-three acres in this state. He is con-
stantly developing his orchard property and displays the utmost care in propagat-
ing and nourishing his trees, studying the condition of the soil and the needs of
the fruit. That his labors have brought most excellent results is indicated in the
fine apples, cherries, prunes and grapes which are annually shipped from his place
and which command the highest market price.
WALLACE J. MORRISON.
Wallace J. Morrison has made his home in Yakima county since 1902 and in
1903 purchased his present ranch, comprising twenty-two acres a mile and a quarter
northwest of Buena. It would have seemed impossible to one unfamiliar with the
country and its conditions that the tract of sagebrush land which he acquired could
ever be converted into a fine fruit ranch, but this has been accomplished through
the labors of Mr. Morrison, whose sound judgment and energy have ever worked for
success in his undertakings.
Mr. Morrison is a native of Iowa. He was born in Wapello county. January 17,
1866, of the marriage of James and Amanda (Shaw) Morrison, both of whom were
natives of New Hampshire. The progenitor of the Morrison family came to the
L'nited States in the early part of the eighteenth century and the family is of
Scandinavian and Scotch descent. James Morrison was a farmer by occupation and
became a pioneer settler of Iowa. At the time of the Civil war he put aside all bus-
iness and personal considerations, responding to the country's call for troops as a
member of an Iowa regiment. With the close of the war he resumed farming in the
Hawkeye state, but in the early '70s removed with his family to Clay county. South
Dakota, and two years later to Minnehaha county. South Dakota, where he lived for
twenty-five years. He next went to Kingsbury county, South Dakota, where his wife
died, and later he removed to the northwest, coming to Yakima county, his death
occurring at the home of his son, Wallace J.
Largely reared in South Dakota, Wallace J. Morrison attended the public schools
and also spent one term in Sioux Falls College. When not busy with his textbooks
he engaged in ranching with his father until he reached the age of twenty years,
after which he worked for wages for a year. He then went to Kingsbury county.
South Dakota, where he was employed for eleven years in a flour mill by his brother.
On the expiration of that period he purchased land and engaged in farming thereon
until the spring of 1902. when he sold his property in South Dakota and came to
the Yakima valley. Here he first invested in twenty acres of land a half mile north-
CHARLES F. MORRISON
WENDELL W. MORRISON
JOSEPHINE MORRISON
WALLACE J. MORRISON
MRS. ELIZABETH MORRISON
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 785
west of Biiena, which was partially improved, but after a year he sold that jiroperty
to his father and bought twenty-two acres of land a mile and a quarter northwest
of Buena. It was a tract of sagebrush, but witlf characteristic energy he began its
cultivation and development and now has a splendidly improved property, of which
fifteen acres has been planted to apple, pear, cherry and peach orchards. He has
built upon his place one of the best homes to be found in this part of the county.
The remainder of his land, aside from his orchards, is devoted to the raising of
alfalfa. He has closely studied the best methods of caring for and perfecting his fruit
trees and there is little concerning pro,gressive horticultural interests with which Mr.
Morrison is not familiar.
On the 26th of November. 1892. Mr. Morrison was married to Miss Elizalieth .■\.
Gilbert, who was born near Lake City, Minnesota, a daughter of S. N. and Emily J.
(Rundle) Gilbert, who now occupy a ranch in the Yakima valley. Mr. and Mrs.
Morrison have a most interesting family of three children: Charles F., who is now
with the United States tnarines as a first lieutenant in the Hawaiian Islands, married
Cosette Whitaker. of San Francisco: Wendell W. is a member of the United States
troops with the army of occupation in Germany, he is a corporal iti Battery E, Heavy
Artillery, One Hundred and Forty-sixth Regiment, Forty-first Division, and saw four
months' active fighting. The daughter, Josephine, is at home. The military record
of the sons is one of which the parents have every reason to be proud.
In politics Mr. Morrison is a republican but is not an office seeker. His life has
been that of an active business man who has used wisely and well his opportuni-
ties for the attainment of success. His persistency of purpose and his indefatigable
energy have brought results that are most desirable and he is now owner of valu-
able orchard property in Yakima county.
WILLIAM M. McGIXNIS.
The attractive home of W^illiam M. McGinnis is situated six and a half miles
northwest of Ellensburg, in the midst of one hundred and thirteen acres of rich
and productive land which he owns. He has been S permanent resident of Kittitas
county since \i92 and had previously remained for a brief period in the county,
where he arrived in 1889. There have been few idle hours in his life. His record is
one of unfaltering industry and perseverance, leading ultimately to the attainment of
substantial success.
Mr. McGinnis was born in Pike county. Illinois. November 14, 1872, a son of
Joseph and Katherine (Todd) McGinnis. the former a native of Indiana and the
latter- of Missouri. They settled in Illinois when young people and after living in
that state for a number of years started for the northwest, arriving in Ellensburg.
Washington, in 1889. The father took up government land south of the Taneum. but
afterward sold that property. He then removed to Yakima, where his last days
were passed, his death occurring in 1910. while his widow survived until 1913.
William M. McGinnis acquired a public school education and in 1889 came with
his parents to Washington but in the same year returned to Illinois, where he re-
mained until 1892. when he again became a resident of Kittitas county. Here he
worked for wages until 1907. when desiring that his labors should more directly
benefit himself, he rented land, upon which he resided until 1913. While thus en-
gaged he attained a fair measure of prosperity that enabled him to purchase two
hundred and eighty acres of land. He sold eighty acres of that tract the same year
and subsequently disposed of the remaining two hundred acres. He then pur-
chased one hundred and thirteen acres six and a half miles northwest of Ellensburg
and upon this place he has a fine home and substantial barns, together with all the
modern improvements and equipments of a model farm property of the twentieth
century. His fields are carefully cultivated in the production of grain and hav and
he also raises horses and cattle. He specializes in Jersey cattle and conducts a profit-
able dairy business.
In 1898 Mr. McGinnis was united in marriage to Miss Kate Shields, a native of
780 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
Nevada and a daughter of Daniel Shields, who came to the Kittitas valley in pioneer
times. The children of this marriage are Everett, Mervin, lola, Helen and Warren.
In his political views Mr. McOinnis is a republican, having continuously sup-
ported the party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He is a self-
made man and successful farmer whose industry has been the basis of his growing
prosperity. Without friends or influence to aid him, he has steadily worked his way
upward, his labor bringing to him all that he has possessed or enjoyed, and he is now
one of the well-to-do citizens in the vicinity of Ellensburg.
GEORGE B. DUXCAX, D. V. S.
Dr. George B. Duncan, deceased, became a resident of Yakima in 1904 and
continued to make his home in the city until death called him seven years later. He
was born in Iowa about the year 1868 and acquired a public school education in that
state. He afterward prepared for a professional career by study in the Ontario
University of Veterinary Surgery and Medicine, from which he won his degrees
upon graduation. He located for practice in Beloit, Kansas, where he remained until
1904 and then sought the Pacific northwest, making his way to Yakima, where he
continued to abide until called to the home beyond. Here he successfully practiced
and his patronage grew with the passing years. His ability in his profession was
widely acknowledged and his personal worth won him the respect and confidence
of all with whom he was brought in contact. Fraternallj' he was connected with
the Modern Woodmen of America.
In 1899 Dr. Duncan was united in marriage to Miss Nettie E. Craft, a native of
Iowa, who removed to Kansas with her parents during her girlhood. Mrs. Duncan
has been secretary and treasurer of the Cascade Creamery Company since its organ-
ization and is thus actively identified with a business which has been built up to ex-
tensive proportions. Its output is today five hundred thousand pounds of butter
and five hundred thousand pounds of condensed milk annually, together with fifty
thousand gallons of ice cream, ^hich is sold throughout the Yakima valley. The
company maintains the highest standards of excellence in its products and employs
the most modern and scientific methods in their production and handling. A new
building has been erected especially for their purpose, finished in white throughout,
and theirs is one of the finest dairies in the state. Mrs. Duncan is active in the man-
agement and control of this business, in which connection she displays marked enter-
prise and ability.
JOHN M. KEENE.
John M. Keene is nearing the eightieth milestone on life's journey. He is an
honored veteran of the Civil war and he is still interested in agricultural and horti-
cultural pursuits in Yakima county. He was born in Livermore county, Maine,
November 27, 1839, a son of Appolos and .Abigail (McClench) Keene, both of whom
passed away in the Pine Tree state, where they were farming people.
John M. Keene acquired a public school education and was reared to farm life,
early becon.iing familiar with all the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agri-
culturist. He carried on farming in Maine until 1873, and then removed westward
to Washington county, Minnesota, where he resided for almost a decade. He left
that state, however, in 1882 and removed to Steele county. North Dakota, where he
carried on farming for twenty-four years or until 1906, when he came to Yakima
county and purchased a farm on the lower Naches. Three years later he sold that
property and bought thirty acres nearby and also a twenty-acre tract adjoining. He
has sixteen acres planted to orchards, while the remainder of his farm is devoted to
the cultivation of cereals or is used for pasture. He has a well improved property
and the careful supervision which has always been given to the cultivation and de-
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 787
velopment of the place has made it a productive and valuable property. He is like-
wise still the owner of the Xorth Dakota farm.
In 1869 Mr. Keene was united in marriage to Miss Lena Fairbanks, a native of
Maine, who passed away in 1904. On the 23d of September, 1907, Mr. Keene was
again married, his second union being with Alice Lyons, who was born at Red Bud,
Illinois, a daughter of Richard and Mary Welch but adopted by Thomas and Belinda
Lyons, whose name she took. The children of Mr. Keene are as follows: Leslie E.,
who died in infancy; Edward O., who became a rancher of Benton county; Lewis,
also engaged in ranching in Benton county: Rena, the wife of Manford McLaughlin,
who follows ranching in Yakima county: and also a daughter of the second marriage,
Ruth, who is ten years of age.
Mr. Keene belongs to the Masonic lodge at Hope, Xorth Dakota, of which he
is a charter member. His Civil war record is an interesting one. He enlisted in
1862 as a member of Company C, Sixteenth Maine Volunteer Infantry, and served
until the close of hostilities, becoming a corporal. He was taken prisoner at Gettys-
burg and after being incarcerated for a month was exchanged. He participated in
various hotly contested engagements, including the battles of Fredericksburg, Chan-
cellorsville and Gettysburg. He has two brothers, Lyman M. and Walter F., who
likewise served in the war and they, too, are still living. They are probably the
only three brothers in the United States who were Civil war veterans who yet sur-
vive. In all matters of citizenship Mr. Keene has been as true and loyal to his
country and her best interests as when he followed the nation's starry banner on
the battlefields of the south.
BRUCE WEES.
B:uce Wees, of Wapato, came from one fruit-growing section of the country to
lieccme ideutilicd with the horticultural interests of another section, now owning
\aluablc fruit land in Yakima county. He was born in Benton Harbor, Michigan,
December 14, 1870, a son of William and Isabel (Randall) Wees, both of whom were
natives of Glasgow, Scotland. They crossed the Atlantic to Canada with their
respective parents in their childhood days and were married in that country. At a
later period they became residents of the United States, settling in Michigan, where
they spent their remaining days and where the father, in support of his family, fol-
lowed the occupation of farming.
Bruce Wees, reared under the parental roof, pursued his education in public
schools of Michigan and, as indicated, was reared in a fruit raising district. On
attaining his majority he became a fruit buyer for F. Xewhall & Sons of Chicago,
whom he thus represented for many years. He was naturally attracted by the re-
ports concerning the opportunities for fruit raising in the northwest and at length
he determined to try his fortune in this section of the country. In 1900, accordingly,
he arrived in the Yakima valley, first for the purpose of buying fruit, and he contin-
ued to visit this section every fall in order to buy fruit until 1907, when he took up
his aliode here, purchasing twenty-two acres of land on Parker Heights. At that
time tlie tract was covered with its native growth of sagebrush, but with character-
istic energy he cleared away the brush, plowed the land and brought it under a
high state of development. He used his ranch for fruit raising and in 1917 he ex-
tended the boundaries of his place by an additional purchase of ten acres adjoining.
The entire tract of thirty-two acres is in orchards, mainly pears and peaches, and his
trees are in excellent condition. He utilizes the most progressive and systematic
manner of spraying and .caring for his trees and in harvesting his crops. His orcliards
are an attractive feature of the landscape and his annual shipments of fruit are exten-
sive. He has built a fine home upon his ranch and also has a good tenant house
there. He has likewise put up substantial barns and in fact has added all the latest
improved machinery to facilitate the ranch work.
In his fraternal relations Mr. Wees is a Mason. Having taken the degrees of the
lodge, he then advanced through the degrees of Royal .Arch Masonry and eventually
became a Knight Templar of Yakima Commandcry No. 13. He has likewise crossed
788 HISTORY OF YAKIMA \'ALLEY
the sands of the desert with the Nobles of Afiti Temple of the Mystic Shrine at
Tacoma. He belongs to the Yakima Commercial Club and is interested in every
plan and project put forth by that organization for the benefit and upbuilding of
the district. In politics he maintains an independent course nor has he ever sought
or desired office. He is not remiss in the duties of citizenship but prefers that his
public service shall be done in a private capacity and his support of public interests
is moral rather than political. He has made for himself a place as a successful
rancher of the district and he commands the confidence and respect of all by reason
of an upright life as well as by the success which he has attained through persistent,
energetic and diligent effort.
J. BEAL'DRY.
J. Beaudry, who for eighteen years has been a resident of the Yakima valley
and is now successfully engaged in farming near Moxee City, was born in Quebec,
Canada. April 19, 1871. a son of John Beaudry, who is mentioned elsewhere in this
work in connection with the sketch of his brother, Vanace Beaudry. He was reared
in Minnesota, the family removing to that state during his boyhood days, and he early
became familiar with al Ithe duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist.
.\fter his textbooks were put aside he concentrated his efforts and attention upon
farm work there and continued a resident of Minnesota until 1901, when at the age
of thirty years he removed to the Pacific coast country, taking up his abode in the
Moxee valley. He purchased twenty acres of land which was entirely wild and
undeveloped, but with characterisljc energy he began its cultivation and improve-
ment and is now successfully raising alfalfa and potatoes upon that tract.
On the 20th of January, 1896, Mr. Beaudry was united in marriage to Miss
Olvina Sabourian, a native of Minnesota, by whom he has two children, namely:
Lourina, now the wife of West Morford, who is engaged in ranching on the Yakima
Indian reservation; and William, at home.
Mr. Beaudry and his family are all communicants of the Holy Rosary Catholic
church and he is identified with the Catholic Order of Foresters. -Attracted by the
opportunities of the west, he has never had occasion to regret his determination to
establish his home in this section of the country, for here his activities have brought
him substantial rewards of labor and he is now classed with the representative and
prosperous farmers of his section of the state.
GEORGE KNICKREHM.
George Knickrehm, farmer, orchardist and dairyman on the lower Xaches, was
born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, February 25, 1864, a son of Frederick and Harriett
(Hemerly) Knickrehm, the latter a native of Pennsylvania. The father was born in
Germany and in his boyhood days came to the United States. At the time of the
Civil war he espoused the cause of the Union and aided in its defense on southern
battlefields. He was the owner of a coal mine in Pennsylvania but in 1876 left that
state and removed to Monroe county, Wisconsin, .^fter five years were there passed
he established his home in Beadle county, South Dakota, in 1881 and there took up
government land. He had gone to the state in 1880 and the following year took his
family there. He became one of the prominent and successful farmers and stock
raisers of that locality and he and his wife continued residents of that region until
called to the home beyond.
George Knickrehm acquired a public school education in Pennsylvania and Wis-
consin and remained with his father until 1893, when he purchased a farm, becoming
the owner of eight hundred acres of land in South Dakota, which he continued to
successfully cultivate and develop for a number of years. In 1908 he arrived in
Yakima county and purchased five acres of land on Lincoln avenue, devoted to fruit
raising. He sold that property in 1912 and made investment in thirty-eight acres
V
i
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 789
on the lower Xaches. He rebuilt the house upon the place and has made other
modern and substantial improvements, transforming the ranch into one of the attrac-
tive properties of the neighborhood. He has three acres planted to apples and pears
and his orchards arc in excellent bearing condition. The remainder is devoted to the
raising of hay, corn, and potatoes and he also conducts a small dairy, keeping reg-
istered Holstein cattle for this purpose.
On the 24th of May, 1893, Mr. Knickrehm was married to Miss Monetta C.
Osgood, a native of Galesburg, Michigan, and a daughter of Augustus B. and Elda
(Crane) Osgood. The children of this marriage are four in number: Bertha, Marie.
Marjorie and Frederick, all at home.
In his fraternal relations Mr. Knickrehm is an Odd Fellow and is also connected
with the Modern Woodmen of America. His political endorsement has always been
given to the republican party. He served on his township board in South Dakota
for fifteen years but has never been active as an office seeker, for his business affairs
have made full demand upon his time and energies. He is successfully conducting
his farming interests in the northwest and is a firm believer in this section of the
country, its opportunities and possibilities. His efforts are well directed and the
success which he has achieved is the direct result of his enterprise and indefatigable
labor, for he early realized that success is the outcome of industry and perseverance.
JOHN SHELLENBERGER.
In August. 1918. John Shellenberger acquired thirty-five acres of land one-half
mile east of Buena, of which ten acres are in orchard. He also gives close attention
to a highly productive dairy, and receives a gratifying addition to his income from
the raising of hogs, specializing in Chester Whites. Although Mr. Shellenberger
has now passed the age of seventy-one years he is still active in the management of
his ranching enterprise and appears as vigorous as a man much younger. He was
born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, August 22, 1847, a son of James and Christina
Shellenberger, who passed away in the Keystone state. The father followed the
trade of a stonemason.
In the acquirement of his education John Shellenberger attended the public
schools and at the age of eighteen removed to Kansas, where he learned the trade
of a stonemason, thus following in his father's footsteps. He was engaged in that
occupation in various Kansas communities and assisted in building many of the pub-
lic structures in that state. For eighteen years he followed his trade and then turned
his attention to agriculture, renting land in Kansas. In 1897, however, he decided to
move to the far west, having heard many favorable reports in regard to the oppor-
tunities presented here and taking up his residence in the Chehalis valley, in Wash-
ington, where he successfully operated a dairy until 1915. He then leased land on
the Yakima Indian reservation for two years, and having become thoroughly ac-
quainted with local conditions, then acquired title to a tract near Buena, which he
sold in May. 1918. In August of the same year he bought thirty-five acres a half
mile east of Buena and of this ten acres are planted to peaches, while the remainder
is plow land. He now receives a very gratifying income from fruit raising, having
thoroughly studied the latest methods of horticulture in order to bring his orchard
to the highest state of productivity. Moreover, he successfully conducts a dairy
here, profiting by his former extensive experience, and also raises Chester White
hogs. He has a fine home and good outbuildings, everything about his place indi-
cating the thoughtful management of a modern twentieth century agriculturist.
On April 13, 1875, Mr. Shellenberger was married to Miss Julia Thomas, a native
of Indiana and a daughter of the Rev. John and Julia .Ann (Hoover) Thomas, the
former for many years a preacher in the United Brethren church. Both parents
have passed away. To Mr. and Mrs. Shellenberger were born five children. John,
the eldest, is assisting his father in his ranching and live stock interests. Thomas,
who is married and has one son. resides in Kelso. Washington, where he is success-
fully operating a shingle mill. Maude is the wife of .Albert Flint, a merchant of
Toppenish, Washington. Nellie married George Pechtel, of Sprague, Washington,
790 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
and they have four sons. Paul, who is engaged in ranching on the Yakima Indian
reservation, is married and has two children.
Mr. ShcUenberger is independent in his political affiliation, giving his support
to the candidates whom he considers best qualified to fill the offices to which they
aspire. In a general way, however, he gives his preference to the democratic party.
He has made many friends in his neighborhood and all who know him are agreed
as to his high qualities of heart and mind. As a business man he is trustworthy and
reliable, as an orchardist he is progressive, as a friend he is faithful and as a citizeri
he is loyal and public-spirited. n
»
LEWIS CLARK WAKELEE.
Lewis Clark Wakclee, a resident of Kittitas county for the past decade, has
since 1912 been actively and successfully engaged in the operation of his farm of
fifty-one acres five miles northwest of EUensburg. His birth occurred in Washing-
ton county, Iowa, on the 7th of September, 1868, his parents being Charles L. and
Sarah (Duer) Wakelee, who passed away in the Hawkeyc state. The father devoted
his attention to general agricultural pursuits throughout his active business career,
Lewis C. Wakclee was reared and educated in the state of his nativity and early
became familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist a;
he assisted his father in the operation of the home place. He continued farming in
Iowa until forty years of age and then determined to establish his home in the
Pacific northwest, making his way to Kittitas county. Washington, in 1908. Here he
was employed in a lumber yard for a period of four years and then took up his abode
on a ranch of fifty-one acres, situated five miles northwest of EUensburg which he
had purchased in 1910. Thereon he has since engaged in the cultivation of hay and
grain and also raises cattle, both branches of his business proving profitable, for he
is an indefatigable w'orker and follows the most progressive methods in his farming
operations.
On the 9th of September, 1890, Mr. Wakelee was united in marriage to Miss
Agnes White, a native of Washington county, Iowa, and a daughter of Addison and
Rebecca (Lewis) White. The father still follows farming in Iowa, but the mother
has passed away. Mr. and Mrs. Wakelee have become the parents of two children,
Eva E. and Charles Lloyd, the former being now a successful teacher.
In his political views Mr. Wakelee is independent, supporting men and measures
rather than party. His religious faith is that of the Christian church and fraternally
he is identified with the Modern Woodmen of America and the Independent Order
of Odd Fellows. These associations indicate much concerning the rules which
govern his life and he has become widely recognized as a substantial agriculturist
and esteemed citizen of his community.
JOHN BOO\E JONES.
John Boone Jones, who still occupies his farm near EUensburg, although he is
leaving its cultivation to a tenant, was born in Bourbon county. Kentucky, on the 23d
of June, 1833. His parents died durin,g his childhood days and he was reared in Ar-
kansas. He crossed the plains to California in 1850, attracted by the early discovery
of gold in that state, and was identified with mining there for some time. In 1877
he came to the Kittitas valley and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land five
miles from EUensburg. With characteristic energy he began the improvement and
development of the place, upon which he erected a nice house and has made other
substantial improvements. He brought a large amount of stock and also farm ma-
chinery with him and for many years he engaged successfully in stock raising. From
time to time, as his financial resources increased, he purchased more land and now
has three hundred and sixty acres, constituting a valuable property. He bought forty
acres of land from the railroad company and also took a timber culture of one hun-
dred and sixty acres. For many years he carefully conducted his farm and annually
JOHN B. JONES
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 793
derived therefrom a substantial income, owing to the care and labor which he be-
stowed upon his fields. At length, however, he rented his land, although he still
continues to make his home thereon.
On the 1st of July, 1863, Mr. Jones was united in marriage to Miss Martha
Brown, a daughter of Dyer Brown, a native of Canada, who crossed the plains to
California in the '50s. To Mr. and Mrs. Jones have been born eight children: Belle,
who is the wife of Benjamin Hanson, of North Puyallup, Washington; Mary, the
wife of .\lbert Kobell and a resident of Oregon; John, who lives at Ramona, Cali-
fornia: Mattie, who is the widow of JefTerson Parker; Nettie, who gave her hand in
marriage to Henry Washborn. of Ellensburg; Walter, who is a member of the United
States army, belonging to a company of artillery; and Narcissus, the wife of J. H.
Needham of Ellensburg; and Alfreda, deceased.
Mr. Jones is identified with the Grange and has always given his political alle-
giance to the democratic party. As a pioneer ranchman of Kittitas county he is
widely and favorably known and has many friends who speak of him in terms of the
liighest regard.
I. BENEDIKTSON.
Actively connected with the management of one of the most important interests
of Yakima is I. Benediktson, who is the vice president of the Cascade Creamery
Company. He was born in Iceland in 1873, a son of Bcnedikt Krist Janson. Both
the parents spent their entire lives in their native country of Iceland. The son ac-
quired a public school education there and afterward went to England, wdicre he
learned the creamery and dairy business. Later he went to Denmark, where he took
up the trade of butter making, which he followed for two years, gaining broad and
valuable experience in that country, where dairying in all of its branches has reached
a great height of perfection. The new world, however, attracted him and he crossed
the Atlantic to Canada about 1905. After remaining in that country for a brief
period he made his way across the l)order into the United States and journeyed west-
ward to Washington, establishing his home near Tacoma, where he entered the
employ of the Lake Park Creamery Company. His experience throughout his en-
lire business career has been along the line in which he is now engaged. For the
past three years he has been connected with the Cascade Creamery Company, of which
he is the vice president, and throughout the decade he has acted as manager of
manufacturing. His broad experience and wide knowledge along this line well quali-
fy him for the . important and responsible duties that devolve upon him in connec-
tion with the control of one of the largest and finest creameries of the entire state.
In 1909 Mr. Benediktson was married to Miss Bergthora Magnusson, of Du-
luth. Minnesota, and they have become parents of four daughters. Fraternally Mr.
Benediktson is connected with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. He has
never had occasion to regret his determination to leave his native country and
seek his fortune elsewhere, and least of all has he had occasion to regret his resolu-
tion of becoming an American citizen. Here he has found the opportunities which
he sought and in their utilization has steadily worked his way upward. His ability
and determination have brought him to the front along his chosen line and he is
today accounted one of the foremost creamery men of the state.
FRANK S. VAN DE WALL.
Frank S. Van De Wall, well known as an alfalfa grower, makes his home within
a short distance of Grandview. He was born at Lancaster, Grant countv, Wisconsin.
August 14, 1852, a son of Frank and Jane Ann (Russell) Van De Wall. The father
was born in England in 1819 and was a son of Francis Van De Wall, of French
descent, who was born, reared and died in England, however. Frank Van De Wall,
794 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
lather of Frank S. Van Do Wall, came to the L'nited States about 1844 and es-
tablished his home in Grant county, Wisconsin, where he became a pioneer settler,
connected with the early development of that region. He was by profession a pho-
tographer. He wedded Jane Ann Russell, a native of Wisconsin, and they spent
their remaining days in that state.
Frank S. Van Dc Wall of this review acquired a public school education and
early began working for wages. He afterward rented his father's farm and for
about seventeen years he was employed in a warehouse in the responsible position
of manager. Subsequently he bought one hundred and fifty-six acres of farm land
in W'isconsin, which he owned and cultivated successfully until about 1910, when he
came to Grandview, Washington, and bought twenty acres near the town. He also
purchased a three-acre tract for a home nearer the town and thereon built a fine
residence. His farm is all given to the raising of alfalfa, of which he gathers large
crops.
On the 30th of October, 1878, Mr. Van De Wall was married to Miss Elizabeth
S. Ivey, a native of Houghton county, Michigan, and a daughter of Joseph and Susan
(Retallick) Ivey, who were natives of the county of Cornwall, England. The father
settled in Michigan in 1844 and the mother in 1846, joining her husband after he
had prepared a home for her in the new world. They removed to Wisconsin in
1SS4 and both have now passed away. To Mr. and Mrs. Van De Wall have been
born seven children: Fred, who for the past seventeen years has lived in Alaska;
Ralph, a practicing dentist of Seattle: Elizabeth, the wife of Oswald Holmes, resid-
ing at Platteville, Wisconsin; two who died in infancy: Hazel, the wife of Fred S.
Williams, a resident of Portland, Oregon; and Velma, the wife of Clyde O. Gar-
mire, an attorney and farmer who makes his home at Goldendale, Washington.
Mr. Van De Wall is a republican in his political views. He belongs to the For-
esters and his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist church,
to the teachings of which he is loyal, giving earnest support to the principles which
he has long endorsed and guiding his life thereby in all of its varied relations.
ERIE J. W^\RNER.
Erie J. Warner, busily engaged in the further development of a ranch property
of thirty-three and a half acres near Sunnysidc, comes to Washington from the state
of Michigan. His birth occurred at Volinia, October 13. 1869, a son of James H.
and Rachel (Rich) Warner, the former a native of New York, while the latter was
also a native of Michigan. They were farming people of that state and both have
now passed away.
Erie J. Warner obtained a public school education and through the period of
his boyhood and youth assisted in tlie work of the home farm, of which he after-
ward took charge, continuing its cultivation until September, 1899, when he removed
to the northwest and purchased nineteen and a half acres of land six and a half
miles west of Sunnysidc, in Yakima county. It was then a wild tract covered with
sagebrush, but his labors soon wrought a marked change in the appearance of the
place. He afterward bought fourteen acres more and he is devoting his land to
the production of corn and hay. He has built a good house and substantial barns
upon the place and has added many modern improvements, making it one of the
attractive ranch properties of the district.
On the 4th of December, 1893, Mr. Warner was united in marriage to Miss
Lottie B. Jewell, a native of Michigan and a daughter of James R. and Charlotte
(Young) Jewell. They became the parents of four children; Harold C, a mem-
ber of the United States Army; Otto, who died in 1918. in Philadelphia, while a
member of the army; Olive, at home: and Fred, who died at the age of nine years.
The wife and mother passed away in April. 1914. and on the 21st of January. 1917,
Mr. W^arner was again married, his second union being with Mrs. Inez (Kline)
Searls. of Yakima, who by her former marriage had three children: Wanda, de-
ceased; and Harry and Neil, at home.
Fraternally Mr. Warner is connected witli the Modern Woodmen of .America and
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 795
olitical endorsement is given to the democratic party. He has gained a wide
lintance during the period of his residence in this section and all with whom he
iccomc acquainted entertain tor him high regard, recognizing his progressive-
in business affairs and his substantial qualities of citizenship.
EUGENE F. MOORE.
With the pioneer' development of Yakima county Eugene F. Moore has been
identified and as the years have passed he has borne his full share in the work of
general progress and development. He has owned various ranch properties and
still derives his income from his lands, which are largely devoted to fruit produc-
tion.
Mr. Moore is a native of Bedford county, Tennessee. He was born December
19, 1871, and is a son of Robert B. and Delilah N. (SwafTord) Moore, both of whom
were natives of Bledsoe county, Tennessee, the former born in 1837 and the latter
in 1842. The Moore family has long been rfepresented on this side of the Atlantic.
Among the ancestors of Eugene F. Moore were those who participated in the Revo-
lutionary war, in the War of 1812 and in the Civil war. His grandfather, Samuel G.
Moore, was one of the first settlers of Tennessee, removing to that state from
North Carolina in 1790, when it was a wild and undeveloped region, its inhabitants
3-et numbering many Indians, while over great portions of the state no white
settlement had as yet been made. The maternal grandfather of Mr. Moore was
JaiTies B. Swafiford, whose father was a native of Virginia and removed to Ten-
nessee about 1790. The Swaffords were related to the Lees, Nails, Howards and
other prominent families of Tennessee and Mrs. Delilah N. Moore was a relative
of the distinguished Confederate general, Robert E. Lee. The representatives of
both the Moore and Swafiford families were planters and traders of the south and
were people of prominence and influence in Tennessee. Both the father and mother
of Eugene F. Moore have now passed away.
Eugene F. Moore acquired a public school education and with his parents went
to Te.xas in 1882. There they resided until 1887, when the family started for Wash-
ington and on the 1st of February, 1888, arrived at Goldendalc, this state. The
father took up land and afterward purchased land in Yakima county and also in the
vicinity of Prosser, Washington. About 1903 he removed to the Naches valley in
Yakima county, where he passed away September 25, 1907. His wife survived him
for only a brief period, passing away on the 25th of February, 1909. Both were
consistent members of the Missionary Baptist church and guided their lives accord-
ing to its teachings. They displayed many sterling traits of character which en-
deared them to all with whom they came in contact. The father gave his political
allegiance to the democratic party.
Eugene 1-". Moore was a lad of eleven years at the time of the removal of the
family from Tennessee to Texas and was a youth of sixteen when he came with
his parents to Washington. He continued to engage in farming in connection with
his father until he reached the age of twenty-six years, when he started out in the
business world independently by renting land near Goldendale. He afterward bought
and sold cattle and later engaged in buying and selling land, in which undertaking
he was associated with his brother, Samuel G. Moore. In 1901 he purchased land
in Rattlesnake county and about 1906 he took up his abode in the Naches valley,
where he was engaged in sheep raising for a year. He has since bought and sold
a considerable amount of land in the Naches valley and has had ranches all over
this part of Yakima county. On the 15th of March, 1914, he purchased forty acres of
land on Selah Heights, of which he afterward sold ten acres. On the remaining
thirty-acre tract he is engaged extensively and successfully in raising apples and
his orchards are in excellent condition. He also has a fine home upon this place and
all modern comforts and conveniences, together with all of the improvements neces-
sarj' for the development of the farm. He likewise owns ninety-five acres two miles
southeast of Grandview in Benton county, this, however, being largely raw land.
On the 27th of December, 1911, Mr. Moore was united in marriage to Miss J.
796 HISTORY OF YAKIMA \'ALLEY
Myrtle Gunn. a daughter of L. Scott and Julia (Marsh) Guiin. Mrs. Moore was
born in Minnesota, while her father is a native of Indiana and her mother of Maine.
Her parents became pioneer people of Spokane, Washington, and they a*e now living
near Mr. and Mrs. Moore. Her father was one of the early settlers of Minnesota.
He was a son of the Rev. Thomas S. Gunn, a Methodist minister, who became one
of the first preachers of that denomination in Minnesota, and Mary J. Patterson
Gunn, a cousin of Walter Q. Gresham, ex-postmaster general, and also a relative of
Robert E. Lee. L. Scott Gunn came to Washington in 1889 but returned to Minne-
sota in 1896. In 1903, however, he once more made his way to the northwest, settl-
ing in Yakima county, where he took up carpentering and building but is now living
retired, he and his wife making their home near Mr. and Mrs. Moore. To Mr. and
Mrs. Moore have been born four children: Mary Anita, born October 4, 1912: \"ir-
ginia Isola, born January 30, 1914; Myrtle Lavera, Xovembcr 8, 1915: and one who
died in infancy.
In his political views Mr. Moore has always been a democrat since age con-
ferred upon him the right of franchise and he keeps well informed on the questions
and issues of the day. His wife is a member of the Methodist church and they are
highly esteemed people, enjoying the warm regard of those with whom they have
been brought in contact. In his business career Mr. Moore has displayed many
sterling qualities. He has always been watchful of opportunities and has utilized his
chances to the best possible advantage. He has closely studied every phase of busi-
ness conditions bearing upon the line of his activities and his investments have
been so judiciously made that his purchases and sales of land have brought him a
substantial financial return, while the integrity of his methods has gained for him
that good name which is rather to be chosen than great riches.
BEXJAMIX FRANKLIN YOUNG.
Benjamin Franklin Young is concentrating his efforts and attention upon fruit
raising, which he successfully follows in Yakima. He was born in Salem, Wisconsin,
May 13. 1870, a son of Lucius and Maria (Lewis) Young. The mother passed away
in the year 1877, while still residing in Wisconsin, after which the father removed to
Tennessee, where his death occurred. His entire life was devoted to agricultural pur-
suits.
Benjamin F. \''oung pursued a public school education and then took up the occu-
pation to which he had been reared. He followed farming until 1897, when he
became connected with the hardware trade at Colfax, Illinois, and was thus engaged
until 1903. In that year he arrived in the Yakima valley, removing to the northwest
on account of ill health, .^t first he did not like the valley, for conditions were so
different from those to which he had become accustomed in the middle west. After a
time, however, he recognized opportunities and he has become an enthusiastic and
zealous champion of this section of the countrj-. He received a gift of ten acres of
land near Yakima from relatives and began the development and improvement of the
place, which is today all planted to orchard, including pears, apples, cherries and
peaches. Mr. Young was also engaged in the concrete block business in Yakima
for a period of twelve years, but has recently traded his business there for six acres
more of fruit land and now has sixteen acres in all, upon which he has built a fine
home and placed other excellent and modern improvements. He is deeply interested
in the subject of fruit raising and does everything in his power to promote scientific
work of that character. He is a member of the Yakima County Horticultural L'nion
and cooperates heartily in any movement for the benefit of the horticultural inter-
ests of the state.
On the 2d of October, 1891, Mr. Young was united in marriage to Miss Mary H.
Howard, of Kalkaska, Michigan, and they have become parents of five children:
Edgar, who is now engaged in the fruit business and is married and has two chil-
dren; Ellen Marie, at home; Elgie Franklin, who is a member of the United States
navy; and EUlora Frances and Howard, both at home.
Mr. Young is a member of Yakima Lodge No. 24, F. & A. M., also of the Chris-
BENJAMIN P. YOUNa
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 799
111 cluirch and in politics is a prohibitionist. His aid and influence are always given
1 the side of those forces which work for mental and moral culture and which per-
in to progress of the community along that line.
LOUIS BREAUM.
Louis Breaum is the owner of a fine home and splendid orchards in the lower
Naches valley. He was born in Dane county. Wisconsin, May 12, 1873, a son of
Louis and Annie C. Breaum, both of whom have passed away. About 1879 they
removed with their family to Stark county. North Dakota, becoming early settlers
of that region. The father erected the first building at Taylor and also at Richard-
ton. North Dakota, where he and his wife lived until called to their final rest. They
were farming people and he contributed in considerable measure to the pioneer
development of that region.
Louis Breaum acquired a public school education in North Dakota and after-
ward spent some time in Michigan and in Minnesota, where he worked in the lumber
camps and on farms. His identification with the northwest dates from 1890, in
which year he arrived in Seattle, Washington, where he was employed for seven
years. Subsequently he returned to the east and later became a resident of Mon-
tana, where he engaged in the live stock business. Removing to Idaho, he there
devoted his attention to mining and in 1904 he came to Yakima county. Here he
purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land on the Wenas but after occupying
that place for two years sold it. He then took up his abode in the lower Naches
and purchased his present farm property. He now has twelve and a half acres of
land, all planted to apples, pears, peaches and cherries, and his orchards are among
the finest of the locality. He cultivates his trees according to the most modern
and scientific methods and everything about his place is indicative of thorough care
and system. He has built a fine home and he has modern improvements and equip-
ment, facilitating the care of his orchards and rendering life comfortable.
On the 12th of July, 1903, Mr. Breaum was married to Miss Christina Olson, a
native of Iowa and a daughter of Thomas and Annie Olson, who were pioneer peo-
ple of North Dakota, where they followed farming. Mr. and Mrs. Breaum have
become parents of four children: .\lbert Lloyd, who died July 26, 1915, at the age
of nine years, eight months and four days; one who died in infancy; Thomas
Llewellyn, born September 5, 1909; and Louis Lloyd, born March 2, 1918. Mr.
Breaum maintains an independent political course nor has he ever been ambitious
to hold office. He prefers to be known as a successful farmer and to this end he
is bending every efTort and every ounce of his energy to the development and im-
provement of his orchard land. He is greatly interested in the subject of fruit
raising from every possible standpoint and that his methods are at once practical and
progressive is indicated in the excellent results which have attended them.
GEORGE H. CADLE.
George H. Cadle. a successful orchardist living near Zillah, had for years im-
portant landed interests but has now disposed of most of his holdings to good ad-
vantage, retaining, however, a valuable orchard of eight acres, which is planted to
apples, pears and cherries. His residence is one of the finest in the neighborhood
and proclaims the prosperity which has come to him since he settled in the Yakima
valley. .A native of Muscatine. Iowa, he was born January 4, 1853, and is a son of
Richard and Sarah (Magoon) Cadle, the former a native of New York city and the
latter of Lancaster, Ohio. The father was a son of Cornelius and Hannah Cadle.
the former of whom was born in England but in his youth emigrated to the United
States, taking up his abode in New York, where he became a successful merchant.
In his younger days the father of our subject removed from the east to Illinois
and thence to Iowa, where he arrived when pioneer conditions still maintained in
(32)
800 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
that state. There he was married and successfully engaged in sash and door manu-
facturing. Later a further removal westward took him to Colorado, where his death
occurred. His widow subsequently came to Yakima county, Washington, dnd re-
sided with her son, George H.. until her demise.
Mr. Cadle of this review was reared in Iowa amid pioneer conditions and in the
acquirement of his education attended the public schools of Muscatine. .After laying
aside his textbooks he entered the sash and door business with his father and so
continued until he removed to the San Luis valley in Colorado in 1886. There he
was connected with the live stock business for about seventeen years, or until 1903.
Having heard many favorable reports in regard to the opportunities presented in the
Yakima valley, Mr. Cadle then came to this district and bought forty-seven acres
of land adjoining Buena. He has now sold all of this valuable tract except eight
acres, which are set out to apples, pears and cherries. He has ever followed pro-
gressive methods and today his tract is in good bearing, furnishing him with a hand-
some annual income. He has built an attractive home, which is modernly appointed,
and everything about the place indicates that success has been his. Part of his
holdings he sold in small home tracts and he received most gratifying returns from
this land. He bought forty acres of the land in partnership with his sister, Eva,
who throughout her life lived on a portion of the ranch, passing away in December,
1917. She was married and had a daughter, Ella, who also is married and has a
daughter, Verna, now ten years of age, residing with our subject. To him and his
wife she is like an own daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Cadle surrounding her with all
the loving care they would bestow upon their own child.
On December 11, 1906, Mr. Cadle wedded Mrs. .\melia Sherman, a native of Wis-
consin and a daughter of M. Hausy and Elizabeth (Heinig) Hausy. Mrs. Sherman
was a resident of Tacoma at the time of her marriage.
In his political affiliation Mr. Cadle is a republican and has ever stanchly sup-
ported the candidates and measures of that party although he is not an office seeker.
On the other hand, however, he is interested in the issues of the day as regards
the state and nation and readily supports worthy movements which he considers of
value to his community. Both he and his wife have many friends in Zillah and vi-
cinity, all of whom speak of Mr. and Mrs. Cadle in terms of the highest appreciation.
JOHX DOBIE.
Agricultural and particularly horticultural interests of Yakima county have re-
ceived a great impetus through the activities of John Dobie, one of the many valu-
able .American citizens whom Scotland has furnished to this country. A native of the
land of hills and heather, he was born in Dumfries, March 16, 1873, a son of Joseph
and Janet (Broatch) Dobie, both deceased. For thirty years the father was road
overseer in one district. In 1875, when their son John was but two years of age,
the parents removed to Cumberland, England, and there John Dobie received his
education. He continued in the mother country until 1893, when he decided to come
to .America. Having heard glowing stories of the opportunities ofTered on the
Pacific coast, he made his way direct to Spokane, Washington, and for two years, or
until the fall of 1895, he worked for wages. During the following w-inter he hunted
in the neighborhood of Chelan Lake, but in the spring of 1896 turned to the Yakima
valley and again took a position on a ranch, so continuing for a year. Perceiving
greater financial returns in performing his duties in another way, he then made a
contract for putting up hay, thus increasing his earning capacity. The two following
years he rented land and in 1901 acquired title to eighty acres on the lower Naches.
to the cultivation of which he has since given his close attention. Never losing
sight of his purpose, he ever carefully saved his earnings, which at length enabled
him to purchase this land. Mr. Dobie has remodeled the house, has commodious
barns upon the land and also has instituted other equipment in order to facilitate
the farm work, raising grain, hay and potatoes. He has also taken up fruit grow-
ing, along which line he has been very successful. Mr. Dobie is a progressive man
who not only embraces the latest ideas in regard to general farming and fruit grow-
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 801
ing but who also has decided ideas upon other questions which relate to the duties
of citizenship and of man to man.
On tht 17th of December, 1897, John Dobie was married to Miss Nora Livesley,
a daughter of George and Mary E. (Berge) Livesley, early and respected residents
of the Yakima valley, where the father owned large agricultural interests. Mr. Livesley
has passed away, but is survived by his widow, who makes her home in Oregon.
Mr. and Mrs. Dobie became parents of five children of whom Xora Elizabeth died
in infancy. The others are: Joseph, George Harold, Carrie Marguerite and John
B. In social circles of their community Mr. and Mrs. Dobie are well known and
well liked and the latter is a member of the Congregational church, in the work of
which organization she takes a laudable and helpful interest.
Mr. Dobie identities himself with the socialistic party in politics and stands ever
for all measures which promise to be of the greatest good to the greatest number.
He is ever ready to lend a helping hand to those who struggle on in order to make a
living, well remembering the days when he worked hard himself in order to gain a
foothold and to set hiinself up independently. His interest along agricultural lines
is evident from the fact that he is a charter member of the Yakima Valley Fruit
Growers .Association and has served as president of the lower Naches Fruit Growers
Association, also having been on the executive board. Fully recognizing the value
of irrigation, he has served for nineteen years as president and a director of the
Wapato ditch. These various connections, however, do not yet exhaust the subjects
which are near his heart, as he has always been a loyal champion of educational
progress and for eighteen years has served as a member of the school board, using
his influence in order to advance and improve school facilities in his district. .'Ml
who know- him give him their confidence, to which he is well entitled by reason of his
upright character and honorable career.
WILLIAM M. HUFXAIL.
William M. Hufnail has twenty-seven acres of land which he is devoting to
fruit raising, having become well known as one of the successful and prominent or-
chardists in the vicinity of Grandview. He was born in Wisconsin on the 6th of
March, 1886, a son of Dr. William H. Hufnail. whose birth occurred in Montgomery
county, Xew York, on the 3d of May, 1836. The latter was a son of George and
Catherine (Wormuth) Hufnail. who were likewise born in the Empire state. The
great-grandfather. Christian Houghnagle, was a native of Holland and, crossing the
.■\tlantic, became one of the earliest settlers of Herkimer county, Xew York. He
served in defense of his adopted country in the War of 1812 and in days of peace
devoted his life to the occupation of farming. It was George Hufnail who changed
the orthography of the name. On leaving New York he removed to Sauk county,
\\'isconsin. in 1S45. liecoming one of its first settlers. He purchased a tract of wild
land, which he converted into fertile fields, and was numbered among the successful
farmers of that district, in which he continued to reside until called to his final rest.
His son. Dr. William H. Hufnail, was graduated from the Bennett Medical Col-
lege of Chicago when about fifty years of age. He had been reared to the occupation
of farming, wliich he continued to follow until he determined to devotje his further
time and attention to the practice of medicine. He then studied medicine according
to the eclectic system and was graduated as indicated, after which he located for
practice in Wisconsin, where he remained until 1909. With his removal to Washington
in that year he purchased ten acres of land near Grandview. It was a wild tract
covered with the native growth of sagebrush, but his characteristic energy and effort
soon wrought a marked transformation in the appearance of this place. In the midst
of the brush he built a good home and at once began cultivating tlie land, which
be planted largely to fruit trees.
On the 24th of May. 1864, Dr. Hufnail was united in marriage to Miss .Abigail
.\nn Dammon, who was born in Sparta. Wisconsin, a daughter of Chandler and Ma-
tilda (Doan) Dammon, the former a native of Maine. To Dr. and ?ilrs. Hufnail were
born six children: Dr. Francis E., now residing in Minneapolis; .Albert C, whose
802 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
home is at Sunnyside, Washington; Katherine E., the wife of W. H. Denny, living
at Williston. North Dakota; May R., the wife of R. W. Wilson, who is located at
Sunnyside; William M., of this review; and Ada D., deceased.
Dr. Hufnail is a member of the Masonic fraternity and in his life has exemplified
the beneficent spirit of the craft, for he has constantly extended a helping hand to
those in need of assistance. His attitude on the temperance question is indicated in
the loyal support which he gives to the prohibition party. He is a man wonder-
fully preserved for one of his years, as he has passed the eighty-second milestone
on life's journey, yet he remains hale and hearty and gives out of the rich stores of
his wisdom and experience for the benefit of others.
His fifth child. William M. Hufnail, whose name introduces this review, spent
his youthful days under the parental roof and in 1912 purchased the Grandview
ranch from his father. He also rents ten acres of land that he and his brother own
and seven acres more which is in orchard tracts. He has altogether twenty-seven
acres in apples and is one of the prominent fruit growers of this section. His busi-
ness interests are wisely and carefully conducted. He is thoroughly progressive
and energetic in all that he undertakes and at the same time is most systcmat'C.
His labors are producing most desirable results.
Mr. Hufnail belongs to the Masonic fraternity and is a past secretary of Grand
view Lodge, No. 191, A. F. & A. M. In politics he maintains an independent course,
voting according to the dictates of his judgm'ent. Much of his life has been spent
in the northwest and his sturdy qualities and admirable characteristics have ira-
pressed themselves upon all with whom he has come in contact.
WILLIAM WILSON.
William Wilson, prominently known in connection with the sheep industry in
the Yakima valley and making his home in the city of Yakima, was born in Aber-
deenshire, Scotland, December 1, 1874, a son of Alexander and Mary ."Xnn (Douglas)
Wilson. Tlie father, a farmer by occupation, is still living in Scotland. The son ob-
tained a public school education in his native country and was thirty years of age
when he came to Yakima in the year 1905. He then entered the employ of Samuel
Cameron, with whom he remained for a few years and later was admitted to a partner-
ship. .\bout 1910 he purchased a hand of sheep and has since been engaged in the
sheep industry, developing his interests along this line to extensive proportions. He
has conducted his business wisely and carefully, so that success in substantial meas-
ure is coming to him.
In 1914 Mr. Wilson returned to Scotland and married Miss Jean Gauld of that
country. They have one child, W'illiam Gauld. Mr. Wilson has memljership in the
Masonic fraternity and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. He became a
naturalized .American citizen and since securing the right of franchise has voted with
the republican party. He is not active in political circles but concentrates his efforts
and energies upon his business afifairs and has never had occasion to regret his de-
termination to come to the new world, for here he found the opportunities which
he sought and in their utilization has worked his way steadily upward.
SAMUEL H. MILLER.
Samuel H. Miller, who for more than two decades has been identified with the
ranching interests of Yakima county, took up his abode in the Sunnyside district in
1898, purchasing eighty acres a mile east of the town. That his has been a busy,
active and useful life since then is indicated in the excellent and well kept appear-
ance of his place, which is now one of the highly developed ranch properties of
that region.
Mr. Miller came to the northwest from Iowa but is a native of Somerset county,
Pennsylvania, where he was born May 15, 1838. He is a son of Jonas A. and Sally
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 803
(Homer) Miller, who wore also natives of Somerset county. The paternal grand-
father. Abraham Miller, was likewise born in that district and both he and his son,
Jonas A., devoted their lives to farming. Jonas A. Miller, on leaving the Keystone
state, removed westward to Blackhawk county, Iowa, in 1872 and there made his
home until his death.
Samuel H. Miller is indebted to the public schools for the educational oppor-
tunities which he enjoyed and after his own course was completed he taught school
for several terms. In 1860 he removed from Pennsylvania to Illinois, where he con-
tinued teaching for two years, and in December. 1862. he became a resident of Iowa,
where he taught school for two terms in Blackhawk county. In 1863, in connection
with a cousin, he began the manufacture of sorghum and devoted his attention to
that undertaking in connection with general farming for several years.
On the 1st of September, 1863, Samuel H. Miller was married to Eliza Beechley,
a native of Somerset county, Pennsylvania, and a daughter of Daniel and Eliza
(Meyers) Beechley, who vvrere pioneers of the Kgystone state. Mr. and Mrs. Miller
became the parents of a son, Edwin Stanton, who is a resident of Omaha, Xebraska,
where he is engaged in the milling of corn products. The wife and mother passed
away October 26, 1865, and on the 9th of January, 1870, Mr. Miller was again mar-
ried, his second union being with Susan Saylor, who was born in Somerset county,
Pennsylvania, a daughter of Abraham and Elizabeth (Miller) Saylor, who were pion-
eers of Pennsylvania. Before his second marriage Mr. Miller had purchased one
hundred and sixty acres of land in Iowa, which he greatly improved and developed,
building thereon a pleasant residence in 1869. For a long period he devoted his
attention to agricultural pursuits in Iowa but in 1898 left his farm there and came
to the northwest, making his way to Sunnyside. Here he purchased eighty acres
of land a mile east of the town, and although the tract was then all covered with
sagebrush, he at once began the work of impro\cmcnt and development, built thereon
a good home and brought the farm under a high state of cultivation. He now
raises hay and corn and formerly he was extensively engaged in the dairy business
but has retired from that line of activity. He, however, keeps good graded Holstein
cattle. In addition to his other crops he raises sugar beets and as a general farmer
is meeting with substantial success.
In 1906 Mr. Miller was called upon to mourn the loss of his second wife, who
passed away on the 10th of August of that year. Their children were: Wilbert.
who died at the age of four years: Grace, the wife of N. E. Blough, who is engaged
in clerking in a store at Sunnyside and by whom she has three sons and three daugh-
ters, the family making their home with her father; Ira, residing at Ashford, Wash-
ington: Howard, living at Great Falls, Montana: Catherine is the wife of Charles
Amondson, a hardw-are merchant residing at Sunnyside, and they have three chil-
dren: Lizzie Maude, who was born in 1882 and died in 1900: and J. Quinter, who is
engaged in ranching near his father's place and has a wife but no children.
Mr. Miller is a minister of the Church of the Brethren. He and D. B. Eby were
the lirst two Brethren pastors at Sunnyside. He preached regularly for several years
and still occupies the pulpit at intervals. In politics he inaintains an independent
course, voting for men and measures rather than party. While in Iowa he was ac-
tive on the school board, also served as township assessor and for twelve years was
president of the Blackhawk Mutual Fire Insurance Company, which developed an
extensive business. He has been a successful pioneer rancher of the northwest and
a valued citizen who has contributed in substantial measure to the material, intel-
lectual, social and moral progress of the community in which he makes his home.
HARRY COONSE.
Harry Coonse, prominent in the real estate and abstract lield and recognized
as one of the representative business men of Yakima, was born in La Fayette, Indi-
ana, March 27, 1870, a son of George W. and Emma E. (Harris) Coonse. The
father was a manufacturer and jobber. He is now deceased, but the mother sur-
vives and is living with her son Harry.
804 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
After acquiring a high school education Harry Coonse came to Yakima in 1889
and accepted the position of chief clerk in the United States land office. He served
there for a few years, when he was appointed deputy county auditor, which posi-
tion he occupied for two years. He also spent a similar period as deputy county
treasurer and lor several years he was bookkeeper in the Yakima National Bank.
He later devoted two years to the lumber business in Seattle but in 1899 returned
to Yakima as deputy assessor, continuing in that capacity for three years. He served
as county assessor for four years and in 1906 he entered the real estate business,
in which he has continuously engaged throughout the intervening period. He was
again called to public office in 1912, when he was made city commissioner of public
works and occupied that position for five years. His time has largely been given
to public service and yet he has successfully conducted important private business
interests. In 1907 he organized the Consolidated Abstract & Title Company, of which
he has since been the president. It was incorporated in September, 1908, by J. T. Fos-
ter, Fred Parker, Harry Coonse, F. E. Craig, Henry Taylor and others. The office was
first located at No. 6 South Second street but in 1916 a removal was made to the Yakima
Trust building. Mr. Coonse has served continuously as president of the company,
while J. T. Foster was manager until the spring of 1915, when he was succeeded by J.
H. Hinsdale, who served as manager until the spring of 1917. In that year J. A. New-
ton took charge as manager and continues in that position. The company has a very
complete set of abstract books and at one time maintained offices in Yakima, Ellens-
burg and Prosser, but the Ellensburg office was sold in 1912, the business being,,
however, continued at Prosser as well as at Yakima.
Mr. Coonse has a fine forty-acre orchard and also a big hay ranch at Prosser.
He has handled a large amount of farm lands during the period of his connection
with the real estate business in Yakima and is one of the oldest and kest known
real estate men of the city, conducting his interests at the present time under the
firm name of Coonse, Taylor & Bond.
On the 1st of January, 1904, Mr. Coonse was married to Miss Minnie F. Sin-
clair, a daughter of Hugh K. Sinclair, who came to the Yakima valley as a pioneer
in 1878. The children of this marriage are Marion G. and George Kenneth.
In his fraternal relations Mr. Coonse is a Knight of Pythias and an Elk and
in Masonic circles has attained high degree. He belongs to Yakima Lodge, No. 24,
F. & A. M.; Yakima Chapter, No. 21, R. A. M.; Yakima Commandery, No. 13, K.
T.; the Lodge of Perfection of the Rose Croix: and Afifi Temple of the Mystic
Shrine. He is likewise a member of the Commercial Club and has served on its
board of trustees. He was one of the organizers of the Yakima Club, which was
afterward converted into the Commercial Club. His political allegiance is given to the
republican party, but while he keeps well informed concerning the vital issues and
cjuestions of the day, he has never been an office seeker nor sought political prefer-
ment. He is a substantial, farsighted and energetic business man in whose career
there are no spectacular phases but whose persistency of purpose arid sound judg-
ment have carried him steadily forward until he is numbered among the most promi-
nent real estate dealers and business men of his adopted city.
JAMES SUTOR.
James Sutor, the owner of a fifteen-acre ranch property devoted to horticultural
pursuits and an equal tract on which he is raising alfalfa, was born in Ontario, Can-
ada, December 23, 1856, a son of Robert and Mary (Topp) Sutor, both of whom have
passed away. The father was a lumberman and farmer.
The son, spending his youthful days under the parental roof, acquired a public
scho61 education and when not busy with his textbooks assisted his father in the
farm work and continued upon the old homestead until he reached his majority. He
then went to Minnesota and took up a homestead claim in what was then Polk
county but is now Red Lake county. There he continued until 1905, when he came
to Yakima county and has since been identified with the agricultural and horticul-
tural development of the valley. He purchased twenty acres of land two miles south
JAMES SITTOR
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 807
of Yakima and has since invested in an additional ten acres. One-half of his land is
now producing large crops of apples, pears and prunes. The other fifteen acres is
producing an abundant yield of alfalfa and both branches of his business are proving
profitable by reason of his careful management, his close application and sound
business judgment.
On the 28th of March, 1882, Mr. Sutor was married to Miss Wanda Libert, of
Wisconsin, and to them have been born si.x children: Lerren, deceased; Wanda, the
wife of E. W. Petzel; Frederick, a farmer who is married and resides on the Tieton;
Clarence J., who is also farming on the Tieton: Harriet; and William, at home.
In politics Mr. Sutor is a democrat and for twelve years served as county com-
missioner while in Minnesota. He belongs to the Horticultural Union and to the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows and in these organizations is highly esteemed
by reason of his sterling worth and admirable traits of character that give him high
rank as a business man and citizen.
ELBERT MILAM CHANDLER.
Throughout practically the entire period of his business career Elbert Milam
Chandler has been identified with water interests. He has been connected with vari-
ous hydraulic companies and is now concentrating his efforts and attention upon ir-
rigation projects, being chief engineer of the Naches-Selah irrigation district. He
was born in Santa Cruz, California, on the 11th of April, 1886, a son of Milam and
Jessie A. (Peck) Chandler. The father was also a native of California and a son
of Lewis Chandler, who fought in the Mexican war. The latter went to California
in 1850 and was a territorial ranger of the early days. Settling in the Golden state
during pioneer times, he became a stock farmer of Santa Cruz county, where he
lived until 1916, when death called him at the age of nearly one hundred years. His
son, Milam Chandler, died in the year 1891. The mother of Mr. Chandler of this
review is still living in California. She is a daughter of Elon G. Peck, 'who went to
that state in 1851 and there engaged in the stock business until his death, which oc-
curred forty years later.
Elbert M. Chandler was graduated from the University of California with the
class of 1907. receiving the degree of Civil Engineer. He specialized in irrigation
work and from May until September, 1906, was connected with the hydraulic and
rcconnoissance department of the Oregon Railroad & Navigation Company. From
May until September, 1907, he was topographer, draftsman and transitman with the
Southern Pacific Railway Company and on the expiration of that period became
assistant engineer on the San Joaquin irrigation project, with which he was identified
until March, 1908. From that date until May, 1909, he was hydraulic engineer with
the Tuolumne Water Power Company and special agent of the United States De-
partment of Agriculture, in charge of some investigations in Tuolumne and Stanis-
laus counties of California. From May until September, 1909, he was chief engmeer
for Will H. Parry, receiver for the Pasco Power & Water Company at Burbank,
Washington, and at the latter date he became manager and chief engineer of the
Burbank Power & Water Company of Burbank, Washington, so continuing until
December, 1911. He was then made receiver for the Burbank Power & Water Com-
pany and so served until November, 1912. From that date until May, 1916, ht was
manager and chief engineer of the Burbank Company and next became active in the
development of the Edgewater farm on the Snake river, near Burbank, where he en-
gaged in breeding Percheron horses and .\yrshire cattle, handling registered stock.-
This is the only farm in Washington on which every animal is pure bred. Over
sixty acres of the land is under cultivation and Mr. Chandler has invested over
thirty thousand dollars in improvements upon the property. He is still the owner
of that farm but ceased to do active work thereon in September, 1917, when he ac-
cepted the position of chief engineer of the Naches-Selah irrigation district, having
charge of designing and construction for permanent reconstruction work on the
main canal and laterals. He is providing general plans and detail designs for work
to the value of one million dollars and at present is in charge of actual construction
808 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
work amounting to four hundred and fifty thousand dollars, which includes nine
tunnels of concrete and four miles of reinforced concrete canal lining, also a third
of a mile of heavy reinforced concrete flume. This represents the best construction
of the kind in the country, being permanent work, and there will be as high as three
hundred men employed on the prosecution of this project. Mr. Chandler by reason
of his college preparation and his long experience is splendidly qualified for the
conduct of such an important work as now claims his attention. He is familiar with
every scientific phase of the business and evA-y practical detail and his efforts are
producing the most excellent results, whereby the district will be greatly benefited
in enhancing the productivity of its land. Mr. Chandler has been a most thorough
student of irrigation projects and is now the president of the Washington Irriga-
tion Institute, which is widely disseminating valuable knowledge concerning the
best methods of irrigating land. He is the second person to occupy the presidency,
having been elected in December. 1917. The organization is very active in plans for
the settlement of the valley after the war.
On the 26th of September. 1907, Mr. Chandler was married to Miss Winifred
Goodrich, of Berkeley, California, and their children are Dorothy, Milam, Geneva
and Benson. Mr. Chandler belongs to Pasco Lodge. No. 138, F. & A. M. He is also
a member of the Commercial Club, belongs to the Yakima Engineering Club, to the
American Society of Civil Engineers, to the American Society of Agricultural Engi-
neers, in which he has served on the drainage and irrigation committee, and is a
member of the Pacific Xorthwest Society of Engineers. He is also well known as
a frequent contributor to the Engineering. News Record and his writings command
thoughtful and earnest attention, for his ideas are based upon broad experience and
sound initiative. His political endorsement is given to the republican party and he
attends the Congregational church. His life activities have been of a character' that
have contributed to general development and improvement as well as to individual
success. In fact his labors have been far-reaching and beneficial as vital forces in the
upbuilding and improvement of this section of the state and he stands among those
whose opinions upon irrigation in the northwest are largely accepted as authority.
CHARLES S. SUXDBERG.
Charles S. Sundlierg. financier and orchardist, now president of the Selah State
Bank, was born in Cook county. Illinois, April 12, 1874, a son of Samuel and Anna
Sundberg, both of wTiom were natives of Sweden. They came to the United States
when young people and were married in Illinois. The father was a coal miner and
devoted his life largely to that pursuit until 1878, when he removed with his family
to Carroll county, Iowa, where he took up the occupation of farming. After four
years spent in that locality he liccame a resident of Clay county. South Dakota, in
1882 and there carried on general agricultural pursuits to the time of his death. His
widow afterward lived in Texas but she, too, has passed away.
Mr. Sundberg of this review is indebted to the public school systems of Iowa and
of South Dakota for the educational privileges he enjoyed. He lived upon the family
farm until he reached the age of twenty years and also lived for a time in Texas
prior to 1893. He embarked in business independently by opening a general store
and in connection had the post oflice at Komstad. South Dakota, and in 1909 he and
his half brother, Elmer Dahlin, removed to Yakima county, Washington, where he
.has since made his home. On the 7th of May, 1916, they opened a bank at Selah
known as the Selah State Bank, of which Mr. Sundberg has since been the president.
In this connection he has instituted a policy which is thoroughly reliable and con-
tributes in marked measure to the success of the institution, the business of which
has steadily grown from the beginning. He has always believed in thoroughly safe-
guarding the interests of depositors and has made his bank in every way worthy of
trust ard patronage. In 19(:9 Mr. Sundberg purchased fifteen acres of orchard land
on Selah Heights and is thereon extensively engaged in raising apples. He also
has about three hundred acres of land near Spokane. He is thoroughly imbued with
/ HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 809
the spirit of western progress and is most entlnisiastic concerning this section of
tlie conntry and its opportunities.
In politics Mr. Sundberg has always been an earnest democrat and was an
active worker in party ranks while a resident of South Dakota. He belongs to the
Swedish Mission church, in the work of which he takes helpful- part, and he is also
identified with the Young Men's Christian Association. In these connections are in-
dicated the rules which govern his conduct and shape his relations in connection
with all private and public interests.
WALLACE VV. MILLER.
Wallace W. Miller, member of the insurance firm of Martin & Miller of Yakima,
has been engaged in the business since 1910 and through the intervening period has
built up a lar.L'c c'iier.tjic. He was born in Chicago, April 16, 1880. a son of William
and Anna C. Miller, who in 1902 removed with their family to the northwest, settl-
ing in Yakima. The father took up the business of fruit growing and has a fine
ranch on Xob Hill, having won success in his undertakings.
Wallace W. Miller, spending his youthful days under the parental roof, was
graduated from the Lakevicw high school, one of the north side high schools of his
native city. He afterward attended the University of Wisconsin from 1899 until
1901 inclusive, or for a period of three years. After the removal of the family to
Yakima he secured the position of deputy county auditor and served in that capacity
for five years. He next entered the insurance field in 1910 as a member of the firm
of Martin & Miller and has so continued to the present time. He now has a large
clientage, writing a large amount of insurance annually, and his business has long
since reached gratifying proportions.
In 1914 Mr. Miller was inarried to Miss Hazel Stout, of Seattle. He belongs to
the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and to Yakima Lodge, Xo. 24, F. A. M..
also to Yakima Chapter, Xo. 21, R. A. M. His political allegiance is given to the
republican party. He is a typical business man of the northwest, alert, energetic and
enterprising, and never stops short of the successful fulfillment of his plans.
JOHN H. GREEXSLADE.
John H. Greenslade, who since 1908 has made his home in the vicinity of Grand-
view, is a native son of Alabama. He was born in Lawrence county, that state, on
ihe 2d of January, 1853, a son of John and Mary (Holland) Greenslade, the former
a native of England, while the latter was born in South Carolina. The father was
a tailor Ijy trade. •
John H. Greenslade acquired a public school education but his oportunitics in
I hat direction were somewhat limited, as it was necessary that he early provide for
his own support. He is truly a self-made man who owes his advancement and suc-
cets entirely to his individual effort. He carried on farming in Mississippi, to which
state the family removed in 1854. He was engaged largely in raising cotton there and
continued a resident of that state until 1905, when he made his way to the northwest,
settling in the Puyallup valley near Tacoma. He carried on ranching in that district
until 1908, when he came to Yakima county and near Grandview purchased fifteen
acres of land which was all covered with sagebrush. He at once began the arduous
task of transforming it into a good ranch property. He built a home and barns
upon the place and today he has eight acres planted to apples and two acres to
cherries. The remainder is plow land, upon which he raises various crops, and his
ranch today bears no resemblance to the tract of wild land which came into his
possession about a decade ago. He also owns a ten-acre orchard at Wenatchee,
Washington, and produces there some of the finest apples raised in the state.
In January. 1874, Mr. Greenslade was married to Miss Sarah Ulmer, who was
born in Lauderdale county, Mississippi, a daughter of Richard Ulmer. Mr. and Mrs.
810 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
Greenslade became parents of nine children,^ but Luther, their first born, is now de-
ceased. Thomas is a cotton grower of Mississippi. Euna is the wife of Thomas
Richards, a merchant conducting business at Vardaman, Mississippi. Mary is the
wife of Thomas Craig, a planter living in Arkansas. Annie is the wife of Joseph
Ingram, also of Mississippi. Nora is the wife of Harry Sourwine, living at Wapato,
Washington. Frank is at home. Smith is serving in the L'nited States .Army. Wil-
mer, who resides in Wenatchee, is married. The wife and mother passed away in
1913 and her death was the occasion of deep regret to many friend.s whom she had
won during the period of her residence near Grandvie>v.
Mr. Greenslade has always voted with the democratic party and his religious
faith is that of the Methodist church, the teachings of which have guided him in all
the relations of life, making him a man whom to know is to respect and honor.
FRED ARROWSMITH.
Fred .-\rrowsmith is a successful and prominent rancher of the Sunnyside district
but is much more than that. He is a most progressive citizen and one who has done
effective work for the upbuilding of his district and the state at large, while in all
that he has undertaken he has shown a most progressive spirit. His ideals of life are
high and in matters of citizenship he has taken a most advanced stand, his labors
being particularly effective, far-reaching and resultant in behalf of war activities.
Mr. Arrowsmith was born in Manchester, England. October 28, 1864, a son of
Thomas H. and Emma P. (Winder) Arrowsmith, who were also natives of that
country. The son attended a private school in England and also studied in Germany.
His father was engaged in the cotton business, but the son did not find that pur-
suit congenial and in 1882 he crossed the Atlantic to the L^nited States, making his
way to Euclid, Minnesota, where he worked for wages on a large farm. He after-
ward purchased farm land near Warren, Minnesota, and in 1885 he went to Minneapo-
lis, where he became a shipping clerk and was also active in other lines for eighteen
years. He next went to Wisconsin and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of
timber land, after which he operated a sawmill and engaged in logging and farming.
He continued his residence in Wisconsin until 1911, when he came to Sunnyside,
Washington, and traded for twenty acres of land two miles east of the city. He has
since purchased an additional tract of twenty acres, which he has planted to apples.
The remainder of his ranch is devoted to the raising of cattle and hogs and to the
production of corn and potatoes. His residence is a beautiful and commodious
home of ten rooms, built in attractive style of architecture, and he has large barns
and all modern improvements upon his place.
It was on the 2d of December, 1885, that Mr. Arrowsmith was married to Miss
Fannie M, Searle, a native of Claremont, Minnesota, and a daughter of Oscar and
.Mmeda (Wallace) Searle. Their children are: Kenneth, who is station agent at
Grandview; Florence, the wife of B. Brower Fitts, a rancher of Sunnyside; Clarence
P., at home, having just been discharged from the Thirty-ninth Coast Artillery; and
Hubert, also at home.
Fraternally Mr. Arrowsmith is connected with the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows and with the Modern Woodmen of America and has served as secretary of
both. His religious faith is that of the Baptist church and in politics he is a very
active republican — a member of the republican county central committee and also a
precinct committeeman. While a resident of Wisconsin he likewise took an active
part in public affairs, serving in all of the local offices. On leaving that state he re-
signed from the positions of township chairman, secretary of the school board and
justice of the peace. .Mong political and other lines he has done everything in his
power to promote the development, progress and substantial upbuilding of the sec-
tion of Washington in which he makes his home. He joined the Commercial Club of
Sunnyside soon after his arrival and on the 24th of May. 1918. he became its secre-
tary. He had previously served as financial secretary for two years, beginning May
18. 1916. and had done much good work in that connection. It was after he took
the position of financial secretary that the club established its evening luncheons
HISTORY OF YAKIMA \ALLEY 811
and he became a very active worker in the organization. In 1913 he was elected drain-
age supervisor for Drainage District No. 3, at which time there was an indebtedness
of twelve thousand dollars on the district. He served for five years, greatly im-
proving the financial condition and doing much good work in that connection. He
was elected chairman of the lower valley statewide prohibition campaign about
1914 and was very active in bringing about the success of the movement. He is now
largely confining his efforts and attention to the excellent work being done by the
Connnercial Club, which has taken a most active part in all war interests. He is the
I'nited States employment agent. The Commercial Club has handled the War Savings
campaign. Mr. Arrowsmith was appointed United States food administrator for his
district. He is the office secretary for the home service section of the Red Cross,
promoted its campaign and also was active with the Coinmercial Club in handling
all the overseas Christmas boxes. He is bureau manager for the organization for
finding employment for returned soldiers and sailors. He is probably the only
farmer who is secretary of a commercial club — a fact indicative of his most progres-
sive spirit. The Sunnyside Commercial Club has taken active part in the develop-
ment of permanent hard surfaced roads. It has an active membership of over ninety
men and is putting on a campaign for a large farmer membership. Mr. Arrowsmith
is recognized as a leader among the farming population of this section of the state
and as a most active public man whose labors are most effective and resultant. He is
actuated in all that he does by marked devotion to the public good and all who know
aught of his career attest the value of his public work and service.
EDGAR C. VAN BRUNDT.
Edgar C. VanBrundt. now living retired in Yakima, was for some time actively,
I)rominently and successfully engaged in the real estate business and has also been
well known in connection with orcharding in the valley. He was born in Champaign.
Illinois. October 23, 1874, a son of Samuel and Rachel B. (Samson) Van Brundt, the
former a farmer and stockman.
Edgar C. \'an Brundt acquired a public school education and then secured a
position in Winston's Bank at Sidney, Illinois, while later he was employed in the
Ridgely National Bank at Springfield, Illinois, in tlie capacity of teller. He after-
ward became connected with the Champaign National Bank, in which he was ap-
pointed assistant cashier, and his next position was that of accountant for main-
tenance of way, in which connection he handled the road accounts for the first and
second divisions of the Illinois Central Railroad, w^ith office in Chicago. On retir-
ing from that position he became traveling auditor with the Armour interests of
Chicago, thus continuing for tw^o years, and in 1900 he went to Alaska, where he
became actively interested in mining, in which field of labor he remained for five
years. He was one of the original locators of the Nazina district and met with a
fair measure of prosperity in the northwest. In 1905 he came to Yakima and entered
the real estate business, while in 1908 he bought the old Dan Lesh and Frank
Wheeler orchard, one of the first commercial orchards in the valley. He then en-
gaged in raising apples, peaches, pears and plums and he has forty acres of produc-
ing orchards from which he derives a most substantial income. He utilizes the most
advanced scientific methods in the care of his trees, spraying and propagating accord-
ing to all that study has proven of w>orth in fruit production. While he still owns
his orchard properties, he has always resided in Yakima and occupies a fine home
on North Second street.
On the 21st of November, 1906, Mr. Van Brundt was married to Miss Harriet
Coleman Chambers, of Charleston, Illinois. He is well known in Masonic circles,
belony:ing to Yakima Lodge. No. 24, F. & A. M.; Yakima Chapter, No. 21, R. A. M.;
Yakima Commandery. K. T.; and Afifi Temple of the Mystic Shrine. He is a mem-
ber of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, also of the Country Club of Yakima
and attends the Presbyterian church, while in politics he is an independent republi-
can. The spirit of enterprise and progress has brought him to the northwest and
directed his course so that success in substantial measure has come to him. His real
812 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
estate investments and operations were most wisely and carefully diTected and brought
to him a handome competence, while as an orchardist he has made a most creditable
name and place for himself. He is now largely living retired but his property inter-
ests return to him a substantial and gratifying income.
CHARLES G. JOHNSON.
Charles G. Johnson occupies one of the beautiful homes near Selah, command-
ing a wonderful view of the valley, and his time and energies are devoted to the
raising of apples and pears. He is among the adopted sons of his land who have
found in .America the opportunities for advancement which they believed could be
better secured on this side of the Atlantic than in the old country. Mr. Johnson was
born in Sweden, February 2, 1865, a son of P. J. and Mary Johnson, the former now
deceased, while the latter still resides in Sweden.
Charles G. Johnson spent the first twenty years of his life in his native country
and then bade adieu to friends and family and crossed the Atlantic to the new world,
making his way to Woodbury county, Iowa. He there learned bricklaying and fol-
lowed his trade in that locality for twenty years, while for three years he was in the
grocery business. In 1908 he determined to seek his fortune in the northwest and
made his way to Yakima county in company with his friend, David Johnson, who
is mentioned elsewhere in this work. He purchased ten acres of land on Selah
Heights arid planted eight acres of this to apples with pears as a filler. His labors
have wrought a wonderful transformation in the tract, which is today one of the
beauty spots of the district. In the springtime his orchards are white with the bloom
of the trees, and in the fall he gathers large crops of fine apples and pears, for which
he finds a ready sale on the market owing to their fine appearance, size and quality.
In the midst of his orchards he has erected a fine residence, commodious and sup-
plied with all modern conveniences and comforts. From the windows of his place
he looks abroad over the valley, which presents a most delightful view, and one of
the chief charms of his home is its warm-hearted hospitality.
On the 14th of December, 1889, Mr. Johnson was united in marriage to Miss Ida
Johnson, also a native of Sweden, whence she came to the L'nited States as a young
woman of twenty years. The children born of this marriage arc: George, who is
a member of the United States army: Lillian, who is a nurse, following her pro-
fession in Yakima; William E. and Herbert, who also joined the army to defend
American interests in the great world war, and Chaffin, at home.
Mr. Johnson and his family are members of the Swedish Mission church and
he also belongs to the Grange. His political endorsement is given to the republican
party when national questions and issues are involved but at local elections he casts
an independent ballot. He is a public-spirited citizen, thoroughly loyal to his adopted
land, and at all times his aid and cooperation can br counted rpon t-> furtlicr any
measure or movement for the general good.
GEORGE W. DENTON.
In the death of George W. Denton, who passed away December 27, 1917. Yakima
county lost one of its substantial, public-spirited and highly honored citizens. His
demise not only brought deep sorrow to his immediate family but was greatly re-
gretted by many friends, all of whom esteemed him as a man of high character and
principles. A native of Missouri, he was born March 13, 1864, a son of . bsalom and
Matilda (Barnes) Denton, Missouri pioneers, who later removed to Arkansas, where
George W. Denton of this review received his education in the public schools. .After
laying aside his textbooks he turned his attention to- agriculture, in which line his
father had also been engaged, and under his guidance learned reliable methods in
that line of business.
In 1881 Mr. Denton and his young bride came to Yakima countv and he is there-
GEORGE W. DENTON
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 81S
fore entitled to be numbered among the honored pioneers of this section. For three
jcars he worked as a farm hand for others and afterward paid a visit to his old
home, but subsequently returned and again took up farm work as an employe. In
1898, however, he had acquired the means which enabled him to purchase property
and he then bought thirty acres of rich land on the upper Naches, which at that
period was covered with sagebrush. He immediately began its cultivation and im-
provement and as the years passed he developed a valuable property, erecting a fine
home and planting five acres to orchard. He was always ready to embrace the lat-
est ideas and it was therefore but natural that success followed his efforts.
On November 6, 1881, Mr. Denton was united in marriage to Medora Alice
Parten, also a native of Missouri, and a daughter of John and Sarah (Johnson)
Parten, who were born in Tennessee and in early life removed to Missouri, of which
state the father became a pioneer. There the mother died and the father later
removed to Arkansas, continuing as a farmer. To Mr. and Mrs. Denton two chil-
dren were born: Frank, who died at the age of ten; and M. Clayton, who now man-
ages the old homestead. He married Florence Chase, of Yakima.
Mr. Denton throughout his life's course always displayed those qualities and char-
acteristics which call forth esteem and admiration. Many were the friends vi-honi he
made in the Yakima valley and all who knew him were willing to vouch for him
to the extent of their ability, as his whole career stood out before all as an example
of honest endeavor. When death came to him many were the condolences received
by the family and the tokens of sympathy given them were touching and came from
the heart, thus solacing the bereaved widow and loving son. In politics Mr. Den-
ton followed the standard of the republican party and fraternally he was a Mason,
belonging to the blue lodge, and throughout his life's course ever practiced the hon-
orable principles underlying that organization. Mrs. Denton is a member of the
Christian church and in its various good works takes an active and helpful interest.
She also belongs to the Order of the Eastern Star at Xaches city. She enjoys the
highest esteem in the community on account of her womanly qualities of character
and has also proven herself a lady of considerable business ability, cooperating with
her son in continuing the work which was begun by the husband and father. The
memory of George W. Denton as a loyal, true and kindly man will live as a bene-
diction with his family and his many friends for years to come.
WALTER T. WHITE.
Walter T. White is a western man by birth and training and is numbered among
the honored pioneers of the Yakima valley, having for many years been connected
with agricultural interests on the lovi'er Naches. Of English extraction, he was born
in Utah, November 29, 1866, his parents being John and Ann (Creswick) White, na-
tives of England, the former born in Yorkshire and the latter in London. In the
early '50s, before their marriage, they came to the United States and in this coun-
try their union was celebrated. !n the '50s they went to Utah and in that state the
father gave his attention to farming. There lie died ]iut the mother's death occurred in
Idaho.
Walter T. White was reared under the care of his mother, who instilled into him
the first lessons of life. In the acquirement of his education he attended public school,
but in 1881, when a youth of only fifteen, came to Yakima county with his mother
and two others of the children. The mother took a homestead of one hundred and
sixty acres of land on the lower Naches, all of which was yet in a wild state. No
railroad had touched this county and conditions were still primitive. Willing to
work, however, and thoroughly acquainted with conditions upon the frontier, they
all set themselves to the task of making this land a valuable property. Gradually
the land was put under the plow and other improvements were made and modern equip-
ment installed. On the death of his mother Mr. White inherited the property and has
continued general farming, also giving considerable attention to the stock business.
He has sold a part of his ranch, retaining about fifty-seven acres, and of this five
acres are in orchard, the rest being devoted to hay and grain and also to cattle rais-
816 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
ing. In 1885 his brother. J. S. White, went to the Okanogan country and there he
has since remained.
On the 18th of October, 1893, Mr. White wedded Emma Chamberlain, a daugh-
ter of J. L. and Christine (Kincaid) Chamberlain, pioneers of Oregon, who re-
moved to Klickitat county. Washington, and subsequently came to Yakima county
in an early day. Mr. Chamberlain has passed away. To Mr. and Mrs. White were
born two children: Harry F. took up the cause of democracy, enlisting in Uncle
Sam's army, and is now with the United States Army of Occupation. Before going
to France he served on the Mexican Ijorder during the embroglio between this coun-
try and the southern republic. Loucna is at home.
Mr. White usually gives his allegiance to the republican party, which he supports
at national elections, but in local contests prefers to follow his own judgment, sup-
porting the man whom he considers best qualified for the office to which he as-
pires. Although not a politician, he keeps thoroughly informed in regard to all
questions that pertain to advancement and development and is ever ready to give his
support to such measures. He has served as a member ,of the school board and fra-
ternally he is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Wood-
men of the World, in the proceedings of both of which organizations he takes a
keen interest.
WILLIAM H. SILVERS.
A richly bearing orchard three miles west of Zillah stands as a monument to
the work of William H. Silvers, who was a leading horticulturist of his district. He
was greatly beloved by all who knew him and his death, which occurred January
12, 1917, caused deep sorrow to his many friends. A native of Fountain county, In-
diana, Mr. Silvers was born July 18. 1844, a son of John and Jane (Waymeyers) Sil-
vers, also natives of Indiana, where the father was a successful agriculturist.
William H. Silvers grew up under the parental roof and early became acquainted
with thorough agricultural methods, assisting his father in the work of the farm. He
received his education in the public schools but in 1861. when a youth of but seven-
teen years, he enlisted in Company G, Fortieth Indiana Regiment, and gallantly served
for three years, one month and ten days in the L'nion army. He was wounded in
the battle of Chattanooga. After the close of the war he farmed in Indiana, for
three years and then followed the same line of work in Iroquois county. Illinois,
for eighteen years. Following the general westward trend, he removed to Boone
county. Nebraska, where he remained for another period of eighteen years, having
taken up a homestead claim, to the cultivation of which he gave his whole attention,
becoming a successful farmer there. The year 1902 marked his arrival in Yakima
county. Washington, and here he bought eighteen acres of land three miles west of
Zillah. This tract was to some extent improved but Mr. Silvers set out apple trees
and also a few pears and prunes. He erected a handsome residence, built a sub-
stantial barn, packing sheds and made other improvements, thus making his one of
the most valuable fruit farms of the neighborhood.
On March IS, 1864, Mr. Silvers was united in marriage to Xancy J. Reeves, a
native of Tippecanoe county, Indiana, and a daughter of William and Rebecca (Wells)
Reeves, natives of Ohio and pioneers of Indiana. Her father followed farming and
removed to Illinois, where his demise occurred. His wife passed away in Indiana.
Mr. and Mrs. Silvers became the parents of four children, as follows: Charles N.,
who is ranching, is married and has had seven children, of whom four are liv-
ing. Sarah Elizabeth is the wife of Richard Hardell, of Zillali. and they have eight
children. William Edgar, who is ranching near his father's place, is married and
has had eight children but two are now deceased, .\nnic married John Nobles, a
resident of Nebraska, by whom she has five children. Mrs. Silvers has twenty-eight
grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.
In his political affiliation Mr. Silvers was a democrat but held no political offire
after coming to Yakima county. While a resident of Boone county. Nebraska, how-
ever, he served for four years as sheriff. Fraternally he was connected with the
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 817
Independent Order of Odd Fellows and was a valued member of Kit Carson Post,
G. A. R., to the Relief Corps of which organization Mrs. Silvers belongs. He was
a devoted adherent of the Methodist church, of which Mrs. Silvers is a faithful
member, and in fact was deeply interested in all movements which had to do with
moral and intellectual upbuilding. When death claimed him in his seventy-third
year the news of his passing was received with profound regret by his many friends,
all of whom appreciated his high character. He was ever ready to extend a help-
ing hand to others in order to lighten life's burdens for them and he held friendship
inviolable. In his business affairs he always followed the strictest principles of hon-
esty and integrity, and his word stood in the estimation of any who had business
ilcalings with him as high as any bond solemnized by signature and seal.
ERNEST V. COX.
A tine fruit farm of ten acres, which is planted to apples, cherries and pears, pro-
claims the prosperity of Ernest V. Cox, who built upon his place in 1914 a modern
seven-rouni bungalow. Mr. Cox was born in Texas, September 11, 1879, a son of
J. K. Cox, who is mentioned at greater length on other pages of this work. In the
acquirement of his education the son attended the public schools in Arkansas and
Missouri but in 1901, at the age of twenty-two years, came to Big Bend, Washington,
and in the fall of the same year located- in Yakima valley. For two years he worked
for wages but in 1903 he and his brother, Lucien M. Cox, acquired title to forty acres
of land a mile northeast of Buena, the whole tract being practically undeveloped
at that time. The brothers energetically took up the task of converting the raw land
into a fruit farm and set out thirty acres to apples and peaches. In 1904 Mr. Cox
of this review sold his interest in the property to his brother and bought ten acres
adjoining, which was then in alfalfa. He has since planted this tract to apples,
cherries and pears and now receives a very gratifying income from his ranch. He
has thoroughly studied the latest methods in regard to horticulture and by applying
new ideas to his work has been quite succes.sful. In 1914 he erected a handsome
seven-room bungalow which is entirely modern in its appointments, having running
hot and cold water, electric lights, etc. Moreover, he has made numerous other
improvements upon his place, denoting his progressiveness.
On November 24, 1904, Mr. Cox was united in marriage to Miss Malinda B.
Walker, a native of Missouri and a daughter of John W. and Lorena S. (Wood)
Walker, who in 1902 became residents of the Yakima valley, at which time the
father took up a ranch. He has passed away but the mother survives and is re-
siding a mile west of Buena. To Mr. and Mrs. Cox were born three children: Stew-
art, who died at the age of four months; Frances O., who was born March 12, 1909:
and Evelyn Walker, born April 16, 1917.
While Mr. Cox has ever been interested in the development of his district and
has. supported many valuable measures undertaken for the general benefit, he has
never been a politician or aspired to public office: in fact, as regards politics, he is
independent, Riving his support to the candidates best qualified for the offices to
which they aspire regardUss of party affiliation. He devotes his time and attention
principally to the further development of his fruit ranch, from which he now de-
rives a most gratifying income.
CHARLES A. JONES, D. V. S.
Dr. Charles A. Jones, one of the well known veterinary surgeons of Yakima,
was born on the 6th of February, 1885, in the county which is still his home, his
parents being W. F. and Jennie (Hanson) Jones, both of whom were natives of
Oregon. The paternal grandfather, W. R. Jones, of Ohio, crossed the plains to the
northwest in 1852, making the journey with ox teams to Walla Walla and then down
the Columbia river to Eugene, Oregon, where a settlement was made. W. R. Jones
818 HISTORY OF YAKIMA \'ALLEY
was a carpenter by trade and followed that pursuit at Eugene for some time but
eventually came with his son, \V. F. Jones, to the Yakima valley in 1879. The two
took up homesteads and entered the live stock business, in which the grandfather
continued to the time of his death in 1904. The father is still living and is now" en-
gaged in the real estate business in Yakima. For years, however, he was one of the
extensive stock raisers of this section of the country and had six hundred or more
head of cattle and horses upon his ranch. His wife, who passed away in 1889, was
a daughter of one of the pioneers of the northwest, her father having come to this
section of the country at a very early day.
Dr. Jones acquired a public school education and later attended high school in
Yakima and Washington State College at Pullman. In preparation for a professional
career he entered the Toronto Wtcrinary College of Toronto, Canada, and was
graduated therefrom with the class of 1908. He has since taken post-graduate work
in the McKillip Veterinary College of Chicago in the years 191.S and- 1916. He has
practiced his profession in Y^akiiria for the past ten years and during the interven-
ing period he has enjoyed a large patronage, for the value of his service is widely
recognized. He seems to almost intuitively recognize the need and the cause back
of it. and his services have been of great value. He is the oldest veterinary surgeon
of Yakima and since 1917 he has practiced as senior partner in the firm of Jones
& MacKintosh.
On the 15th of October. 1910. Dr. Jones was married to Miss Loic B. Cruver. of
Grantsburg, Wisconsin. He belongs to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks
and also to the Commercial Club of Yakima' while his political allegiance is given
to the democratic party, of which he has always been a stanch advocate. His ac-
tivities center in his profession and his thoroughness and enterprise have brought
him prominently to the front in this connection.
DEKXISOX F. SAXDERS.
The apple orchards and vineyards of Dennison F. Sanders indicate the thorough-
ness of his work and the progressive spirit which has always guided him in his busi-
ness affairs. He is now the owner of an excellent property in the Sclah valley and
its careful cultivation is bringing to him deserved success. Mr. Sanders comes to the
northwest from the far-ofif state of New York, his birth having occurred there, in
Cattaraugus county, on the 19th of December, 1842, so that he has now passed the
seventy-sixth milestone on life's journey. His parents were James and Anna
(Wildey) Sanders, the former a native of Massachusetts, born at Salem, while the
latter was born at Kinderhook, New York. Removing westward in 1848, they set-
tled in Waushara county. Wisconsin, and the father purchased a soldier's claim on
government land. He afterward removed to Winnebago county. Wisconsin, where
he became prominent not only as an agriculturist and business man but as a public
official, serving as treasurer of the county for many years and proving a most faith-
ful custodian of the public funds. He was a very active and influential citizen of that
district and left the impress of his individuality for good upon public thought and
opinion in many ways. He died in November, 1888. having long survived his wife,
who passed away in 1866.
At the usual age Dennison F. Sanders became a pupil in the public schools of
Waushara county, Wisconsin, and, mastering the elementary branches of learning
there taught, eventually became a high school student. He afterward took up the
profession of teaching, which he followed for two terms, and later he concen-
trated his efforts and attention upon farming and general merchandising, becoming
proprietor of a store in Wisconsin. He resided in that state until 1878. when he
removed to Cherokee county. Iowa, and purchased land, devoting three years to the
development and improvement of that property. He next established a hardware
store at Balaton, Minnesota, and conducted it with profit for eleven years, ranking
with the leading and representative merchants of the town. He afterward removed
to Summit, South Dakota, where he again engaged in the hardware business, and
that he was a citizen of prominence and influence there is indicated in the fact that
DENNISON F. SANDERS
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 821
he was elected to represent his district in the state legislature on two different occa-
sions. He gave thoughtful and earnest consideration to the vital questions which
came up for settlement in the general assembly and was regarded as one of the able
working members of the house. In 1906 he removed to the west, making Yakima
county his destination. On reaching this section of the state he purchased thirty
acres of land in connection with C. L. Bradley and together they conducted a farm
for some time but eventually dissolved their interests. Mr. Sanders had previously
been a newspaper man in Minnesota for a few years and in all that he has under-
taken he has met with a fair measure of success. He now owns six and eight-
tenths acres of land, all of which is planted to apples and grapes. He has built
a fine home upon his place, together with large and substantial barns, and the
equipment of his ranch is thoroughly modern and up-to-date in every respect.
On the 8th of October, 1867. Mr. Sanders was united in marriage to Miss
Nettie Carey, a daughter of Allen and Mary (Billings) Carey. In 1915 he was
called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who passed away in May of that year,
leaving two children: Mattie, who is now the wife of Gus Randolph, a merchant
of Excelsior, Alinnesota, by whom she has three children; and Millie, the wife of
C. L. Bradley, who is engaged in ranching on Selah Heights.
In his fraternal relations Mr. Sanders has been a loyal Mason since joining
the order in 1862, becoming a member of Lodge No. 248 of Wautoma, Wisconsin.
He is today one of the oldest Masons in Yakima county in years of continuous
connection with the order. In politics he has long been an earnest republican and
was an earnest worker in party ranks in his younger days, holding various local
and state offices in South Dakota. His wife was a member of the Baptist church.
Mr. Sanders is identified with various temperance societies and has always been
a strong' opponent of the use and sale of intoxicants, in fact his aid and influence
have always been given on the side of right, justice, truth and uplift, and his
example and work have been a potent factor for good in every community in which
he has lived. He commands the highest respect and confidence of all who know
him and everywhere is spoken of in terms of warm regard.
JOHN J. RODGERS.
Among the successful agriculturists of the Xaches district is John J. Rodgers,
who was born on the 15th of October, 1853, in Des Moines, Iowa, a son of Asa and
Nancy (Case) Rodgers,' both natives of Kentucky, their marriage, however, occurring
in Indiana. They became pioneers of Iowa when in 1851 they removed to that
state, where both died. The father was an honored veteran of the Civil war, in which
conflict he served for two years, at the end of which time he received his honorable
discharge on account of disability. His strong patriotism, however, moved him to
re-enlist, at which time he joined the Eighth Iowa Cavalry, and he subsequently was
crippled by a horse. He was then placed in the Nashville Hospital and in March,
1865. died of smallpox, leaving a widow and eight children. At the beginning of
his career the father traded cordwood in pay for his meals but gradually succeeded
so far that he was enabled to rent land. The mother died in Nebraska in 1889 and
four of the children survive.
John J. Rodgers was but twelve years old when his father died and subsequently
lived with an uncle, attending the public schools in the pursuit of his education. He
then worked for wages and on July 29, 1878, made his way to Omaha. Nebraska, and
later to Wyoming and Fort Collins, Colorado, where he remained for a year. From
1879 until October, 1881, he was in Idaho and subsequently spent a similar period
in Salt Lake City. Utah. Crossing the great desert with a four-horse team, he then
returned to Nebraska, purchasing three hundred and twenty acres of government
land in Sioux county. To the cultivation of this property he gave his whole atten-
tion until May 1, 190O, when removal was made to Custer county. Montana, where
he operated a stock ranch until 1914, when he came to Yakima county. On the Mon-
tana ranch his son yet resides. On the 31st of July of that year Mr. Rodgers of
this review bought twenty acres on the lower Naches and has since remodeled the
(33)
822 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY'
house and also built a fine barn. This property is on mail route seven out of Yakima.
He not only raises grain and hay but also gives considerable attention to fruit and
is likewise raising hogs. Having had considerable experience in various sections
of the, country, he makes good use of his knowledge and is now numbered among
the prosperous agriculturists of his district.
On the 20th of September, 1881, Mr. Rodgers was united in marriage to Mrs.
Mary Mills, nee Labanth, a native of Toronto, Canada, and they have an adopted
son, Joseph C, who is married and has two children, and yet makes his home on the
old ranch in Montana. Mrs. Rodgers' parents were pioneer residents of Iowa, to
which state they removed from Canada in 1849.
Mr. Rodgers, as is evident from his career, has traveled a great deal in this
country and has made thousands of miles by wagon, in fact most of his trips have
been accomplished in this way. There is great honor due him for what he has
achieved, as he is a self-made man in the best sense of the word, having started out
in life empty-handed and friendless. In his political views he is a democrat and loyally
supports the principles and candidates of that party.
JOHN H. SUTTON.
John H. Sutton, who in partnership with his son is the owner of thirty-three
acres near Grandview devoted to the raising of apples and pears, was born in Cass
county, Illinois, August 21, 1848, a son of Nathan and Ann (La Mar) Sutton, the
former a native of New Jersey, while the latter was born in Indiana. The paternal
grandfather was Benjamin Sutton, who was one of the first settlers in Cass county,
Illinois, where he purchased eighteen thousand acres of land on the Sangamon river.
He built the first flour mill in that locality and people came for many miles to patron-
ize the mill. Nathan Sutton served as a chain carrier for Abraham Lincoln when
he did surveying in that part of Illinois. He afterward concentrated his efforts and
attention upon agricultural pursuits and was extensively engaged in farming. He
was identified with all the pioneer experiences of his part of the state, living in Illi-
nois at a time when he had to drive hogs forty miles to market. He was not only
well acquainted with Abraham Lincoln but also with Duff .Armstrong, whom Lin-
coln cleared from the charge of murder. On one occasion Mr. Sutton witnessed a
fight between Abraham Lincoln and Ashley Hickey. The latter thought that he
was the "best man" in the county and picked a fight with Lincoln when the latter
was surveying. Lincoln knocked Hickey down and rubbed smartweed in his eyes.
Later Hickey told Mr. Sutton that he and his five sons were voting for Lincoln be-
cause he was the only man who could rub smartweed in his eyes. This was an
instance when Lincoln used the only argument — brute force — that would have any
eflfect.
John H. Sutton remembers seeing Lincoln as a boy while spending his youth-
ful days in Illinois, where both his parents resided until their life's labors were
ended in death. The son acquired a public school education and engaged in farm-
ing with his father until after the outbreak of the Civil war, when in response to the
country's call for troops he joined the army, enlisting as a member of Company K
of the One Hundred and Fourteenth Illinois Pontonier Regiment. He helped lay the
last pontoon bridge built during the war, this being constructed across the Alabama
river at Montgomery, Alabama. Later he engaged in farming in his native state
until 1879, when he removed to Merrick county. Nebraska, where he purchased farm
land and engaged in the raising of grain and stock. He was quite prominent in that
locality and served for four years as sheriff of his county. He contributed to the
early development and upbuilding of that region and planted the first twenty acres
of corn ever raised in the county.
It was in the year 1904 that Mr. Sutton arrived in Yakima county and for two
years he made his home at Fruitvale. In the spring of 1907 he and his son bought
seventeen acres on the north slope of the Grandview orchard tracts. They were
the first to locate in the neighborhood and the land which came into their possession
was all wild, covered with the native grov^^th of sagebrush. This they cleared away
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 823
and during the first year built thereon a shack, but as time passed on they added
more modern improvements, converting their place into a valuable ranch property.
In 1914 they erected a large and beautiful residence upon the farm and they now
have thirty-three acres, all planted to apples and pears.
In 1867 Mr. Sutton was married to Miss Hannah A. Ogden, a native of Illinois
and a daughter of Mathew Ogden, She passed away in 1883 and in 1884 Mr. Sut-
ton was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary E. Teegarden, whose birth occurred in
Orange county, Indiana. Her father, William Teegarden, was killed in the battle
of Prairie Grove during the Civil war. Her mother long survived and passed away
in Los Angeles, California, in January, 1917, her 'death resulting from an operation
for cancer. Mr. Sutton's children born of the second marriage are: Ora, who is
now residing with his father and who married Blanche Harmon; and Elta, the wife
of Dr. Lew Christopherson, of Silverton, Oregon, by whom she has one daughter,
Mary.
Mr. Sutton is well known in fraternal circles. He has membership with the
Masons, the Modern Woodmen of America and the Highlanders and he also proudly
wears the little bronze button that proclaims him a member of the Grand Army of
the Republic. He joined the Baptist church in Illinois in January, 1861, and was
baptized in the Sangamon river. He has since been an active worker in behalf of the
church, doing everything in his power to promote its growth and extend its influ-
ence. He has assisted in building four different houses of worship, three in Ne-
braska and one in Yakima, and at all times he has been a generous contributor to the
support of the church. In politics he is a republican and for many years he served
as county supervisor while in Nebraska. In Washington, however, he has preferred
to concentrate his efforts and his energies upon his business affairs and today his
orchard is valued at more than a thousand dollars per acre. He has closely studied
modern scientific methods of developing his trees and the results achieved have
been highly satisfactory. His efforts have been most intelligently directed and his
enterprise has placed him far on the highroad to success.
EDWARD A. ESCHBACH.
A native of Yakima, Washington, Edward A. Eschbach is today numbered among
the younger generation of successful agriculturists in Yakima county. He is thor-
oughly western in all his inclinations, energetic and enterprising, and it is there-
fore but natural that success has come to him as the reward of these qualities. He
was born December 24, 1883, a son of Arment and Rosalia (Moser) Eschbach, the
former a native of France and the latter of New York. In childhood both were
taken to Minnesota and in that state they grew to manhood and womanhood and
were married in 1881. In the fall of that year they decided to take advantage of the
excellent opportunities which they had heard were offered in Yakima county, Wash-
ington. Shortly after arriving here the father bought two hundred acres of wild
land on the South Kaches and here engaged in general farming and in the stock
business, gradually bringing his place under cultivation and developing his interests
until his has become one of the most valuable farms in the neighborhood. He erected
modern buildings, instituted up-to-date farm machinery and other equipment and
thus transformed his tract into a desirable farm. In 1916, after many years of ardu-
ous labor, he retired in the enjoyment of a comfortable competence, taking up his
residence in Yakima city.
Edward A. Eschbach was reared under the guidance of his good parents and in
the acquirement of his education attended the public schools, thus preparing for
life's arduous duties. Having been reared on a farm, he decided upon that line of
work as a life occupation and remained with his father until 1917, thus acquiring
practical methods and knowledge in regard to local conditions which have since stood
him in good stead. In the last mentioned year he bought a farm, which he has con-
tinued to operate, utilizing the latest ideas of modern agriculture, and here he raises
hay and grain besides other produce and also gives considerable attention to stock,
especially cattle and hogs.
824 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
On May 15, 1913. Mr. Eschbach was united in marriage to Irene Louise Sand-
meyer, a native of Yakima and a daughter of Stephen and Elizabeth (Rexleau)
Sandmeyer, who as pioneers came to Yakima county in 1883. The father died in
1912 but is survived by his widow, who lives in Yakima. Mr. and Mrs. Eschbach
have three children: Alfred Mathew, who was born June 16, 1914; Beatrice Ellen,
born December 24, 1916; and Ernestine Marie, born September 10, 1918.
Mr. and Mrs. Eschbach are very popular in their neighborhood, where they
have many friends, to whom they often extend a hospitable welcome at their own
fireside. Mr. Eschbach votes independently, preferring to follow his own jud-gment
in regard to supporting candidates without considering party affiliations. He has
ever been helpfully interested in the progress of his district and while he has de-
veloped a valuable property has also contributed to general agricultural interests.
DAVID JOHNSON.
For eleven years David Johnson has been a resident of the Yakima valley and
through the intervening period his persistent, earnest and unfaltering labor has been
crowned with a substantial measure of success, for he is now profitably engaged in
orcharding. He was born in Sweden, June 25, 1866, a son of John and Johanna An-
derson. The father is now deceased, while the mother yet remains a resident of her
native land.
David Johnson was a young man of twenty-one years when he severed home ties
and came to the new world, for the reports which he had heard concerning the
opportunities oflfered in America attracted him to this country with the belief that
he might more quickly secure success on this side of the Atlantic. He made his
way first to Sioux City, Iowa, where he followed the plasterer's trade, which he had
previously learned in Sweden. He was thus actively identified with industrial inter-
ests at that place for twenty-one years and then determined to seek a home in the
Pacific northwest." In 1908, therefore, he came to Washington, making the trip in
company with Charles G. Johnson, who though of the same name and a native of
Sweden, is not' a relative. They traveled to Yakima county and David Johnson
invested in nine acres of land on Selah Heights. This he planted to apples and pears
and his orchards are now in excellent bearing condition. He also raises Italian
prunes and the crops which he annually gathers bring to him a very gratifying in-
come. His prosperity is further evidenced in the fact that in 1918 he erected a fine
new residence upon his ranch.
On the 21st of November. 1890, Mr. Johnson was united in marriage to Miss
Betty Brunsell, a native of Sweden, who came to America in 1888, making her way to
Sioux City, Iowa. The children of this marriage are: Ruth, who died at the age of
twenty-two years; David Jonathan, at home; and Elsie, who completes the family.
In his political views Mr. Johnson maintains an independent course voting for
men and measures rather than party. He belongs to the Grange and is deeply inter-
ested in all that has to do with the agricultural and horticultural development of the
region. He and his wife are consistent members of the Swedish Lutheran church
and are people whose many admirable traits of character have gained them high
regard and warm friendship.
JOHN W. SWOPE.
John W. Swope, who has lived in the northwest for more than a third of a cen-
tury and has been successfully engaged in horticultural pursuits in Yakima county
since 1906, owns ten and a half acres of land on the lower Naches which he has
planted to apples and pears. His birth occurred in Dixon, Lee county, Illinois, on
the 4th of January, 1858, his parents being John and Susan (Warner) Swope, the
former a native of Germany, while the latter was born in Scotland. They were
brought to the United States in childhood and John Swope was identified with farm-
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 825
ing interests throughout his active business career. On leaving Illinois he removed
with his family to the vicinity of Newton, Iowa, and subsequently established his
home in Guthrie Center, that state, where he continued to reside until called to his
final rest.
John W. Swope, whose name introduces this review, acquired a public school
education in his youth and when seventeen years of age began working for wages
at Dcs Moines, fowa, remaining in the employ of others until 1884. He then made
his way westward to Butte, Montana, where he continued for five years, while sub-
sequently he spent six years in Idaho. On the expiration of that period he removed
to Walla Walla, Washington, and was there identified with railway work for six years.
In 1904 he came to the Yakima valley and two years later purchased ten and a half
acres of land on the lower Naches. where he has since developed an excellent apple
and pear orchard which yields him a gratifying annual income. He has erected an
attractive residence on the place and has become widely recognized as one of the
successful and enterprising horticulturists of Yakima county.
In 1877 Mr. Swope was united in marriage to Miss Maude Huntley, of Des
Moines, Iowa, who passed away in 1898, leaving five children, as follows: Charles,
who is engaged in ranching on the lower Naches; George, who is married and is
now with the United States Army in France: Clinton, who is married and has one
child, Sybil: Mabel, at home; and Pearl, who is the wife of Arthur Fulbright, of
Fruitvale. Washington. In 1902 Mr. Swope was again married, his second union
being with Miss Georgia McPherson, of Des Moines, Iowa, who departed this life
in June, 1911. ^
Mr. Swope gives his political allegiance to the republican party and is a most
loyal and public-spirited citizen whose aid and cooperation are ever found on the
side of advancement and upbuilding. His life has been straightforward and honor-
able in every relation, commanding the confidence, esteem and regard of those with
whom he has been associated.
JOHN W. GREER.
John W. Greer dates his residence in Washington from 1903 and has made his
home in Yakima county most of the time since 190S. He is now devoting his atten-
tion to ranching interests, being owner of a place of twenty-five and three-fourths
acres about two and a half miles east of Sunnyside. Mr. Greer is of Canadian
birth. He was born in Huron county, Ontario. December 27, 1863, a son of Moses
and Sarah (Davis) Greer, who were natives of Ireland and of Canada respectively.
The father devoted his life to the occupation of farming and in 1872 removed with
his family to Douglas county, Nebraska, where he purchased land and carried on
general agricultural pursuits throughout his remaining days. Both he and his wife
have now passed away.
John W. Greer mastered the branches of learning taught in the public schools,
going a distance of between six and seven miles to attend school. Through vacation
periods he worked in the fields and early became familiar with the best methods of
tilling the soil and caring for the crops. When a young man of twenty-two years
he removed to Keyapaha county, Nebraska, where he took up government land, and
sulisi iiuently lie went to Sheridan county, Nebraska, where he took up a homestead
cl.iini. rcxidiiiL; thereon for twelve years. He afterward spent two years in Douglas
ciiuuty, X^'l1ra^ka, and for a year made his home in Oklahoma. He then returned
to Douglas county, where he again lived for two years, and in August, 1903, he ar-
rived in Washington, making his way to Seattle. There he worked in a mill until
1905, when he came to Yakima county and purchased forty acres a mile west of
Sunnyside. He owned that property for about a year but in 1906 sold it and bought
two acres near Sunnyside, which he sold soon afterward. He then spent a few ■
months in California, after which he returned to Yakima county and bought two
acres south of Sunnyside. In 1915 he became the owner of his present ranch prop-
erty two and a half miles east of Sunnyside and comprising twenty-five and three-
quarters acres of land. Upon this place he is engaged in the cultivation of sugar
826 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
beets, corn and hay. He also raises chickens and is conducting a dairy business.
He hkewise owns a residence in Sunnyside that he rents.
On the 22d of December, 1891, Mr. Greer was married to Mae Burke, a native
of Indiana. They have become the parents of two children: Frank, who is engaged
in ranching near Sunnyside and is married and has two sons; and lone, at home.
Mr. Greer's children are identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and
all of the family are members of the Christian church. Politically he maintains an
independent attitude. Whatever success he has achieved is the direct result of his
persistency of purpose and unfaltering energy. He has worked diligently throughout
his entire life and step by step has advanced until he is now one of the substantial
citizens of Yakima county.
PETER G. MACKINTOSH. D. V. S.
Dr. Peter G. MacKintosh. an able veterinary surgeon practicing in Yakima as
junior partner in the firm of Jones & MacKintosh, was born in Inverness, Scotland,
on the Sth of December. 1888. a son of George and Mary (Smith) MacKintosh, both
of whom have now passed away. In the acquirement of his education, after con-
cluding the public school course, he attended the Edinburgh University and the
Aberdeen University and completed his preparation for veterinary practice by study
in the McKillip Veterinary College of Chicago, Illinois, from which he was gradu-
ated with the class of 1916. He then located in Buena Vista county, Towa. where he
remained for a short time but in the same year removed to the northwest, settling
in Yakima. He had spent about six years in Iowa prior to his graduation from the
veterinary college, but the opportunities of the growing northwest attracted him
and upon reaching Yakima he bought out the interest of Dr. Prior in the firm of
Prior & Jones, the firm of Jones & MacKintosh being thus formed. They have a
very extensive and important practice, both men being splendidlj' qualified for the
duties that devolve upon them in this connection.
On the 21st of February, 1917, Dr. MacKintosh was married to Miss Jessie .Alma
Ballard, a graduate of the University of Nebraska and also of the University of
Washington. Dr. MacKintosh belongs to the Masonic fraternity, having member-
ship in Universal Lodge, A. F. & A. M.. of Marathon, Iowa. He is independent in
politics and that he is interested in the welfare and progress- of his city is manifest
in his support of the Commercial Club and his interest in the projects and plans
put forth by that organization for the benefit and upbuilding of the city. He is a
man of many excellent qualities and of progressive spirit, while his professional suc-
cess is the direct result of close study and earnest application.
WILLIAM H. STRAUSZ.
Those who early traveled to the Yakima Valley and saw the stretches of arid
land surrounding what is now the beautiful and enterprising city of Yakima would
scarcely have dreamed that the district ever would be converted into a rich horti-
cultural section, but the labors of wide-awake, alert and energetic men have brought
about this result and today substantial fortunes are being won in the development
of fine orchards. To this work William H. Strausz is giving his attention, having
resided in this section for almost two decades. He was born in Shelby county,
Illinois, January 28, 1863, a son of Michael and Mary (Fritz) Strausz, who were
farming people. On leaving Illinois they removed to Barton county, Missouri, in
1876 and there remained until 1900. when they made their way to the northwest
with Yakima county as their destination. They are now living retired in Yakima,
the father at the age of eighty-three years and the mother at the age of eighty.
They have traveled life's journey together as husband and wife for sixty-one years.
William H. Strausz, after putting aside his textbooks, through which he had
become familiar with the usual branches of learning taught in the public schools.
WILLIAM H. STRAUSZ
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 829
began farming with his father and was thus active in business until nearly thirty
years of age. He then desired to start out independently and purchased one hun-
dred acres of land in Missouri, which he owned and cultivated successfully until
1899. He then resolved to become a resident of the northwest and removed to
Washington, at which time he purchased sixteen and a quarter acres of wild land
on Nob Hill. At once he began the development and improvement of the prop-
erty. After a time he sold eleven acres of that tract but later purchased twenty-
five acres two miles west of the city of Yakima and has planted this, together with
the remaining five and a quarter acres of his first purchase, to fruit, having large
orchards of apples, pears and cherries which annually produce extensive crops,
owing to the very thorough, systematic and scientific manner in which he improves
his orchards and cares for his trees. He belongs to the Yakima County Horticul-
tural Union and is widely recognized as one of the leading farmers of the valley.
On the 22nd of February, 1888, Mr. Strausz was united in marriage to Miss
Emma C. Yates, a daughter of Samuel and Mary (Jones) Yates, the former being
a relative of ex-Governor Yates. They were numbered among the pioneer settlers
of Illinois, making their home near Roodhousc, and later removed to Missouri,
in which state was celebrated the marriage of William H. Strausz and Emma C.
Yates. Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Yates subsequently took up their abode in South
Dakota and in that state spent their remaining days. Mr. and Mrs. Strausz have
become the parents of three children, as follows: Alva L., who married Olive
Turner and is now acting as state horticulturist of Montana; Verla Gladys, who
is now a student in Pullman College, entering that institution after her graduation
from the high school: and Herbert Glen, who is attending school.
The religious faith of the family is that of the Methodist church, while in
politics Mr. Strausz is a stanch republican. There were only three houses on the
Summit View road when he established his home in the Yakima valley and he
has been an interested witness of the growth and development which have since
occurred and in which he has aided materially through his active support of all
movements and measures promoted to advance the interests of this section.
CLAUDE BRIGGS.
Claude Briggs, of the Bush & Lane Piano Company, is one of the foremost deal-
ers in his line in the northwest. The business was established in Yakima on the ist
of January, 1913, with Mr. Briggs as manager and he has since remained in charge,
his efforts carrying the enterprise forward to continued success. Mr. Briggs is a
native of New York. He was born in 18SS, a son of John and Jane A. Briggs. The
father was a farmer throughout his active life but spent his last days in retirement
and passed away at the very venerable age of ninety-three years, his death occurring
in 1913. His widow is still living at the age of ninety-four years. They had become
residents of Wisconsin in 1855 and there resided until 1875, when they removed to
Minnesota and with the farming interests of that state the father was connected
up to the time of his retirement from business. He was a man who possessed a
wonderfuUv fine constitution and his longcvitv was largely the result of a well spent
life.
Claude Briggs, after pursuing a public school education in Wisconsin, attended a
business college there. He entered the sewing machine business when a youth of
but fifteen years and became connected with the piano trade in 1881. He has sold
pianos and sewing machines constantly from the age of fifteen. In 1885 he arrived
in Sprague, Washington, and was manager for the Singer Sewing Machine Company
for several years, in connection with which he also sold pianos, but his place of
business was destroyed by fire in 1895 and in the same year he came to Yakima.
He here turned his attention to the sale of pianos, organs, sewing machines and
household furniture. He rented a building at five dollars per month but could not
at that time make a success of the piano trade. He then began selling fruit trees
and was the agent in the sale of trees for most of the old established orchards found
in this section of the state. He worked hard, winning success as the result of his
830 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
unfaltering energy and close application, being one of the pioneer nurserymen of the
district, whose eloquence and logic in making sales converted many into prosperous
fruit growers. He traveled on horseback and by team all over the valley and his
arguments convinced many that fruit growing might be profitably followed in this
section of the state — a fact which has been demonstrated by many of his customers.
He again started in the piano trade in connection with Wiley B. Allen and later
organized the firm of Briggs & Dam, having the only piano store between Spokane
and Tacoma. He sold goods all through the territory, but later the firm was dis-
solved. In 1911 Mr. Briggs closed out his piano business and entered the real estate
field, to which he devoted his energies for about two years. He afterward accepted
the position of manager with the Bush & Lane Piano Company, in which capacity
he is still serving. This company established a store in Yakima on the 1st of Jan-
uary, 1913. placing Mr. Briggs in charge. His first location was opposite the Com-
mercial Hotel and in 1914 a removal was made to 29 South Second street, the build-
ing being twenty-five by one hundred and thirty feet. The firm carries a full line
of pianos and musical instruments. This company had at one time over six thousand
retail stores in the United States but in 1918 closed out over five thousand of their
stores, the Yakima establishment being one of the four left in the five northwest
states of California, Montana, Idaho. Oregon and Washington. Mr. Briggs does the
leading business in the piano trade in Yakima and has over six hundred paying ac-
counts. He has made most of the sales himself and has sold hundreds of pianos and
phonographs. He possesses in large measure that quality which for want of a better
term has been called commercial sense. He is a splendid type of modern salesman
and even in the present unfavorable conditions for the music trade, owing to the
war, he is building up a substantial business that indicates his excellent ability.
Mr. Briggs belongs to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Modern Wood-
men of -America and the Knights of Pythias. He maintains an independent course in
politics but loyally stands by all progressive elements and movements in citizenship
and is one of the reliable and substantial residents of Yakima. His business affairs
have been carefully and wisely directed and he eagerly avails himself of any oppor-
tunity pointing to success. He is a man of genial qualities, of kindly spirit, and his
popularity is the direct result of his many admirable characteristics. While serving
as alderman of Yakima he was instrumental in the planting of the beautiful shade
trees on Naches avenue which now make that thorouglifare one of the most attrac-
tive in the west.
LUCIEN M. COX.
One of the finest orchards in the Yakima valley is that situated near Buena
belonging to Lucien M. Cox. a native of Arkansas. He was born September 13, 1871,
a son of J. K. Cox, who is mentioned at greater length on other pages of this work.
Lucien M. Cox attended the public school of Arkansas but in 1901 removed to Big
Bend, Washington, having heard many favorable reports in regard to the opportu-
nities awaiting a young man in this district. In March, 1902, he came to Yakima
county, where lie continued to teach school, having followed that profession while
a resident of Big Bend. He was well fitted for this work as he had attended the
Kirksville Normal School of Missouri. He taught school in Yakima county for
eight years, during two years of which period he was a teacher in the tenth grade
in Zillah. He also was principal of the Springdale sctiool for five years. '
In 1902 Lucien M. Cox and his brother, Ernest V., bought a forty-acre tract
one mile east of Buena, paying nineteen hundred dollars as the purchase price, and
a few months later their father paid the same sum for an adjoining tract of twenty
acres, while a little later Ernest V. Cox paid nineteen hundred dollars for ten acres
adjoining, these figures plainly indicating how rapidly fruit lands have advanced in
this district. In fact in the last three years the land has nearly quadrupled in
value. In 1903 Mr. Cox of this review bought his brother's interest in the forty
acres but later, in 1907, he sold the whole tract for eighty-five hundred dollars. He
then acquired title to ten acres a half mile east of Buena and there he has built a
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 831
fine home and has planted his ranch largely to apples, prunes and cherries. At the
time he acquired the land he paid three hundred dollars per acre but it netted Mr.
Cox over five thousand dollars above running expenses, including his own wages.
In 1918 he refused a cash offer of ten tliousand dollars for it. It is one of the finest
ten-acre orchards in the Yakima valley with good roads, good drainage and good
air drainage. From the ranch a beautiful view of Mounts Adams and Rainier may be
had, while the residence is thoroughly modern and has electric lights, hot and cold
water and all conveniences which can be found in the best city homes.
On August 10, 1904, Mr. Cox was united in marriage to Miss Bertha Kendrick,
a native of Canton, Missouri, and a daughter of James H. and Delia Kendrick. Mr.
and Mrs. Cox have had three children: James K., Edgar C, and Dorothy who died
in infancy.
In politics Mr. Cox is an independent democrat who generally gives his sup-
port to that party, particularly as far as national politics are concerned, but at local
elections supports the candidate whom he considers best qualified to fill the office to
which he aspires without taking into consideration party issues. Everything that
has to do with the development and growth of the valley is of interest to him and
he readily lends his aid and influence toward worthy movements for the moral and
intellectual growth. Through the development of one of the finest fruit ranches in
his district he has largely contributed toward the wealth of his part of the county
and while his labors have directly benefited himself, they have been ol value in
promoting the fruit raising industry in the Yakitna valley.
WILLIAM R. REEVES.
William R. Reeves, a veteran of the Spanish-American war and a well known
business man of Yakima county who has done much to aid in the development of
Naches Heights, where he is now engaged in ranching, was born in Utica, Livingston
county, Missouri, May 2, 1871, a son of John D. and Nancy (Williams) Reeves. The
father passed away in Missouri, where for many years he had followed farming.
The mother afterward died in Oklahoma.
William R. Reeves acquired a public school education and when thirteen years
of age went to Leadville, Colorado, traveling overland with a mule team. He made
the journey with a freighting outfit and after reaching Colorado turned his attention
to mining, working his way steadily upward in that connection until he became a
mine owner. He saved ten thousand dollars but lost it all in the failure of the Car-
bonit Bank of Leadville. Thus rendered penniless, he again went to work for wages
and later he was with the Gurley Investment Company as a mining expert. In 1902
he started for British Columbia but stopped ofif in Yakima county and, being pleased
with the district, decided to remain. He worked for the gas company of Yakima
county for five years and helped lay the first gas mains in the city of Yakima. He
was afterward for five years with the Consolidated Fuel Company, but ambitious to
engage in business on his own account, in 1910 he bought eighty acres on Naches
Heights all covered with sagebrush. To this place he removed in 1914 and thereon
has since resided. He now has fifty-six acres under cultivation, bringing forth good
crops, and he also has property in Fruitvale. His ranch on Naches Heights is a fine
one, and the products gathered therefrom annually bring to him a substantial income.
On the 15th of Scptemfier, 1907. Mr. Reeves was married to Miss Maggie Jones,
who was born in Whitman county. Washington, a daughter of John D. Jones, a
pioneer of this state, who lived for a time at Colton, Washington. Both he and his
wife are now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Reeves have two sons, Raymond and Dean.
Mr. Reeves is a member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Yakima Lodge
No. 24, F. & A. M., and to Yakima Chapter No. 21, R. & A. M. His wife attends the
Presbyterian church. In politics Mr. Reeves maintains an independent course,
votijig according to the dictates of his judgment. He is a veteran of the Spanish-
American war, having served as a member of Company C in the Seventh United
States Infantry. His regiment was the second to land at Cuba and he participated
in the battle of San Juan Hill. He remained with the army for three years. His
832 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
has been an interesting and varied experience, covering his military record, his life
as a miner in Colorado and his business activity in the northwest. He is now far
on the highroad to success and is classed with the representative ranchmen of the
Yakima vallev.
EDWIN WEBER.
The enterprising and intelligently directed efforts of Edwin Weber have trans-
formed a tract of twenty acres of wild land into a most productive ranch property,
and occupying an attractive new home which he built in 1916, he is continuing the
further improvement of his place, which annually produces large crops of fruit and
hay.
Mr. Weber is a native of Illinois. His birth occurred in Dixon on the 6th of
March, 1866, his father being Gottlieb Weber. He acquired a public school educa-
tion and after his textbooks were put aside began working for wages. Attracted by
the opportunities of the northwest, he made his way to the Puget Sound about 1887,
when he had attained his majorit}'. He took up government land near Tacoma and
later removed to Seattle, where he engaged in the stone and cement business. He
afterward established a logging business, which he carried on until 1908. when he re-
moved to Grandview and invested in twenty acres of sagebrush land that gave little
indication of ever becoming a fertile and productive tract. His labors, however,
soon wrought a inarked transformation and today he has five acres planted to apples,
wliile the remainder is devoted to the raising of hay and various crops. The ranch
is now in excellent condition, giving every evidence of the care and supervision of
a progressive owner who, finding joy in his business, puts forth every possible effort
to develop his farm and win success in the conduct of his ranch property.
On the 1st of May, 1889, Mr. Weber was united in marriage to Miss Johanna
Abrahams, who was born in Germany and came to the United States when sixteen
years of age. Their only child, John, died in infancy and they are now rearing an
adopted son, Floyd. Mr. Weber holds membership in the Foresters and he gives
his political endorsement to the republican party but is not ambitious for office, pre-
ferring to concentrate his efforts and attention upon his Inisiness affairs.
GEORGE W. CLARK.
George W. Clark, who since 1912 has been connected with the plumbing and
heating business in Yakima, his interests being organized under the name of the
Modern Plumbing & Heating Company, was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on
the 20th of February, 1872, a son of George W. and Emma J. (Snyder) Clark, who in
1877 removed westward to Kansas. The father, a plasterer by trade, had taken up
his abode at Leavenworth, Kansas, in the '60s but returned to the Keystone state.
He was a veteran of the Civil war, having served throughout the period of hostili-
ties as a member of a Pennsylvania cavalry regiment. On leaving Kansas the second
time he came to Tacoma, Washington, about 1888 and the family joined him in that
city in 1890.. Both he and his wife passed away there.
George W. Clark acquired his early education in the schools of Kansas and
after the removal to Tacoma learned the plumbing business in that city. He started
business on his own account in 1902 under the name of the Modern Plumbing &
Heating Company, which he organized in Tacoma, there conducting business for a
decade. In 1912, however, he removed to Yakima and opened a plumbing establish-
ment at No. 128 North First street, where he conducts a general line of plumbing
and heating. His business has steadily grown to gratifying proportions and it is
recognized that in point of skill, as well as of enterprise, he is one of the leading
plumbers of this section of the state.
Mr. Clark is a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. He also has
membership with the Commercial Club and with the Yakima Valley Business Men's
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 833
Association. His has been an active and useful life and not a little of his success
is attributable to the fact that he has always continued in the field of activity in
which he is now engaged. Thoroughness has characterized everything that he has
undertaken and he has executed some most diiificult and important contracts, so
that he is now regarded as one of the foremost representatives of industrial activity
in Yakima.
LOUIS SCHNEIDER.
Louis Schneider is one of the prominent sheep raisers of his section of Wash-
ington. He was born in Germany, April 7, 1869, a son of Adam and Elizabeth
Schneider, both of whom have passed away. He was a lad of thirteen and a half
years when he came to the United States with his brother John Schneider and set-
tled in Illinois, near St. Louis. He afterward went to Kansas, where he worked
for wages, and in 1890 he took up his abode in Portland, Oregon. There he again
worked for wages and while in that state he took up a homestead claim. In August,
1892, he arrived in Yakima county and for three years engaged in farming on the
Moxee. He then turned his attention to the cattle business in Douglas county and
afterward spent two years in Yakima, subsequent to which time he lived for a
year in the east. On the expiration of that period he again came to Yakima county,
where 'lie worked out for two years. Turning his attention to the sheep business,
he has since been connected with that industry. His sheep ranch is three miles
southeast of Sunnyside and upon the place he raises hay and corn. He feeds sheep
there through the winter, his connection with this enterprise being important and
extensive.
In December, 1909, Mr. Schneider was married to Mrs. Bertha Scharf, of
Yakima, and they have two children, Louise and Harriet. Mr. Schneider belongs to
the Lutheran church and his political support is given to the republican party. He
docs not seek nor desire office, however, preferring to concentrate his efforts and
attention upon his business affairs. He now resides on a ten-acre fruit farm in the
southeastern part of the city of Yakima and has built thereon a fine home, which he
now occupies. From this point he supervises his other business interests and the
intelligent direction of his activities and investments has made him one of the pros-
perous citizens of the district in which he lives.
FRANK BERGQUIST.
During the ten years in which he has made his home in Yakima county, Frank
Bergquist has steadily progressed along business lines and is today one of the suc-
cessful orchardists of the Selah valley. He was born in Sweden on the 7th of June,
1855, a son of John Peter and Johanna (Michelson) Bergquist. The father is now
deceased, but the mother survives and is yet living in Sweden.
In the public schools of his native country, Frank Bergquist pursued his educa-
tion and there resided until he reached the age of about twenty-four years, when in
June, 1879, he bade adieu to friends and native country and sailed for the United
States. For a few weeks he tarried in the east, residing in Pennsylvania, but at the
end of that time made his way westward to Chicago, where he continued to live for
almost thirty years and during that period was employed by the Pullman Palace
Car Company in the capacity of inside finisher, a trade which he had thoroughly
mastered in early life, becoming an expert workman. He continued his labors in
that connection until 1908, when he determined to try his fortune in the west. He
then made his way to Yakima county and invested his earnings in ten acres of land
on Selah Heights. Like many others, he took up fruit raising, planting seven and a
half acres of his land to apples, pears, peaches, cherries and other fruits, while the
remainder of the tract is given over to the raising of hay. In 1914 he built a fine
stone residence upon his ranch, has put up large barns and sheds and has every
834 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
facility for the propagation and cultivation of his orchards. An air of neatness and
thrift pervades the place and as the years have passed his prosperity has constantly
increased as the result of his wisely directed labors.
In 1882 Mr. Bergquist was married to Miss Marie Anderson, a native of Sweden,
who had been a schoolmate of his in their childhood and who crossed the Atlantic
in 1881, settling in Chicago. They are now parents of two children: Charlotte
Amelia, the wife of James Her. living in Tacoma; and Oscar B., who now resides in
California. Forty years have come and gone since Mr. Bergquist determined to
leave his native country and seek his fortune in the new world. He has never had
occasion to regret this resolution on his part, for he here found the opportunities
which he sought and. working steadily along well defined lines, he has in the
of years gained a position among the substantial residents of Yakima county.
OSCAR E. CONAT.
Oscar E. Conat, deceased, was prominently known during the period of his
residence in Yakima county as an orchardist and business man of ability. He was
born in Rosendale, Wisconsin. January 14, 1858. a son of John an4 Harriet (Stru-
thers) Conat. The father was a native of Canada and the mother of Pennsylvania.
They were pioneer settlers of Wisconsin and in 1856 removed to Minnesota. It
was upon their return visit to the former state that Oscar E. Conat was born.
His parents retained their residence in Minnesota until they were called to their
final rest.
Oscar E. Conat obtained a public school education in Minnesota and when nine-
teen years of age left home, going to Nevada, where he remained for three years. He
then returned to Minnesota, where he lived for a year, and in 1881 he removed to Brown
county, South Dakota, where he took up government land and began the arduous
task of developing a new farm upon which hitherto not a furrow had been turned
nor an improvement made. He devoted his energies to the cultivation of that place
for twenty-one years, or until 1902, when he came to Yakima county and invested
in twenty acres of land on Nob Hill, for which he paid two hundred dollars per
acre. Later this property was sold for thirteen hundred and fifty dollars per acre.
Mr. and Mrs. Conat resided thereon to the time of his death. Part of the land
was planted to fruit and later Mrs. Conat planted the entire tract to fruit. She
continued to own the property until July, 1916, when she sold. She then purchased
sixty acres near Grandview, upon which she has a fine home and large, substantial
barns. She has twenty-three acres of this tract planted to apples and pears and
it is a very productive property, her fruit raising interests classing her among the
successful orchardists of this part of the state.
On the 18th of November, 1885, Mr. Conat was united in marriage to Miss Emma
E. West, who was born in Roscoe. Minnesota, a daughter of Renselaer and Deborah
(Austin) West, both of whom were natives of Cayuga county, New York. Fler
father was a son of John West, a native of the Empire state, who in 1856 took his
family to Minnesota, where his remaining days were passed. The father of Mrs.
Conat became a prominent farmer of Minnesota and there he and his wife spent their
remaining days. The mother of Mrs. Conat was a daughter of David Austin, who
was born in New York and with his removal to the west cast in his lot with the
pioneer settlers of Michigan. Mr. and Mrs. West were married in New York and
in 1853 removed to Clayton county, Iowa, whence they went to Minnesota in 1856.
To Mr. and Mrs. Conat were born three children, but the firstborn, Harriet,
died at the age of eight months. The second daughter, Ada, is the wife of Syl-
vester Cornell, who operates her mother's farm. They have become parents ol
two children, twins, Leon and Lloyd, but the former is deceased. The third mem
ber of the Conat family was Edwin, who died in 1911 at the age of seventeen years.
The family circle was again broken by the hand of death when on the 14th o'
March, 190/, Mr. Conat passed away. He was a citizen of worth, loyal to the bes
interests of the community, was a faithful friend and a devoted husband and father.
He belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and in politics he maintained
OSCAR E. CONAT
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 837
an independent course. His sterling wortli was widely recognized by all who knew
him and the circle of his friends constantly grew as the circle of his acquaintance
broadened. Prospering in his business affairs, he left the family a comfortable
competence and also left \o them the priceless heritage of an untarnished name.
ELMER B. MARKS.
Among the younger successful agriculturists near Yakima is Elmer B. Marks,
who has attained a foremost position among the stock raisers of his district, his
activities being particularly associated with Holstein cattle, .^long this line he has
been very successful, having carefully studied the subject, and thereby he has not
only acquired individual prosperity but has greatly furthered the status of cattle
raising in his neighborhood. A western man by birth, Mr. Marks has always dis-
played that western spirit of enterprise so characteristic of the native sons. He was
born in Linn county, Oregon, September 18, 1870, and is a son of John P. and Ellen
(Williams) Marks, middle-western people, the father born in Kentucky and the
mother in Illinois. John P. Marks comes of a family that has been connected with
the earliest pioneer times of the west and the name of Marks has therefore been
closely associated with the history of development here. He was of Scotch descent
and a son of Bluford Marks, who in 18S4 crossed the plains and located in Polk
county, Oregon, where he ranched until his death. John P. Marks, the father, was
married in that state and in 1870 removed to the Puget Sound. The year 1871
marked his arrival in what is now Yakima county, his being the second wagon to
cross the Snoqualmie pass. He took up government land on the Ahtanum and was
the first school superintendent of Yakima county, serving for two terms. That this
office not only required an energetic man of rare foresight, tact and a thorough ap-
preciation of the value of education but also a man of physical endurance is evident
from the fact that the county at that time was one hundred and thirty miles long
and that he many times had to cover it on horseback in order to inspect the schools.
Upon his land he entered into the cattle business and also followed general farming,
being as highly respected on account of the qualities which he displayed in his
private affairs as he was in public life. All who knew him -spoke of him in the high-
est terms and his work was indeed a force in the development and upbuilding of the
county along material as well as intellectual lines. He was thoroughly acquainted
with the history of development in his district from early frontier days to the pres-
ent stage of development and knew many of the famous frontier characters of the
early days. Both he and his wife were devoted members of the Congregational
church, in the work of which they were ever helpfully interested; in fact, he was in-
strumental in having erected the second Congregational church in the valley. Until
1892 he followed the republican standard in politics but then joined the people's
party and later became a democrat. He died in 1915, having for twenty-four years
survived his wife, who passed away in 1891. She was a daughter of Charles Austin
Williams, a native of Illinois, who in 1845 removed to Oregon as one of the earliest
pioneers, crossing the plains in the primitive style of those days. Many were the
dangers and hardships which beset him on the trip but all of these were overcome
and he settled in Linn county, Oregon, where he took up a donation claim of six
hundred and forty acres. When the gold discoveries occurred in California he fol-
lowed the general trend and moved southward to that state, where he was engaged
in mining the precious metal, later returning to his Oregon home. He went through
all of the pioneer experiences of that period and thus was connected with Oregon
and the west from the earliest date of the white man's history.
Elmer B. Marks was reared under the parental roof, having been brought to
Yakima county when but a year old. Here he received his first lessons in life under
the guidance of his good parents, acquiring his education in the schools of the neigh-
borhood. He subsequently took a business course at Walla Walla in order to better
prepare himself for life's arduous duties and then assisted his father with the ranch
work until twenty-six years of age, when, in 1896, he leased land from his father
and with his brother, Charles A. Marks, entered the live stock business on his own
838 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
account. The latter retired from the hrm in 1904, since which time he has lived re-
tired in California. Elmer B. Marks continued in the general cattle business until
lylO, in which year he established himself exclusively in the pure-bred Holstein busi-
ness. Specializmg along this line, he has become very successful and is today recog-
nized as one of the foremost breeders of pure Holsteins in the state. He has over
one hundred head of pure bred cattle and at many state fairs has taken first prize,
in fact in 1914 his herd took practically all state prizes at Washington and Oregon
state fairs. Mr. Marks now has a valuable ranch of two hundred and eighty acres,
which is the evidence of his western enterprise, energy and foresight. He has ever
carefully studied soil and climatic conditions, and employing progressive methods,
has made this one of the most valuable farm properties in the county. He has an
excellent home, good outbuildings, silos and modern machinery and equipment, all
of which denote his up-to-date ideas.
On the 3d of May, 1899, Mr. Marks was united in marriage to Miss Myrtle E.
Morrison, a native of Yakima and a daughter of James W. and Mattie (Good) Mor-
rison, natives of Illinois and Tennessee respectively. They crossed the plains in 1876
to Oregon, in which state they remained until 1880, when the parents took up their
residence in Yakima county, the father successfully following ranching here, and
here he subsequently passed away. His widow survives and is yet residing in
Yakima. To Mr. and Mrs. Marks have been born two children, John and Gladys,
both attending high school. The family are highly respected in their neighborhood
and both Mr. and Mrs. Marks occupy a prominent place among the best families of
their section of the state. They have qualities of character which endear them to
all and many are the friends who partake of their hospitality at their pleasant farm
home.
Fraternally Mr. Marks stands high in the Masonic order, being a member of
Yakima Lodge No. 24, F. & A. M., and he also belongs to the Royal Arch Chapter.
He is an ex-president and at present the secretary and treasurer of the Washington
Holstein Breeders Association and also serves on the board of directors of the
Yakima County Holstein Association. Moreover, he is a member of the National
Association of Holstein Breeders and is also connected with the Washington Wool
Growers Association. Through these connections he not only receives valuable
information but at the meetings he also freely recounts his experiences, thus help-
ing along one of the important industries of the country. Public-spirited in the best
sense of the word, Mr. Marks is ever ready to give of his effort, time and means in
order to promote enterprises undertaken on behalf of the public and has in many
ways promoted prosperity and mental and moral development in his district.
Through the upbuilding of an important stock breeding as well as farming enter-
prise he has greatly added to the resources of the state. In his political affiliations
he is a democrat but not active along party lines although he is thoroughly informed
on the issues of the day. Both he and- his wife are devoted members of the Con-
gregational church, in the work of which they are deeply interested and to which
they give their financial as well as spiritual support.
GEORGE PRIOR.
An active business life, intelligently directed, brought George Prior to a position
among the most prominent sheep men of the Yakima valley. His life record is the
story of earnest effort resulting in steady progression. He was born in Sawtry. Eng-
land. August 11. 1850, a son of Robert and Charlotte (Holmes) Prior, both of whom
have now passed away. The father was a farmer and stock raiser. His parents were
of the Quaker faith and the family is a very old one in England.
In the public schools of his native country George Prior acquired his educa-
tion and in 1875 he crossed the Atlantic to the new world, establishing his home in
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he remained until 1882, being there engaged in
dealing in horses. He afterward went to Kingston, Missouri, where he took out his
citizenship papers. In Missouri he owned a stock ranch, buying and selling fine
horses. He introduced the first Clydesdale stallion into that section of Missouri.
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 839
The northwest with its growing opportunities attracted him, however, and in 1894
he made his way to Goldendale, Washington, whence he removed to Yakima in 1896.
Here he entered the sheep business, being associated with D. G. Goodman for a few
years, but about 1902 he started in the business on his own account, raising sheep
on the shares in connection with Mr. Goodman. Later he bought the interest of Mr.
Goodman and purchased a large number of fine Hampshire and Lincoln sheep, these
being full blooded. He introduced the first full blooded Hampshire sheep into
Yakima county. He built up the business until he and his sons now have over twenty
thousand head of sheep and they own a large ranch which is devoted to the raising
of hay. They lease fifty sections or more of land for grazing purposes and liave
become prominent among the sheep raisers of this section of the country.
Mr. Prior was united in marriage to Miss Mary Sinclair Menzies, a native of
Scotland and a daughter of Archie Menzies of that country. The children born of
this marriage are as follows: Dr. Robert Prior, Elizabeth, Archie and Clementine.
In 1912 Mr. Prior took his wife and two daughters on a visit to England, sailing on
the Lusitania, and two years later his wife's sister was drowned while a passenger
on the same ship, being a victim of that German kultur which permits the murder
of women and children.
The family attend the Presbyterian church. Mr. Prior gives his political alle-
giance to the republican party but has never been an office seeker, concentrating his
efforts and attention upon his business affairs. He is a member of the Commercial
Club and also of the Country Club and is recognized as a leading and influential citi-
zen of Yakima, where he has many friends.
JAMES D. MORRISON.
James D. Morrison has spent practically his entire life in the Pacific northwest,
having been but three years of age when brought to this section of the country by
his parents, A. W. and Alma (Lybyer) Morrison, who were natives of Illinois and
of Indiana respectively. The paternal grandfather, James Morrison, was one of the
pioneers of Illinois. Crossing the Mississippi, the parents established their home in
Missouri, where the father engaged in farming until 1877. He then sought the oppor-
tunities of the growing northwest and arrived in Polk county, Oregon, after having
made an overland trip. In 1880 he removed to Yakima county and took up govern-
ment land near Mabton. In 1888 he established his home on Nob Hill, adjacent to
Yakima, and in 1890 removed to Wide Hollow, where he purchased one hundred and
sixty acres of land. He then turned his attention to the live stock business and hop
raising and was thus engaged in Wide Hollow until 1911, when he retired from
active business, selling his farm, and has since made his home in Yakima, enjoying a
rest which he has truly earned and richly merits. His wife passed away in 1902.
They became the parents of hve children; James D., of this review; Gertrude, the
wife of V. H. Robinson, a resident of Vancouver. Washington; Roy, deceased; Edith,
who married D. D. Stair, of Seattle; and Jessie, the wife of Jack Clayton, also a
resident of Seattle.
Jame.s D. Morrison was born in Bates county, Missouri, February 12, 1874, and
was therefore but three years of age when the family arrived in Oregon. He ac-
quired a public school education and was reared to ranch life, early becoming familiar
with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops. In 1900 he pur-
chased sixteen acres in Wide Hollow and developed a ranch, which he sold in 1913.
He then purchased ninety-two acres on the Ahtanum and has a good house, sub-
stantial barns and other modern improvements upon his place, which indicate his
progressive spirit. He raises beef cattle and is also engaged in the cultivation of
hay and grain, annually harvesting good crops.
On the 29th of October, 1904, Mr. Morrison was married to Miss Gertrude Mock-
ton, a native of Worcester, Massachusetts, and to them was born a son, Allen Frank,
on the 5th of March, 1906. On September 5, 1914, Mr. Morrison married Olive S.
McDowell, daughter of John William and Matilda (Rann) McDowell, the former of
whom removed to Oregon in the early days of its history. He was a successful stock
840 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
raiser and agriculturist, and passed away in Oregon when comparatively a young
man. In his pohtical views Mr. Morrison is a democrat but has never been an
aspirant for office. His time and attention have been concentrated upon his business
affairs and his energy has brought to him a success that ranks him with the substan-
tial ranchers of Yakima county, while he can truly lay claim to the proud American
title of self-made man.
VICTOR CRESCI.
Victor Cresci. a young man of enterprising spirit, now cultivating the Crcsci
ranch near Grandview. is a native son of Washington, his birth having occurred at
Prosser on the 11th of March, 1893. His parents were Peter and Mary (Rea) Cresci.
The father was born in Genoa, Italy, and came to the United States in 1876. He was
a miner and followed that occupation in New York, in Pennsylvania and in Michigan.
He afterward removed to Butte, Montana, and ultimately took up his abode in
Prosser, Washington, where he arrived about 1888. There he engaged in business
for a time and subsequently went to Roslyn, Washington, where he was one of the
six men who opened up the Roslyn mine. Later he established his home in Yakima
county, about twelve miles north of Prosser and near the present site of Grandview.
There he took up a homestead and timber claim in 1890, securing three hundred and
twenty acres in all. A few days after he had left Roslyn the mine blew up, killing
all the men in it. Fortunately Mr. Cresci had left and thus his life was spared.
About 1897 he went to Alaska, where he remained for a year, after which he returned
to Roslyn and in 1901 again came to his ranch. This he improved and later sold
one hundred and sixty acres of it but still retains a similar amount and is now ex-
tensively engaged in raising hay, corn and potatoes and also handles a considerable
amount of live stock. His wife passed away in Prosser, March 22, 1893.
Victor Cresci was their only child and was but eleven days old at the time of
his mother's death. He acquired a public school education in Prosser and at Euclid,
Washington, and in 1903 he took up his abode upon the ranch with his father and is
now devoting his time and energy to its further improvement and development. He
is numbered among the progressive young agriculturists of the community, carefully,
wisely and successfully directing the work of the farm.
On the 23d of February, 1918, Mr. Cresci was married to Miss Grace Tuttle, a
native of Minnesota and a daughter of James F. Tuttle, a pioneer of Seattle who
later purchased a farm near Grandview. Mr. Cresci was reared in the faith of the
republican party, of which his father is a stanch supporter, but he maintains an inde-
pendent attitude in regard to politics. Fraternally he is connected with the Masons
and has taken the degrees of lodge and chapter. In early manhood he studied assay-
ing and mineralogy, becoming well qualified along those lines, but decided to take
up ranching in connection with his father and now devotes his entire time to the
development and improvement of his place, which is one of the pioneer ranches of
the district. His interests in this direction are extensive and the improvements
which he has made upon the place indicate his progressive spirit.
CHARLES W. SUVER.
Charles W. Suver, a prominent pioneer of the Kittitas valley, is now actively
engaged in the operation of a valuable farm, known as Riverside. His birth occurred
in Sullivan county, Pennsylvania, on the 9th of September, 1861, his parents being
David and Catherine (Smith) Suver, who removed to Mitchell county. Kansas, in
1870. There the father took up government land and devoted his attention to
general agricultural pursuits throughout the remainder of his life, passing away in
1887. His widow, who long survived him, spent her later life in the home of her
son Charles near Ellensburg and was called to her final rest in April, 1916.
Charles W. Suver acquired a public school education in his youth and when
CHARLES W. SrVER AXD FAMILY
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 843
but fourteen years of age started out to provide for his own support, making his
way westward from Kansas to Colorado and securing employment in the timber
camps of the latter state. Five years later, in 1880, he went to Seattle and there
worked in the lumber woods until the 17th of July, 1885, when he came to the
Kittitas valley. He bought a forty-acre tract of land near Ellensburg, which was
the first Catholic mission, and as the years passed and his financial resources in-
creased, owing to his untiring industry and capable management, he extended the
boundaries of his ranch by additional purchase from time to time until it now com-
prises three hundred and forty acres of rich and productive land. He is extensively
engaged in the cultivation of hay and grain and also devotes considerable attention
to sheep raising, both branches of his business bringing to him a gratifying annual
income. His labors have ever been carried forward along progressive, practical
and resultant lines, so that prosperity has attended his undertakings and he has
long been numbered among the representative ranchers and stockmen of Kittitas
county.
On the 31st of December, 1888, Mr. Suver was united in marriage to Miss Rose
M. Becker, a daughter of Jacob and Josephine Becker, who removed from Cali-
fornia to Oregon during an early period in the development of the latter state. Mrs.
Suver being born at The Dalles. In 1872 the family came to Kittitas county, Wash-
ington, and Mr. Becker established the first blacksmith shop in Kittitas county. Mr.
and Mrs. Suver now occupy the old home which was erected by her father, they
having purchased the interests of the other heirs in his estate. They have two
daughters. Hazel M., who is very proficient in music, studied under Professor
Hoyte of Chicago and also under Boyd Wells of Seattle. She is now the wife of
George Mead, of Seattle, and they have one daughter, Mary Catherine. Ida is a
graduate of the Conservatory of Aquinas and was a pupil of Moritz Rosen. She
is the wife of Dr. James H. Mundy, of Ellensburg, and they have one son, James
H. III.
In his political views Mr. Suver is a republican, stanchly supporting the men
and measures of that party at the polls. In religious faith Mrs. Suver and daugh-
ters are Catholics. Both Mr. and Mrs. Suver have witnessed and aided in the growth
and development of Kittitas valley from pioneer times to the present and are
widely and favorably known for their many excellent traits of character, enjoying
the warm regard and esteem of those with whom they have come in contact.
JOHN JACOB MILLER.
John Jacob Miller, a Yakima capitalist who has valuable property holdings and
business investments in the valley, was born in Sweden in 1870 and is a brother of
Alexander Miller, who is mentioned elsewhere in this work. He acquired a public
school education in his native land and when a youth of eighteen years determined
to try his fortune in the new world. He bade adieu to friends and native country
and sailed for America, making Chicago his destination. A year was spent in that
city and in 1889 he came to Yakima, Washington, where in connection with his
brother Alexander he turned his attention to the milling business, becoming vice
president of the Yakima Milling Company, which conducts an extensive grain busi-
ness, the growth of the trade necessitating increased facilities from time to time until
the capacity of the mill was three hundred barrels daily. Theirs was the first roller
mill in the Yakima valley. It was destroyed by fire in 1914. Today the company
conducts a very extensive grain business and their interests constitute a splendid
market for the grain raisers of this section. John J. Miller proved an important fac-
tor in the development and conduct of the business, with which he was actively
associated until 1897, when he went to Alaska where he spent a year and a half. He
made his way to Dawson, where he passed the winter, and on the expiration of the
period indicated he returned to Yakima, where he again became actively associated
with the milling company. He has from time to time further extended his business
connections by investment along other lines. In 1910 he built the Commercial Hotel,
(34)
844 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
which he leases. He also has other city property and large ranch interests. His
investments have been most carefully and judiciously made and his success has come
as the result of sound judgment and unfaltering enterprise throughout the entire
period of his residence in America.
On the 9th of November, 1902, Mr. Miller was married to Miss Janie E. Pollock,
of Yakima, and they have two children, Esther and Agnes. Mrs. Miller is a member
of the Christian Science church. Mr. Miller gives his political endorsement to the
republican party, which he has supported since he became a citizen. He stands for
all that is progressive in community aflairs, working earnestly for public progress
and giving hearty support and cooperation to movements and measures for the gen-
eral good, while as a business man the proof of his ability is found in the splendid
success which he has won and the honored name that he has maintained throughout
the passing years.
OTHO IRA BURTOX.
Otho Ira Burton, the owner of a valuable ranch property of one hundred and
twelve acres, all of which he has under cultivation, was born at Elkader, Clayton
county, Iowa, December 18, 1867, a son of Ira L. and Mary (Banister) Burton. The
father was born in New York and the mother in Pennsylvania, and they became early
settlers of Iowa. In childhood they had gone to Wisconsin, where they were reared,
and it was after tluir marriage that they took up their abode in Iowa. The father is
a veteran of the Civil war, joining the Union army as a member of the Second Wis-
consin Cavalry, with which he served until the close of hostilities. In days of peace
he has devoted his attention to farming, .\fter living in Iowa for a number of years
he removed with his family to California in 1874 and there carried on general agri-
cultural pursuits until 1878, when he made his way northward to Ellensburg, Wash-
ington, and became a successful rancher of this state. In 1908 he went to Canyon
county, Idaho, where he is still devoting his entrgies to farming.
Otho Ira Burton completed his education in the public schools of Kittitas
county, Washington, and engaged in ranching with his father after putting aside his
textbooks. In 1899 he came to Sunnyside and bought one hundred and fifty acres of
land two miles northwest of the town. The entire tract was covered with the
native growth of sagebrush and there was no indication that it would soon become
a producive property, but with characteristic energy Mr. Burton began clearing the
land and soon placed it under cultivation, planting it to alfalfa. He also raised fine
Percheron horses upon that place. In March, 1910, however, he sold that ranch and
for a few years traveled. In March, 1917, he bought a ranch adjoining Sunnyside on
the east and has added to it until he now owns one hundred and twelve acres, all
under a high state of cultivation. His principal crops are sugar beets, hay and
corn, which are raised upon his place in large quantities. Mr. Burton lives in Sunny-
side at the present time and the work of the ranch is done by a renter.
In November, 1912, Mr. Burton was united in marriage to Miss Mae Kresse, a
native of North Dakota and a daughtre of George E. Kresse, one of the early settlers
of Yakima county. Her father was born in Winnebago county, Wisconsin. February
23, 1859, a son of George E. and Christina (Koenig) Kresse, who came to the United
States from Germany in 1855, establishing their home in Wisconsin. George E.
Kresse, Sr., was a miller by trade but farmed in Wisconsin, and both he and his
wife have now passed away. George E. Kresse, Jr., engaged in flour milling and
also in farming in Wisconsin until 1880, when he went to Cass county. North Dakota,
and there farmed and conducted a general store. He had twelve hundred and eighty
acres of tine land. In 1906 he came to Yakima county, Washington, and purchased
land near Sunnyside, removing to that ranch in the spring of 1908. He now has one
hundred acres, on which he raises corn and hay and carries on general farming,
being one of the protninent ranchmen of the district. He has a fine home upon the
place which is surrounded by a beautiful lawn. There is a well-kept drive, a new
barn and all modern improvements. George E. Kresse was married November 25,
1880, to Elizabeth J. Muller a native of Wisconsin and a daughter of Jose and Mar-
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 845
garet Mullcr. who were pioneers of that state, where they were identified with
farming until called to their final rest. Both Mr. and Mrs. Kresse are members of
the Methodist church and politically he is a republican. For fourteen years he served
as treasurer of his school district in North Dakota. To him and his wife have been
born eight children: Edc. the wife of William B. Cushney, of Sunnyside; Mae, now
Mrs. Burton; George E., who is associated with his father in business and now owns
sixty acres of land besides operating the home ranch; .\rno E., a rancher of North
Dakota; Lena, the wife of Medley Lynd, occupying her brother's ranch; Margaret,
the wife of Dana Smith, of Grandview; Henry, a rancher residing in Pomcroy,
Washington, who is married and has one child; and Alice, at home.
As stated, it was in November. 1912, that Mae Kresse became the wife of Mr.
Burton. They are among the leading residents of their section of the state and they
enjoy the hospitality of the best homes of the district. Mr. Burton has made sub-
stantial progress in his business and his well directed efforts and energies have
gained for him a place among the successful ranchmen of the Yakima valley. He
gives his political allegiance to the republican party and fraternally is identified with
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
BENJAMIN F. ESCHBACH.
Benjamin F. Eschbach, engaged in the raising of thoroughbred and shorthorn
cattle in the vicinity of Yakima, comes to the northwest from Minnesota. His birth
occurred in Blue Earth county, that state, on the 20th of April, 1873, and in 1880
lie was brought by his parents to Yakima county, where he has since made his home.
The public school system of the county afforded him his educational opportunities
and when not busy with his textbooks he engaged in farming with his father and
was thus employed until 1898, when he began farming on his own account by renting
his father's land. In 1902 he purchased the home ranch and is today the owner of
two hundred acres of good land on the Ahtanum. He has a fine farm property upon
which has been erected a pleasant and attractive residence and large and substantial
barns, in fact the equipment of his farm is thoroughly modern and indicates his
progressive spirit and enterprising methods. He cultivates large crops of hay and
grain and he also makes the raising of thoroughbred and graded shorthorn cattle an
important feature of his business, having some fine animals upon his place. He
thoroughly studies business conditions and his carefully managed affairs are bringing
to him substantial prosperity.
On the 28th of November, 1901, Mr. Eschbach was united in marriage to Miss
Katie Achelpohl, a native of Missouri and a daughter of Fred Achelpohl, one of the
early settlers of Yakima county. The father is now living retired from business and
the mother has passed away. To Mr. and Mrs. Eschbach have been born three
children, Anita. Victor and Dorothy.
Mr. Eschbach belongs to the Knights of Columbus, which indicates that his re-
ligious faith is that of the Catholic church, for the organization draws its membership
only from those who are connected with the Catholic church. Mr. Eschbach is a
communicant of St. Joseph's church. His political allegiance is given to the demo-
cratic party and his position in public regard is that of a prominent farmer and reli-
able citizen whose success is attributable to well directed energy and thrift.
CHARLES F. CEDAR.
Sweden has furnished a substantial element to the citizenship of Yakima county.
The sons of that country, with their characteristic energy, industry and honesty,
have made good as successful orchardists in this section and among the number is
Charles F, Cedar, who was born in Sweden, September 11, 1859, a son of John and
Christine Cedar. The father was a soldier of the Swedish army and lived to the not-
able old age of ninety-two years, but both he and his wife have now passed away.
846 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
Charles F. Cedar obtained a public school education in his native country and
was a young man of t\vent\- years when he left there and came to the new world
in 1879. He made his way to Chicago, where he resided for about twenty-nine years,
or until 1908, and during that period he was employed as a car builder in the shops
of the Pullman Palace Car Company. The e.xcellence of the workmanship and his
thorough reliability are indicated in the fact that he was so long retained in the
service of that corporation. Wishing, however, to engage in business independently
that his labors might more directly benefit himself, he came to Yakima county in
1908 and invested the capital which he had acquired through his industry and econ-
omy in ten acres of land on Selah Heights. He now has this tract planted to apples,
pears, cherries, peaches and other fruits and is successfully engaged in the cultivation
of his orchards.
In 1885 Mr. Cedar was united in marriage to Miss Sophia Aim, a native of
Sweden, who in her girlhood days became a resident of Chicago. By her marriage
she has become the mother of three children. Carl William, now residing in Chi-
cago, where he is the agency secretary of the Continental Casualty Company, is mar-
ried and has one daughter and one son. Alma is the wife of Walter Amberg, also a
resident of Chicago, and they have two sons. Esther died at the age of three years.
In politics Mr. Cedar maintains an independent course, not caring to ally himself
with any party but voting according to the dictates of his judgment. He is inter-
ested in public welfare and progress and cooperates heartily and enthusiastically in
support of many plans and measures for the general good. In business he has proven
a most successful farmer, although for many years his activity was directed along
other lines. His sound judgment, however, has enable him to discriminate readily
between the essential and non-essential in everything relating to fruit culture and his
orchards are evidence of his wise care and business ability.
MILTON R. BOWMAN.
Milton R. Bowman, proprietor of the Bartholet Hotel at Yakima, was born in
Somerset county, Maine, on the 22d of June, 1842, a son of Elias and Sarah Bowman,
both of whom passed away in Maine. The son acquired a public school education
in the Pine Tree state while spending his youthful days under the parental roof.
The family numbered seventeen sons and two daughters and Milton R. Bowman had
eleven brothers who served in the Civil war. The father fought under Washington
in the Revolutionary war, as did his father and all of his brothers. In 1849 five of the
brothers of Milton R. Bowman went to California by way of Cape Horn following
the discovery of gold upon the Pacific coast. Sixteen years later, or in 1865, Milton
Bowman also made his way to California via Cape Horn, thirteen months being con-
sumed in making the trip, for the ship was wrecked on an island and it was seven
months before they could make their escape. After reaching the Pacific coast Mr.
Bowman traveled all over California, Nevada and Idaho engaged in mining and
prospecting and is familiar with every phase of mining life. He came to Washington
in 1874 and traveled throughout the state. He went up and down the Yakima valley
in the Indian days and his memory compasses the period of earliest pioneer develop-
ment in the state. At the time of his arrival Seattle had only two stores and lots
could be purchased there for four dollars. Mr. Bowman drove a stage out of Mon-
mouth, Washington, and his experience as stage driver form a most interesting tale.
Later he was married and began farming near Monmouth, while subsequently he
removed to Waitsburg, Washington, and afterward took up his abode in Spokane,
where he remained for seven years. At a later period he went to Mexico and with
others purchased sixty-eight thousand acres of land. He then removed his family
to that country, where they remained until driven out by the Mexican war. Mr.
Bowman then returned with his wife and children to Spokane and in 1915 removed
to Yakima, where he leased the Bartholet Hotel, which he furnished and has since
conducted, making it a popular hostlery, liberally patronized. His experiences in the
west have been broad and varied. He has fought the Indians and has seen all of the
typical pioneer life, meeting many hardships, privations and dangers and witnessing
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY S 847
the steady development of the country to its present status of progress and pros-
perity. It was Mr. Bowman who had charge of the shift of men at the Comstock
mine when the big strike was made. He has known all of the old-time settlers, and
pioneers and events which are to most people merely matters of history are to him
matters of personal experience.
In 1874 Mr. Bowman was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Garrett, of Kan-
sas, whose people, however, were pioneer settlers of Washington. The children
born of this marriage are seven in number: Elias, a resident farmer of Idaho; Maude,
the wife of Ed Jenkins, also living in Idaho; John, who is in the employ of the United
States government at Portland, Oregon; Tina, the wife of Frank LaFoUette, of
Spokane: Bert, a merchant of Seattle; David, living in Portland; and Delle, a twin
sister of David, who is now married and resides in Los Angeles, California.
In the years of his residence in the west Mr. Bowman has made and lost for-
tunes. He is one of the well known and honored pioneers, robust and strong physi-
cally, of genial personality, kindly spirit and thorough reliability. His reminiscences
of the early days are most entertainingly told and his individuality and personal traits
of character arc of a quality that endear him to all w^ith whom he is brought in
contact.
CLAREXCE MANUEL KEYES.
Clarence Manuel Keyes, although comparatively a young man, is today con-
sidered one of the foremost representatives of the fruit raising industry in the
Yakima valley. He looks after five hundred acres of orchard, part of which he man-
ages for eastern capitalists. The fruit from his ranches, which is sold under the
brand of "The Boj%" is not only of the very highest quality but in its packing the
utmost care is used in order to preserve its aroma and condition until it reaches the
market.
Mr. Keyes was born at Montevideo, Minnesota, November 1, 1888, a son of
Ruthven S. and Mary (Manuel) Keyes, the former a native of Connecticut and the
latter of Canada. The father, who was a very successful mill owner and capitalist,
passed away in 1898. The mother survives and now resides in Pullman, Washington.
Clarence M. Keyes receive a public school education in Minnesota, after which
he removed with his mother to Washington, taking up their residence in Pullman,
where our subject attended the State College, specializing in agriculture and horti-
culture. Having thus studied theoretical as well as practical methods, he in 1910
became connected with the United States forestry service in Idaho but in 1911 came
to Yakima county and entered the employ of Manuel Brothers, becoming manager
for their tracts of fruit land. In 1909 M. H. and R. W^ Manuel started to develop
fruit ranches in the Yakima valley, acquiring one hundred and sixty acres of land
two miles cast of Buena. Soon this tract was increased to three hundred and twenty
acres and during the years 1909, 1910 and 1911 all was planted to orchard. Subse-
quently they sold most of this land, retaining about eighty acres, which is now
operated under the management of Mr. Keyes. In the spring of 1909 Manuel
Brothers bought one hundred acres in the Grandview orchard tracts and of this
they kept twenty. They also developed forty acres southeast of Grandview, planted
to apples and Concord grapes, but this tract has since been sold. In 1911 they
planted forty acres on the edge of Grandview tracts to apples and pears and they
still own one-half of this land. They bought the Burton ranch, two miles northwest
of Sunnyside, comprising one hundred and fifty acres, which they platted and have
since sold one-half of the tract, while they planted seventy-five acres to fruit, which
is now in full bearing. .-Ml of this is planted to Winesap, Jonathan and Rome Beauty
apples and peaches and pears. In 1918 these properties produced sixty carloads of
apples and twenty carloads of peaches and pears. The Manuel Brothers, who are
uncles of our subject, market their fruit in Minneapolis and St. Paul. It is sold under
the brand of "The Boy," and particular care is taken in packing. In fact they put
up a very high grade of fruit and much of the success of their large enterprise is due
848 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
to the executive ability, large experience and conscientious performance of duty of
Mr. Keyes.
On December 23, 1912, Clarence M. Keyes was united in marriage to Miss Alice
Walter, a native of Bellingham, Minnesota, and a daughter of George W. and Tilly
(Dolquist) Walter, agriculturist, who removed to Pullman, Washington. There her
father was at one time representative of the International Harvester Company but
is now connected with the tire business in that city. He served as county assessor
of Whitman county, Washington, for four years. Mrs. Keyes is a graduate of Wash-
ington State College, completing her course in that institution with the class of
1911. Mr. and Mrs. Keyes have three children, Elizabeth, David and Mary Jane.
The family are very prominent socially and have many friends in Zillah. They
are members of the Congregational church and politically Mr. Keyes is a republican
liut lias not had the time nor the inclination for political office. Fraternally he is con-
nected with the blue lodge of Masons in Zillah. .\s a young orchardist successfully
handling the largest propositions he occupies a prominent position among the men
who are connected with the fruit raising industry in his part of the state. He has
divided the orchards into various tracts and each tract is in charge of a foreman
who is held responsible. Each foreman receives a salary and also a bonus if the
harvests of the tracts warrant such. In that way the different foremen feel that
they have a permanent position and exert their best efforts in order to gain the
highest results. Mr. Keyes now looks after about five hundred acres of orchard
in one of the largest tracts in the Yakima valley, part of which is managed for east-
ern owners. He has closely studied the latest horticultural methods and the success
that has come to him is due entirely to his own industry, experience and foresight.
He himself has considerable financial interest in the orchards and in the discharge
of his duties ever displays rare executive ability. tr}-ing to get the best men for the
positions he has open. Being a close student of human nature, he has been ex-
tremely fortunate in the selection of his foremen. Numerous buildings have been
put up under his direction and good homes have been erected, equipped with elecric
lights and running water. Thus he has greatly contributed toward the growth and
development of the valley and especially the fruit raising industry and his services
in this connection arc widely recognized. How large a proposition he handles is
evident from the fact that they have their own blacksmith shop on the ranch and
also their own machine shop.
The Manuel Brothers are prominent real estate and investment brokers of
Minneapolis and R. W. Manuel is the president of the Exchange State Bank of that
city, while M. H. Manuel is in charge of the land properties, but both reside in
Minneapolis. They were born in Wisconsin and went to Minnesota as boys. For a
number of years they taught school and then went into business and now are widely
and favorably known in the financial and real estate circles of their city. They have
over two hundred investors interested with them in their various development propo-
sitions and it may be mentioned in order to illustrate how fairly they treat their
clients that they have never foreclosed an investor. Although they have never lived
in the Yakima valley there is probably no one wTio has done more for the develop-
ment of this district than have the Manuel Brothers, who established one of the first
development companies here. Their reputation as financiers, bankers and real estate
dealers is unassailable and Mr. Keyes as their personal representative has done much
in the line of development, for which thousands of the residents of the Yakima valley
are indeed grateful.
CHARLES H. RENZ.
Charles H. Renz, who has lived in Yakima county throughout the past eleven
years, is the owner of a valuable tract of land comprising ten acres a few miles west
of the city of Yakima, whereon he grows apples and other fruit. His birth occurred
in Henry, Illinois, on the 24th of May, 1864, his parents being Dominick and
Theresa (Droll) Renz, both of whom were natives of Germany but came to the
United States in earlv life. The father was active in business as a shoe merchant.
CHARLES H. EENZ
RESIDENCE OF CHARLES H. EENZ
HISTORY OF YAKIMA \ALLEY 853
During the period of the Civil war he served for about two years as a member of
the Union army, loyally defending the interests of his adopted land. Both he and
his wife passed away in Illinois.
Charles H. Renz spent his youthful days in the acquirement of a public school
education and after putting aside his textbooks devoted his attention to farming
for several years. Subsequently he became identified with the lumber business at
Henning, Illinois, and later turned his attention to general merchandising, conduct-
ing an enterprise of that character at Colfax, Illinois. Owing to impaired health
he then spent a year in travel, journeying all over the United States in search of
a desirable location. He visited Yakima in 1906 and was so pleased with the district
that he settled here permanently in 1907, taking up his abode on a twenty-acre
tract of land which he purchased, four and one-quarter miles west of the city. Later
lie sold half of the place but still retains the remaining ten acres, which he has
improved until it is now a valuable orchard property, devoted to the growing of
apples and other fruit for his own use. He also erected a handsome residence and
substantial barn which are the visible evidence of the success which has attended
his efforts.
On the 1st of March. 1909, Mr. Renz was united in marriage to Miss Josephine
Sells, of Missouri. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and while
a resident of Illinois he served in a number of local offices in most creditable and
satisfactory manner. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the
Methodist Episcopal church, while fraternally he is identified with the Woodmen
of the \^'orld and the Knights of Pythias. He is also a member of the Yakima
County Horticultural Union and the Yakima Commercial Club, and has long been
widely recognized as a successful orchardist and representative and esteemed citizen
of the community.
CLIXTOX P. BROSIOUS.
There is no feature of pioneer life with which Clinton P. Brosious is not familiar,
for from an early day he has resided in this section, the period of his residence here
covering more than a third of a century. He was born on Blockhouse creek, in
Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, Xovember 30, 1859, a son of Abraham and Rebecca
( Baryer) Brosious, who were also natives of the Keystone state. The father was a
veteran of the Civil war, and the company and regiment in which he enlisted were
nearly wiped out in one of the hotly contested engagements. He was .afterward
transferred to the Eighth Pennsylvania Cavalry and was killed just eighteen days
before the surrender of General Lee, which terminated the war. His wife died in
May, 1860, and thus Mr. Brosious of this review was left an orphan when less than
six years of age. He went to live with a relative, with whom he remained until he
reached the age of sixteen and then started out in life independently. He made
his way to Minnesota and afterward to Wisconsin and from the middle west came
to Yakima county in May, 1883. Here he took up a homestead where Jonesville,
Washington, now stands. He was the discoverer of the Roslyn coal vein, finding
the lirst coal of that vein upon his own ranch. He sold the property in 1906 and
purchased two hundred acres of land at Sunnyside. He has since disposed of eighty
acres of this tract but still retains one hundred and twenty acres, constituting one
of the valuable ranch properties of the district. With many events which have
shaped the development and the history of his section of the state he has been closely
associated. He assisted in making the survey of the townsitc of Yakima before the
cit\' was established and he has pioneered over all this part of the state. He traveled
extensively over the region when it was largely a wild and arid tract covered with
sagebrush and gave no indication of what the future held in store for it as man has
reclaimed it for the uses of civilization. In 1908 Mr. Brosious purchased four hun-
dred acres of land on the Ahtanum and removed to that tract in 1909. He has a val-
uable ranch property, well improved, whereon he is engaged in raising hay, grain
and live stock. He annually gathers good crops from his fieUls and his live stock
interests add materially to his income.
8£4 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
On the 18th of March, 1908, Mr. Brosious was united in marriage to Mrs. Mary
A. (Allen) Clark, who was born in England, a daughter of George and Sarah Ann
Allen. By her former marriage to Joseph Clark, a miner and photographer, who
came to Roslyn in the fall of 1886, and died in 1891, she had a son, G. W. Clark,
a veterinary surgeon, who is a second lieutenant of the Veterinary Corps of the Three
Hundred and Forty-sixth Field Artillery, now in Germany in the army of occupa-
tion. Mr. and Mrs. Brosious are well known in Yakima county, where they have a
host of warm friends. By reason of his connection with the county from early pio-
neer times he has gained a very wide acquaintance in this district and his worth
as a man and citizen has commended him to the confidence, goodwill and regard of
all with whom he has been associated.
MRS. ALFRED HILTON.
Mrs. Alfred Hilton is now at the head of a successful fruit raising enterprise in
Yakima county, owning ten acres of orchard one and three-quarters miles east of
Buena. Since 1910 this ranch, whereon she built a fine modern bungalow, has been
the family residence. Mr. Hilton was a cotton merchant of Manchester, England,
and in that city passed away February 11, 1908. In 1912 Mrs. Hilton brought her
family to this county, having in 1910 acquired title to the ranch which has since
been the family home.
Mrs. Hilton has two children. Geoffrey, born February 19, 1895, attended the
public schools in England and ever since old enough has taken a great interest in
the fruit ranch, which he has assisted his mother in managing. Three times he
tried to enlist but three times was rejected. He then took himself in hand and got
himself in such good physical shape that on September 3, 1918, he was accepted
and he entered the depot brigade at Camp Lewis. Three months after joining
the army he was made a corporal. Since his return home he has given his undivided
attention to his work as foreman for the Manuel Orchard Tracts, operating some
five hundred acres, including his mother's ranch. On August 31, 1918, he married
Miss Georgia V. Walter, of Pullman. He is exceedingly popular and has served as
secretary of the Community Club and also as secretary of the Buena Community
Fair. In the best sense of the word he is a social favorite, well liked by all who
have the pleasure of his closer acquaintance. The other child of Mrs. Hilton is Elea-
nor Mary, at home.
Mrs. Hilton was secretary of the Red Cross Auxiliary, in the work of which she
was deeply interested and in her home neighborhood she did all she could to make
the Red Cross drives successful. In fact she was greatly interested in all war work
and is equally interested in social development and upbuilding. The family are of
the Episcopal faith and are devoted members of that church. They are refined
people of a cultured English family who sought this locality as a place of residence
largely because of their health.
ERNEST C. PUTERBAUGH.
For fifteen years Ernest C. Puterbaugh has occupied the ranch on which he now
makes his home. He cleared it from the sagebrush, which was the only crop that
nature vouchsafed to it. and he converted the once arid land into fertile and produc-
tive fields. Today he is raising large crops and his energy and enterprise are mani-
fest in the attractive appearance of the place. He dates his residence in the Yakima
valley from 1901, having arrived in this section of the country when a young man of
twenty-nine years. He was born in Carroll county, Illinois, on the 6th of December,
1871, a son of Henry and Ruth Puterbaugh, the former a native of Pennsylvaia, while
the latter was born in Ohio. They became early settlers of Illinois, where the father
took up his abode in. 1837, only five years after the Black Hawk war had settled the
question of Indian supremacy in that state. He devoted his attention to farming.
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 855
which he carried on extensively and became one of the prosperous agriculturists of
Illinois. Both he and his wife have passed away.
In the acquirement of his education Ernest C. Puterbaugh passed through suc-
cessive grades until he had acquired a high school education, after which he concen-
trated his efforts and attention upon farming in connection with his father. In 1901
he left the middle west and made his way to Washington, after which he purchased
eighty acres of land near where Grandview now stands, although the town had
not been laid out at that time. The sagebrush flourished, for the land was wild, not
a furrow having been turned nor an improvement made upon the place. In 1904 he
brought his wife to the ranch, which he has since cleared and developed, and now
well cultivated fields annually produce large crops of corn and hay, while his dairy
business is also bringing to him substantial profits, which he likewise derives from
the raising and sale of hogs. He is leading a busy life and his energy constitutes
the broad foundation upon which his success has been built.
On the 6th of April, 1903, Mr. Puterbaugh was married to Miss Anna Shiley, also
a native of Carroll county, Illinois, and a daughter of B. F. and Hannah (Lenker)
Shiley, who were early settlers of that state, where the father devoted his life to the
harness business. Mr. and Mrs. Puterbaugh are the parents of four children: Shiley,
fifteen years of age; Raymond; Claude; and Benewell.
In his fraternal relations Mr. Puterbaugh is an Odd Fellow, loyal to the teach-
ings and purposes of the order. He does not vote with any political party but casts
an independent ballot, supporting the candidate whom he regards as best qualified
for office. He is now accounted one of the successful ranchers of the district in
which he makes his home and has had no occasion to regret leaving his native state
for the far west.
REV. JACOB ALLAN EBY.
Rev. Jacob Allan Eby is now identified with ranching interests near Sunnyside
and also since January, 1915, has been elder in charge of the Church of the Brethren
at both Sunnyside and Grandview, his time being thus divided between his ranching
interests and his church work. He was born in Stephenson county, Illinois, Decem-
ber -?>, 1877, a son of the Rev. David B. and Hannah (Studebaker ) Eby, both of whom
are natives of Somerset county, Pennsylvania. The father was a son of Enoch Eby,
also a native of the Keystone state, who removed to Illinois in the pioneer epoch in
the history of that state, spending his remaining days there. Rev. David B. Eby
attended college at Bourbon, Indiana, and afterward entered the ministry of the
Church of the Brethren, preaching in Illinois until November, 1898, and also dividing
his time with farming interests. In the year indicated he came to Sunnyside, Wash-
ington, and purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land two miles east of the
town. The tract was partly improved but there was only a shack upon it. In 1899
he built one of the best homes in this part of the county and otherwise greatly im-
proved the property, transforming it into one of the well developed ranches of the
district. In 1900 he assisted in organizing the Church of the Brethren and became
the first pastor together with Rev. S. H. Miller. He remained pastor of the church
until January, 1916, when he removed to Olympia, Washington, and is elder in charge
of a church there. In the meantime he and his sons had developed one of the best
ranches of the valley, of which Rev. Jacob A. Eby now farms sixty acres.
During his youthful days Jacob A. Eby was a pupil in Mount Morris College of
Mount Morris, Illinois, and in 1906 he went with his family to Chicago, where for
two years he studied in the Bethany Bible School. He then returned to Sunnyside
and assisted on the ranch and also became assistant pastor of the churches at Sunny-
side. Outlook and Grandview. Since January, 1915. he has been elder in charge of
the Church of the Brethren at both Sunnyside and Grandview and gives much of his
time to the interests of his denomination. He likewise cultivates sixty acres of the
home place and gives his attention largely to the production of hay, sugar beets and
potatoes.
On the 14th of April, 1902, Rev. Eby was married to Miss Viola Smith, a native
856 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
of Maryland and a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Smith, the latter now deceased.
Her father removed to Sunnyside in 190O and has conducted business as a contractor.
In 1911 Rev. Eby was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who passed away in
March of that year. They had become the parents of four children: Francis and
Fern, twins, born June 2, 1904: and Kenneth and Katherinc, also twins, born Feb-
ruary 11. 1911.
In his political views Rev. Eby is a republican with independent tendencies, for
he makes his support of any candidate or measure a matter of judgment and not of
party following. In 19t)6 he served as a director of the drainage district and he co-
operates in all plans and measures for the material upbuilding and the social and
moral progress of the community in which he makes his home. He is one of the
most highl}' respected residents of this section and his worth is acknowledged by all
who know him.
MERLE CARSON.
Merle Carson is engaged in dairying and general farming in Yakima county upon
the place which he purchased in 1917. He has, however, been a resident of this
county since 1900. at which time his father brought the family to the northwest. He
was born in Greene county, Iowa, March 25, 1885, a son of John and Sarah J.
(Wilson) Carson, the former a native of Indiana, while the latter was born in Illi-
nois. The paternal grandfather was a native of South Carolina but became a pioneer
of Indiana and after assisting in the early development of that state he removed to
Iowa in the early '50s and became associated with events which shaped its history
during the formative period. John Carson became a successful farmer of Iowa,
where he continued to make his home until 1900, when, attracted by the opportuni-
ties of the northwest, he came to Washington and has since lived in Yakima county.
He first purchased one hundred and sixty-six acres of land on the Ahtanum and
thereon built a new barn, also erected a comfortable residence and as the years
passed continued the work of developing and improving his farm, which he con-
verted into a valuable ranch property. He carried on farming upon this place to
the time of his retirement from active business in 1913. since which time he has made
his home in the city of Yakima.
Merle Carson obtained a public school education in Iowa and afterward contin-
ued his studies in the Woodcock Academy. He was a youth of fifteen years when
he came with his parents to Washington, after which he engaged in ranching with
his father until 1917, when he purchased his present ranch property of fifty-one acres,
which is part of the old homestead. He is now engage in the raising of grain and
"hay. He also makes a feature of dairying and keeps high grade cattle and other
stock. The various branches of his business are carefully conducted and success in
substantial measure is his.
On the 22d of May, 1912, Mr. Carson was married to Miss Etta G. Mosier, a
native of Pennsylvania and a daughter of W. H. and Ella Mosier. of Mosiertown,
Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Carson have one child. Wcslev M., who was born July
21, 1916.
The parents are members of the Congregational church and Mr. Carson gives
his political support to the republican party. He has never aspired to office, how-
ever, but has given undivided attention to his business afTairs and has won a credit-
able position as an enterprising and successful rancher.
WILLIAM McGONAGLE.
William McGonagle. who is profitably engaged in raising apples and pears, is a
progressive and enterprising business man whose spirit is manifest in the splendid
equipment upon his place. Mr. McGonagle was born in Ireland, August 14, 1871, a
son of Edward and Eleanor McGonagle. both of whom have passed aw-ay. The son
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLKY 857
spent the days of his minority in his native country, acquiring a public school educa-
tion tliere. and was twenty-four years of age when in 1895 he crossed the Atlantic to
Boston. He lived on the eastern coast for about three years and then went to San
Francisco in 1898. In 1899 he removed to Alaska and for five years was a resi-
dent of Dawson and for three years of F'airbanks. He was employed by others
during the first year and then obtained property of his own, prospering during the
period of his residence in the far north. In 1907, however, he disposed of his inter-
ests in that section and returned to the states, taking up his abode in Seattle, where
he lived for a year and during that period he also visited Boston.
In 1908 Mr. McGonagle came to the Yakima valley and made investment in
tliirty-two acres of land on Selah Heights. This tract was just in the condition in
which it came from the hand of nature, being all covered with sagebrush, and much
arduous labor was required to convert it into fine orchard land. Mr. McGonagle,
however, planted the tract to apples, with pear fillers, and all the trees arc in bear-
ing now-. In fact he has one of the finest orchards in this section of the valley. In
1910 he built upon his place a fine modern residence and he has also his own pack-
ing plant — a frostproof stone building that is one of the best in the valley. Most of
his orchard is also seeded to alfalfa and he annually gathers a good hay crop.
On the 23d of September, 1908, Mr. McGonagle was married to Miss Mary
McCarty. a native of Ireland, who went to Alaska in young womanhood. They now
have one child, Mary Ellen, who is eight years of age. Their religious faith is indi-
cated by their membership in St. Joseph's Catholic church and Mr. McGonagle is
also identified with the Knights of Columbus. He likewise belongs to Yakima Lodge
No. 318, B. P. O. E.. while his political endorsement is given to the democratic party.
He has become widely and favorably known during the period of his residence in
this section of the state and his genuine worth is attested by all, for he stands for
that which is progressive in citizenship and for all that makes for the material devel-
opment and upbuilding of the district.
JOSEPH A. THORXDYKE.
Joseph A, Thorndyke, a well known orchardist of Zillah and equally well known
in musical circles, was born in Ontario, Canada, October 22, 1885, a son of Joseph
and Frances (Calvert) Thorndyke, who were likewise natives of Ontario, where the
father devoted his life to farming. He has now passed away, but the mother sur-
vives and resides in New York city.
Joseph .\. Thorndyke had the advantages of a public school education and on
starting out in business life learned the printer's trade, which he followed for eight
years in Canada and the United States. In 1908 he arrived in Zillah, Washington,
and was employed on the fruit ranch of his uncle near the town. In 1911 he bought
twentj'-three acres of land two miles northeast of Buena, upon which not a furrow-
had been turned nor an improvement made. It was covered with the native growth
of sagebrush and with characteristic energy Mr. Thorndyke began the development
of the property, which he has since planted to apples and pears, converting the place
into valuable orchards. He is most systematic and thorough in the care of his trees,
which annually produce large crops that find a ready sale on the market. He like-
wise has fifteen acres adjoining which he has planted to apples and pears, so that
his orchards altogether cover thirty-eight acres and his position is acknowledged
that of one of the foremost orchardists of his section. His place is called Home
o' Dreams Ranch.
Mr. Thorndyke has long figured prominently in musical circles in his section of
the county. He has for many years been connected with brass bands, playing all
kinds of musical instruments, and in the summer of 1910 he organized the Zillah
Concert Band of twenty-one pieces, which has played all over this part of the state.
He likewise formed the Thorndyke Orchestra, which renders excellent music for
dances. In this Mr. Thorndyke plays the violin and his wife the piano. Loving
music as he does, he makes it, however, a side issue, for his chief attention is given
to his ranching operations.
858 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
On the 23d of December, 1909, Mr. Thorndyke was united in marriage to Miss
Alice Schauweker, a native of Meadville, Pennsylvanuia, and a daughter of Frank
and Alice (Kemble) Schauweker. Her father, who was the owner of a large tannery,
removed from, the Keystone state to Cleveland, Ohio, where he spent the remainder
of his life and where the mother still makes her home. Mrs. Thorndyke is a gradu-
ate of the Cleveland Kindergarten Training School and also taught in that institu-
tion for several years. She is likewise a skilled musician and has become well known
in that connection. By her marriage she has become the mother of two children,
twins, Roger and Maurine, who were born on the 21st of March, 1918.
Thus in brief is given the history of Joseph A. Thorndyke, whose activity and
ambition have brought him into the new and growing west with a recognition of
its opportunities and advantages, whereby he has gained a place among the repre-
sentative and valued citizens of Yakima county.
ALBERT LEE McCLANAHAX, M. D.
Dr. Albert Lee McCIanahan, engaged in the practice of medicine at Yakima,
was born in Strasburg, Virginia, in 1872, a son of George M. and Elizabeth (Bauman)
McCIanahan, representatives of old southern families. The father is an attorney
and practiced his profession for many years in Virginia but is now living retired,
having reached the notable old age of ninety-six years.
Liberal educational advantages were accorded Dr. McCIanahan. who was gradu-
ated from Columbia University on the completion of a classical course, winning the
Bachelor of Arts degree in 1898. He afterward attended the St. Louis University
and won his M. D. degree in 1904. Following his graduation he went to Nome,
.■\laska. but soon afterward returned to Seattle, where he opened an office and con-
tinued in the active practice of medicine and surgery until 1914. He then removed
to EUensburg, where he remained until 1918, when he came to Yakima and opened
offices in the Miller building. He has already won a good practice, for his ability is
pronounced and he is most careful in the diagnosis of his cases.
In 1904 Dr. McCIanahan was united in marriage to Miss Emma Boesewetter,
who was born in St. Louis. Fraternally the Doctor is connected with the Benevolent
Protective Order of Elks and in Masonry has attained high rank. He belongs to
Arcania Lodge No. 83, F. & A. M., and he has attained the thirty-second degree of
the Scottish Rite, while with the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine he has crossed the
sands of the desert. He also has membership with the Loyal Order of Moose. He
has never sought nor desire political office but served for one year as deputy mar-
shal of the second division of Alaska. In strictly professional lines his connection is
with the Count}', the State and the American Medical Associations.
JAMES C. YOUNG.
.\n excellent ranch property of forty acres five and a half miles west of Yakima
pays tribute to the care and labor bestowed upon it by James C. Young, whose
labors constitute another proof of the productiveness of the soil of the Yakima valley
and the adaptability of the region for fruit raising. Mr. Young is a native of Michi-
gan. He was born at Chelsea, that state, on the 2Sth of June, 1861, his parents being
Thomas and Elizabeth (Kelly) Young. The father was a contractor and ship-
builder of Chicago in early manhood but afterward turned his attention to the
occupation of farming in Michigan. He and his wife were natives of Ireland but
came to the United States in childhood and were married on this side of the -At-
lantic. Both have now passed away.
In the acquirement of his education James C. Young passed through consecu-
tive grades in the public schools until he had gained a high school course. In 1884
he went to California and settling at Selma, there engaged in merchandising for nine
years, or until 1893. He afterward returned to his native state, where he again
JAMES C. YOT'N(
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 861
spent a year, but at the end of that time returned to Selma and occupied the posi-
tion of deputy postmaster at that place until 1894. In the spring of 1895 he made his
way to Cook's Inlet, Alaska, where he engaged in mining, but the year 1896 found
him again in the vicinity of Selma, California. The following year he returned to
the Klondike, where he remained until 1900, and was also at Teller and Port Clar-
ence, Alaska, where he was prospecting. At Council City on Golofnin Bay he was
also mining for two years. He was for a time at Fairbanks, Alaska, remaining until
1907, and spent altogether eight winters and twelve summers in that country, travel-
ing largely over the district and prospecting most of the time. He made some money
on Esther creek, near Fairbanks, and he gained valuable experience and picked up
much interesting information concerning the country and its possibilities.
In 1907 Mr. Young arrived in Yakima county, where he purchased forty acres
of land five and a half miles west of Yakima, of which a few acres had already been
planted to fruit. He sold thirty acres of this in 1910 but has throughout the interven-
ing period cultivated the entire forty-acre tract. He has planted it all to fruit, hav-
ing thirty-five acres in fruit. He has erected the buildings thereon and has a splen-
didly equipped ranch. He belongs to the Yakima County Horticultural Union and
he assisted in organizing the Yakima Fruit Growers Exchange, of which he was
president during several years of its existence. He helped to organize and was
president of a society formed to get rid of the fruit blight. In fact he has done very
progressive work in connection with fruit raising in the northwest and has closely
studied every phase of the business until he is thoroughly familiar with the causes
of blight and all those things which destroy the trees or keep the fruit from attain-
ing its normal perfection. He employs the most modern scientific methods in the
care of his trees and in the gathering, packing and shipping of his fruit and is today
a prominent representative of the horticultural interests of this section of the state.
On the 20th of May, 1915, Mr. Young was married to Miss Minnie Einwalter and
the}- have become parents of two sons, James WiUiani and Howard Frederick. Mr.
Young votes with the democratic party where national questions and issues are in-
volved, but at local elections casts an independent ballot. He is a member of the
Sour Doughs, an organization of men formerly residents of Alaska. He has at-
tractive social qualities, which make for personal popularity, as well as splendid busi-
ness traits, giving him classification among the epresentative and valued residents
of the valley.
JOSIAH H. MORRISON.
Josiah H. Morrison is the owner of an excellent farm property of eighty acres
in Yakima county and its development has not only been to him a source of indi-
vidual profit but has contributed also to the advancement of agricultural interests in
this section. Mr. Morrison is a native of Illinois. He was born on the 16th of
March, 1865, a son of John L. and Caroline (Billic) Morrison, the former a native of
Illinois, while the latter was born in Pennsylvania. The father removed with his
family from Illinois to Bates county, Missouri, in 1866 and after residing there for
eleven years came to the northwest in 1877, settling in Polk county, Oregon. In the
fall of 1880 he removed to Yakima county and Josiah H. Morrison and his father
took up a homestead on Nob Hill and proved up on the property. Afterward they
sold that land and each purchased a ranch on the Ahtanum. The father is now liv-
ing retired, making his home in Yakima in the enjoyment of a rest which he has
truly earned and richly merits. His wife passed away in 1874.
Josiah H. Morrison was reared to farm life and early became familiar ^ith prac-
tical and progressive methods of ranching through the assistance which he rendered
his father. Since his father's retirement he has concentrated his efiforts and atten-
tion upon the development of his eighty acres of land, on which he raises hay, grain
and hops. He also has a considerable amount of live stock upon his place and is
engaged in the dairy business. His activities are always prompted by a most progres-
sive spirit and by a laudable ambition that produces good results.
On the 1st of January, 1893, Mr. Morrison was united in marriage to Miss Carrie
862 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
Minner, a native of Oregon and a daughter of William H. Minner, one of the pio-
neers of that state. The children of this marriage are as follows: Lester is engaged
in ranching and is married and has one child. Gerald was a member of the United
States army, having served with the military band of his regiment, the Twenty-
seventh Artillery. He married Hazel Shanks, of Spokane, and they have one child,
Gerald, Jr. Prudence is the only successful woman mail carrier of the northwest
and in her official capacity is popular in Yakima. By her enterprise and attention to
duty and her desire to make her own living she has not only gained credit for her-
self but proves that she comes of an industrious family. Fleda and Mildred, who are
both yet at home, are attending school.
Mr. Morrison belongs to the Brotherhood of .American Yeomen. His study of
political questions and issues has led him to give his support to the democratic party,
for he believes that its platform contains the best elements of good government.
He has membership in the Christian church as has the family and his life is guided
by high and honorable principles. He is loyal to his convictions and no trust re-
posed in Josiah H. Morrison is ever betrayed. He is classed with the pioneer farm-
ers of Yakima who have done much to develop the agricultural possibilities of the
state and his success is the merited reward of his labor.
OLIVER W. WALLACE.
Olivtr W. Wallace, owner of a fine ranch property of thirty acres in the vicinity
of Grandview, has been a resident of Yakima county since 1902, at which time he
came to the west with his parents. William and Ellen (Hartman) Wallace, who were
pioneer settlers of Iowa, establishing their home in Keokuk county, where the birth
of Oliver W. W'allace occurred on the 16th of December, 1873. He was a young man
of twenty-eight years when the family removed to the Pacific coast. He accom-
panied his parents, and the father and his sons purchased sixty acres of land one
mile from the present site of Grandview. At a later period thirty acres of this tract
were sold. For a considerable period the father remained an active factor in ranch-
ing interests in Yakima county but afterward retired from active business and resided
in Grandview to the time of his death, which occurred in March, 1917. His widow
survives and is now a resident of Idaho.
Oliver W. Wallace was reared under the parental room with the usual experi-
ences of the farm-bred boy, so that he was well qualified to take up ranching inter-
ests when he came with his parents to the west. He was associated with his father
in the development of the homestead ranch for some time and eventually purchased
the interests of the others in the property and is today the owner of thirty acres of
valuable land, highly cultivated and improved. He engages in raising corn, potatoes
and hay and his large crops find a ready sale on the market.
On the 28th of December, 1911, Mr. Wallace was married to Miss May Kissinger,
who was born in Kansas, a daughter of Boston and Clara Kissinger, now residents
of Idaho. The children' of this marriage are Homer, Howard, Deloss and Clara,
all yet under the parental roof. Mrs. Wallace is a member of the Methodist church
and a lady of many admirable qualities. In politics Mr. Wallace is an independent
republican, for while he usually supports the party, he does not consider himself
bound by party ties. He has never been ambitious to hold office but has ever been
desirous of winning success in his ranching operations, and his close application and
unabating energy are liringing him very near to the goal of prosperity.
WESLEY W. SHEANE.
Wesley W. Sheane, president of the W. W. Sheane Automobile Company of
Spokane, conducting a motor car sales and repair business, has the largest garage
in Yakima and the property is the visible evidence of his well directed energy and
thrift. The story of his life is a story of earnest endeavor which has brought him
HISTORY OF YAKIMA \ALLEY 863
to a desired goal. He was born in Canada, October 7, 1862, a son of George and
Lucy (Gammon) Sheane. The father a native of Dublin, Ireland, crossed the Atlantic
to Canada when but nine years of age. He afterward took up the occupation of
farming and secured a homestead claim in Bruce county, Canada, where he success-
fully followed general agricultural pursuits for many years, there passing away in
1914. while his wife survived until 1915.
Wesley W. Sheane was reared to farm life, remaining upon the old homestead
until twenty-three years of age, during which time he acquired a thorough public
school education. He arrived in Washington in 1885 and settled in Spokane, where
he became connected with the livery business. He purchased the business of his
employer in 1908 and there remained until 1910, when he removed to Yakima, where
he again purchased a livery business which he owned until 1918 and then sold. In
the meantime, as the horse and carriage was being largely supplanted by the auto-
mobile, he wisely turned his attention in the latter direction and in 1914 established
a garage at No. 118 South Third street, where he was located for a year. In 1915
lie organized the Central .\utomol)ile & Supply Company, of which he was the pres-
ident until the 1st of January, 1918, when he sold the business and organized the
W. W. Sheane Automobile Company. He then bought out the Public Garage and
occupies a large building two hundred by one hundred and thirty feet, with storage
room for one hundred and twenty-five cars. This is the largest garage in Yakima.
Mr. Sheane is agent for the Paige motor car and also for the .^tterbury truck and in
addition to his sales department has the largest repair shop in Yakima. He makes it
his object to please all customers and has built up a fine business. It is recognized
that the work done in the garage is most thorough and of high grade, while in all
business transactions the name of Sheane stands as a synonym for thorough relia-
bility.
On the 10th of August. 1897, Mr. Sheane was united in marriage to Miss Emma
Bouvette, who was born in Pembina, North Dakota. Fraternally Mr. Sheane is
connected with the Elks. He also belongs to the Commercial Club of Y'akima, to
the Yakima ^'alley Business Men's Association and to the -Automobile Association
and is thus active in promoting the trade interests and business development of city
and district. In politics he is a republican but has never been an office seeker. He
owns some fine farming property in this section of the state together with city
property in Yakima and Spokane. He has become prominent and well known in the
valley and is today accounted one of the representative business men of the west,
his alertness, his enterprise and business sagacity being the salient features in win-
ning him his substantial success. His efforts are most carefully directed and his
plans wisely formulated and. moreover, he early recognized the eternal principle
that industry wins, so that he made industry the beacon light of his life.
A. C. WHITSON.
.■\. C. Whitson, a resident of Yakima for fourteen years and now conducting a
successful and growing business under the name of the Whitson Plumbing & Heat-
ing Company, was born at Morris, Minnesota, July 27, 1880, a son of Robert and
Hattie (Huntington) Whitson, who after residing for a number of years in Minne-
sota removed to Pembina, North Dakota, in 1889. The father engaged in railroad
work, thus provimng tor the support of his family.
A. C. Whitson was a youth of but nine years at the time the family home was
established in North Dakota, where he acquired a public school education. He
afterward learned the plumbing business at Crookston, Minnesota, and there re-
mained until 1904. when he removed to the Pacific northwest, settling in Yakima.
For seven years he was employed by the Vakinia Hardware Company and during
this period carefully saved his earnings until his industry and economy had brought
him sufficient capital to enable him to engage m business on his own account. In
1912, therefore, he organized the Whitson Plumbing & Heating Company at No. 13
South First street and has since conducted a general plumbing and heating busi-
864 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
ness. He did the plumbing for the Wapato high school, for the Country Club and in
many of the leading residences of the city.
In 190O Mr. Whitson was married to Miss Sarah Wellington, a native of Ohio,
and to them were born ten children: Hattie and .■\nnie, twins, who have passed away;
one who died in infancy; Wendell; Robert; Verne; Helen; John; .-Mfred and Flor-
ence.
Fraternally Mr. \\'hitson is connected with the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows and politically with the republican party. His efforts and attention, how-
ever, are mostly concentrated upon his business affairs and in addition to his plumb-
ing and heating business in the city he owns a cattle ranch and a fruit ranch in the
Yakima valley, having made judicious investments in property in this section and
thus indicated his belief in the future of the district. He is a self-made man in that
he owes his success entirely to his perseverance and industry and his prosperity has
indeed been well earned.
WILLIAM STOBIE.
William Stobie has a fine home standing in the midst of one hundred and twenty-
six acres of land not far distant from Sunnyside. Much of this was covered with
the native sagebrush when it came into his possession and his labors have wrought
a marked transformation, converting it into rich and productive fields. The life
record of William Stobie is an interesting one. He is a Scot by birth, his natal day
being December 20, 1843. His parents, James and Elizabeth (Thompson) Stobie,
also natives of Scotland, crossed the Atlantic to Canada in 1845 and there the father
engaged in farming until his death.
William Stobie was less than two years of age when the family home was
established in Canada, where he was reared and attended the public schools to the
age of eleven years. He was but ten years old when his father died and since the age
of twelve has made his own way in the world. He crossed the border into the United
States and has since been dependent entirely upon his labors and resources. In
1863, in response to the country's call for aid to preserve the Union, he enlisted
in the First New York Light Artillery as a member of Battery K, under Captain
Stoughton, and served until the close of the war with a most creditable military
record, being honorably discharged and mustered out in 1865. He then took up
blacksmithing and also canal boat building, to which he devoted a year in New
York. In 1867 he removed to Missouri, where he engaged in farming and also con-
ducted a blacksmith shop. In 1869 he became a resident of Kansas and for two
years again engaged in farming and blacksmithing. In 1871 he started for the
Black Hills, but changing his plans, took up his abode at Central City, Colorado,
where he continued for a year. He afterward spent a similar period at Floyd Hill,
Colorado, and then went to Idaho Springs, Colorado, where he remanied for two
years. He was next at Platte Station, Colorado, and thence went to Weston, Colo-
rado, and on to Buena Vista, where he conducted a blacksmith shop and also en-
gaged in freighting. He "pulled" the first six-mule team into Pitkin, Colorado.
Later he went to Alamosa, Colorado, where he did railway contracting on the Denver
& Rio Grande Railroad. He followed freighting, railroad building and other work
of that character at various points in Colorado and New Mexico in the typical
Indian days when one had to endure all the hardships and privations of pioneer
life, and he was in New Mexico at the time of one of the Indian scares there. He
did a large amount of railway construction work in Pocatello, Idaho, and on the
Snake river, around Elizabeth Station, also at Shoshone, Idaho, and other places for
the Oregon Short Line. He was likewise engaged in railroad contract work on the
Chicago, Burlington & Quincy in Minnesota and North Dakota. His experiences
have been indeed broad and varied, connecting him with many lines of business
activity and bringing to him an intimate and comprehensive knowledge of the condi-
tions of the country over which he has worked.
After putting aside railroad contract work Mr. Stobie took up a homestead in
Thomas county, Kansas, in 1885, securing a tract of land which was entirely wild
WILLIAM STOBIE
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 867
and undeveloped, but his home and fortunes were wrecked by a cyclone in 1887. He
then went to Colorado, where he did contract work on the Union Pacific Railroad,
and he also engaged in railway building under contract at various points in the
west. He likewise took contracts for street work in the west and in British Columbia
and thus became associated with the interests and development of this section of
the country. In October. 1891, he arrived in Y'akima county to do contract wortc
on the Sunnyside canal and built over thirty miles of the main canal, together with
many laterals all over the lower valley. The canal company, however, met with
financial disaster and Mr. Stobie lost heavily thereby. It was then that he turned
his attention to agricultural interests, securing a claim of sixty acres of sagebrush
land as part payment for some of his work. He at once began the development of his
ranch and he now has a fine home and valuable property. He has bought more land
until his holdings now aggregate one hundred and twenty-six acres, splendidly im-
proved with all the equipments and accessories of a model farm of the twentieth
century.
On the 27th of April, 1878, Mr. Stobie was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary
Thurman, who was born in Germany and came to the United States at the age of
eighteen years. By a former marriage Mr. Stobie has three children, as follows;
Cora E., who is the wife of George Madison, a ranchman of Yakima county: Alice,
who lives in Texas and is the wife of Alex Carthorn; and William Thomas, a
rancher of Yakima county.
Fraternally Mr. Stobie is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows
and is also a member of Weber Post, No. 179, G. A. R., of Sunnyside. His political
allegiance is given to tlie republican party. His experiences of life have been varied,
broad and interesting. In Colorado he and his wife once had to run from the
Indians and with team and buckboard drove a distance of one hundred and forty
miles without stopping. They then camped, but a bear scared the team, which ran
away. However, Mr. Stobie caught the team, after which they drove all night,
managing to elude the Indians. There is no phase of pioneer life or experience with
which he is not familiar and he has contributed much to the development and up-
building of the west. He has assisted in building various drainage projects and
roads and he is today one of the oldest settlers in his part of Y^akima coiinty, having
the first house built in the section in which he lives. His success is well deserved, for
with patience, determination and energy he has continued his labors, undeterred by
obstacles and difficulties, and in due time has arrived at the goal of prosperity, being
now one of the successful ranchmen in the vicinity of Sunnyside.
HENRY W. GRISSOM.
Henry W. Grissoni, who is engaged in the cultivation of about eighty acres of land
on the Ahtanum. was born in Jefferson county, Iowa, September 25, 1866, a son of
John M. and Elizabeth (Minner) Grissom. The father was a native of Ohio, while
the mother was born in Indiana, and they became pioneer settlers of Iowa, where
Mr. Grissom continued to carry on general agricultural pursuits until 1882. He then
left the Mississippi valley for the far west, making his way to Kittitas county, Wash-
ington, where he purchased a homestead right. He then began farming in the north-
west but was not long permitted to enjoy his new home, for his deatli occurred in
1883. His widow afterward sold the farm and resided in Ellensburg, Washington,
until she was called to her final rest twenty years later, passing away in June, 1903.
Henry W. Grissoni pursued his education in the public schools of Iowa and from
the age of sixteen years worked for wages. While thus employed he carefully saved
his earnings until his industry and perseverance had brought to him sufficient capital
to enable him to start in business on his own account. It was in 1891 that he rented
land in Kittitas county, cultivating that place for four years. In 1895 he removed to
Yakima county, where he again rented land until 1911, at which time he purchased
twenty acres on the Ahtanum. He rents about sixty acres more, so that he is now
cultivating eighty acres, devoted to the raising of hay and other crops. He has large
(35)
868 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
hop vineyards and he is also devoting some time to stock raising, having good
grades of live stock upon his place.
On the 22d of November, 1893, Mr. Grissom was united in marriage to Miss
Emma C. Hansen, who was born in Des Moines, Iowa, a daughter of Ole and Bertha
Hansen, who were pioneer people of Kittitas county and were natives of Norway.
To Mr. and Mrs. Grissom were born six children: George D., who is now with the
United States troops in England, having enlisted in the navy; Chester, who died at
the age of seven years; Edith Pearl, at home; Bertha May; Walter, who has also
passed away; and Allen, who completes the family.
Mr. Grissom has been a member of the Woodmen of the World for the past
twenty years. He attends the Christian church and he gives his political support to
the republican party. He has served on the school board and is interested in the
cause of education and in all matters of local progress and improvements, cooperat-
ing heartily in all movements for the general good. He is truly a self-made man.
He was only about sixteen years of age at the time of his father's death and since
then he has been dependent entirely upon his own resources. He started out in
the business world empty-handed and all that he possesses and has enjoyed has been
won through his earnest effort and laudable ambition. He is today the owner of a
good ranch property and his life is another proof of the fact that industry is the
basis of all honorable success.
PETER PETERSON.
A considerable percentage of the citizenship of the district surrounding Selah
from Sweden. The sons of that country have manifested their usual untiring
industry, perseverance and reliability in the conduct of business affairs here and their
worth is widely recognized. To this class belongs Peter Peterson, who was born July
29. 1866, a son of Mons and Enger Peterson, both of whom have now passed away.
He spent the first sixteen years of his life in his native country and then in 1882
crossed the Atlantic to the new world and made his way to Chicago, after which he
engaged in sailing on the Lakes, becoming master on vessels on the fresh water.
He worked his way upward in that connection and also was part owner of Lake
vessels. In 1900 he came to Yakima county, Washington, and purchased twenty
acres of land on Selah Heights, which was then covered with sagebrush. He com-
menced its development with characteristic energy and his labors soon wrought a
marked change in the appearance of his land. He also secured five acres near Selah
and has added to his lioldings until he now has a valuable tract of seventy-eight
acres, of which twenty acres is planted to orchards, while forty acres is plow land
and the balance pasture. He has sold the five-acre tract and concentrates his efforts
and attention upon his other holdings, which are now bringing forth fine crops of
fruit and of vegetables and cereals. He knew nothing at all of farming when he came
to the west, having had no experience in this line and those who knew him predicted
that he could not make a success of it. Perseverance and industry, however, are
qualities which always triumph over difficulties and obstacles and these qualities Mr.
Peterson possessed in large measure. He worked diligently, studied closely to master
the business and acquaint himself with every phase of general farming and stock
raising, and today he has one of the fine farm properties in the Yakima valley. He
annually gathers large crops of hay and potatoes and makes extensive shipments of
apples and grapes.
In 1890 Mr. Peterson was married to Miss Helen Hansen, a native of Norway,
who came to the new world in her girlhood days, settling in Chicago. The children
of this marriage are: Esther, now the wife of Philip J. Eustace, a resident of \''akima,
by whom she has one daughter; Leif. who is now deceased; Ruth, the wife of G. I.
Foster, who is a member of the United States army, while his wife is at home with
her parents; and Hazel and Hattie, twins, both of whom have passed away.
Mr. Peterson is a member of the Seventh Day Advcntist church. His political
allegiance is given to the republican party upon national questions but at local elec-
tions he casts an independent ballot. He deserves great credit for what he has ac-
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 869
complished. He became the first settler in his part of the valley and he brought
to his work no previous experience along the line in which he engaged. He did not
know how to harness a horse or do anything in connection with farming, but he
possessed intelligence and determination and set to work to learn all that was neces-
sary. Step by step he has advanced and each forward step has brought to him a
broader outlook and wider opportunities. Today he is a leading farmer of the district,
reliable and progressive, and many who believed that at the outset he would meet
with failure are now glad to follow his example and listen to his advice.
CHARLES H. MOWERY.
Charles H. Mowery, conducting a profitable business as an oil man in Yakima,
was born in Jennings county, Indiana in 1866, a son of James T. and Frances Eliza-
beth Mowery, who about 1879 removed to Kansas, the father spending his remaining
days at Fort Scott, that state. The mother afterward married again, becoming the
wife of R. M. Jack, and in 1889 they removed to the northwest, settling in Yakima,
where Mr. Jack purchased land and engaged in farming, .^t a later date he estab-
lished his home in Oregon, where he passed away, but the mother of Mr. Mowery is
still living.
With the removal of the family to the west Charles H. Mowery acquired his
education in the schools of Kansas and for a time attended the State Normal School
there. Subsequent to his arrival in Yakima in 1889 he became connected with the
sheep industry and was employed in that way for seven years. He afterward turned
his attention to the retail oil business in Yakima about 1905 and subsequently became
identified with the wholesale oil trade here. In 1913 he sold his business to the
Union Oil Company. In 1911 he opened the first gasoline station in Yakima and has
since been engaged in the sale of gas. His first station was on B street and later
he opened another at the corner of Yakima street and Seventh avenue which he
still conducts. In 1917 he erected a new building at Naches street and East Yakima
avenue, where he also has a fine gas station and accessories store. He is in the
same business at the other stand and both branches are proving profitable.
In 1904 Mr. Mowery was married to Miss Rose Beautrow, of Minnesota, and they
have become parents of three children, .\lbert, Eloise and Ralph. In politics Mr.
Mowery maintains an independent course, voting for men and measures rather than
party. He belongs to the Commercial Club and is interested in all plans and measures
for the upbuilding of the citj-, for the advancement of its business connections and the
support and development of its civic standards.
AUGUST B. SOLTOW.
August B. Soltow, occupying an attractive bungalow on a ranch of ten acres
which he owns near Zillah, is also engaged in the development of thirty-one acres
adjoining and has won very substantial success as an orchardist. He was born in
Winneshiek county, Iowa, September 19, 1881, a son of Paul and Anna (Jeddloh)
Soltow. The father was born in Germany and came to the United States in child-
hood days. He afterward cast in his lot with the pioneer settlers of Iowa, where
he carried on farming to the time of his demise. His widow survives and is still a
resident of that state, living at Cresco.
August B. Soltow devoted his youth largely to the acquirement of a public school
education and on attaining his majority started out in the business world on his own
account. He worked for wages until 1909 and then sought the opportunities of the
northwest, making his way to Tacoma, where he followed carpentering for a year.
In 1911 he purchased ten acres of land a mile and three-quarters east of Buena and
is still the owner of that property, upon which he has erected a pretty little bunga-
low, together with substantial barns. The orchards which he has planted upon his
place are now in bearing and are in excellent condition. In addition to his home
870 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
property Mr. Soltow has also developed thirty-one acres adjoining for E. E. Crook
and has planted the entire forty-one acres to apples, peaches and pears.
On the 22d of March, 1911. Mr. Soltow was married to Miss Glencora Oathout. a
native of Clayton county. Iowa, and a daughter of George and Margaret (Powell)
Oathout, who are natives of New York and Illinois respectively. They became
pioneer settlers of Iowa, to which state they made an overland trip. Mr. Oathout is
descended from one of the old colonial families whose American progenitor came
on the Mayflower. He is a veteran of the Civil war and after the close of hostilities
devoted his attention to farming in Iowa for many years but in later life came to
Yakima county and is now living retired in the city of Yakima. Mr. and Mrs. Sol-
.tow have two children: Robert Wilmot, who was born January 15, 1912; and Anna
Margaret, whose birth occurred on the 4th of July, 1916. The wife and mother is a
member of the Methodist church.
In politics Mr. Soltow maintains an independent course. He is a self-made
man whose success, attributable entirelj- to his perseverance, industry and deter-
mination. He had no assistance at the outset of his career but has worked his
way steadily upward and is now conducting a profitable business.
E. ROY EBY.
E. Roy Eby is one of the representative young ranchers of Yakima county,
where he has spent the greater part of his life. He was born, however, in Stephen-
son county, Illinois, June 2, 1891, and is a brother of the Rev. Jacob A. Eby, who is
mentioned elsewhere in this work. He acquired a public school education, passing
through consecutive grades to the high school, and later pursued a course in a busi-
ness college in Portland, Oregon. On attaining his majority he purchased forty
acres of land from his father and has since rented twenty acres more of the old
homestead. His boyhood and youth had been passed under the parental roof, so that
he early became familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for
the crops. He therefore brought broad and valuable experience to the starting point
of his independent business career and through the intervening period he has suc-
cessfully cultivated his land, producing large crops of hay, corn, potatoes and sugar
beets, for which he finds a ready sale on the market.
On the 11th of December, 1912, Mr. Eby was married to Miss Martha M. Anding.
a native of Chicago. Illinois, and a daughter of .'\ugust Anding. Their children are
Eleanor, Lois and Emerson. Both Mr. and Mrs. Eby are members of the Church of
the Brethren and his political endorsement is given to the republican party. He is
well known in the section in which he resides as a progressive young farmer and one
whose worth of character has gained for him the respect, confidence and goodwill
of all with whom he has been associated.
AUGUST J. LA BISSONIERE.
August J. La Bissoniere, who in the spring of 1918 purchased one hundred and
sixty acres of land on the Ahtanum and is now identified with ranching interests,
having sixty acres of land under cultivation, was born at Red Lake Falls, Minnesota,
January 31, 1890. He is therefore yet a young man but already he has won a most
creditable position in ranching circles. He is a son of Francis and Adeline (Der-
roche) La Bissoniere, both of whom were natives of Canada, whence they removed
to Minnesota in 1868. After residing for many years in that state they came to
Y'akima county in 1906 and purchased a home on Nob Hill. The father is now liv-
ing retired on the Moxee, making his home with a daughter.
August J. La Bissoniere acquired a public school education and in young man-
hood worked for wages. He was employed in a grocery house and also in connection
with a wholesale fruit business, but he was ambitious to engage in business on his
own account, so that he carefully saved his earnings until the sum was sufficient to
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 871
enable him to invest in land. In the spring of 1918 he purchased one hundred and
sixty acres on the Ahtanum and now has sixty acres of this place under cultivation,
devoted to the raising of grain and hay. He also has a five-acre orchard and he is
most carefully, systematically and successfully developing and improving his land,
which he is converting into one of the fine ranch properties of the district.
On the 9th of January, 1910, Mr. La Bissoniere was united in marriage to Miss
Myrtle Hecox, a native of Wisconsin and a daughter of Fred R. and Mary Hecox,
who came to Yakima county in 1900. The father purchased the ranch that is now
owned by Mr. La Bissoniere. To the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. La Bissoniere four chil-
dren have been born, Kenneth, Monica, Margaret and Elizabeth. The religious faith
of the family is indicated in the fact that they are communicants of St. Paul's church,
and Mr. La Bissoniere is also identified with the Knights of Columbus at Yakima.
F'raternally he is an Elk, belonging to the lodge at Ellensburg. Politically he main-
tains an independent course, voting for men and measures rather than party. He
has worked diligently and persistently as the years have gone by and his enterprise
and industry have been the strong features in the attainment of his present day pros-
perity.
JULIUS H. FRAZIER.
Julius H. Frazier is a veteran of the Civil war who, though he has now passed
the age of three score years and ten, is yet actively engaged in business, being
identified with fruit raising interests in the vicinity of Selah. He was born in Craw-
ford county, \Visconsin, October 1, 1847, a son of David D. and Alzina (Davidson)
Frazier, who in 1849 removed to Minnesota, where they were pioneer settlers, con-
tributing to the early development and progress of that state. They were natives of
Ohio and the father's people came from New York and were of Scotch descent.
Both Mr. and Mrs. David D. Frazier passed away in Minnesota.
Julius H. Frazier was largely reared in that state and acquired a public school
education. His early experiences made him familiar with frontier life in all of its
phases in the upper Mississippi valley. He had not yet attained the age of eighteen
years when he responded to the country's call for troops and on the 14th of March,
1865, enlisted as a member of Company C, First Regiment of Minnesota Volunteers,
for duty at the front in defense of the Union. He saw active service in the south
and was mustered out on the 15th of July, 1865, returning to his home with a cred-
itable military record. He afterward engaged in farming in Minnesota, residing
for a time in Blue Earth county and subsequently in Redwood county, where he
continued to devote his attention to general agricultural pursuits until 1914. He
then disposed of his property in that section of the state and came to Yakima county,
Washington, where he has since made his home. He purchased ten acres of land
on Selah Heights, all in apples, and has been closely identified with the further de-
velopinent and care of his orchards.
On the 19th of February, 1878, Mr. Frazier was married to Miss Laura Simmons,
who was born in Iowa, April 29, 1849, a daughter of Randall and Mary (Kennedy)
Simmons, tlie former a native of the Empire state, while the latter was born in Ohio.
They became pioneer settlers of Iowa and later, in 1850, Mr. Simmons crossed the
plains to California, attracted by the discovery of gold in that state. In 1854 he
became a resident of Minnesota, where he and his wife spent their remaining days.
They were identified with the pioneer development of the latter state and contrib-
uted in substantial measure to its early progress. To Mr. and Mrs. Frazier have been
born seven children. George, who is married and has two children, resides in
Yakima. Edith died at the age of seven years. Ella is the wife of Frank Rawlings,
a resident of Minnesota, and they have four children. Alice is the wife of Max John-
son, whose home is at Milroy, Minnesota, and they have two sons. Frank, who is
married and has one son, resides at Selah, Washington. Jay, who is engaged in
ranching on Selah Heights, is married and has two children. James is engaged in
teaching in Minnesota, where he lives with his wife and one child.
In his political views Mr. Frazier is a democrat and has taken an active part in
m HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
political affairs but does not seek nor desire office at the present time. While living
in Minnesota, however, he served for two years as ma\-or of Vesta. His wife is a
member of the Nazarene church and Mr. Frazier proudly wears the little bronze
button that proclaims him a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. He has
always been as true and loyal in matters of citizenship as he was when he followed
the nation's starry banner on the battlefields of the south.
FRANCIS WILLIAM VALENTINE.
Francis William Valentine, whose time and attention are devoted to orcharding
in the vicinity of Zillah, was born in Ellsworth, Wisconsin, February 2, 1873, a son
of William and Ellen (Kelly) Valentine. The mother was a native of Utica, New
York. They settled in Wisconsin during the pioneer epoch in the history of that
state and afterward removed to Minnesota, where their last days were passed.
While spending his boyhood and youth in the home of his parents, Francis W.
Valentine attended the public schools but put aside his textbooks when only fourteen
years of age in order to earn his living. He worked for wages for some time and
he early realized the fact that industry is the basis of all honorable success
Throughout all the intervening years he has worked diligently and persistently.
After remaining in the employ of others for some time he took up farming on his
own account in St. Croix county, Wisconsin, and met success in his undertakings
there, but eventually he disposed of his property in the middle west and on the 18th
of April, 1913, arrived in Yakima, Washington, where he again worked for wages
until February, 1918. He thfn bought ten acres of land a mile and a half northeast
of Buena. He has planted the entire tract to fruit, making a specialty of the raising
of peaches, apples and pears. A nice home is one of the pleasing features of his
place and neatness and thrift characterize everything upon the ranch.
On the 7th of November, 1899, Mr. Valentine was united in marriage to Miss
Elizabeth Tomlinson, a native of Fargo, Wisconsin, and a daughter of John and
Romina Tomlinson. They now have two children, Mira and Eugene. Mr. Valentine
is not bound by party ties in his political views, and while he is always interested in
the welfare and progress of his community, he leaves office holding to others. He is
indeed a self-made man and deserves much credit for what he has accomplished,
working his way upward step by step as the years have passed as the result of his
industry and determination.
EMILE P. VILLAUME.
An attractive stone residence, standing in the midst of a highly cultivated ranch
property largely devoted to fruit raising in the Selah valley, is owned and occupied
by Emile P. Villaume, a native of France, who was born on the 29th of June, 1865,
of the marriage of Athanase and Marguerite (Baly) Villaume. The father died_ in
France and the mother and children afterward came to the L^nited States, crossing
the Atlantic in 1886, when Emile P. Villaume was a young man of twenty-one years.
They made their way to the upper Mississippi valley, settling at St. Paul, Minnesota,
and there Emile P. Villaume continued until 1902, when the opportunities of the
west attracted him and he made his way to Yakima county. Here in 1903 he pur-
chased a relinquishment on an eighty acre homestead on the Selah Heights, which
was one of the first tracts of land taken up in this part of the county. The greater
part of it was at that time covered with a native sagebrush and gave little indication
that it would be transformed into valuable fruit land. He now has, however, an
eight acre orchard, in which he is raising fine apples. The balance of his place
is devoted to the cultivation of hay and cereals. He has sold twenty acres of his
land but still retains sixty acres and he has forty acres under the ditch, the irriga-
tion system being thoroughly adequate to the demands upon it. From the first Mr.
Villaume has steadily developed and improved the prooerty and in 1903 he erected
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 875
thereon a comfortable dwelling, which at that time was the largest in the locality.
That he has since prospered is indicated in the fact that in 1912 he built a fine
stone residence of eight rooms, supplied with all modern conveniences and com-
forts. In 1911 he built a large barn and there is no accessory or improvement of
the model farm of the twentieth century that is lacking upon his place.
On the 6th of April. 1896. Mr. Villaume was married to Miss Leona Gros, of
St. Paul, Minnesota, and they have two children, Alice Augustine and Paul Eugene,
both at home. In politics Mr. Villaume maintains an independent course. He is
a self-made man who started out in life without the aid of influential friends or
financial assistance. Undeterred by the difficulties which he has encountered, he
has steadily worked his way upward and the steps in his orderly progression are
easily discernible. Continuous effort, intelligently directed, has constituted the foun-
dation upon which he has builded his prosperity.
HARRY A. GLEN.
Harry A. Glen has devoted almost his entire life to the railway business and has
worked his way upward from a humble position to that of general agent for the
Northern Pacific Railroad Company at Yakima. He was born in Scotland on the
20th of October, 1871, a son of Henry and Margaret (Campbell) Glen. His father
has been the minister of the Presbyterian church at Beith, Ayrshire, Scotland, for
more than fifty-two years, but the mother has passed away.
Harry A. Glen is indebted to the public school system of Scotland for his edu-
cational opportunities. He came to the United States in April, 1889, when a youth
of seventeen years, and secured employment as bellboy in a hotel in New York,
where he remained for six months. He afterward removed westward to Eau Claire,
Wisconsin, where he was engaged in the railway business for seventeen years, start-
ing in as office boy and becoming agent for the Northwestern Railroad Company
there.
The year 1909 witnessed the arrival of Mr. Glen in Yakima, at which time he
purchased land, which he cultivated for a year and then sold. He next returned to
railway service in the employ of the Northern Pacific, starting in the position of
stenographer with the general agent. His capability and fidelity soon won recogni-
tion, resulting in promotion. He became traveling freight agent and in August,
1916, was appointed general agent at Yakima, in which capacity he has since served
the corporation, being a most capable official at this point and one who has gained
popularity with the public. ,
On the 12th of December, 1905, Mr. Glen was married to Miss Susan Faber, of
St. Paul. Minnesota, and they have one child, Margaret, eleven years of age.
Mr. Glen belongs to the Knights of Pythias fraternity and also to the Benevo-
lent Protective Order of Elks. He likewise has membership in the Commercial
Club and he gives his political allegiance to the republican party, of which he has
been a stanch advocate since becoming an American citizen. His religious faith is
that of the Presbyterian church. His genuine worth of character, his business abil-
ity and tact and his unfaltering enterprise have placed him in a creditable position
in railway circles and Yakima numbers him among her valued citizens.
JOHN V. HARTMAN.
John V. Hartman, for more than sixteen years a resident of Yakima county, is
now the owner of thirty-seven acres near Grandview and in his ranching interests is
meeting with well deserved success. He has reached the western coast through
successive removals. He was born in Keokuk county, Iowa, June 17, 1872, a son of
Valentine and Christina (Prong) Hartman, the former a native of Switzerland, while
the latter was born in Germany. They came to the United States in early life and
were pioneer settlers of Iowa, their marriage being celebrated in Burlington, that
876 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
state, after which they drove seventy miles with an ox team to the point where they
settled in Keokuk county. They subsequently removed to South Dakota, taking up
their abode in Sully county, that state, in 1883, although it was some years before
the state was divided. The father there obtained a homestead claim and became a
successful farmer. Eventually, however, he removed to Palouse, Washington, where
he passed away in the year 1902, while his wife survived only until 1904.
John V. Hartman acquired a public school education in Iowa and in South
Dakota and during vacation periods assisted his father in the farm work. He after-
ward took up a homestead in South Dakota and from that state removed to Wash-
ington. In May, 1902, he removed from the Palouse country to Yakima county,
where he made investment in thirty-seven acres near the present site of Grandview.
Through the intervening period he has devoted his attention and energies to the
further development of his place, which he has brought under a high state of culti-
vation. He annually produces large crops of alfalfa, corn and potatoes and he is also
engaged in the raising of hogs and in the conduct of a dairy business. There have
been no idle hours in his life. He has wisely used his time and opportunities and the
success which has come to him is the direct and just reward of his perseverance
and industry.
On the 26th of June, 1907, Mr. Hartman was married to Miss Carrie Eastman,
a daughter of H. E. Eastman, one of the early settlers of this part of Yakima county,
where he carried on ranching. Mr. and Mrs. Hartman have become parents of five
children but lost one, Dorothy, who was the third in order of birth and died at the
age of four years. The others are Mildred, Ralph, Harlan and Perla, the last named
in her first year.
Mr. Harttnan is interested in the educational progress of the community and in
an early day served on the school board. He stands for all those forces which are
worth while as factors in the uplift of the individual and the welfare of the commu-
nity. He votes with the prohibition party, indicating his attitude upon the temper-
ance question, and both he and his wife are consistent members of the Methodist
Episcopal church. He is straightforward in all of his dealings, loyal in citizenship,
thoroughly reliable at all times and ever true to his professions and his principles.
PETER J. LICHTY.
Peter J. Lichty, whose highly cultivated and productive ranch property is win-
ning for him a place among the substantial farmers in the vicinity of Sunnyside,
was horn in Somerset county, Pennsylvania, Diecember 24, 1852, a son of Jacob P.
and Sarah (Miller) Lichty. who were also natives of the Keystone state. They were
farming people and both have now passed away. In 1877 they removed from Illi-
nois to Blackhawk county, Iowa, where they were identified with farming interests
until called to their final rest.
Peter J. Lichty acquired a public school education in Pennsylvania and in 1876
went to Illinois but in the summer of 1877 became a resident of Iowa. There he fol-
lowed farming until 1900, when he arrived in Sunnyside, Washington. After looking
over the country he purchased a farm and moved his family to the new home which
he had prepared. In the fall of 1900 he bought one hundred acres of totally unde-
veloped land covered with the native growth of sagebrush. This he cleared away
and began the work of further development and improvement, converting it into
productive fields. He has since sold all but forty acres and is now the owner of this
tract, which is today one of the excellent ranch properties of the district. He has
liuilt a fine home upon it, standing in the midst of highly cultivated fields devoted to
the raising of corn, hay and sugar beets. He also conducts a small dairy and the
enterprise and industry which he manifests in the conduct of his business affairs is
bringing to him gratifying and well deserved success. He has served as drainage
commissioner and is interested in all irrigation problems and in fact in all questions
that have to do with the progress and prosperity of the locality in which he makes
his home.
In December, 1884, Mr. Lichty was married to Miss Hattie Reber, a native of
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 877
Illinois and a daughter of Michael and Susan Reber. Their children are: Harry,
residing in Sunnyside; Dorsey. deceased; Edward, living at Twin Falls, Idaho;
Mabel, the wife of RoUo A. Jackson, whose home is near Bickleton, Washington;
Frank, at home; and Ruth, who died at the age of two years.
Mr. and Mrs. Lichty are members of the First Brethren church and his political
endorsement is given to the republican party. He has served on the school board
and is interested in giving to the youth of the district excellent educational oppor-
tunities. In fact his aid and influence are ever found on the side of progress and
improvement, of right and of reform, and the Sunnyside district finds in him a rep-
resentative citizen.
AUGUST LOVESTRAND.
August Lovestrand, an orchardist of Yakima county, was born in Sweden, Sep-
tember 12, 1863, a son of David Donaldson and Christina Lovestrand. He spent the
days of his boyhood and youth to the age of eighteen years in his native country and
in 1881 bade adieu to friends and native land and sailed for the new world. Reach-
ing American shores, he crossed the continent to Iowa and also spent some time in
Wisconsin and Canada. He afterward became owner of a farm in Lincoln county,
Minnesota, where he carried on general agricultural pursuits until 1910, when he
sold his property there and came to Y'akima county. Here he purchased fifty-nine
acres of land on Academy Heights and now has four acre^ idantcd to fruit, while the
remainder of the land is devoted to the raising of hay, grain, beets and corn. He
also raises some live stock and his animals are well sheltered by a substantial barn
which he built. He has also erected a nice residence upon his place and the equip-
ments of the farm are indicative of his progressive spirit and practical methods. He
uses the latest improved machinery to facilitate the work of the fields and every-
thing about the place is characteristic of the progress that dominates him in every-
thing that he undertakes.
In 1893 Mr. Lovestrand was married to Miss Xannie Anderson, a native of
Sweden, who passed away on the 14th of February, 1913, leaving three children:
Olga, the wife of Olaf Laurie, a ranchman of Yakima county by whom she has two
children; Emma, the wife of Alvin Carlson, a rancher of Yakima county; and Fritz,
at home. In February, 1917, Mr. Lovestrand was again married, his second union
being with Mary Cedar, a native of Sweden.
The family are members of the Swedish Lutheran church and in politics Mr.
Lovestrand is a republican where national issues and questions are involved but at
local elections casts an independent ballot. His success is the direct outcome of his
labor. He has wisely and carefully utilized the opportunities that have been pre-
sented and as the years have gone on he has achieved a measure of prosperity that
is gratifying.
CLAYTON C. HERRICK, D. M. D.
Clayton C. Herrick, D. M. D., was born in Rochester. Minnesota, September 5,
1872, a son of William N. and Lucy (Newton) Herrick, who became residents of
Minnesota in the '60s. The father was for many years actively engaged in mer-
chandising but is now living retired, his success in previous years supplying him
with all of the necessities and many of the comforts of life. The wife and mother
has passed away.
Dr. Herrick. following his graduation from the high school of Rochester, Min-
nesota, with the class of 1891. became a student in the State University of Minnesota,
in which he pursued a course in dentistry, which he completed by graduation in
1896. He then located for practice in Fargo, North Dakota, where he remained for
five years, after which he opened an office in Winona. Minnesota, where he continued
in active and successful practice for fifteen years. Seeking still broader professional
878 ' HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
opportunities in the growing northwest, he came to Yakima on the 1st of October,
1917, and has since practiced in this city, building up in the meantime a large patron-
age, which indicates ready recognition of his ability. In 1908 he purchased a ten
acre orchard on the Indian reservation, the same being a portion of the Minnesota
ranch which was a body of land of one hundred and sixty acres that has been sold
off in small tracts, principally of ten acres. Dr. Herrick had been coming to Yakima
for ten years on an annual visit before he took up his abode in the city.
On the 2Sth of .August, 1898, Dr. Herrick was married to Miss Bess Cornelia
Martin, of Rochester, Minnesota. He has membership with the Knights of Pythias
and along professional lines is connected with the National Dental .Association and
with the Washington State Dental Society. His religious faith is that of the Chris-
tian Science church and his political belief that of the republican party. In these
associations and interests are found the rules which govern his conduct and shape
his course in all of the relations of life.
CARL BERGSTROM.
Carl Bc'rgstrom has lieen a resident of Yakima county only since 1910 but in the
intervening period has made for himself a most creditable place as a successful
rancher whose well directed industry is crowned with substantial prosperity. He was
born in Sweden, November 14, 1884, a son of Carl and Charlotta Bergstrom, who are
still residents of Sweden, where the father has always devoted his life to farming.
Spending his youthful days under the parental roof. Carl Bergstrom became
familiar with the best methods of carrying on farm work according to Swedish
standards and also acquired a public school education. He was a young man of
about twenty-six years when in 1910 he arrived in Yakima county, having resolved
to try his fortune in the new world, for favorable reports had reached him concern-
ing its opportunities and advantages. He first purchased five acres of land under
the Tieton ditch and planted this to orchards. He sold that property in 1918, but
in 1912 he had invested in forty acres on Ahtanum Heights and had taken up his
abode upon that place. He is now engaged in the raising of grain, hay and potatoes
and annually gathers good crops, for he keeps his soil in excellent condition, wisely
employing the use of fertilizers and otherwise developing his fields, so that he annu-
ally gathers large harvests. He likewise raises cattle and hogs and this branch of
his business is also proving profitable. That he is interested in the horticultural
possibilities of the state is indicated in the fact that he has planted six acres to
apples. He has also extended the boundaries of his ranch by the purchase of twenty
acres additional and now has sixty acres in all. The ranch is owned, however, by
himself and his brother, who are associated in all their business undertakings.
The brother is G. H. Bergstrom, who was born in Sweden on the ISth of Sep-
tember, 1888. Like the elder brother, he was there reared and educated and in 1909
he arrived in Yakima county. Throughout the period of their residence here the
brothers have engaged in ranching together, the labors of the one ably supplement-
ing and rounding out the efforts of the other. They constitute a strong firm ?,nd
their business is being most profitably carried on.
ISAAC WHITE.
A good property of sixty acres near Buena pays tribute to the care and labor be-
stowed upon it by Isaac White. The place is situated within three-quarters of a
mile of the town and has been planted to orchards which are now in excellent bear-
ing condition.
Mr. White is a native of Henry county, Illinois. He was born October 11, 1856,
a son of Egbert and Mary A. (Wright) White, who were natives of New York.
Removing westward, they established their home in Illinois during the period of
HISTORY OF YAKIMA \'ALLEY 879
its early settlement and there carried on farming until 1867, when they became pio-
neer resident of Fremont county, Iowa, where they spent their remaining days.
Isaac White was a lad of about eleven years when the family went to Iowa and
his education, begun in the schools of Illinois, was continued in the schools of the
Haw^keye state. He afterward attended Tabor College for a few years and his
thorough training well qualified him for life's practical and responsible duties. He
became a successful agriculturist of Iowa, where he lived until 1910, when he sold
his property in the Mississippi valley and came to the northwest, making the Yakima
valley his destination. He purchased altogether sixty acres of land situated three-
quarters of a mile to the northeast of Buena and he at once began the development
and improvement of this property, which has been planted to apples, pears and
prunes. He made a careful study of the best nursery stock to be secured and as
the years have passed the care and labor with which he has tended his trees have
brought his orchards to good bearing. He has substantial buildings upon his place,
including commodious packing sheds, and his labors are bringing to him merited
prosperity.
On the 1st of January, 1880, Mr. White was united in marriage to Miss Nellie
Hyatt, a native of Ohio, by whom he had six children, namely: Nellie O., who is
deceased; Egbert S., a practicing dentist of Iowa; Grace A. and Mabel P., at home:
Halfrcd H., a lieutenant in the United States army, now stationed in Germany; and
Marie, who is the wife of Harry Emmons, a resident of Seattle.
Mr. White exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures
of the republican party, but the honors and emoluments of office have had no attrac-
tion for him. His attention is concentrated upon his business interests and his un-
faltering industry and sound judgment have made him one of the prosperous orchard-
ists in the vicinity of Buena.
GEORGE SLADE.
George Slade has been a resident of Yakima county only since 1907 but within
this period has made for himself a creditable place in business circles as one of the
successful orchardists, having ten acres of valuable land planted to fruit. He was
born in Delaware county, Iowa, August 17, 1869, a son of Israel and Harriet (Free-
man) Slade, both of whom were natives of New York. In 1869 they removed west-
ward to Iowa, where they resided until 187S and then returned to the Empire state.
In 1882, however, they again made their way westward to Iowa, settling in Emmet
county, where they lived until 1887, when they removed to Rooks county, Kansas.
A few years later they left that section and went to Napa, California, where the
death of the father occurred. The mother survives and is now living in Oregon.
In his youthful days George Slade devoted his attention to the mastery of the
branches of learning taught in the public schools and worked with his father to the
age of sixteen years, when he started out to earn his living independently. He was
thus employed until 1892, when he was married and began the cultivation of a rented
farm in Gage county, Nebraska. In 1894 he removed to Doniphan county, Kansas,
where he again cultivated rented land, there residing until 1907, when, the lure of
the west upon him, he made his way to Washington. Arriving in Yakima county he
purchased ten acres of land on Pleasant hill and has since planted the tract to apples,
pears and small fruits, all of which are now in good bearing condition. The air of
neatness and thrift which characterizes his farm is strongly manifest and the tine
appearance of his place indicates the careful supervision of a practical and progres-
sive owner.
Mr. Slade and his family occupy a fine home which he built. He was married in
1892 to Miss Rebecca Gascoigne, a native of Wisconsin and a daughter of Philip and
Elizabeth (Perkins) Gascoigne, who removed to Beatrice, Nebraska, as pioneer set-
tlers of that district. Mr. and Mrs. Slade have become parents of six children; Albert
and Walter, who have passed away; and Marie, Lynn, George and Myron, all at
home.
Mr. Slade is identified with Selah Lodge No. 312, I. O. O. F., and is a faithful
880 HISTORY OF YAKIMA \ALLEY
follower of the society and its purposes. In political matters he maintains an inde-
pendent course yet is always observant of the duties as well as the privileges of citi-
zenship and is ever ready to render active aid and support to plans and measures
for the general good.
CARL E. KUHNKE.
Carl E. Kuhnke. successfully engaged in ranching in Yakima county, was born in
Kansas. November 22, 1874, a son of Carl and Augusta Kuhnke. who were pioneer
settlers of the Sunflower state, where they resided for a number of years or until
1894, when they removed to the northwest, settling in Seattle, where both the father'
and mother spent their remaining days. They had a family of five children: Emma,
the wife of W. T. Stiner, living in Tacoma; Minna, the wife of Dr. Henry L. Reese,
a resident of Seattle; Carl E., of this review; Hugo P., also living in Seattle; and
Maude, the wife of Benjamin J. Landauer, of Seattle.
Carl E. Kuhnke acquired a public school education and made his initial stup in
the business w-orld by securing employmenut in a wholesale dry goods house in
Seattle. He worked for the Fleischer-Mayer Company for some time but in 1909
removed to Yakima county, where in 1907 he had purchased forty acres of land on
Ahtanum Heights. He has since given his attention to the development, cultivation
and improvement of this property, which is now proving a source of gratifying in-
come through his production of hay, grain, corn and other cereals. He also raises
hogs and other live stock. He keeps high-grade Holstein cattle and is successfully
conducting a dairy business. Every feature of his place is carefully managed and the
enterprise and industry which he displays in the conduct of his business have consti-
tuted the basic element of his growing success.
On the 3d of October, 1899, Mr. Kuhnke was united in marriage to Miss AUie
M. Stream, who was born in Pacific county, Washington, a daughter of Captain A. T.
and Viola (Worman) Stream. The mother came to Washington in 18S2, her people
being among the pioneer settlers of the state. The father arrived in 1868 and they
were married in Pacific county. Mr. and Mrs. Kuhnke have but one child, Arline.
In politics Mr. Kuhnke is a democrat where national questions and issues are
involved but at local elections casts an independent vote. He gives his attention
almost exclusively to his business afifairs and the pleasing appearance of his fine ranch
property indicates the thoroughness with which he does everything that he under-
takes.
JOHN CATLTN.
John Catlin, who is one of the extensive landowners of Kittitas county, his
holdings aggregating eleven hundred acres, was born in Chatham, New York, April
20, 1850, but has spent the greater part of his life in the west, whither he came when
a youth of seventeen years. He is a son of Charles and Elizabeth (Bradley) Catlin,
I)Oth of whom have passed away. The father was a railway engineer. The son
enjoyed such educational advantages as the public schools of his native state af-
forded and in 1867 he severed home ties and made his way to California by way of
the Isthmus of Panama. He worked on a ranch and in sawmills after reaching
the Pacific coast, remaining in California until 1870, when he went to Portland,
Oregon. Later he made his way down the Columbia river and aided in the survey
of the Northern Pacific Railway.
In 1871 Mr. Catlin came to the Kittitas valley, casting in his lot with the pioneer
settlers who were making an attempt to reclaim the hitherto wild region for the
purposes of civilization. He took up government land but let it go and for some
time he worked on the river and upon farms. While with the Northern Pacific he
aided in cutting timber and driving it down the river for the construction of the
railroad. He has always been actuated by a progressive spirit and he brought the
JOHN CATLIN
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 883
first threshing machine into the Kittitas valley in 1872. Throughout his entire con-
nection with farming and ranching interests he has used the latest improved machin-
ery and at all times has been in the vanguard of those who have been leaders in the
agricultural development of the region. In 1883 he purchased two hundred and forty
acres of land west of Ellensburg and has built upon that tract a substantial residence
good barns and all necessary buildings for the shelter of grain and stock. To his
original holdings he has added from time to time as his financial resources have in-
creased and he is now the owner of more than eleven hunderd acres of land, of
which he has three hundred acres under cultivation. In the early days he engaged
extensively in threshing throughout the region, especially on the Yakima Indian
reservation, at Selah, at Wcnas, at Moxee and also throughout the Kittitas valley.
In 1883 Mr. Catlin was united in marriage to Mrs. Jennie (Borncs.) Juno, a na-
tive of Wisconsin and a daughter of Othal Bornes, a prominent pioneer of that state.
They are the parent? of one son, Claude, who is married and operates his father's
ranch.
Mr. Catlin is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and in
politics he is a democrat, giving his allegiance to the party since age conferred upon
him the risht of franchise save for a period when he was allied with the populist party,
and upon that ticket he was elected to the state legislature, serving in the session of
1895-0. He has always been a close student of the questions and issues of the day
and has cooperated heartily in all plans and measures for the advancement of com-
munity interests or the promotion of the welfare of the commonwealth. There are
few resident of the Kittitas valley who can claim so exentended a connection there-
with as Mr. Catlin, whose residence in this section of the state dates from 1871.
As a pioneer settler he has been a witness of all that has promoted the growth and
progress of the district and at all times he has borne his full share in the work of
general advancement and improvement.
CALVIN A. JONES.
Cahin A. Jones is the owner of seventy acres of valuable ranch propcrtj- in
Yakima county, his home now being in Yakima. He was born in Moultrie county,
Illinois. December 31, 1856, a son of Wesley and Phoebe (McKay) Jones, the former
a native of Virginia and the latter of Pennsylvania. They became early residents
of Illinois, taking up their abode in that state during the pioneer epoch in its his-
tory, and there the father followed farming in order to provide for the support of his
family. Both he and his wife have now passed away.
Calvin A. Jones, after acquiring a public school education, began working as a
farm hand and was thus employed until he attained his majority. He then began
farming on his own account in his native state and was thus engaged for nine years.
He also worked on the railroads in the middle west for ten years, but the opportuni-
ties of the Pacific coast country attracted him and in 1901 he arrived in Yakima.
Through the intervening period he has been identified with the development and
progress of this section of the country. In 1910 he purchased forty acres of land
south of Sunnyside, which had liecn cleared but no house had been built upon it.
He erected a good residence and in addition to this property he has since bought
thirty acres near Outlook, Washington. He also at one time had ten acres near
Yakima which he has traded for city property. Upon his ranches he raises hay,
corn and potatoes, also conducts a dairy and is engaged in raising hogs. The vari-
ous Ijranches of his business are sources of gratifying success, for his work is intelli-
gently directed and his diligence is unfaltering. He studies the liest methods of
tilling the soil, practices the rotation of crops and keeps his ranch in excellent con-
dition through the most modern and scientific methods.
In May. 1882, Mr. Jones was married to Miss Mary Viola Rice, who was born in
White county, Illinois, a daughter of Tolliver and Elnor (Steel) Rice, the former a
blacksmith by trade. Both he and his wife have now passed away. To Mr. and
Mrs. Jones have been born seven children: Ola, the wife of Daniel Duval, a resident
of San Francisco; Ora, the wife of Chris Maestretti, living at Grandview; Essie, who
884 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
died in infancy; Edith, the wife of Frank Shiley, of Grandview; William Wesley, who
is farming the home ranch; Edward Stinson; and Calvin A., Jr.
Mr. Jones belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America and gives his political
allegiance usually to the republican party, although he does not consider himself
bound by party ties. He is a brother of United States Senator Jones of Washing-
ton, but Calvin A. Jones has no political ambition, preferring to concentrate his
efforts and attention upon his business afifairs, which are most wisely directed and
are bringing to him substantial success. His wife is a member of the Christian
church and both are highly esteemed in the community in which they live, having a
large circle of warm friends in Yakima county. He is a self-made man, who on land-
ing here had but three hundred dollars and a family of six children to support but he
has made good use of his opportunities and is today quite well-to-do.
DAVID J. KELLY.
The ranch property of David J. Kelly is pleasantly and conveniently situated a
mile and a half east of Sunnyside and comprises a tract of eighty acres of land now
highly cultivated. He has been a resident of Washington since 1879 and comes to
the northwest from Kentucky, his birth having occurred in McLean county, that
state, on the 14th of September, 1856, his parents being Benjamin and Mary (Baker)
Kelly, both of whom were natives of Kentucky, the former of Irish descent. Ben-
jamin Kelly took his family to Moultrie county, Illinois, in 1862 and there carried
on farming until his death. On his removal to the north he had liberated his slaves
and at the time of the Civil war was a stanch supporter of the Union cause, but did
not go to the front for active military duty. His wife, however, had three brothers
who were soldiers in the Union army.
David J. Kelly obtained a public school education and in 1877, when twenty-one
years of age, went to Kansas, where he lived until 1879 and then, attracted by the
opportunities of the northwest, made his way to Washington. He first settled near
Walla Walla, where he purchased a wheat ranch and there engaged in farming until
1906, when he sold out and for a year thereafter was a resident of Seattle. In 1907
he came to Sunnyside and in connection with T. C. Williams purchased eighty acres
of land a mile and a half east of the town. He has since conducted an extensive
dairy business, which he carries on along the most modern, progressive and scien-
tific lines. Everything about his dairy is thoroughly sanitary and his products find
a ready and profitable sale on the market. He has fifty head of registered Holstein
cattle and he sells some of his stock for breeding purposes. His place is called the
Roselawn Stock Farm and in addition to his cattle he raises registered Hampshire
hogs. His principal crops are potatoes, corn and hay.
On the 20th of March, 1885, Mr. Kelly was married to Miss Mary Demaris. who
was born in Walla Walla, Washington, a daughter of James and Elizabeth (White)
Demaris, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Iowa. They crossed the
plains to Walla Walla in 1863, casting in their lot among the earliest of the pioneer
settlers of that district, where the father engaged in ranching until his death. He
was a well known, prominent and highly honored citizen. By trade he was a stone
mason and his life was ever a busy, active and useful one. He passed away at the
venerable age of eighty-six years. To Mr. and Mrs. Kelly have been born three
children: Blanche, the wife of Vasco Y. McCorkel, living in Seattle; Ray, who was in
the L''nited States Reclamation Service for several years and now resides in Olympia,
Washington; and Grace, who died at the age of eighteen years.
Mr. Kelly is a prominent member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows,
having filled all of the chairs in the local lodge, while in 1900 he served as a represen-
tative to the gi'and lodge held in Seattle. His wife is identified with the Daughters
of Rebekah and was representative of that order at Spokane in 1901. In his politi-
cal views Mr. Kelly is a republican but has never been an office seeker. He is inter-
ested in the success of his party, however, because of his firm belief in its principles
as factors in good government. He has always preferred that his public service
should be done as a private citizen and he supports all measures for the general
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 885
good. His time and attention, however, are mostly given to his ranching interests
and by reason of his close application and indefatigable energy he has gained a sub-
stantial measure of success.
EDWARD L. MAINS.
Edward L. Mains, actively engaged in the cultivation of a ranch of seventy-
eight acres not far from Grandview, is numbered among Washington's native sons,
his birth having occurred at Roslyn, December 11, 1891. He is a son of Robert L.
and Annie (Bryant) Mains, more extended mention of whom is made on another
page of this work. He acquired a public school education and was graduated from
the high school of Grandview with its first class in the year 1910. He farmed with
his father until the latter's death and he now has thirty-seven acres of his own and
also cultivates his mother's place, thus devoting his time and energies to the further
development and improvement of seventy-eight acres in all. Upon the ranch he
raises hay, corn and potatoes, producing large crops of each, for which he finds a
ready sale on the market.
On the 26th of February, 1916, Mr. Mains was married to Miss Elizabeth B.
Martyn, a native of England and a daughter of David and Johan Martyn. Mr. and
Mrs. Mains attend the Presbyterian church and fraternally the former is identified
with the Foresters, while his political allegiance is given to the republican party.
His time and energies, however, are given in undivided manner to his ranching
interests and he is possessed of the spirit of enterprise that has been the dominant
factor in the development and upbuilding of the west. When opportunity has come
he has recognized it and eagerly utilized it and he has won a creditable place as a
successful rancher in his part of the county.
JAMES C. STEENSEN.
James C. Steensen is living retired in Yakima but is the holder of valuable
ranch property in various sections of the country. He was born in Schleswig-
Holstein, Germany, March 9, 1868, a son of Stephen and Margaret Steensen, who
came to the United States in late life and passed away on this side of the Atlantic.
The father was a miller and for sonie time operated a mill at West Salem, Wisconsin.
James C. Steensen was a lad of eleven years when he crossed the Atlantic with
an uncle to Xew Orleans, where he remained for two years, and for a similar period
he resided at Baton Rouge. Louisiana. He next went with his uncle to South Dakota,
where he resided for three years and at the age of eighteen he became a resident of
Wisconsin. In the meantime he had served an apprenticeship to the drug trade, but
afterward he worked with his father in the milling business until he reached the age
of twenty-four years, when he was married and removed to Hills, Minnesota, where
he opened a drug store which he successfully condvicted for a number of years, there
continuing until the fall of 1909, when he came to Yakima, although he still retained
his investments in the drug business in the east. In the meantime he had been
dealing in farms and in 1905 had visited the Yakima valley, purchasing a ranch near
Selah. He now has fifty acres there planted to fruit and thirty acres in hop vine-
yards. He also owns a ranch of one hundred and seventy acres devoted to the
raising of stock as well as to the production of crops. This, too, is located near
Selah and he likewise owns several other large ranch properties. He has an eighty-
acre ranch on the Tieton, devoted to grain and alfalfa, and he has eight hundred
acres in North Dakota and Minnesota. His investments have been most judiciously
placed and his property interests have returned to him a substantial and gratifying
income. In Yakima he owns a beautiful home, having purchased a residence which
he remodeled and made thoroughly up-to-date in its equipments and appointments.
It is situated at No. 206 North Naches avenue.
On the 1st of September, 1891, Mr. Steensen was married to Miss Alma F.
886 HISTORY OF YAKIMA WALLEY
Darrow, a daughter of Alonzo and Sarah J. (Demary) Darrow, the former being a
cousin of Clarence Darrow. a well known lawyer of Chicago. Her great-great-grand-
father in the paternal line was a Revolutionary war soldier and Mrs. Steensen is a
member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Mr. and Mrs. Steensen have
a son, Mark Darrow Stephen, twenty-five years of age, who is a member of Company
E of the One Hundred and Sixty-first Infantry, doing active duty in France. He
has pursued a high- school education and also a course in Pullman College.
Mr. Steensen belongs to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and is prom-
inent in Masonry. He has membership in Yakima Lodge Xo. 24, F. & A. M.; Yakima
Chapter No. 21, R. A. M.; Yakima Commandery, K. T.: the Consistory, S. P. R. S.;
and Afifi Temple of the Mystice Shrine. In politics he is independent and his re-
ligious faith is indicated by his attendance at the Presbyterian church. He is widely
known in Yakima as a progressive business man and loyal citizen and one who well
merits the success that has come to him as the years have passed.
LUCIAX D. HUMPHREY.
Lucian D. Humphrey is one of the leading fruit growers and packers of Yakima
county. He has developed extensive and important interests and his activities have
contributed to public progress and improvement as well as to individual success.
He was born in Knox county, Illinois, December 8, 1854, a son of Samuel Warren and
Harriet (Herald) Humphrey. The father died in Missouri in 1873 and the mother
afterward came to Washington, where she passed away in 1890. The family had
removed to Missouri in 1868 and were identified with farming interests there.
Lucian D. Humphrey acquired a public school education in Missouri and in
California, for at the age of nineteen years he left the former state and made his way
to the Pacific coast, where he worked on a ranch for eighteen months. He afterward
cultivated a rented farm for two years and then again attended school for seven
months. In 1879 he came to Washington and took up three hundred and twenty acres
of land near Spokane, which he developed, adding many improvements thereto. He
resided thereon until 1892. when he came to Yakima county and purchased twenty
acres three miles southwest of the Yakima depot. This was an unimproved tract.
He has since built two houses here with barns and other improvements, but one of
his large barns was destroyed by fire a few years ago, necessitating rebuilding.
About 1902 he purchased another twenty-acre tract three miles west of Yakima,
which was also undeveloped. He has a fine residence on each place and also a large
and well equipped packing house, and his total acreage in fruit amounts to thirty-
five acres, planted to apples, pears, cherries, peaches, etc. He has packing plants
and storage plants upon each place and his fruit ranches are splendidly developed
properties. He gives close study to the subject of fruit raising and knows the kinds
that will produce the best crops in this section. In his earlier years Mr. Humphrey
was also engaged in the sawmill business on the coast in the early days, cutting
timber for the Northern Pacific Railway Company when it was being built into
Washington. He has thus led a busy, useful and active life and his enterprise and
unflagging industry have constituted the foundation upon which he has built his
success.
In 1883 Mr. Humphrey was married to Miss Ferba A. Glazebrook, of Illinois,
a daughter of John Glazebrook, who came to Washington in 1874. Her father was
a veteran of the Civil war, having served for three years in defense of the Union
cause. Mr. and Mrs. Humphrey were the first couple married in Lincoln county,
Washington. Their children are two in number. Harry R., a graduate of a high
school and of a business college and now farming a part of his father's land, married
Edith Bowles and has three children: Lewis, Margaret and Virginia. Homer W.
married Iva Sweet. He is also a high school graduate, completed a course in civil
engineering in the Pullman College of Washington and is now with the LTnited States
reclamation service.
Mr. Humphrey is a member of the Yakima County Horticultural Union. His
political allegiance is given to the republican party and he has filled the ofiice of road
ATCIAN I). HXTMPHREY
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 889
supervisor. Fraternally he is a Mason, belonging to Yakima Lodge, No. 24, F. & A.
M. and he is also identified with the Modern Woodmen and the Yeomen, while his
wife is a member of the Christian church. He has steadily worked his way upward,
careful at all times to conform his practice to high business standards and ethics, and
the success he has achieved through individual eflfort should serve to inspire and en-
courage others, showing what may be accomplished when one has the will to dare
and to do.
JOHN DIEM.
John Diem, engaged in the harness business in Yakima, was born in Switzerland
on the 21st of October, 1862, a son of John and Eliza Diem. The mother passed
away in her native country and the father afterward came to the United States in
1863. Arrived in the new world, his sympathies were with the federal government
in its efforts to preserve the Union and he enlisted for service in the Civil war. He
afterward returned to Switzerland and passed away in that country. He was a son
of John Diem, who had come to the United States about 1860 and who after the
death of his son John brought his grandson, John Diem of this review, and his sister
Eliza, to the United States, rearing them in Payson, L'tah. He was a tanner by
trade.
John Diem, whose name introduces this record, was educated in the schools of
Switzerland and of America and in his youthful days took up the tanning business
in connection with his grandfather. He afterward entered the harness-making bus-
iness on his own account at Payson. Utah, in 1884, and in 1886 removed to Park
City, Utah, where he conducted a harness shop until 1909. He then came to Yakima
and purchased the harness business of T. R. Fisher at No. 26 South Second street,
where he has since been located. He manufactures all of the harness which he sells,
does all of the strap work and displays marked skill and ability in this line. He also
employs two men and he carries a full line of harness, saddles and all goods of that
character.
On the 12th of October, 1892, Mr. Diem was married to Miss Mabel Krigbaum,
of Park City, Utah, and they have two children: Ira J., living in Seattle; and Francis
E., who is in the Hospital Corps with the United States navy.
Mr. Diem is a Mason of high rank, having membership in Yakima Lodge No.
24, F. & A. M.; Yakima Chapter No. 21. R. A. M.; Yakima Commandery No. 13,
K. T.; and Afifi Temple of the Mystic Shrine. His political support is given to the
republican party and that he is active in behalf of the business development of the
community is indicated in his membership in the Yakima Valley Business Men's As-
sociation and in the Yakima Commercial Club. He is a self-made man — one whose
industry has been the foundation upon which he has builded his success. He early
learned the value of unwearied efTort and perseverance, and carefully directing his
labors as the years have gone by, he has reached a place among the substantial busi-
ness men of his adopted city.
CHRISTOPHER G. VAN BELLE.
The life of industry and perseverance which Christopher G. Van Belle has led
is manifest in the excellently improved ranch of eighty-one and a half acres which he
owns not far from Sunnyside. An air of neatness and thrift pervades the place —
an air that is characteristic of the people of Holland, for it was in that beautifully
clean little country that Christopher G. Van Belle was born on the 3d of April, 1871,
his parents being John and Coba Van Belle. The mother is now deceased, but the
father still resides in Holland at the advanced age of eighty-one years.
The son acquired a public school education in his native country and was a
youth of nineteen years when he bade adieu to friends and family and sailed for the
United States. He made his way to Sioux county, Iowa, where he lived for four
(36)
890 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
years and afterward spent one year in Snohomish county, Washington. In 1895 he
came to Yakima county, where for three years he engaged in the cultivation of rented
land and then bought a relinquishment on a homestead of one hundred and sixty
acres a mile and a half northeast of Sunnyside. This was all covered with sage-
brush, but he cleared the place and has since continued its development, converting
it into highly productive fields. He has sold a portion of his land, retaining eighty-
one and a half acres upon which he raises various crops best adapted to soil and
climate, including hay and corn. He also makes a specialty of raising full-blooded
Holstein cattle. He has built a good residence upon the place, also put up sub-
stantial barns and a silo and in many ways has greatly improved the property.
On the 15th of May, 1902, Mr. Van Belle was united in marriage to Miss Bas-
tiaantje den Hartigh, who was born in Holland and came to Washington in October,
1901, upon leaving her native land. Mr. and Mrs. Van Belle are the parents of six
children: John, Paul, Coba, William, Johanna and Archie. They also had twin sons,
Archie and Clause, who died in infancy.
Mr. and Mrs. Van Belle attend the Presbyterian church and he gives his politi-
cal support to the republican party. He is numbered among the pioneer ranchers of
the district in which he makes his home and has lived to see remarkable changes in
this section, for at the time of his arrival it was largely a barren tract covered with
the native growth of sagebrush; but with the incoming of the settlers the land has
been taken up and transformed into most productive fields. Gardens and orchards
and fields of waving grain, beautiful homes, substantial churches and schools dot the
surrounding country and indicate that the work of progress and civilization is being
carried steadily forward. Mr. Van Belle has always contributed to the work of
general development and, moreover, in the conduct of his business affairs he has
indicated what it is possible to accomplish through individual effort.
THOMAS McKIVOR.
Thomas McKivor is the owner of a fine home that stands in the midst of a
fifty acre ranch six miles west of Yakima. He has won a substantial and enviable
position among the business men of this section of the state by reason of inde-
fatigable energy and unfaltering perseverance. He was born in Huron county, On-
tario, Canada, in 1862. a son of Edward and Alice (McCarty) McKivor, both of
whom have departed this life. The father had devoted his attention to the milling
business in order to provide for his family.
While spending his youthfuF days under the parental roof Thomas McKivor
acquired a public school education and in his bo\'hood started out to earn his own
living in Manitoba in connection with railway construction work. He was em-
ployed along that line until he reached the age of forty-five years and was con-
nected with various important construction projects in Canada. He came to the
United States about 1886. entering the employ of the Great Northern Railroad
Company, and assisted in its building from Devils Lake, North Dakota, to Seattle.
In 1898 he spent eight months in the Klondike. He was with the Northern Pacific
Railway Company for a number of years, but desirous of engaging in business on
his own account, turned his attention tc ranching in 1912, locating upon the place
on which he now resides. In 1911 he had purchased this property, which is pleasantly
and conveniently situated about six miles west of Yakima, and he has here an ex-'
cellent tract of fifty acres, of which thirty-two acres is planted to apples, while
the remainder is devoted to the raising of hay and other crops. The ranch is splen-
didly improved and his fine home stands as a monument to his progressive spirit
and undaunted enterprise. He never allows obstacles or difficulties to bar his path
if they can be overcome by persistent and honorable effort and he has ever recog-
nized the fact that when one avenue of opportunity seems closed he can carve out
other paths whereby he may reach the desired goal.
Mr. McKivor first came to the Yakima valley to assist in the work on the
Sunnyside canal but afterward left the district. For sixteen years before establish-
ing his home in Yakima county he had resided in Seattle and he still owns a beauti-
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 891
fill residence there and other property. As a contractor he bnilt many miles of
railway thronghout the west and also engaged in construction work of various kinds.
His has been a most active, busy and useful career and his labors have constituted
an important element in the substantial development and progress of the northwest.
On the 28th of March. 1900, Mr. McKivor was married to Miss Sarah Clark, who
was born in Lowell, Nebraska, a daughter of T. J. V. and Margaret Nancy (Mann)
Clark. Her father was born in Baltimore. Maryland, and came to Yakima county with
his family in the spring of 1884. He was a graduate of the Rock Hill College of Mary-
land and a veteran of the Ci\ il war. Later he served as one of the government ^cnuts
in Nebraska. With his removal to the northwest he became one of the first mercliants
of Yakima and with the pioneer development and progress of the town he was
closely associated, aiding in laying broad and deep the foundation upon which has
been built the later prosperity and advancement of the city. He was the first mayor
of Yakima and was called upon to represent his district, comprising Yakima and
Kittitas counties, in the legislature during the last year of Washington's existence as
a territory. He afterward returned to Maryland, and he passed away in that state
on the 3d of August, 1892. In his death Washington lost one who had long been a
valued, honored and representative citizen. His wife survives and is still living in
Oregon.
To Mr. and Mrs. McKivor have been born five children: Alice; Victor, who died
at the age of tw-o years; Thomas; Winfield; and Margaret. Mrs. McKivor is a mem-
ber of the Catholic church, and fraternally Mr. McKivor is connected with the Inde-
pendent Order of Odd Fellows. His political allegiance is given to the republican
party and he never maintains an equivocal position in relation to any important
question, but stands fearlessly by his honest convictions. He is a man of genuine
worth, loyal in citizenship, progressive and enterprising in business and faithful to
the ties of friendship.
GEORGE F. MESSER.
Arriving in the Yakima valley in December, 1908, George F. Messer purchased
thirteen and a half acres of land a mile and a half north of Buena. Gray with the
sagebrush that has always been the only crop produced by this soil until the work
of cultivation is begun by man, Mr. Messer resolutely took up the task of developing
the property, which is now valuable by reason of the orchards upon it. His has Ijeen
an active and useful life. He is separated from the place of his birth by the width
of the continent, for he is a native son of Rutland county, Vermont. His natal day
was April 30. 1843, his parents being Richard and Alzina (Benson) Mess»r, who were
also natives of the Green Mountain state. The paternal grandfather, Richard S.
Messer, was likewise born in Vermont and was a representative of one of the old
colonial families. The maternal grandparents were Freeman and Sarah (Barnes)
Benson, the former a veteran of the War of 1812. In the year 1847 Richard Messer
took his family from Xew England to Portage county, Wisconsin, where he devoted
his attention to agricultural pursuits for some years and then went to Arkansas,
where his death occurred. His wife died in South Dakota, in the home of their son
George.
Following the removal of the family to Wisconsin, George F. Messer acquired
a public school education in that state and in young manhood devoted his attention
to logging and to railroad work. Subsequently he bought land in Minnesota, where
he followed farming for a number of years, spending twenty-three years altogether
in that portion of the country. He afterward went to Brown county. South Dakota,
where he carried on farming for eight years, and in December, 1908, he arrived in the
Yakima valley and became the owner of a tract of land near Buena, which, as pre-
viously stated, was wild and undeveloped when he acquired possession of the place.
He sold a part of the thirteen and a half acres to his son but still retains eight and
a half acres, all of which is planted to fruit — apples, pears and cherries.
On the 17th of October, 1875, Mr. Messer was united in marriage to Miss Esther
Hostetter, a native of Fillmore county, Minnesota, and a daughter of Jacob and
R92 HISTORY OF YAKIMA \ALLF.Y
Amelia (Brobst) Hostetter, who were pioneer settlers of that state and there con-
tinued to reside until called to their final rest. Mr. and Mrs. Messer have become
parents of nine children, as follow^s: Ernest, who married Miss Delia Bruner and
is successfully engaged in ranching; Charles, who also devotes his attention to
ranching and who married Miss Merle Bruner, by whom he has five children; Elsie,
who gave her hand in marriage to Drew Terwillegar, of Yakima; Alton, who married
Miss Mabel Davis and is a rancher and stockman of Nebraska; Iva, who died at the
age of twenty-three years; Pearl, at home; Luella, the wife of James Albert Sim-
mons, who is engaged in ranching: and Alma and Alpha, who are yet under the
parental roof.
Mr. Messer is well known in the valley, gaining a wide acquaintance during the
eleven years of his residence here. His diligent efforts as the years have passed
have won him gratifying prosperity and he is now enabled to enjoy all of the com-
forts of life.
W. S. EARLS.
Since 1902 W. S. Earls has been connected with commercial interests in Yakima,
for in that year he established a grocery store which he has since conducted, and
with the passing of time his trade has steadily increased as the result of enterprising
methods and thorough reliability. He was born in Andrew county, Missouri, in 1840
and still remains an active factor in business circles, although he has now reached
the advanced age of seventy-eight years. His parents were Jonathan and Frances
(Sleet) Earls, both of whom were natives of Boone county, Kentucky, whence they
removed to Missiouri in 1837. The father took up government land in that state and
there engaged in farming to the time of his death, which occurred in 1849, while his
wife, surviving him for many years, passed away in 1875.
W. S. Earls w-as but nine years of age at the time of his father's death. He ac-
quired a public school education and then gave his attention to farming in Missouri
until 1859, when he crossed the plains to Denver, Colorado, which at that time con-
tained but one frame house. He was attracted by the reports concerning mining
conditions in that section and for a year devoted his attention to mining, after which
he returned to Missouri, making the trip to and from Colorado with ox teams. Dur-
ing the period of the Civil war he served in the Missouri State Militia and was on
one occasion taken prisoner while acting as messenger.
Mr. Earls' connection with commercial interests dates from 1862, at which time
he entered business as a general merchant at Savannah, Missouri, becoming a mem-
ber of the firm of Walker & Earls. Later he was identified with the hardware trade
in that place, being sole proprietor of the store. He afterward organized five other
stores at various points in Missouri and Kansas and conducted a profitable business
in that section of the country for some time but eventually sold out and entered
the banking business at Union Star. Missouri, where he was thus prominently con-
nected with financial interests for five years. On the expiration of that period he
removed to Salt Lake City, Utah, vi-here he engaged in the furniture and carpet busi-
ness until 1892. Soon afterward he sold out and went to New York city, where he
was manager of the Atlantic coast branch of the Acme Cement Plaster Company
for two years. On removing to Elko. Nevada, he carried on mercantile pursuits
there for two years and two months and then went to Tintic, Utah, where he was
manager of the Tintic Mercantile Company, spending two years at the place. On
the 10th of June, 1902, he arrived in Yakima, where he opened a grocery store which
he has since conducted and his , trade, steadily growing, brought him sales amount-
ing to two hundred and seventy-five thousand dollars in 1917. He utilizes auto trucks
for deliveries and has a very extensive patronage. He established his store in the
Lesh building but in 1904 removed to 17 South First street and now has a building
with a fifty foot frontage and a depth of one hundred and forty feet. His is one of
the leading grocery establishments of the city and he has a warehouse, on a private
track, that has a capacity of seventy-five car loads of groceries.
In 1862 Mr. Earls was married to Miss Mary J. Langford, of Andrew county,
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 893
Missouri, and they became the parents of four children: Walter Lee, a merchant of
Shreveport, Louisiana, who is married and has a child who has also married and has
one child, the latter being the great-grandchild of W. S. Earls of this review; Jessie
T., the wife of Phil P. Clark, residing in Salt Lake City; Frederick A., a mining engi-
neer, living at Yakima; and Edna, the wife of Jackson C. McChrystal, a mine owner
of Utah.
Through his long residence in Yakima, Mr. Earls has become very widely and
favorably known through the valley. His grocery establishment is the oldest of the
city and he has ever made it his policy to give to the public full value received. He
has, moreover, followed progressive methods, seeking ever to meet the demands
and wishes of his customers and recognizing at all times that satisfied patrons are
the best advertisement. His life has never been self-centered and Yakima has found
in him a citizen whose aid and support are cheerfully and readily given to every
movement for the general good.
HENRY M. HELLIESEN.
Henry M. Ifelliesen. president of the Helliesen Lumber Company of Yakima,
was born in Stavanger, Norway, in 1865, a son of Henry Helliesen, Sr. He acquired
a public school education in his native country and was a young man of twenty-two
years when in 1887 he bade adieu to friends and relatives and sailed for the new
world. He made his way to Minnesota, where he engaged in the lumber business
for twelve years or until 1904, when he sought the opportunities of the west and
came to Yakima. In the spring of the following year he established the lumber
business of which he has since been the head. He was not long in building up a
good trade and in 1909 he incorporated his business interests under the name of the
Helliesen Lumber Company, of which he has since been president and general man-
ager, with A. M. Eckmann as treasurer and J. O. Cull as secretary. He has a plant
two liundred liy two hundred feet and also a storage basement two hundred by one
hundred and seventy feet, for rental to the public. This is used for storing fruit
and potatoes. He handles an extensive line of lumber and building materials of all
kinds and in the past has also engaged in the sale of farm implements. In addition
to selling lumber he does considerable business as a contractor and builder. He
builds property for sale and employs from eight to ten workmen. He has thus done
much to improve the city and he is classed among its most representative and pro-
gressive business men. There have been no unusual features in his career, but his
perseverance and energy have enabled him to overcome all obstacles in his path, hon-
orable methods have enabled him to meet all competition and gradually he has built
up his business to gratifying proportions.
On the 13th of August. 1900. Mr. Helliesen was married to Miss Ingeburg
Somme, a native of Norway, and to them have been born four children: Edith,
Harold, Margaret and Ruth. Mr. Helliesen belongs to the Benevolent Protective
Order of Elks, while in Masonic circles he has attained high rank, having member-
ship in lodge, chapter and commandery and also in Afifi Temple of the Mystic
Shrine. His political endorsement is given to the republican party. He belongs to
the Yakima Commercial Club, also to the Yakima Valley Business Men's Association
and to the Yakima Country Club and he enjoys the friendship and kindly regard of
his assQciates in these organizations.
CHARLES NATHAN GILBERT.
Charles Nathan Gilbert, who dates his residence in the Yakima valley from
1910, is the owner of thirteen acres of land two miles north of Bucna. He was born
in Wabasha county, Minnesota, September 23, 1871. a son of Silman N. and Emily
(Rundle) Gilbert, the former a native of Connecticut and a son of Silas Gilbert.
The mother was born in Pennsylvania. In young manhood Silman N. Gilbert went
894 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
to Minnesota and subsequently removed to Wisconsin, where he engaged in the
sawmill business until 1880, when he established his home in South Dakota. He
came to Yakima county about 1902 and is now a rancher living near Zillah.
Charles X. Gilbert, after attending the public schools, started out in the business
world at the age of seventeen by securing employment in a flour mill, where he was
made engineer. In 1893 he went to California and obtained a situation in a sash and
door factory. Later he conducted a dancing school in Oakland, California, for ten
years and then, attracted by the opportunities for successful fruit raising in the
Yakima valley, he made his way to this section in 1910. His earnings were then
invested in thirteen acres of land two miles north of Buena, of which eight acres
was still covered with the native sagebrush. Today he has four acres planted to
fruit, while the remainder of his land is devoted to the raising of hay.
On the 1st of June, 1898. Mr. Gilbert was united in marriage of Miss Anna
Osborn, a native of Oakland, California, and a daughter of William and Laura
(Olson) Osborn, both of whom were born in Norway. Crossing the Atlantic to the
United States, they became pioneer settlers of California, where Mr. Osborn con-
tinued to reside until called to his final rest. His widow still survives and makes
her home in Oakland, that state. Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert are the parents of three
children: Laura, Charlotte and Nathan. Mrs. Gilbert has a brother, Roy Harry
Osborn, who has been on active duty with the L'nited States army in France as a
member of the One Hundred and Thirteenth Ammunition Train of the Ninety-first
Division. Mrs. Gilbert is a lady of charming manner and wide popularity whose
gracious hospitality has made their home the center of many delightful social func-
tions. Mr. Gilbert is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Felliws and with
the Modern Woodmen of America and in politics he maintains an independent
course. Political office has never had attraction for him, as he has always preferred
to concentrate his efforts and attention upon his business afifairs. which are wisely
and carefully managed, and thus he is attaining substantial success.
OSWALD H. WIRSIG.
Oswald H. Wirsig. actively engaged in fruit raising in the Zillah district of
Yakima county, was born in Rothwasser, Saxony, Germany, November 10, 1846, a
son of John G. and Christiana (Gruender) Wirsig, who brought their family to the
United States in 1856. They settled in Lee county, Iowa, where the mother's death
occurred, and in later life the father made a visit to a daughter in another part ot
the state and in her home passed away.
Oswald H. Wirsig obtained a public school education, beginning his studies in his
native country and continuing them in Lee county, Iowa. When twenty-two years
of age he pursued a business course and then devoted fourteen years to railway
work, being agent for the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad in Illinois, Iowa
and Nebraska. He lived in various towns as his duties took him from place to place
and when fourteen years had passed he retired from railroad service to engage in
farming. He was also a merchant for a time at Champion, Nebraska, and afterward
became a bank clerk in that state. The year 1902 witnessed his arrival in Yakima
county. On the 1st of July he purchased forty acres of land adjoining Buena and one
mile from the railroad station and a quarter of a mile from the school, while the
rural free delivery over the county road brought his mail to his door. The land
which he secured was partly improved, a portion of it having been planted to al-
falfa. With characteristic energy he began preparation for fruit raising and now has
twenty-eight acres planted to apples, pears and cherries. He has a frost proof ware-
house and has developed one of the best orchards in the valley. The land has fine nat-
ural drainage so that it is easy to irrigate and all of the equipments and accessories of
the model ranch property of the northwest in the twentieth century are found upon
his place. Moreover, his farm is splendidly located and his home commands a
magnificent view of snow-capped Mount Adams and of Mount Rainier.
In 1870 Mr. Wirsig was united in marriage to Miss Sarah W. Skinner, a native
of Lee county. Iowa, and a daughter of William Skinner, who was of English descent.
OSWALD H. WIRSIG
MRS. OSWALD H. WIESIG
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 899
To them were born four children, namely: Nora, Bertha, Carl and William, all of
whom are still living and have received good educational advantages. The younger
son served for four years in the United States Navy. In early life Mrs. Wirsig was
a teacher and taught both in the common schools and in the State Normal. After
a useful and well spent life she passed away in October, 1914, mourned by all who
knew her.
Mr. Wirsig is a stalwart republican in his political views. Though born in
Germany, he is thoroughly American in thought and spirit. His father was in 1848
one of those who participated in the uprising in Germany to overthrow monarchical
rule. He was a man of very liberal education and well read. It was his desire to live
in a land of liberty that brought him to the new world, where he immediately be-
came a naturalized American citizen, manifesting the utmost loyalty to his adopted
country from the first. The same spirit has been manifest in the son, who in all
matters of citizenship casts his influence on the side of right, progress, reform and
improvement. Fraternally he is connected with the Masons, the Independent Order
of Odd Fellows and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. In business afifairs
he has persevered in the face of difficulties. While a merchant in Nebraska he
prospered for some time until he was worth over twenty thousand dollars but during
the widespread financial panic of 1893 failure overtook him. When he obtained his
present ranch he had only twenty-two hundred and fifty dollars and was fifty-seven
years of age. Indomitable courage and indefatigable industry have advanced his
interests until he is now worth over forty thousand dollars. His business record is
indeed worthy of emulation and should inspire and encourage others who, like him-
self, had to start out in life empty-handed.
AUGUST DAHLIN.
August Dahlin, a well known orchardist living on Ahtanum Heights, was born
in Sweden, May 19, 1870, a son of Olaf and Brita Dahlin, both of whom spent their
entire lives in Sweden. The son acquired a good public school education and at
the age of twenty-two years severed home ties and came to the new world, crossing
the Atlantic in 1892. He first located at St. Cloud, Minnesota, and for four years
thereafter was engaged in railroad work. In 1898 he removed to St. Paul, Minnesota,
where he resided for a year, and then returned to his native land, spending four
months in visiting the scenes and friends of his boyhood in Sweden. On the expira-
tion of that period he again came to the United States, making his way to Buffalo,
New York, in 1900. There he worked on the exposition buildings for a year, after
which in 1901 he again went to St. Paul, Minnesota, where he was connected with
building and contracting work for about ten years. He was an active figure in in-
dustrial circles in the city and secured a business of substantial proportions.
In 1910 Mr. Dahlin arrived in Yakima county, Washington, and invested in ten
acres of land on Ahtanum Heights. Of this he planted seven and a half acres to
apples and began the development of a splendid orchard. He also built a home upon
his ranch and made other improvements and he is now extensively and successfully
engaged in the raising of fruit and alfalfa. He also works at his trade to some extent
and he has developed expert skill along building lines. He had no experience as an
orchardist when he came to the west but his ready adaptability has enabled him to
quickly understand the needs and demands of fruit as to the nature of the soil 'and
other progressive methods of propagating fruit.
On the 24th of September, 1903, Mr. Dahlin was united in marriage to Miss Alma
Karlgren, who was born in Sweden, a daughter of Carl and Christine Karlgren, both
of whom are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Dahlin have become the parents of five
children: Alpha Elizabeth. Carl Raymond, David Gilbert. Esther Marie and Ruth
Sana.
The family are members of the Swedish Lutheran church, and in politics Mr.
Dahlin maintains an independent course, voting for men and measures rather than
for party. He deserves much credit for what he has accomplished and has justly
won the proud American title of a self-made man. He has never stopped short of
900 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
the successful fulfillment of his purposes and plans, and his energy and industry
have enabled him to overcome all obstacles and difficulties in his path and vv-ork his
way steadily upward to prosperity.
FRANK R. STEWART.
Frank R. Stewart, energetic, ambitious and determined, is now the owner of
one of the finest ranches in the Yakima valley and his life record should serve as an
inspiration to others, showing what may be accomplished through individual effort
and perseverance intelligently guided. Mr. Stewart was born in Dekalb county, Illi-
nois, August 26, 1862, a son of George and Elizabeth (Terpening) Stewart. The
father was born in Scotland in 1818 and was a son of James Stewart, who brought his
family to the United States in 1822, settling in New York, where he purchased land
from the Oneida Indians. This land is still in possession of the familiy. The grand-
father afterward made his way westward to Illinois in the '50s and died at Belvidere,
that state. George Stewart also went to Illinois at the same time and settled in
Dekalb county. He served with the rank of captain in the Mexican war, organizing
a company for duty at the front and remaining with his command for two years.
Again his patriotic spirit was aroused to the point of military activity when in 1861
the south attempted to overthrow the Union and he organized the Fifteenth Illinois
Cavalry, of which he remained captain for six years. He did reconstruction work
over the south after the war and passed away at Shreveport, Louisiana, in 1875,
where he engaged in clearing the Red river for the government. He had taken his
family to the south and he there died of swamp fever. He was a very prominent and
influential man, active in public affairs and at all times a most loyal and progressive
citizen. During the period of the Civil war he was captured and incarcerated in
Andersonville prison but escaped after thirty days. In Masonry he attained the
thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite and was always a worthy exemplar of the
craft. In early manhood he wedded Elizabeth Terpening, who was born in Herkimer
county. New York, and was a descendant of General Herkimer, while her father
was Lucas Terpening, a pioneer of the Empire state, who enlarged the New York
and Erie canal. After the death of her husband Mrs. Stewart with her family re-
moved to McLean county, Illinois, where they purchased a farm and the children
were reared upon that place. Mrs. Stewart passed away at Danville, Illinois, in
February, 1893. By her marriage she had become the mother of five children: A. G.,
a prominent farmer residing at Genoa, Illinois; J. L.. a well known agriculturist who
makes his home at Hinckley. Illinois; May, the wife of Charles Meyers, of Forrest,
Illinois; Frank R., of this review; and Sue, a teacher of Bellingham.
Frank R. Stewart acquired a public school education and through the period of
his youth engaged in farming for his mother upon the homestead in McLean county,
Illinois. At the age of twenty-eight years he purchased a farm in Vermilion county,
Illinois, and later he removed to Ford county and subsequently to Boone county.
He next went to Daviess county. Indiana, and in each of these places was the
owner of a fine farm. The year 1903 witnessed his arrival in Y'^akima county. Wash-
ington, at which time he purchased ninety-six acres of land near Outlook and. add-
ing to the property, is now the owner of one hundred and fifty-six acres, all of
which is under a high state of cultivation. He built a beautiful residence and line
barns upon his place and has equipped it with every accessory and convenience of the
model farm of the twentieth century. He raises grain, corn and hay and he handles
full-blooded Percheron horses and registered Guernsey cattle of the milking strain
and has a fine dairy. In fact his is one of the best ranches in the Yakima valley and
the owner is recognized as one of the most energetic, farsighted and successful
agriculturists of his portion of the state.
On the 5th of February, 1891, Mr. Stewart was married to Miss Lottie I. Crouch,
who was born in Fairbury, Livingston county, Illinois, a daughter of Richard and
Johanna Crouch and the youngest of a family of eleven children, one of whom has
passed away. Her father was born in New Hampshire in 1818 and died May 16,
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 90J
1904. while her mother, who was a native of Pennsylvania, passed away in 1887.
They were pioneer residents of Illinois, where they were identified with fanning.
Mr. and Mrs. Stewart have become the parents of eleven children: George, who
is deceased; Hattie, who is the wife of Floyd Howard, occupying a ranch near her
father and who has a daughter, Ruth; Howard, who has passed away; Jessie, a
teacher by profession; Bessie, twin sister of Jessie, who is deceased; Edward, who
enlisted in the United States army in June, 1918, and is now with the Marine Corps
in France; Walter; Harrj-; Margaret; Pearl; and Louise.
Mr. Stewart is well known in Masonic circles, belonging to the lodge and chapter
at Sunnyside, and he is also a member of the Yakima lodge of Elks. His wife has
membership in the Methodist church. His political allegiance is given to the republi-
can party, and while he has never been an office seeker, he is regarded as one of
the progressive and valued citizens of his community. He had an uncle, Henry L.
Terpening, who served for eight years in the Illinois state legislature, working the
entire time to get a bill passed to ta.x mortgages. The same spirit of fidelity to what
he believes to be right has ever characterized Frank R. Stewart of this review — a
citizen in whom his fellow townsmen manifest unqualified confidence. His sterling
worth has been attested by all with whom he has been associated and his work
has constituted an example for progressive development in his section of the state.
He is indeed one of the prominent ranchers of Y'akima county and his labors have
shown what can be accomplished along various lines. He is now devoting much
attention to the cultivation of sugar beets and in other ways he has illustrated on his
own place the possibilities for the development of various crops. He has his house
and barns lighted by electricity and everything is thoroughly modern upon his
place. He well deserves mention as a prominent rancher and one who at all times
commands the good will and trust of his fellowmen.
FORREST E. FAIRBANKS.
After having engaged in various lines of business with more or less success
Forrest E. Fairbanks is now meeting with substantial profit as an orchardist in the
vicinity of Selah. He was born at East Dixmont, Maine, October 10, 1867, a son of
John Judson and Mary Jane (Hilton) Fairbanks, the former a native of the Pine
Tree state, while the latter was born in Marymeshe, Canada. In 1877 they removed
westward to California and later in the same year came to Washington, settling in
Seattle, but returned east the same year. In 1878 they again made their way to
Caliiornia, establishing their home at San Francisco. The father was a race horse
trainer and afterward took up the occupation of farming, which he followed in Cali-
fornia until 1885. In that year he removed to Sauk, Washington, and secured gov-
ernment land, upon which he resided for a year and a half. He next removed to
Snohomish county, "Washington, where he carried on farming for two years, and
then became a resident of Everett, Washington, where he engaged in the laundry
business. There he and his wife spent their rmaining days.
In the public schools of the Pacific coast Forrest E. Fairbanks pursued his educa-
tion. His entire life has been spent in this section of the country and he is possessed
of the spirit of enterprise and progress which has been the dominant element in the
upbuilding of the great western empire. He was identified with his father in the
training of horses until he reached the age of twenty years, when he turned his
attention to the logging business and afterward took up the occupation of farming,
which he followed until 1893. He then went to Seattle and was engaged in the com-
mission business for five years. He was also connected with mercantile inetcrests
in that city, where he remained until 1907, when he came to Yakima county and pur-
chased ten acres of land on Pleasant hill. He has since cultivated that tract and
also operates another tract of ten acres. He has planted sixteen acres of this land
to apples, pears, peaches and cherries and his orchards are in fine condition, bring-
ing forth large crops. He has also built an attractive modern residence upon his
ranch, together with good barns and all the necessary sheds and equipment for the
V02 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
■care of his fruit. In addition to his personal interests he has set out thirty acres
more in fruit for others.
In 1899 Mr. Fairbanks was married to Miss Fannie Belle Warrington, a native of
Iowa, and they have three children: Carroll, Charles Warren and Frances.
Mr. Fairbanks is a member of the Christian church. His political support is
given to the republican party, of which he has been a stalwart champion since age
conferred upon him the right of franchise. He has served on the school board for
nine years and the cause of education finds in him a most earnest supporter. He is
widely known as a progressive citizen, as a reliable orchardist and as a man of ster-
ling personal worth, his many admirable traits of character gaining for him the
high respect and warm regard of those with whom he has been brought in contact.
In his business career he has never allowed obstacles or difficulties to bar his path,
but by determined effort has overcome all such, and, working his way upvi'ard, has
gained a creditable position among tlie successful orchardists of Yakima county.
FLORIAN C. AND JASPER M. PARKER.
Florian C. and Jasper M. Parker are actively connected with ranching interests
and with dairying and are the owners of fine Holstein cattle. Jasper M. Parker was
born in Page county, Iowa, September 18, 1872, a son of Asher W. and Mary
fWilfong) Parker, the former a native of Wisconsin, while the latter was born in
Indiana. The paternal grandfather, John Parker, was a pioneer resident of Wis-
consin and Mr. and Mrs. Asher W. Parker were early settlers of Iowa. They
afterward removed to South Dakota in 1886 and in the spring of 1888 became resi-
dents of Washington, settling at Mount Vernon. The father was there engaged in
the livery business for about ten years and later retired, spending his remaining
days in the enjoyment of well earned rest. He passed away July 13, 1914, having
for a long period survived his wife, who died on the ISth of July, 1898.
Jasper M. Parker acquired a public school education in Washington and after
attaining his majority engaged in the dairy business in connection with his brother,
Florian C. They became owners of a herd of fine registered Holstein cattle. In
November, 1917. they purchased eighty acres of land near Grandview and brought
part of their herd to the ranch. They are still engaged in the dairy business, which
is profitably conducted, and they are also engaged in raising hogs and hay. The
lirothers have been associated in business affairs since reaching manhood, sharing
all interests in common, the labors of the one ably supplementing and rounding out
the efforts of the other.
On the 18th of October, 190O, Jasper M. Parker was united in marriage to Mrs.
-Alvira G. Murray, who was born in Pocahontas county, Iowa, a daughter of R. B.
Fish. Florian C. Parker was born on the 18th of October, 1868, at Freeport. Illi-
nois, and obtained a public school education.
The lives of the two brothers have run parallel, their interests being united.
They are both highly esteemed throughout the community, having a circle of friends
almost coextensive with the circle of their acquaintance, and among business men
they are known as thoroughly reliable, actuated by a spirit of enterprise in all that
they undertake. In politics they maintain an independent course.
JOHN L. HUGHES.
Standing in the forefront as a representative of industrial activity and enterprise
in Yakima is John L. Hughes, the president and manager of the Yakima Artificial
Ice and Cold Storage Company, controlling one of the most important and success-
ful business enterprises of the city. He was born in Wales in 1864, a son of Henry
and Margaret (Jones) Hughes, who became residents of Champaign county, Illinois,
in 1869, in which year they bade aideu to the little rock-ribbed country in which
they had hitherto resided and sought the opportunities of the new world. The father
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 903
took up the occupation of farming in Illinois and there remained until late in life.
Both he and his wife have now passed away.
Their son, John L. Hughes, accorded liberal educational privileges, was gradu-
ated from Chaddock College at Quincy, Illinois, with the class of 1887 and in 1890
he won his Master of Science degree, which was conferred upon him by his alma
mater. Taking up the profession of teaching, he successfully followed it for many
years, being superintendent of public schools in Illinois for a decade and a half.
His last two positions were at Centralia and at Charleston, Illinois. Attracted by the
opportunities of the growing northwesf, he arrived in Yakima in 1903 and started in
business in his present connection. He had previously come to Washington on a
\isit and was much interested in the possibilities and opportunities of the state.
It was in 1903 that John L. Hughes and James A. Hawks organized the Yakima
Artificial Ice and Cold Storage Company and began business at No. 412 North First
avenue in Yakima under the firm style of Hawks & Hughes. The company today
has its own siding on the Northern Pacific and on the Oregon-Washington Railroads.
The plant has a frontage of two hundred feet on the east side of First avenue and a
depth of one hundred and eighty feet, together with four hundred and twenty-five
feet frontage on the west side of the street with a depth of one hundred and forty-
five feet. The buildings are two stories in height with basement. After a time Mr.
Hawks sold his interest to R. E. DeKay and the business was then carried on under
the firm style of Hughes & De Kay until 1908, when it was incorporated under the
name of the Yakima Artificial Ice and Cold Storage Company. The present officers
are John L. Hughes as. the president, L. J. Bunting as vice president, W. R. Ander-
son as secretary and F. M. Raymond as treasurer. The vice president was a first
lieutenant in the field artillery service in France. The plant of the company has a
daily capacity of fifty-five tons of artificial ice made from distilled water and its
cold' storage capacity is three hundred and fifty cars of fruit, with a common storage
capacity of two hundred and fifty cars. The company also engages in the wholesale
and retail coal trade. They are likewise manufacturers of the distilled water
•■Puritas," a pure aerated distilled water which has found a ready sale on the market.
Tlicy likewise operate a public packing house in connection with their warehouse.
The ice which they manufacture is not only sold to the local trade but is also shipped
in large quantities to Prosser, Sunnyside and Roslyn. They employ from twenty-
five to forty people throughout the year and their payroll amounts to from twenty
to thirty-five thousand dollars annually. They have modern equipment throughout
the plant, including the individual motor system and the most up-to-date system for
pre-cooling fruit. They also have ice refrigerator cars used in shipping fruit. Upon
ground owned by the company are situated the boilers of the Yakima Central Heat-
ing Company, and the Yakima Artificial Ice and Cold Storage Company, under con-
tract, furnishes all the live steam for the former company, whose heating system
throughout the business district of the city includes one hundred and fifty thousand
square feet of radiation. The company utilizes as high as forty-five tons of coal
per day for this purpose. It has three sources of water supply — the city mains, two
largs wells and also water from the adjacent mill race. The business has been devel-
oped along the most progressive lines and the most scientific methods are employed
in the distillation of water, in the manufacture of the ice and in the care of the
cold storage products. Mr. Hughes is a member of the American Society of Refriger-
ating Engineers and has contributed many valuable ideas to its meetings. He is a
very progressive man, possessed of the spirit of initiative, and. steadily working his
way upward, each forward step has brought him a broader outlook and wider oppor-
tunities, which he has quickly and eagerly utilized.
In 1896 Mr. Hughes was married to Miss Bertha Helton, a daughter of Fred
Helton, of Atwood. Illinois, who in later life removed to Yakima, where he passed
away in- 1916. Mr. and Mrs. Hughes have become parents of two children. Henry
H. was graduated from the local high school with the class of 1916 and enlisted
in the United States Army on the 2d 'of April. 1917. He is now a private in Com-
pany K. Ninth Regiment, having been transferred from his former company, which
was Company F of the One Hundred and Sixty-first United States Infantry. He
has seen active service in France and participated in the battles of Vau.x. Bolleau
Woods, Soissons and Chateau Thierry and as a result wears two wound stripes.
904 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
Fred L., a junior in the high school, at the age of sixteen enlisted in July, 1918,
in the United States Marines and was a member of Companj' B. Eleventh Separate
Battalion, at Quantico, Virginia, at the conclusion of the war.
Mr. and Mrs. Hughes are consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church
and the latter is quite active in the work of the Young Women's Christian Asso-
ciation and in other community interests. She is also a prominent member of the
Twentieth Century Club. Mr. Hughes is actively identified with the Young Men's
Christian Association and in 1918 served as its president. He is chairman of the
board of trustees of his church and has been a member of the Federated Churches
of Christ in America since 1908 and of the National Education Association
since 1898. in both of which he takes a keen interest. He belongs to the Ma-
sonic fraternity, having membership in Yakima Lodge, No. 24, F. & A. M.; Yakima
Chapter. No. 21, R. A. M.; Yakima Commandery, No. 13, K. T.; and Afifi Temple
of the Mystic Shrine. He has likewise taken the degrees of Scottish Rite Masonry
and belongs to the Knights of Pythias. In politics he is a republican. He belongs
to the National League to Enfore Peace, with which he has been identified since its
organization and is now state secretary. He has served on the board of the Com-
mercial Club and is a member of the Yakima Valley Business Men's Association.
These connections indicate much of the nature of his interests and activities aside
from his business and indicate the progressive spirit by which he is ruled in all
things, whether in the promotion of his individual business affairs or in his support
of plans for the public good.
JOHN EINARSEN.
Among the successful agriculturists of the Yakima valley is John Einarsen, a
rancher near Mabton, who was born in Norway, April 19, 1864, and is a son of Einar
and Karen J. (Orwig) Einarsen, the former of whom is deceased, while the latter
is still living in Norway. John Einarsen was reared under the parental roof in his
native country and there attended public school, subsequently becoming a fisher-
man. Upon coming to the United States he made his way to Spokane, Washington,
arriving in that city on the 12th of October, 1889, when twenty-five years of age, and
there he made his home until his removal to Seattle on the 17th of May, 1890. Later
he was a resident of Snohomish county, Washington, where he worked in the employ
of others for about three and a half years, subsequent to which period he spent six
years in British Columbia, Canada. In the spring of 1900 he, like many others, made
his way to Nome, Alaska, where for seven years he wooed fortune and was fairly
successful. At the end of that time he visited his native country, viewing the scenes
of his boyhood and young manhood, and then returned to Nome, there leasing mines
and accumulating a fair sum.
In the fall of 1908 Mr. Einarsen returned to Seattle, where he remained until the
following spring. At that time he and two others acquired title to one hundred and
sixtj' acres of land two miles east of Mabton, which property is now know as the
Farmers Homestead. At this writing our subject and Archibald Morrison are the
sole owners and they are engaged in general farming and stock raising, while an-
other source of their income consists of the raising of hay. Mr. Einarsen has twenty
acres four and a half miles west of Grandview and three miles north of Mabton and
there he lives. When he acquired his land it was covered with sagebrush but it is
now largely under the plow and has become a valuable property in the course of
years. He has seven acres in orchard and many valuable improvements have been
made upon the place, including the installing of modern equipment and machinery.
The buildings are substantial and up-to-date and he also has erected a handsome
farm residence.
Mr. Einarsen generally gives his allegiance to the republican party as far as
national issues are concerned but in local affairs votes for the man irrespective of
party ties. At present he is serving as supervisor of drainage district, No. 31, and in
tact has ever been deeply interested in public problems and movements undertaken
on behalf of the general welfare. He is a member of the Alaska Sour Doughs, in which
JOHN KIXARSEX
HISTORY OF YAKIMA \ALLEY 907
organization he meets with others who have spent years amid the primitive sur-
roundings of the north. There is much credit due him for what he has achieved, as
he began his career empty-handed and is now numbered among the prosperous agri-
culturists of his district. He has never regretted coming to this country and has
proven in every respect a loyal and patriotic American who not only makes wise
use of opportunities but also fully acknowledges the duties and obligations which
devolve upon a full fledged citizen.
WILLIAM M. REYNOLDS.
A well developed farm property is the ranch of William M. Reynolds, who now
has forty acres of land highly cultivated. He is actuated by the spirit of western
enterprise and progress that has been the dominant factor in the upbuilding of this
section of the country. He is a western man by birth, training and preference. He
was born in Union county, Oregon, October 10, 1877, a son of J. W. and Susan E.
(Garoutte) Reynolds, more extended mention of whom is made on another page
of this work in connection with the sketch of D. D. Reynolds, a brother of our sub-
ject.
In his boyhood days William M. Reynolds was brought to Yakima county and
acquired his education in the public schools. When not busy with his textbooks he
engaged in ranching with his father, whom he assisted until he attained his majority,
after which he worked for wages for others for two years. On the expiration of
that period he rented his father's farm, which he continued to cultivate for several
years and at the end of that time bought a homestead right on the bench between
-\htanum and Wide Hollow, called Ahtanum Heights. He originally had one hun-
dred and twenty-two acres of land but has since sold all save forty acres, which con-
stitutes his home property at the present time. He built a good residence and large,
substantial barns upon the place and he is engaged in the raising of hay, grain and
potatoes, annually harvesting good crops of each. He also has an orchard for family
use but does not raise fruit for commercial purposes.
On the 28th of June, 1911, Mr. Reynolds was married to Miss Viola Loper, a
daughter of Charles and Catherine (Lefler) Loper, the former a native of Germany,
while the latter was born in Jefferson county, Wisconsin. Her father, however, was
brought to the United States when but four years of age. He devoted his life to
general farming during the years of his active career but is now living retired. Mr.
and Mrs. Reynolds have become parents of two children: Bonnie Catherine, born
April 6, 1912; and Wroten William, who was born October 22, 1915. The family are
members of the Methodist church and guide their lives according to its teachings.
The sterling worth of Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds is recognized by all who know them,
so that their circle of friends is almost coextensive with the circle of their acquain-
tance. Mr. Reynolds votes with the republican party but has never been ambitious
to hold office. He is numbered among the pioneer farmers of this section and in
the conduct of his business affairs he carries forward to successful completion what-
ever he undertakes.
JACOB H. ELKINTON.
Jacob H. Elkinton is a successful mining man and rancher living near Sunny-
side. His experiences of life have been broad and varied, covering several years'
sojourn in Alaska. He was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, a son of Charles
and Emma (Fisler) Elkinton, who were also natives of the Keystone state. The
paternal grandfather was George Elkinton, a son of Thomas Elkinton, a native of
England, who in 1688 crossed the Atlantic to Burlington, New Jersey. All were
members of the Society of Friends or Quakers. Charles Elkinton, father of
Jacob H. Elkinton, became trustee of a large estate in Philadelphia, having over two
thousand houses under his supervision to look after, collect the rent and do every-
908 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
thing nbcessary in the care of the property. He continued a resident of Philadelphia
to the time of his demise, which occurred in 1914. His wife was a daughter of Jacob
Fisler, who was born in Philadelphia in 1787 and married a Miss Saul, a native of
Holland, who became a resident of Philadelphia during the colonial epoch in the
histo'-y of the country. Jacob Fisler, the maternal grandfather of Jacob H. Elkin-
ton, served with the rank of colonel in, the War of 1812, having charge of Fort Mifflin
in the vicinity of Philadelphia. His daughter, Mrs. Elkinton, passed away in May,
1913. Both Mr. and Mrs. Elkinton were active and consistent members of the Luth-
eran church and he gave his political allegiance to the republican party. Their
famih numbered fovir children: Edith, now residing in Pasadena, California; Jacob
H., of this review; Charles, who resides in Philadelphia; and George, living in Sunny-
side. Washington.
Jacob H. Elkinton acquired a public school education in his native city, where
hs remained until 1888, when he went to California. In 1898 he went to Alaska, where
he was identified with mining interests until 1906. During that period he spent a
few winters in California, where he pursued a course in mining engineering at the
Van der Xaillen School of Engineering of San Francisco. With the opening of spring,
liowever, he would return to the far north and he developed some fine mines near
Council, Alaska, one hundred miles southeast of Nome. He disposed of his inter-
ests in Alaska in 1906, however, and came to Sunnyside, Washington, where he pur-
chased forty acres 'two miles northeast of the town. He planted this all to apples
but has taken out twenty acres of it, having, however, twenty acres still devoted to
th'" cultivation of fruit. The remainder of his land is planted to hay and diversified
crops and from his property he derives a substantial annual income.
Mr. Elkinton votes with the republican party and keeps well informed on the
questions and issues of the day. Fraternally he is a Mason who e.xemplifics in his
life the beneficient spirit of the craft. He also has membership with the Sour Doughs,
an organization formed of men who had perviously resided in Alaska.
LOUIS M. NYSTROM.
Louis M. Nystrom. an orchardist and farmer of Yakima
Sweden on the 4th of January, 1868, and is a brother of Nels Nystrom, mentioned'
elsewhere in this work. His parents were Per Olson and Martha Nelson, natives of
Sweden, who on coming to the LTnited States made their way first to Omaha, Ne-
braska, and in that city both passed away. The father devoted his life to farming
and blacksmithing and in the pursuit of those occupations acquired a comfortable
competence. He was a son of Olaf Larson, whose father, Lars Monson, was a native
of Verniland, Sweden, and devoted his life to farming.
Louis M. Nystrom acquired a public school education in his native country and
came to the United States in 1887, when a young man of about nineteen years. After
spending three months in Kansas he removed to Omaha, Nebraska, where he followed
carpentering and contract work. Later he became proprietor of a grocery store in
Omaha, where he successfully carried on business for eighteen years. On the ex-
piration of that period he resumed carpenter work, in which he was engaged for
three years, and in 1914 he made his way to Yakima county, where in 1912 he had
purchased ten acres on Academy Heights. He planted four acres of this tract to
apples, built a pleasant -residence and substantial barns and began the further de-
velopment and improvement of the place. He is now successfully engaged in the
raising of fruit, beets and potatoes. He also engages in raising hogs and his busi-
ness is carefully and successfully conducted.
On the 29th of May, 1895, Mr. Nystrom was united in marriage to Matilda Nel-
son, a native of Sweden and a daughter of Magnus and Anna Sophia (Anderson)
Nelson, who are still residents of Sweden. To Mr. and Mrs. Nystrom have been born
the following named: Ruth Elizabeth, the wife of Jay Hinkle, a resident of Wiley
City, Washington; Rudolph Emanuel, who is in a United States training school, in
the drafting department: Wilbur Magnus, at home; Paul Hilmar; Martha Evange-
line; Anna Niamie; and Elmer Phillip. Mr. Nystrom and his family are members
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 909-
of the Swedish Evangelical Mission church and are interested in the work of the
church and in all that pertains to the moral progress and development of the com-
munity.
Mr. Nystrom gives his political allegiance to the republican party but he does
not seek nor desire office, preferring to concentrate his efforts and attention upon
his business afifairs. He is truly a self-made man and one who has been very success-
ful. In addition to owning and cultivating the home place he also rents forty acres,
which he has sown to hay. His business interests are wisely and carefully conducted.
He attacks with thoroughness everything that he undertakes and his determination
and keen sagacitj' have also been strong elements in his continued success.
CARL A. DAXIELSON.
The career of Carl A. Danielson is a notable example of the wise use of time,
talent and opportunity. Left an orphan when less than eight years of age, his has
been a busy, active and useful life and one that has been of much benefit to his
fellowmen. He was born in Sweden, February 26, 1869, a son of Frederick and Louisa
Danielson. He came to the new world in 1887, when a youth of eighteen years,
making his way to Oakland, Nebraska. There he took up the trade of harness mak-
ing, which he followed for a time, and later he attended a theological seminary of
Chicago and became a minister of the Swedish Mission church. He engaged in
preaching in Illinois, Rhode Island, Connecticut and Pennsylvania, continuing active
in the work of the ministry until September, 1908, when he made his way to the
northwest with Yakima county as his destination. On reaching this district he pur-
chased ten acres on Pleasant hill and has since planted it to apples. He built a nice
home upon his place and also cultivated land for others for several years, having in
charge one hundred acres. He is now engaged in the further development and im-
provement of a tract of thirty acres in addition to his home place of ten acres, and
he is one of the representative and progressive horticulturists of the valley. In 1913
he built a fine packing house and storage warehouse and he has splendid equipment
for the fruit which he is now raising in large quantities.
On the 16th of November, 1898, Mr. Danielson was united in marriage to Miss
Rivera Matson, a native of Sweden, w^ho came to the United States in her girlhood
days. By her marriage she has become the mother of two children, Evaline Elvera
and Harriet Evangeline, both at home. The older daughter is a graduate of the
Selah high school.
Mr. Danielson and his family are members of the Swedish Mission church and
during the fir-st four years of his residence in this section he engaged in preaching.
He has always taken a most active interest in the work of the church, putting forth
every possible effort for its upbuilding and the extension of its influence. He has
also done notably successful work as a horticulturist and is a member of the Selah
Fruit Grow-ers Association and a stockholder of the Naches-Selah Irrigation Dis-
trict. He has closely studied the problems which confront the agriculturist and the
horticulturist in this region and his aid and influence have ever been on the side of
progress and improvement. He has followed the most advanced methods in the dc-
velopnient and propagation of his orchards and his labors have indeed demonstrated
what can be accomplished in the way of transforming the once wild land that only
a few years ago was covered with sagebrush into fine bearing orchards, the fruit
from which is shipped to many sections of the world.
WILLIAM M. WATT.
Business enterprise finds exemplification in the efforts and in the record of Wil-
liam M. Watt, manager of the Pioneer Lumber and Coal Company, conducting a
growing and profitable business in Yakima. He is of Canadian birth, born Novem-
ber 16, 1859. His parents, James and Isabel Watt, were natives of Scotland and for
910 HISTORY OF YAKIMA \ALLEY
many years resided in Canada, where they passed away. They had become early set-
tlers of that country and the father there engaged in business as a millwright.
William M. Watt acquired a public school education in his native country and
nhen his textbooks were put aside learned the carriage-making trade. In 1892 he
came to Yakima and bought a fruit ranch, on which he resided for four years, after
which he entered into business relations with the Pioneer Lumber and Coal Com-
pany, of which he is now the manager. This business was reorganized in July, 1906,
after having been in existence for about ten years. Its location is at No. 9 North
First avenue, where the company has one hundred and fifty by one hundred and
eighty feet. They handle a full line of builders' materials, shingles, mouldings, lath,
sash, doors, blinds, lime, cement, plaster and sewer pipe, together with bee supplies,
fruit boxes, tin tops, grape baskets, berry crates, drain tile and Roslyn coal. They
employ five men throughout the year and at times have ten in their employ. The
officers of the company are: T. H. Brew, of Puyallup, Washington, president; F. W.
Morris, of Puyallup, vice president; and William M. Watt, secretary, treasurer and
manager.
Mr. Watt married Miss Annie Cornett, of Canada, now deceased. He afterward
wedded Linda Barton, of Minneapolis. The children of the first marriage were
Gordon, Elizabeth and Roberta, all of whom have passed away. By the second mar-
riage there is one son, Harold, seventeen years of age, now attending high school.
Mr. Watt is well known in Masonic circles, belonging to lodge, chapter and
commandery, and the spirit of the craft finds exemplification in his career. He be-
longs to the Commercial Club and to the Business Men's Association and is thus
putting forth earnest effort to promote commercial activity and improve business
conditions. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and for six
years he served as one of the school trustees, but has never been a politician in the
sense of seeking political office. That he is interested in moral progress and the wel-
fare of the community in its character building is shown in his membership in the
Presbyterian church and the Young Men's Christian Association. In a word, he
places no false values on life and its opportunities but regards each duty with a
sense of conscientious obligation that makes his career worth while to the community
in which he lives.
BURT K. FERRIS.
Burt K. Ferris, devoting his time and attention to general agricultural pursuits
and fruit raising in Yakima county, was born in Hampton, Minnesota, February
5, 1864, a son of Peter B. and Hannah (Karker) Ferris, who were natives of the
Empire state, but at an early day in the development of Minnesota established their
home within its borders. There the father passed away, and later the mother came
to Washington and made her home with her son Burt until her death, which oc-
curred in 1915.
Burt K. Ferris obtained his education in the public schools but was only fifteen
years of age at the time of his father's death and the responsibility of caring for
and developing the old home farm then largely devolved upon him. At a later period
the family sold the farm and removed to Northfield, Minnesota, where Mr. Ferris
of this review had liberal educational opportunities, there attending the high school.
He was afterward employed in the town and later in Minneapolis in connection with
a creamery business, in which he spent six years. Subsequently he spent five years
on his brother's farm near Northfield, acting as manager of the property, and in
January, 1896, he made his way to the northwest, arriving in Yakima county. Here
he purchased seventy-five acres of land six miles west of Y'akima. the greater part
of which was wild and undeveloped. He at once began the improvement of the
property and after a time traded twenty acres of this for water, thus irrigating the
remainder of his place of fifty-five acres. He now has fifteen acres in orchard, while
forty acres are devoted to diversified farming. He likewise keeps Holstein cattle and
conducts an extensive dairy business which is proving very profitable. He raises
apples and pears for commercial purposes and has other fruit upon the place for home
HISTORY OF YAKIMA YALLEY 913
consumption. His crops of grain, too, are excellent and in fact everything about his
place is wisely and successfully managed and his labors are therefore crowned with
a substantial measure of success.
On the 15th of August, 1896, Mr. Ferris was married to Miss Clara Burroughs,
of Minnesota, and to them were born five children: Marie, who is the wife of Aubrey
Farrer, a resident of Seattle, by whom she has one sen, Dean Clinton; Earl, Cecil
and Donald, all at home; and Harold, who died at the age o( three years.
Mr. Ferris and his family are members of the First Baptist church, taking an
active interest in the work and contributing generously to its support. In politics Mr.
Ferris is a republican and while never an office seeker has served as school director
for one term. He belongs to the Horticultural Union of Yakima county and is
interested in everything that has to do with the welfare and progress of his com-
munity, supporting all those projects and interests which are a mater of civic virtue
and of civic pride. As a business man he has made steady progress. Starting out
in the world when a, lad of fifteen years, he has since been dependent upon his own
resources, and with industry as the basis of his success, has built up a substantial
competence.
ALBERT S. CONGDON.
Many tangible evidences of the public spirit and the business ability of Albert
S. Congdon have been cited. These two qualities are inseparable in his makeup and
his efforts have been a most valuable clement in the development and improvement
of the Yakima valley as well as in the promotion of his individual fortunes. He
holds large property interests, including fruit lands, and he is still president of the
Yakima Yalley Canal but to a considerable extent has retired from active business.
Mr. Congdon was born in Rochester. Xcw York, December 4. 1857, a son of
Sylvester L. and Laura (Adgate) Congdon. The father, a minister of the Methodist
h'piscopal church, passed away in 1868, while the mother survived until 1901. They
had a family of six children, of whom three died in infancy. Of the others Chester,
who was born June 12, 1853, departed this life November 21, 1916, and Laura is the
wife of George Hebard, living in San Gabriel, California.
The other member of the family is Albert S. Congdon of this review, who after
acquiring a high school education entered Syracuse University of New York, from
which both he and his brother were graduated. The brother, Chester Congdon, was
a prominent attorney of St. Paul and Duluth, Minnesota, and became a multimil-
lionaire through operations in the iron and copper fields. In 1889 the two brothers
came to Y'akima and Chester Congdon assisted in the survey for the Sunnyside Canal
but did not built it. He was, however, the builder of the Yakima Valley Canal in
1889 and both Chester and Albert S. Congdon purchased large amounts of land, the
former making investments until he had acquired over nine hundred acres of highly
developed land, while Albert S. Congdon also became the owner of several hundred
acres. The latter owned a large part of the land that is now the site of the city of
Yakima. They together platted what is now the Capitol addition and their efforts
have been greatly resultant in the development of the city and the valley. In 1914-
15 Chester Congdon built what is known as Congdon's Castle of over eighty rooms.
It is built of native Yakima stone quarried within a few miles of Yakima, near
the Painted Rocks, and is one of the most beautiful structures of the west. Albert
S. Congdon is still president of the Yakima Valley Canal and is the owner of large
fruit interests in the valley, together with a most beautiful residence in Yakima. His
investments in this section of the state are very large and imporant. He is one of
the directors of the Ontario Land Company, of which he is the local manager, and
he owns large tracts of land in the valley besides much valuable city property.
In 1893 Mr. Congdon was married to Miss Winifred Newcombe. of Traverse
City. Michigan, and their children are Shirley and Dorothy. Mr. Congdon belongs
to the Masonic fraternity and has taken the degrees of the Lodge of Perfection
and has attained the eighteenth degree in the Rose Croix Chapter and the thirty-
second degree in Oriental Consistory at Spokane. He belongs to the Commercial
(37)
914 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
Club and to the Country Club and is appreciative of the social amenities of life. His
political allegiance is given to the republican party, but while thoroughly interested
in the political situation and keeping thoroughly informed concerning the questions
and issues of the day he has never been an aspirant for office. His business inter-
ests of growing importance have made full claim upon his time and attention and
the management of his affairs has brought to him a measure of success that places
him among Yakima's most substantial citizens. Moreover, his work has been of a
character that has contributed in marked measure to the development and progress
of the valley, so that he is numbered among its most valued citizens.
KLAAS DEN HARTIGH.
Klaas den Hartigh, engaged in general farming near Sunnyside, is one of the
substantial citizens that Holland has furnished to this section of the country. He
was born in the land of the dikes, September 20. 1883, a son of Paulus and Janna
(Monster) den Hartigh, who were also natives of the same country. They came to
Yakima county in the spring of 1904 and purchased forty acres of land two and a
half miles northeast of Sunnyside, which was but partially improved. The father
built thereon a good residence and continued the work of further development and
improvement upon his land to the time of his death, which occurred in April, 1916.
His widow survives and lives with her son Klaas.
The latter obtained a public school education in Holland and in the fall of 1901
came to the new world with his sister, who is now Mrs. Christopher G. Van Belle.
They made their way westward to Yakima county and he worked for wages until
joined by his parents in 1904. He then engaged in ranching with his father until the
latter's death. In 1913 he was given twenty acres of land and he now farms the re-
mainder of the old home place for his mother and the other children. He is leading
a busy life and his energy and perseverance are producing most excellent results in
the cultivation of the home property. He annually gathers large crops of corn, hay
and potatoes and he also conducts a small dairy. The family are members of the
Reformed church. Mr. den Hartigh is numbered among the successful ranchers of
his district.
GOTTFRIED GOTHBERG.
Gottfried Gothberg belongs to that little colony of Swedish people who have
done so much toward developing Academy Heights, where he now makes his home.
He was born in Sweden, November 24, 1860, a son of August and Emma Gothberg.
who are still living in Sweden, the father having now reached the age of eighty-nine
years, while the mother is eighty-six years of age. They have been married over
sixty years and they are one of the most venerable couples in that section of the
country. The became the parents of twelve children and ten of the number are
still living.
Gottfried Gothberg obtained a public school education and after his textbooks
were put aside learned the blacksmith's trade. He was a young man of twenty-six
years when he bade adieu to friends and native country and sailed for the United
States in 1886. He first made his way to Worcester, Massachusetts, where he re-
mained for three months, and then journeyed across the country to Chicago, where
he secured employment in a railroad shop. In 1912 he arrived in Yakima county
and purchased ten acres of land on Academy Heights. He planted one-half of this
to apples, while the remainder is devoted to the raising of hay. His crops are large,
showing his careful method of cultivation, and the place presents a most neat and at-
tractive appearance. He has erected a nice home and his neighbors consider tbat
he is on the highroad to success.
In 1894 Mr. Gothberg was united in marriage to Miss Tilda Strohm, who was
born in Sweden, where they were schoolmates. Their marriage was celebrated in
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 915
Chicago. The first child of their marriage died in infancy and they have one daugh-
ter, Mildred, who is still at home. The parents are members of the Swedish Mission
chiirch and are interested in all that pertains to the moral progress of the community.
Politically Mr. Gothberg is a republican. He is imbued with the spirit of west-
ern enterprise and progress and his well defined activities have brought him to a
creditable place as one of the successful orchardists of his community.
ARCHIE L. NORTON.
The "Star of Empire" in its western course has been the beacon light which
has led many enterprising men to the Yakima valley, rich with its opportunities, its
possibilities and its resources. They have found here conditions which, wisely util-
ized, have led to the upbuilding of many fortunes that, wath a boomerang action,
have at the same time promoted the growth and progress of the district. Prominent
among the progressive business men of Yakima at the present time is Archie L.
Norton, who became general manager of the St. Paul & Tacoma Lumber Company
at Yakima in 1916. He was born in St. Charles, Minnesota, December 18, 1882, a
son of Thomas and Christina Norton, who in 1883 removed to the Pacific coast,
settling at Dayton, Washington. The following year they took up their abode in
North Yakima, where the father engaged in well digging and afterward in the trans-
fer business. He died in the year 1911 but the mother is still living.
Utilizing liis educational opportunities. Archie L. Norton was graduated from the
high school of Yakima and then entered the employ of the St. Paul & Tacoma
Lumber Company, with which he has worked in all of the departments and in most
of the yards. Gradually advancing, he served for a time as local manager at Wapato
and at Kennewick and in 1916 was called to the position of general manager at Yakima.
The St. Paul & Tacoma Lumber Company was organized in 1888 at Tacoma,
Washington, and a branch office was established at Yakima in May, 1894, with L.
Palmer as general manager. The first location was on First avenue, near C street,
after which a removal was made to First avenue and Walnut street about 1906. The
business was started on one square block and it now covers two blocks on First
avenue. South, and a half block on Walnut street. W. O. Scott was the first local
manager, continuing until January, 1898, when he was succeeded by C. A. Anderson,
who continued until February, 1899. Miles Cannon then became manager and filled
the position until .^vigust, 1902, when he became general manager of the company,
acting in that capacity until 1906. W. P. Taylor was manager at Yakima from July,
1903, until January, 1907, when he became general manager for the company but has
since withdrawn from that connection. T. W. Howell served as local manager from
-August, 1902, until August, 1903, preceding Mr. Taylor. A. E. Rasmussen occupied
the position from 1907 until 1909, when he was succeeded by T. E. Manning, who
served until 1912. L. B. Ward has been local manager to the present time and Mr.
Taylor served as general manager until 1910. C. W. Gamble then occupied the posi-
tion until 1916, when A. L. Norton was called to the office, which he is now most
acceptably filling. The company has yards at Selah, Wapato. Toppenish, White
Swan, Sunnyside, Prosser, Kennewick, Richland, Hanford and White Bluffs, all in
the Yakima valley; also at Ritzville, Marcellus and Ralston, in .\dams county. The
officers of the company are: E. G. Griggs, of Tacoma, president: and H. S. Griggs,
secretary and treasurer. The former, who was the founder of Troop B of Tacoma,
is now a major in the Signal Corps, in charge of the fir aeroplane production. The
mills and general offices of the company are at Tacoma and the mills have an out-
put of six hundred and fifty thousand feet of lumber per day. The yards handle
a full line of building material and fuel. The major part of the output of the mills
is shipped to the east and to California and they also liave a complete creosoting plant
on the coast. The sales organization through the yards is all managed from Yakima
and the Yakima plant is now the oldest yard owned by the company. This is the
leading lumber concern of the city and as general manager Mr. Norton has important
and extensive duties, connecting him largely with the lumber trade of the northwest.
His entire life has been devoted to the service of this company and gradually he has
916 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
won advancement and promotion until he has reached his present position of respon-
sibility.
On the 6th of June, 1917, Mr. Norton was married to Miss Bernice Myer, of
Seattle. He is well known in fraternal circles, belonging to the Elks lodge, the
Knights of Pythias and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He also has mem-
bership in the Commercial Club and the Business Men's Association, and he gives
his political allegiance to the republican party. He gives the closest attention to
social and community interests and his is a well balanced character. He recognizes
life's value and meets every obligation and duty in the matter of citizenship and in
his relations with his fellowmen as well as in his business connections.
GEORGE REID.
George Rcid. a successful agriculturist residing in the vicinity of Selah, is the
owner of a rich and productive tract of land comprising fifty acres on Wenas creek.
He is a native son of Scotland, where his birth occurred on the 3d of May, 1880,
his parents being George and Jessie (Taylor) Reid. The father is still living in that
country, but the mother has passed away.
George Reid spent the first twenty-eight years of his life in the land of his na-
tivity and then crossed the Atlantic to the United States in 1908. He made his way
across the continent to the Pacific northwest and for two years was employed in
Yakima by his uncle. Alex Taylor, with whom he later entered into partnership in
the sheep business. In 1910 he located on Wenas creek and four years later pur-
chased his present farm of fifty acres, where he has since been actively engaged in
the cultivation of hay and. grain and also in the raising of cattle. His labors along
these lines have been attended with a gratifying and well deserved measure of suc-
cess, so that he has gained a place among the substantial and representative agri-
culturists of Yakima county.
On the 22d of April, 1907, Mr. Reid was united in marriage to Miss Susan Hay, a
native of Scotland and a daughter of George and Margaret Hay. The mother has
passed away, but the father survives and since 1914 has made his home with Mr.
and Mrs. Reid. The children of this marriage are three in number: Gordon S., L.
J. and Vernon G.
Mr. Reid gives his political allegiance to the democratic party where national
questions and issues are involved but at local elections casts an independent ballot,
considering the capability of a candidate rather than his party affiliation. The re-
ligious faith of Mr. and Mrs. Reid is that of the Presbyterian church. He has never
had occasion to regret his determination to leave his native country and establish a
home in the new world, for here he has found the opportunities which he sought
and through their wise utilization has worked his way steadily upward to the goal
of success. During the period of his residence in Yakima county, which now covers
a decade, he has made many friends who esteem him highly for his genuine per-
sonal worth and sterling traits of character.
LEO F. SAINSBURY.
Leo F. Sainsbury. manager of the Fruit Growers' Agency of Yakima, was born
in Lamoille, Minnesota, December 9, 1882, a son of George and Margaret Sainsbury.
The father has been agent for the Milwaukee Railroad Company since 1872 and is
also the owner of a fine farm. The son acquired a public school education and then
took up railway work in connection with his father, being thus employed until 1898,
after which he devoted his attention to telegraphy until 1905. In May of that year
he came to Spokane and soon afterward accepted a position as telegraph operator
in Idaho. Later he was located at Lind, Washington, as operator and occupied a
similar position at other points. He was with the Northern Pacific Railway Com-
pany at various places, including Pasco and Toppenish. In August, 1910, he came to
HISTORY OF YAKIMA XALLF-Y 917
Yakima as agent for the Xortliern Pacific and so continued until June 30, 1917, when
he became manager for the Yakima Valley Traffic & Credit Association, which was
established in July of that year as successor to the Yakima Traffic Association. The
organization was formed as an association of fruit shippers to promote and benefit
their shipping interests. They now handle claims and messenger service, which is
the sending of men with cars of fruit to the east. They sent over one thousand cars
of produce east with special messengers in 1917. These men look after the refrigera-
tion and general care of the shipments. The association is a service company for the
benefit of the shippers and during 1017 handled one thousand and seven cars in ninety-
four trains. They take charge of about seventy per cent of the shipping in the valley
under messenger service. The membership includes eighteen of the largest shipping con-
cerns in the valley and has charge of eighty-five per cent of the tonnage of the valley.
The general ofiices are located in the building of the Yakima Valley Transportation
Company. The officers are: J. M. I'erry, president; Fred Eberlc. vice president; C. R.
McKee. treasurer; Lloyd Garretson, P. F. Clarke and W. J. Hayes, trustees. Mr.
Sainsbury continued as manager until 1918 and did splendid work in getting the peo-
ple in the same line of business to work together and thus greatly promote the in-
terests of each. In the same office is found the Fruit Growers' Agency. This was
organized in Walla Walla and includes a membership that is drawn from Oregon,
Washington, Idaho and Montana. This is an organization for the promotion of the
general development of the fruit growing industry. The agency is now putting torth
efforts to secure a general government inspection of shipments at the time they are
loaded. In 1918, severing his connection as manager with the Y'akima Valley Traffic
& Credit Association, Leo F. Sainsbury became general manager for the agency and
so continues. His former experience is proving of the greatest value in this con-
nection and his efforts are productive of splendid results.
On the 28th of October. 1908, Mr. Sainsbury was united in marriage to Miss
Olive S. Brace, of Athena, Oregon, and they have one son. George Forrest. Mr.
Sainsbury belongs to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and also to the
Yakima Commercial Club. He is interested in everything that has to do with the
progress and upbuilding of the section in which he lives and his labors have been an
effective force in advancing the interests of a large part of the population in this
section. He displays marked initiative and his well fonuulated plans have produced
excellent results.
ELMER ELSWORTH KNOWLES.
Twenty-seven years have come and gone since Elmer Elsworth Knowles became
a resident of Y^akima county. For an extended period he has been connected with the
plumbing business in the city of Yakima. In 1913, however, he located on his ranch,
a mile and a half north of Buena, and engaged in raising fruit but the following
year sold the place and has since engaged in the plumbing business in Y'akima. He
was born in Penobscot county, Maine, June 16, 1861, a son of Christopher Columbus
and Betsey (Winchester) Knowles, both of whom were natives of Maine. The father
was a son of Silas Knowles, one of the early settlers of the Pine Tree state, who
was killed in the War of 1812. The maternal grandparents were also among the
early settlers of Maine and all were farming people. Christopher C. Knowles was a
veteran of the Civil war, loyally defending the interests of his country during the
period of strife between the north and the south, as his father had done in the
second war with England. He passed away in December, 1917, lacking but eight
days of having reached the advanced age of ninety years.
Elmer E. Knowles, after acquiring a public school education, left home at the
age of twenty years and learned the tinsmith's trade, which he followed for a decade.
He then took up the work of plumbing and steamfitting over New England and in
1890 made his way to the Pacific coast, spending three years in San Diego, California.
He afterward went to South Bend, Washington, and later to Astoria, Oregon, but in
December, 1892, arrived in Yakima, where he resumed work at his trade as an employe
918 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
of the Yakima Hardware Company. He was made foreman of the plumbing and
heating department and continued in that responsible position for nineteen years. In
1910 he did over sixty-three thousand dollars worth of business for the firm in his
department. In 1911 he entered the plumbing and heating business on his own ac-
count in Yakima but in June, 1913, sold out and removed to his ranch, which was
pleasantly and conveniently situated a mile and a half north of Buena and which
he purchased in February, 1908, at which time it was covered with sagebrush. He
had twenty-four acres, of which eighteen acres is now planted to apples, peaches,
cherries and pears.
On the 17th of December, 1890, Mr. Knowles was married to Miss Lizzie Park
Gibson, who was born near Liverpool, England, and came to the United States in
her girlhood days. Their children are: Ray, who died at the age of twelve years;
and Eva Priscilla. at home. The family residence is maintained in Y^akima.
Mr. Knowles and his family are members of the First Christian church of Y'akima
and his political allegiance is given to the republican party. He is truly a self-made
man, deserving much credit for what he has accomplished, as his success is the
direct outcome and result of his individual eflfort. He has worked diligently as the
years have passed, displaying efficiency in everything that he has undertaken, and
his thorough reliability has been one of the elements that have gained him the high
respect in which he is uniformly held.
ROBERT M. SHOEMAKE.
For over twenty years Robert M. Shoemake, now deceased, was a resident of
Kittitas county but for almost a quarter of a century made his home in Washington.
He was born in Oskaloosa, Iowa, October 16, 1864, a son of Enoch and Mary Shoe-
make. The father died in the year 1873, after which the mother came to Washington
with her son Robert in 1894, their home being established in Klickitat county. Mrs.
Shoemake afterward removed to California, where her last days were passed.
Robert M. Shoemake was reared and educated in his native state, early becom-
ing familiar with farm work in all of its branches. His education was acquired in the
public schools and throughout his life he learned many valuable lessons in the school
of experience. He was married in 1897 and the following year went to Tacoma,
where he resided for five years, during which period he was engaged in the dairy
and fuel business. In 1903 he arrived in Kittitas county, where he engaged in rent-
ing land for four years. He then purchased two hundred and forty acres five miles
northwest of Ellensburg and thereon built a house and barn. With characteristic
energy he began the development and improvement of the place, which he con-
verted into rich and productive fields from which he annually gathered good harvests.
He raised hay and grain, which yearly taxed his barns and bins to their capacity,
and he also made stock raising a feature of his place.
On the 13th of March, 1897, Mr. Shoemake was united in marriage to Miss
Myrtle McQueen, a native of Wisconsin and a daughter of Alexander and Mary
(Dopkins) McQueen, the former a native of Illinois and the latter of Wisconsin,
in which state they were married. They became residents of Klickitat county. Wash-
ington, in 1874 and the father was there engaged in the lumber business to the time
of his death, which occurred in 1878. His widow survives and is now living in Oregon.
To Mr. and Mrs. Shoemake were born four children: Stella, the wife of L. G. Sim-
mons, a resident of Ellensburg; Mabel, the wife of A. R. Yuill, of Ellensburg, and the
mother of two sons; Bessie and Gladys, both at home. Two of the daughters, Stella
and Bessie, are graduates of the Washington State Normal School at Ellensburg.
Mr. Shoemake was a member of the Modern Woodmen and his religious faith
was indicated by his membership in the Christian church, to which Mrs. Shoemake
also belongs. His political belief was that of the prohibition party, which indicated
his attitude on the temperance question. He ever stood for those forces which work
for the uplift of the individual and the welfare of the community. His aid and in-
fluence were ever on the side of right, progress, truth and reform and his labors were
productive of excellent results along those lines. He was also well known as an
ROBERT M. SHOEMAKE
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 921
honorable and successful farmer and his many sterling traits of character made him
one of the highly respected citizens of his community. He was called to his final
rest on the 8th of February, 1918.
AXEL CARLSON.
Axel Carlson is the owner of ten acres of rich and productive land on Academy
Heights in Y'akima county, in addition to which he cultivates forty acres of rented
land. Sweden has furnished many substantial citizens to this section of the country,
of which number Axel Carlson is a representative. He was born in Sweden, Febru-
ary 6, 1886, a son of Carl and Sarah Eliza (Pearson) Carlson. The parents came
to the United States in 1901 and settled iirst in Omaha, Nebraska, where they re-
sided until 1914 and then made their way across the country to Yakima county,
where the mother passed away in the same year. The father is now living with a
son and has reached the age of eighty years.
Axel Carlson acquired a public school education in Sweden and there began
working for wages as a farm hand and also in machine shops. He accompanied
his parents to the United States in 1901 and in 1905 went with the family to St. Paul,
Minnesota, where they resided until they removed to Yakima county in 1914. In
the meantime Axel Carlson had worked industriously and saved his earnings, so that
he and his brother were able to bring their parents to the west. On removing to
this section of the country he invested in ten acres of land on Academy Heights in
Yakima county and has since given his time, thought and energy to the improve-
ment of the farm. He built a fine new home upon his place, also erected large and
substantial barns and has added all of the equipment and accessories found upon
the model ranches of the northwest. He is also giving much attention to the cultiva-
tion of a forty-acre tract of land which he rents and he is classed with the success-
ful orchardists of the county.
On the 27th of January, 1916, Mr. Carlson was united in marriage to Miss Hannah
Hilstrom, a native of Chicago, Illinois. They attend the Swedish Mission church and
are people of the highest respectability, enjoying the confidence and warm regard of
those with whom they have been associated. Mr. Carlson has proved his worth as
a business man and being still a young man. undoubtedly has before him a prosperous
future. From each experience in life he has learned the lessons therein contained
and by the faithful performance of each day's duties he has found courage and strength
for the labors of the succeeding day. Step by step he is advancing and each forward
step brings to him a broader outlook and wider opportunity, which he eagerly and
wisely utilizes.
WILLIAM BROWNLIE.
William Brownlie, extensively and successfully engaged in fruit raising and in
ranching near Grandview, came to Yakima county in 1909, after about twenty years'
residence in Illinois and a year spent in New Hampshire following his arrival in the
United States. He was born in Ayrshire, Scotland, on the 26th of April, 1860, a
son of Thornas and Annie Brownlie, both of whom have passed away. The father
was a farmer and thus provided for the support of his family.
William Brownlie was reared in a district made famous by the songs of Robert
Burns. His education was acquired in public schools of Scotland and in 1888 he
bade adieu to friends and native land and came to the new world. He made his way
first to New Hampshire, where he resided for a short time and then removed to
Dekalb county, Illinois, where he engaged in the butter making business for about
twenty years. In 1909, however, he determined to try his fortune in the northwest
and came to Yakima county, where he purchased forty acres of land in the vicinity
of Grandview. He has twenty-five acres now planted to apples, peaches, pears and
cherries and his orchards are in splendid condition. They are a thing of rare beauty
922 HISTORY OF YAKIMA \'ALLEY
in springtime when the trees are filled with bloom and a source of gratifying interest
when the fruit hangs heavy on the boughs in the autumn. The utmost care is put
forth in developing the orchards, in enhancing the productiveness of the soil, in
spraying and caring for the trees. The remainder of his land Mr. Brownlie devotes
to the raising of general crops but makes his orchard interests the most prominent
feature of his place. He has erected a large packing house, has also built a garage
and a beautiful modern residence, in which he enjoys all of the comforts and many
of the luxuries of life.
On the 5th of February, 1901, Mr. Brownlie was married to Miss Mary Porter,
a native of New Y'ork. and to them have been born two children, Annie and Ulyssia.
In his political views Mr. Brownlie is a republican but not an office seeker. He and
his wife are members of the Presbyterian church and are people of the highest
respectability, enjoying in marked degree the kindly regard and friendship of those
with whom they have been brought in contact. As a business man Mr. Brownlie
ranks high, for his progressive spirit and the substantial results which accrue from
his labors place him with the leading orchardists of his community.
LESLIE F. KINSLEY.
Leslie F. Kinsley, is one of the most recent arrivals in Yakima county, having
made his home here for little more than five years, but within this period he has
become well established as an active and energetic rancher whose labors are bring-
ing desired results. He was born in Shelby county, Indiana, April 17, 1868, a son of
William and Caroline (Xichols) Kinsley, the former a native of Indiana, while the
latter was born in Virginia. The paternal grandfather, Appolis Kinsley, was a na-
tive of Ohio but established his home in Indiana during the pioneer epoch in its
history. The maternal grandfather was Absalom Nichols, a native of Virginia, whence
ho removed to Iowa. William Kinsley went to Iowa in early life and in 1855 con-
tinued his westward journey to L'tah. Later, however, he returned to Iowa, where
he took up the profession of teaching, and in that state he was married. Subse-
quently he returned to Shelby county, Indiana, where he taught school and engaged
in farming, there continuing to make his home to the time of his death, which oc-
curred in the spring of 1918. when he had reached the age of eighty-two years. The
mother survives and is now seventy-eight years of age. They were prominent and
highly esteemed people .of the community in which they lived, enjoying the warm
regard of all with whom they were associated. They belonged to the Methodist
Episcopal church and Mr. Kinsley gave loyal support to the principles of the re-
publican party.
Leslie F. Kinsley is indebted to the public school system of Indiana for the edu-
cational privileges which qualified him for life's practical and responsible duties.
When his textbooks were put aside he learned the cabinetmaker's trade, which he
continued to follow for fifteen years. In 1899 he went to South Dakota, where he
carried on farming for seven years, and later he took up a homestead claim in North
Dakota whereon he resided until 1913. In that year he arrived in Yakima county and
purchased twenty-six acres of land near Grandview, of which half had been improved.
He now has five acres in orchards, while the remainder is devoted to the raising of
alfalfa and diversified crops.
On the 14th of October, 1891, Mr. Kinsley was married to Miss Mary T. Wil-
son, a daughter of Charles and Barbara (Applegate) Wilson. Her father was born
in Cincinnati, Ohio, and was a son of William Wilson, one of the pioneers of that
city and one of its early harness makers. He served as a veteran of the Civil war.
being for four years a member of the Union army. The death of Charles Wilson oc-
curred in Indiana in 1877. His widow, however, survives and is now making her
home with Mr. and Mrs. Kinsley, who by their marriage became the parents of two
children, but the first born, Mary Ruth, died at the age of five years. The son, Wil-
liam Fred, was born October 18, 1894, and is now serving with the United States
Marines in France. He enlisted in June. 1917, after having graduated from a public
school of North Dakota and attended the Agricultural College of North Dakota. On
HISTORY OF YAKIMA \ALLI:Y 92J
the 27th of June. 1917, he enrolled as a member of Company B of the First Sec-
tion of the L'nited States Marines — a name that will ever thrill the American public
because of the notably brilliant military movements of that organization in the effort
to establish democracy in the world. He is now with the Sixth Machine Gun Bat-
talion and has seen very active service during the summer of 1918. The parents
have every reason to be proud of their son, owing to the fact that the highest phy-
sical, mental and moral standards are demanded for enlistment in the Marines and
by reason of the splendid work he and his organization have done on the battle
front of western Europe. The Kinsley family now occupies a prominent position in
public regard in Grandview and that section of the county and Mr. Kinsley is rec-
ognized as an alert and active business man whose interests are of a character which
contribute to public progress as well as to individual success.
JOHN J. SCHAEFFER.
Arriving in the Yakima valley in 1911, John J. Schaet?er has since made his home
two and a half miles north of Buena, where he owns an excellent property or twelve
and a half acres. He was born in Yankton county. South Dakota, then Dakota
territory, on the 31st of October, 1874. a son of Henry and Doris (Voss) Schaet?er,
who upon their removal to South Dakota in 1869 took up government land in the
vicinity of Yankton, being among the early pioneers of that section. Both were na-
tives of Germany and the father's last days were spent in South Dakota, where his
carefully directed business affairs made him a successful farmer. The mother sur-
vives and still makes her home in South Dakota.
John J. SchaefFer supplemented his early public school training by study in
Y'ankton College at Yankton. South Dakota, and also in a college at Naperville,
Illinois. He then entered the ministry of the Evangelical Association in 1898, re-
maining a preacher of the gospel until 1911. In the latter year he came to the Yakima
valley and made investment in twelve and a half acres of land two and a half miles
north of Buena. It was entirely destitute of improvements and he then began its
development, supplanting the sagebrush with carefully nurtured trees that are now
in bearing, making his orchards a gratifying source of income. He specializes on the
production of apples and pears.
On the 20th of April, 1898. Mr. Schaeffer was united in marriage to Miss Annie
Sade. who was born in Germany and came to the United States in girlhood, becom-
ing a resident of South Dakota. They now have two children, Estelle and Opal,
who are ten and four years of age respectively.
The family occupy a nice home which Mr. Schaefifer erected. He and his wife
arc members of the Evangelical Association and are people of genuine worth, highly
esteemed by all who know them. In politics he is an independent republican, for
while lie usually supports the men, and measures of that party, he feels free to cast
his ballot without regard for party ties if he so desires. He has made a success
in his ranching and orcharding. He served for one year as a director of the Union
Gap Irrigation District and he put in on his own place a pumping plant that fur-
nishes, irrigation for the land and thus greatly enhances its productiveness.
ISRAEL ANDERSON.
Israel Anderson, whose ten-acre ranch on Academy Heights is highly produc-
tive, was born in Sweden. February 17, 1869, a son of Andrew and Caroline (Erick-
son) Anderson, both of whom passed away in Sweden, where they had spent their
entire lives as farming people. Mr. Anderson obtained a public school education
in his native country and there remained until he reached the age of eighteen years,
when in 1887 he severed home ties and made his way to the new world. He first set-
tled in Emporia. Kansas, where he resided for four months, and then removed to
Omaha, Nebraska, where he secured employment in the packing houses. Later he
P24 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
spent two jears as a coachman and on the expiration of that period went to western
Nebraska, where he purchased forty acres of land. He devoted a year and a half to the
cultivation and improvement of that tract, after which he sold his farm and returned
to Omaha, where he was again employed as a coachman for a few years. He after-
ward married and for eight years occupied a position in a hardware store. Later
he spent a year and a half as an employe in a laundry and then returned to Sweden
with his wife, remaining for six months in his native country.
On again coming to the new world Mr. Anderson once more made his way to
Omaha, Nebraska, where he was employed in a grocery store for a year and a half.
He subsequently purchased a horse and wagon and entered the laundry soliciting
business on his own account. In this he was active until 1914, when he came to
Yakima county, where he had previously purchased ten acres . of land on Academy
Heights. He has erected a good residence upon this place and has planted three
acres to apples. The remainder of his land is devoted to the raising of hay and he
has one of the well improved ranch properties of the district.
On the 23d of June. 1897, Mr. Anderson was married to Miss Antina Nelson, who
was born in Sweden and came to the United States in her girlhood. They now have an
adopted daughter, Lucile, thirteen years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson are mem-
bers of the Swedish Mission church and cooperate earnestly and heartily in all
movements for individual uplift and for community advancement. Mr. Anderson has
never allied himself with any political party but gives his aid and support to all pro-
gressive measures which he believes will prove of benefit to the district in which he
lives. He is a self-made man, deserving of much credit for what he has accomplished,
as he started out in the business world empty-handed. He came to America without
capital and from a most humble position in business circles has worked his way up-
ward until he is now the owner of an excellent ranch property in Yakima county.
EDWIN M. MELLEN.
Edwin M. Mellen, connected with the industrial activity of Yakima as a repre-
sentative of the plumbing business, was born in Byron, Minnesota, May 17, 1867, a
son of William H. and Lucy (Tennent) Mellen. The father, who devoted his life
to the occupation of farming, passed away in Minnesota and the mother is now living
with her son Edwin.
After his school days were over Edwin M. Mellen learned the plumbing and
heating business in Minneapolis and gained valuable experience in the employ of
others, after which he entered upon business on his own account at Redwood Falls,
Minnesota, in 1903. There he remained until 1907, when the lure of the west came
upon him and he made his way to Washington. Settling in Y'akima, he opened a
plumbing establishment at No. 12 South Fourth avenue, where he remained until
1915, when he removed to 12 South First street, where he occupies room space cover-
ing twenty-five by one hundred feet. He does an extensive plumbing and heating busi-
ness, having as, patrons many of the leading business houses of the city. He has
installed the plumbing and heating systems for the high school and five other schools,
for the Wilson building, the Mitchell building, the Armory, for twenty school build-
ings outside of the city, including the Ellensburg Normal School and several high
■school buildings, and many residences. He employs from six to twelve men and
has one of the largest plumbing establishments of Yakima, conducting business under
the firm style of Mellen & Bender, the latter having succeeded to the interests of
Milton Morton in the firm in January, 1918. Mr. Mellen's long experience and close
study of the trade have made him familiar with every phase of the plumbing busi-
ness and his actual experience has enabled him to wisely direct the labors of those
in his employ.
On the 17th of September, 1890, Mr. Mellen was married to Miss Matilda R.
Parker, a native of Washington, D. C, and a daughter of Captain C. C. Parker of
the L^nited States army. Fraternally he is connected with the Benevolent Protective
Order of Elks, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias and
the Foresters. He belongs to the Yakima Commercial Club and is interested in all
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 925
that has to do with the business development and progress of his city. In politics
he is an independent republican, usually supporting the men and measures of the
party but not hesitating to vote otherwise if his judgment so dictates. He has never
regretted his removal to Washington, for here he has found business opportunities
which he sought and in their utilization has made continuous progress toward the
goal of success.
HEXRY STAHLHUT.
Henry Stahlhut, engaged in ranching near Sunnyside, was born in Mount Morris,
Illinois, November 19, 1850, a son of Augustus and Frederica Stahlhut, who were
pioneer settlers of Illinois, where the father devoted his life to the occupation of
farming and both passed away in the year 1899.
Henry Stahlhut acquired a public school education and followed farming in con-
nection with his father. He afterward operated his father's place from 1876 until
1902, at the end of which time he sold the property and came to Yakima county, pur-
chasing twenty acres of land three miles northeast of Sunnyside. It was an im-
proved property on which he has since engaged in the raising of hay and corn. He
has built a modern residence upon the place and added other attractive improvements
which make his one of the desirable properties of the district. His life has been one
of industry and thrift, resulting in the attainment of a substantial measure of success.
On the 4th of January, 1887, Mr. Stahlhut was married to Miss Laura C. Feidt,
a native of Washington county, Maryland. Their children are: Vernie I., who is
now engaged in teaching; and Rose Lee, at home. The family are members of the
Presbyterian church and Mr. Stahlhut gives his political allegiance to the republican
party. He served as road commissioner for seven years in Illinois and also as school
director but since coming to the west has concentrated his efforts and energies upon
his business affairs and has never been a candidate for office. His work, intelli-
gently directed has gained for him a position among the substantial representatives
of agricultural interests in his district.
CHARLES TISSELL.
Sweden had furnished a good quota to the citizenship of Yakima county and the
sons of that land have proven substantial supporters of the work of progress and de-
velopment here. Mr. Tissell is of this number. He was born in Sweden, December
2, 1858, a son of Erick Anderson and Carrie Johnson, who spent their entire lives
in Sweden, where the father made farming his life work. He died at the extreme
old age of ninety-nine years, while his wife passed away when she was seventy years
of age. He was a son of Erick Erickson, who died at the age of ninety-three years
after rearing a family of twelve children. The ancestry of Mr. Tissell is certainly
a notable one for longevity and also for their large families, for the father of Mr.
Tissell had sixteen children.
After spending the first twenty-six years of his life in his native country Charles
Tissell crossed the Atlantic to the new world and took up his abode in Kansas, where
he worked as a farm hand. He afterward became a resident of Emporia, Kansas,
where he was employed as a gardener, and subsequently he removed to Omaha, Ne-
braska, where he worked in connection with the packing business. He afterward took
up the carpenter's trade, which he followed for many years, and in 1914 he became
identified with the northwest through the purchase of ten acres of land on Academy
Heights in Yakima county. He has four acres planted to apples, while the remainder
of his land is devoted to the raising of hay. He removed to this place in the spring
of 1917 and built a fine home and good barns upon his ranch. He is now concen-
trating his efforts and attention upon its further development and cultivation with
good results.
On the 27th of October, 1888, Mr. Tissell was united in marriage to Miss Annie
926 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
Nystrom. who was also born in Sweden, a sister of Nels Xystrom. who is mentioned
elsewhere in this work. They have five children: Hulda, who is now successfully
teaching school in Omaha, Nebraska; Arthur, who is engaged in ranching in Yakima
county; and Esther, Elmer and Fridolph, all at home.
The parents and children are all members of the Swedish Mission church, and
Mr. Tissell gives his political endorsement to the republican party. It was a for-
tunate day for him when he decided to cast in his lot with the settlers of the north-
west. Here he found opportunities for advancement and steadily he has progressed,
winning a substantial prosperity which enables him to enjoy all of the comforts of
life in the control of a successful business.
HERMAN CHRISTIAN FROEMKE.
The substantial traits of character displayed by Herman Christian Froemke,
gained for him a creditable position in the regard of his fellow citizens in Yakima
county, where he took up his abode in 1905 and made his home until his demise.
He was born in Germany, December 7, 18,S6, a son of Gottlieb and Mary Froemke,
who brought their family to the L'nited States and established their home in Winona,
Wisconsin, where Herman C. Froemke acquired a public school education. Later
the family removed to Moorhead, Minnesota, and afterward became residents of
Ransom county. North Dakota, where the father followed the occupation of farm-
ing until his death. His wife died in Canada.
Herman C. Froemke had the usual advantages and opportunities of the farm-
bred boy of that period and locality. He took up farming on his own account in
young manhood, being thus engaged near Fargo, North Dakota, while subsequently
he returned to the vicinity of Britton. South Dakota. He afterward established his
home at Sheldon, North Dakota, and there followed farming until 1905, when he re-
moved to Yakima county, Washington. Three years before he had purchased one
hundred and ten acres of land on the Tieton but afterward sold a part of it. In 1904
he purchased ten acres three miles west of Yakima and later sold one acre of that
tract. His place was arid land covered with sagebrush. With characteristic energy
he began its development and improvement, planting it to pears, apples, peaches,
cherries, plums and apricots. In the course of time his labors wrought a marked
transformation in the appearance of his land. The sagebrush was replaced by well
kept orchards bearing large crops. He also engaged in the raising of alfalfa and
upon his home ranch he erected a nice residence, substantial barns and outbuildings
and made all necessary improvements, converting his place into one of the valuable
and attractive properties of the district.
On the 6th of December, 1882, Mr. Froemke was married to Miss Louisa Linse.
who was born in Buffalo county, Wisconsin, a daughter of Fred and Anna (Berg)
Linse, who were pioneer farming people of Yakima county. To Mr. and Mrs.
Froemke were born seven children: .-Mice, who died in infancy; Fred, who died in
1908 at the age of twenty-five; Rose, the wife of John Broetje, a resident farmer of
Yakima county, by whom she has three children: Harry, who is married and has
two children and is also following farming in Yakima county; and Clara. Elmer and
Gertrude, all at home.
Like her husband, Mrs. Froemke is of German lineage. Her father was born
in Saxony, Germany, and her mother in Hesse. They came to the United States
as young people and were married on this side of the Atlantic. In 1902 they re-
moved to Yakima county and the father purchased a seven-acre orchard three miles
west of Yakima, upon which he now resides, having reached the age of seventy-
seven years. His wife, however, passed away in 1911. They had a family of eight
children: Louisa, now Mrs. Herman C. Froemke; Sarah, the wife of Herman H.
Kuehl. residing at Yakima; Henry, who follows farming on the Tieton; Samuel, who
is engaged in ranching on the Tieton; Mary, the wife of Henry Froemke, a resident
farmer of Yakima county; Martha, the wife of Marvin Thomas, who is farming on
the Tieton; Benjamin, who carries on farming in the same locality; and Harry, who
is an adopted son and is now a member of the L^nited States army.
HERMAN C. FROEMKE
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 929
It was in 1916 that Mrs. Frocmke was called upon to mourn the loss of her
husband, who passed away on the 18th of June of that year. He was not only a suc-
cessful fruit raiser but he had been president of a Farmers Elevator Company in
North Dakota. His political allegiance was given to the republican party but he never
sought or desired office as a reward for party fealty. He belonged to the Evangelical
church, of which Mrs. Froemke is a member. He was devoted to the welfare of his
family and counted no personal eiTort or sacrifice on his part too great if it would
promote the welfare and happiness of the members of his household. He labored dili-
gently and earnestly to attain success that he might give to them a comfortable living
and he left his widow in substantial financial circumstances.
CARL C. BROWN.
Carl C. Brown, engaged in the auto repair business in Yakima under the name
of the Independent Automobile Company, was born at Morton, Illinois, on the 18th
of April, 1881, a son of Alvin C. and Adeline (Smith) Brown, who in the year 1883
removed with their family to South Dakota, where they resided until 1905. In that
year they came to Yakima, where both passed away. They were farming people, the
father always following that occupation in order to provide for the support of his
family.
After acquiring a public school education Carl C. Brown entered the United
States army in 1903 and served until 1906. He then came to Yakima and joined the
fire department, of which he was made captain the following year. He held that
position until he established his present business under the name of the Independent
Automobile Company on the 10th of December, 1913, his associate in the undertak-
ing being George MacLaughlin. They established business at No. 15 North Third
street and in March, 1915, removed to 309 East Chestnut street, occupying a brick
building thirty-five by seventy-five feet which was built especially for them. Their
plant is equipped with a complete line of machinery for auto repair work and they
have one of the best houses of the kind in Yakima. On the 1st of June, 1918, they in-
corporated the business, taking in two of their mechanics as stockholders, thus giv-
ing the men an interest in the company and a share in the profits.
On the 8th of July, 1908, Mr. Brown was married to Miss Frances Southworth,
a native of Pennsylvania, and they have become parents of three children: Orville
Lincoln, nine years of age: Bernice Adeline, seven years of age: and Carl C, Jr.,
a little lad of five.
Mr. Brown is an independent republican in politics, casting his ballot according
to the dictates of his judgment yet usually supporting the men and measures of the
republican party. Fraternally he is connected with the Knights of Pythias and he
belongs to the Yakima Valley Business Men's Association, taking an active interest
in all those things which have to do with the material development of the valley and
the promotion of its trade relations.
ROBERT RENNIE.
I'p-to-datc ranching interests, representing modern ideas, capability and fore-
sight, are the occupation to which Robert Rennie is successfully devoting his life's
labors. He has a valuable property near Selah, Washington, following not only gen-
eral farming pursuits but giving considerable attention to sheep. A native of Eng-
land, he was born in Newcastle, October 4, 1875, his parents being Andrew and
Mary Jane (McGregor) Rennie, the former, however, being a native of Ireland al-
though born of Scotch parentage. The father lived most of his life in Scotland and
there he passed away May 14, 1897. His widow came to the United States in 1901
and now makes her home with our subject, who surrounds her with all the love
of a devoted son.
Robert Rennie spent his boyhood days in his native country, where he acquired
930 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
his education and there grew to manhood, but in 1898, having heard wondrous tales
of the opportunities presented to a young man in the western part of the United
States, he decided upon emigration in order to enjoy these chances. He came to
Yakima county in 1898, when twenty-three years of age, taking up his abode in the
Wenas valley. Purposeful, level-headed, in good health and able and willing to work,
he took up farm work and in 1901 was able to acquire the Matt Longmire ranch on
the Wenas. but disposed of that property in 1904. During the two succeeding years
he rented land and in 1906 bought two hundred and forty acres on the Wenas, of
which he has since sold a part. He now has one hundred acres under cultivation
and sixty acres in pasture. As the years have passed he has brought this land to a
good state of productivity, devoting it largely to the raising of grain and hay. He
has also been very successful in the sheep industry and now owns twelve hundred
ewes. The buildings upon his place are up-to-date and recently he built a commodious
barn and instituted other equipment which denotes him as a progressive agricul-
turist.
In his parents' family were six children and all of these are now residents of the
Yakima valley. John, who is married, is ranching on Cold creek, while the second
of the family is Andrew, and Robert is the third. Samuel has a half interest in the
farming enterprise of our subject, while Sarah, the sister, is the wife of Daniel
McKee and they reside in Yakima. David, the youngest of the family, is success-
fully engaged in sheep raising in the Y^akima valley.
Mr. Rennie is a loyal and devoted member of the Presbyterian church, in the
work of which organization he has always been helpfully interested. He is a repub-
lican in politics but public office has no attraction for him, his farming interests
demanding most of his time. However, he has always been interested in worthy
movements undertaken on behalf of the general public and is ever ready to do his
part in bringing about better conditions along material as well as moral and educa-
tional lines in his district and county. He has ably and forcefully taken hold of
aiTairs and has succeeded in establishing himself as a substantial citizen, having found
the opportunities which he sought when he decided to become an American citizen.
WILLIAM H. CROOK.
William H. Crook, owner of a twenty-four acre tract of land a mile northwest of
Buena, was born in Scotland county, Missouri, January 11, 1860, a son of Allen and
Sarah (Dillon) Crook, who were natives of Kentucky but in early life went to Mis-
souri. The father engaged in the harness-making business in Memphis, that state,
to the time of his death and is still survived by his widow, who has now reached the
age of seventy-nine years.
When William H. Crook put aside his textbooks and left the public schools to
start out in the business world he secured a clerkship in a store and was thus em-
ployed for eight years. In 1888 he arrived in Yakima and entered the employ of the
Star Clothing Company, with which he remained for two years, and was afterward
with other mercantile establishments of the city for three years. He then returned
to Missouri, where he spent seven years upon a farm, but the lure of the west was
upon him and in 190O he again came to the Y^akima valley. Two years afterward, or
in 1902, he bought forty acres of land a mile northwest of Buena, then planted to
potatoes and timothy. He has since sold sixteen acres of the tract but retains posses-
sion of twenty-four acres, of which fifteen acres is now in orchard. He makes a
specialty of raising apples and pears. The remainder of his land is devoted to the
cultivation of alfalfa and diversified crops. It is splendidly improved and everything
about the place indicates his progressive spirit and practical methods. His labors
have been most carefully directed, making his property one of the best ranches in
the valley.
On the 15th of September, 1898, Mr. Crook was married to Mrs. Mary Sandoz,
a native of Missouri, and their children are Sybil D., now a teacher; Mabyn; and
Robert. Mr. Crook votes with the democratic party and is thoroughly informed
ing the questions and issues of the day so that he is able to support his
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 931
position by intelligent argument. He is a charter member of the Knights of Pythias
Lodge at Yakima and he and all of his family are consistent and faithful members
of the Christian church, doing all in their power to promote its growth and extend
its influence. His life is in harmony with his professions, and his integrity and high
character have gained for him the respect and confidence of all.
AUGUST A. SELLIN.
.August A. Sellin has been a resident of Yakima county for only a brief period,
taking up his abode here in 1916, but already he has gained recognition as an enter-
prising ranchman. He lives on Academy Heights, where he has erected a fine resi-
dence, and his is now concentrating his efforts and attention upon the development
of his property there. He was born in Sweden on the 11th of January, 1879, a son of
.'Andres and Sarah (Abrahamson) Sellin. The father is now deceased but the mother
survives and yet makes her home in Sweden, where Mr. Sellin followed farming as a
life work.
August -A. Sellin is indebted to the public school system of his native country
for the educational opportunities which he enjoyed. After his textbooks were put
aside he learned the carpenter's trade and then came to the new world, making his
way to Omaha, Nebraska, in 1910. In that city he followed carpentering for about
six years, or until the spring of 1916, when he arrived in Y'"akima county and pur-
chased ten acres of land on Academy Heights. His time and energies have since
been devoted to the development and improvment of this property and in addition
to a fine residence he has added many other equipments of a model farm property
to his place. He has planted four acres of his land to apples and the remainder is
used for the raising of hay and for pasture. In 1918 he bought an additional ten
acres adjoining his original ten acres so that he now has a twenty acre ranch.
On the 20th of Xovember, 1909. Mr. Sellin was married to Miss Erece Rungren,
a native of Sweden, in which country they were married. They have become parents
of two children: Bertel, five years of age: and Phoebe, who is in her second year.
The parents are members of the Swedish Mission church and guide their lives ac-
cording to its teachings. Mr. Sellin votes with the democratic party, which he has
supported since becoming a naturalized American citizen. He has never regretted
his determination to leave his native country and seek the opportunities of the new
w^orld, for in the utilization of the chances which have come to him on this side of
the Atlantic he has made steady progress. He is now numbered among those who
are doing effective work in the development of the northwest and especially in the
reclamation of the arid lands of the Yakima valley, which are rapidly being con-
verted into rich and productive tracts, devoted to agricultural and horticultural uses.
MORTIMER SCOTT OTIS.
Mortimer Scott Otis, engaged in the cultivation of fifty-two acres of ranch prop-
erty in the vicinity of Grandview, was born in Glenwood, Iowa, October 1, 1872, a
son of Timothy B. and Mary H. (Hayncs) Otis. The father was born in Marietta,
Ohio, and the mother in Terre Haute, Indiana. The former was a son of Barnabas
H. Otis, a native of Massachusetts, who became one of the pioneer residents of Ohio,
where he was once known as "the strong man" of the state. He weighed two hun-
dred and fifty-five pounds and was a man of great physical prowess. He was also
prominent as a leader in public thought and opinion in his community and was chosen
a delegate to the republican convention which nominated Abraham Lincoln for the
presidency. The ancestral line is traced still farther back through Stephen H. Otis,
the great-grandfather, to General James Otis, who was a member of the famous
Boston Tea Party that, resenting the tax placed upon tea by England, made their
way to the ship and threw the tea overboard into the waters of the harbor. He won
his title by active service as commander of American troops in the Revolutionary
932 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
war, and his son, Stephen H. Otis, manifesting the same spirit of patriotism, served
as an officer in the War of 1812. Again the patriotic strain of the family was domi-
nant at the time of the Civil war, when Timothy B. Otis espoused the cause of the
Union and went to the front in defense of the stars and stripes. General Harrison
Grey Otis, now deceased, and in the latter part of his life a resident of Los Angeles,
California, was a first cousin of Timothy B. Otis and maintained the established
reputation of the family for valor and loyalty in military connections, his name
figuring very prominently upon the pages of history. Timothy B. Otis was a car-
penter by trade and after spending his youth and early manhood in Ohio removed
to Iowa in the spring of 1866. In the latter part of the '90s he established his home
in New Mexico, where his remaining days were passed, his death occurring in 1913.
His widow, however, still survives.
Mortimer Scott Otis, after acquiring a public school education, took up the car-
penter's trade and became a thorough workman along that line. His first removal
westward took him to Colorado in 1901 and the year 1907 witnessed his arrival in
Seattle, Washington. He has made his home in Yakima county since 1910, at which
time he purchased an interest in twenty-two acres of land near Sunnyside. He has
since acquired thirty acres near by and is today the owner of an excellent ranch
property of fifty-two acres, of which he has twenty-two acres planted to orchards,
which are now in excellent bearing. The remainder of his land is utilized for the
raising of diversified crops and hay and his place is improved with a good residence
and substantial barns. In fact a spirit of progress and enterprice actuates him in
all that he undertakes and he has gained recognition as one of the representative
ranchers of his section of the state.
On the 31st of December, 1896, Mr. Otis was married to Miss Elizabeth Snow,
of Emerson, Iowa, a daughter of J. W. and Mary (Rhodes) Snow. Their marriage
has been blessed with three children: Marion Harold, Edith and Walter, all yet at
home. Mr. Otis is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. He votes inde-
pendently and belongs to the Non-Partisan League. He has served on the school
board and the cause of education finds in him a stalwart champion. He gives active
aid and support to all measures and movements for the public good and his co-
operation can be counted upon to further any project that is looking toward the
best interests of the community or which seeks to promote civic virtue and civic
pride.
LOUIS BOURDON.
The sunny land of France has furnished a substantial quota to the citizenship of
the Selah valley. Among the representatives who have come from that land is
numbered Louis Bourdon, who was born in France, December 17, 1848, a son of
Felix Bourdon. The son came across the water in 1872 and settled first in Canada,
whence he removed to St. Paul, Minnesota, in 1878. He was a stonemason and con-
tractor of that city and there resided for a number of years. After successfully
carrying on business in St. Paul for some time Mr. Bourdon, lured by the opportuni-
ties of the west, came to Yakima county in 1897 and through the intervening period
of more than twenty-one years has lived in this section of the state. He first pur-
chased forty acres of land on Selah Heights, being among the first settlers of that
district. He has since sold twenty acres of his original purchase. He has five acres
planted to fruit trees and the remainder is in plow land, being devoted to the pro-
duction of various crops well adapted to soil and climatic conditions here. In 1906
he erected a fine stone house upon his land. About 1912 he purchased a stone
quarry and he also has two hundred acres of dry land. His business afifairs are
wisely and carefully conducted. He has ever readily recognized opportunity and
has utilized his advantages in a way that has brought gratifying returns.
It was in 1878 that Mr. Bourdon was married to Miss Emily Demars, a native
of Montreal, Canada, who passed away July 21, 1916. The children of this mar-
riage are six in number. Amos, who rents and cultivates his father's ranch, has a
wife and two children. Albina is the wife of Henry Henke and resides in St. Paul.
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 935
Alfonse is living in Seattle. Diana is the wife of Earl Baker, a rancher living on
Selah Heights. Emil, residing in St. Paul, Minnesota, is married and has four
children. Josephine, who completes the family, is at home.
In his political views Mr. Bourdon has always been an earnest republican since
becoming a naturalized American citizen. He has never had occasion to regret his
determination to come to the new world, for on this side of the Atlantic he has found
the opportunities which he sought, and as the years have passed he has steadily worked
his way upward. He had no false ideas concerning the opportunity to gain success.
He did not believe that in .\merica a fortune could be had for the asking, but he
recognized the fact that industry wins and industry became the beacon light of his
life. All who know him recognize in Iiini a man of firm purpose and one whose
career measures up to high standards of manliood and citizenship.
THOMAS -H. WHEELER.
Thomas H. Wheeler, one of the leading dairymen of the northwest, conducting
his interests under the name of the Springvale Dairj-. was born in Brill, Bucking-
hamshire, England, in 1868, a son of Richard and Emma (Fields) Wheeler, both of
whom have passed away. During his boyhood days in England he attended the
public schools and when twenty years of age he bade adieu to friends and native
country and sailed for the I'nitcd States. He remained in the east for about two
years and in 1890 arrived in North Yakima, at which time he turned his attention to
the dairy business, establishing the Yakima Dairy. Later he purchased another
plant, combining these two. The Springvale Dairy was established in 1893 by Ernest
Fear and later was owned by a Mr. McKnight. who sold the business to Thomas H.
Wheeler in 1906. A removal was made to No. 8 Third avenue. North, in 1909 and
the business there occupies a building twenty-five by seventy feet. There is thor-
oughly modern equipment and the capacity is four thousand pounds of milk per day,
which is sold to the local trade. Mr. Wheeler has seventy cows of his own which
pasture three miles south of Yakima on a four hundred acre stock farm. His cattle
are of the Holstein grade. He uses, however, the products of five hundred cows
and he has auto delivery, thus being able to quickly supply his customers. Every-
thing about the dairy is extremely neat and orderly and the most sanitary condi-
tions prevail. Mr. Wheeler holds to high standards in the character of the service
which he renders to the public in this connection. Since purchasing the Springvale
Dairy and combining it with his previously established interests the business has
constantly grown and is now of large and gratifying proportions.
In 1890 Mr. Wheeler wedded Miss Elizabeth Fear, a daughter of Samuel Fear,
of Yakima, and they became parents of three children: Mary, Grant and Logan. The
wife and mother passed away and Mr. Wheeler afterward married Daisy Butler, of
Yakima, by whom he has a son, Gerald.
Mr. Wheeler gives his political allegiance to the republican party. He belongs
to the Commercial Club and to the Country Club and is also identified with the
Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Knights of Pythias and the Woodmen.
There have been no unusual or spectacular phases in his career but his course has
been marked by an orderly progression that results from close application and un-
wearied industry. He has made each day and its efforts count for the utmost in the
promotion of his business affairs and legitimate trade methods have been one of the
leading forces in the attainment of his present day success.
ADELu'\RD J. LEMIEUX, D. D. S.
Dentistry may be said to be almost unique among other occupations, as it is at
once a profession, a trade and a business. Such being the case, it follows that in
order to attain the highest success in it one must be thoroughly conversant with
the theory of the art, must be expert with the many tools and appliances incidental
(38)
936 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
to the practice of modern dentistry and must possess business qualifications adequate
to dealing with the financial side of the profession. In all of these particulars, Dr.
Adelard J. Lemieux is well qualified and therefore has attained prestige among the
able representatives of dentistry in Yakima, where he has practiced his profession
for the past nine years. His birth occurred in Minnesota on the 4th of August,
1882, his parents being Israel and Ezilda (La Force) Lemieux, both of whom were
natives of Canada. The father prepared for the practice of medicine in McGill Uni-
versity and after his graduation from that institution established an office at Red
Lake Falls, Minnesota, where he has followed his profession continuously since
1880, or for a period covering thirty-eight years. He has long been recognized as a
most successful and able physician and surgeon and has enjoyed an extensive prac-
tice. His wife has passed away.
Following the acquirement of his public school education Adelard J. Lemieux
entered the Chicago College of Dental Surgery, which in 1909 conferred upon him
the degree of D. D. S. Feeling that the Pacific northwest oflfered good opportuni-
ties for a young dentist, he made his way at once to Yakima and has here remained
continuously since, building up a lucrative practice. He belongs to the Washington
State Dental Association and thus keeps in close touch with the progress of the pro-
fession.
On the 7th of January, 1918, Dr. Lemieux was united in marriage to Miss Gene-
vieve Ditter, a daughter of John and Gertrude (Mechtel) Ditter. The father, of
whom extended mention is made on another page of this work, is a prominent pio-
neer of the Yakima valley.
In politics Dr. Lemieux is independent, supporting men and measures rather
than party. He is a communicant of St. Joseph's Catholic church and fraternally
is identified with the Knights of Columbus and the Benevolent Protective Order of
Elks. He also belongs to the Country Club and is a valued member of the Com-
mercial Club and the Business Men's Association, interested in all plans and move-
ments for the development and upbuilding of the district. His course has ever been
such as to merit the confidence and esteem accorded him and the circle of his friends
is a wide one.
ROBERT EDWIN CAMERON.
The productive lands of the Yakima valley which have been so purposefully
developed in the last quarter of a century are the evidence of the spirit of enter-
prise which has moved all those who have here located. Among these is numbered
Robert Edwin Cameron, a successful agriculturist, who owns a valuable property
comprising one hundred and sixty acres in the Wenas district. A native of the
Pacific coast country, he was born in Chico, California, October 23, 1873, a son of
Ephraim and Emily J. (Butler) Cameron. The father, a native of Ohio, was born on
May 26, 1830; and the mother in Illinois in 1846. He threw in his lot with the pio-
neers of California and in 1874 came to the Wenas valley, in Yakima county, where
he traded in a team for a homestead claim. Not long after his arrival, however, he
passed away in the '70s. His widow survives and now makes her home in Yakima,
residing at No. 110 Third avenue, North. In their family were 'three children who
grew to adult age. John, who is a foreman of sawmill hands at Nile, Washington;
Robert Edwin; and Clara, who makes her home with her mother in Yakima.
Robert E. Cameron received a public school education in old Yakima City and
still well remembers the days when the railroad was built to this town. After laying
aside his textbooks he turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, becoming thor-
oughly acquainted with efficacious methods and all proceedings connected with farm
work. At the age of sixteen he and his older brother, John F. Cameron, took charge
of the mother's ranch, which they successfully operated, he remaining in that con-
nection for quite some time with the exception of two years. About 1910 Robert E.
Cameron acquired title to a valuable property comprising one hundred and sixty
acres, nearly all of which he now has in a high state of cultivation. He raises hay
and grain and also gives considerable attention to stock and along these lines his
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 937
labors have been gratifyingly resultant. A fine new home stands as evidence of his
thrift and industry besides other commodious and well appointed farm buildings,
indicating the progressive spirit of the owner.
On the 10th of November, 1901, was solemnized the marriage of Robert E.
Cameron and Maude Agnes Best, the latter a native of Missouri, born July 17, 1882.
She is a daughter of Joseph and Sarah Best. The Best family came to Washington
when Mrs. Cameron was a babe in arms and settled in the Puget Sound district.
Later, when Mrs. Cameron was nine years old, the family came to Yakima county,
where she was educated. To this union has been born a son. Glen, on March 12,
1906, in Yakima. Mr. and Mrs. Cameron are both very popular in the Wenas valley
and vicinity, where they have many friends. Having been connected with the
growth and development of his district from early boyhood, Mr. Cameron is num-
bered among its honored pioneers and not only has he witnessed remarkable changes
but has participated in those movements which have been undertaken in order to
bring a higher civilization to this new country. He has ever been interested in edu-
cational and material upbuilding and readily gives of his means and efforts to good
causes although he has never aspired to public office. He is a republican, which
party he generally supports, but deeply studying questions and issues, he largely con-
siders the qualificatians of candidates and not their party affiliations. He is a rep-
resentative western farmer, energetic, industrious and progressive, and through his
labors has contributed toward the public wealth of the state.
MARVVIN VV. BEECHAM.
Marwin W. Beccham is one of the successful orchardists of Yakima county.
He is operating thirty acres of land, which are planted to orchard, and he also car-
ries on general farming. His business interests have been carefully and wisely con-
ducted and the enterprising and scientific methods which he has followed have led
to success. Mr. Beccham is a native of Minnesota, his birth having occurred in
Forest Prairie townsliip, Meeker county, on the 2d of April, 1870, his parents being
Robert and Emma (Watkins) Beecham. The father was born in New Brunswick,
while the mother's birth occurred in London, England. They were married in Sun
Prairie, Wisconsin, where their parents had located in pioneer times. Robert
Beecham is a veteran of the Civil war. He enlisted in the Second Wisconsin In-
fantrj' and became captain of his company chirinu tlie last year of the war. He par-
ticipated in a number of hotly contested onKa.ueiiRiits ami his valor and loyalty won
him promotion. In 1866 he removed with his laniily to Minnesota, where he took
up government land and began the development of a new claim. In 1880 he removed
to Nebraska, where he carried on farming until 1887 and then returned to Wisconsin,
establishing his home in Dane county, where he lived lor seven years. In 1894 he
came to Washington, settling at Everett, where he and his wife still make their
home, and they have reached the ages of eighty-one and seventy-three years re-
spectively.
Marwin W. Beecham acquired a public school education while spending his
youthful days under the parental roof. He carried on farming in Wisconsin and
afterward learned the machinist's trade, which he followed for twelve years in
Everett and in Seattle, Washington, and during part of that time he was assistant
instructor in mechanics at the State University in Seattle. In 1912 he removed to
Yakima county and purchased twenty acres of land on Ahtanum Heights. This was
covered with sagebrush. He worked diligently to uproot the native growth and
make the land cultivable. Of this tract he has planted eight acres to apple trees
and he also operates twenty-five acres of land belonging to his sisters, of which
twenty-two acres is in orchard. Thus he has altogether thirty acres in orchard and
his trees are in excellent bearing condition. He employs the most scientific methods
in the care of his trees, enriches the soil liy the use of fertilizers, and by spraying
and in other ways protects the trees from all that proves detrimental to the produc-
tion of the finest fruit. He likewise engages in raising hay and grain and makes the
■j38 history of YAKIMA VALLEY
raising of hogs one of the features of his business. He has built a good house and
substantial barns upon his place and has a splendidly improved property.
On the 17th of November, 1906, Mr. Beecham was united in marriage to Miss
Lydia Burlingame, who was born at Dufur, Oregon, a daughter of George and Mary
Burlingame, who were pioneers of that state, where the father engaged in ranching.
They now reside on the Ahtanuni. Mr. Burlingame having become a rancher of Yakima
county. To Mr. and Mrs. Beecham has been born a son. Roliert, who is now ei^ht
years of age.
Fraternally Mr. Beecliam is connected with Everett Lodge No. 122, I. O. O. F.,
also with Evergreen Camp of the Woodmen of the World at Everett. He holds
membership with the Congregational church, while his wife is a member of the
Methodist church. His political endorsement is given to the republican party and
he is highly esteemed as a man of sterling worth, enjoying the respect and confi-
dence of all. Both he and his wife have many friends in their part of the county
and Mr. Beecham is a representative of the enterprising spirit which has been the
dominant factor in the upbuilding and development of the northwest. Coming to
this section of the country in boyhood days, he has witnessed much of its develop-
ment and at all times has borne his part in the work of general progress and im-
provement.
DIETRICH GERHART LBUNING.
Dietrich Gerhart Leuning, whose wide experience and success^ as an orchardist
enables him to speak authoritatively upon questions relative to fruit raising in the
Yakima valley, makes his home a mile northwest of Buena, where he has lived since
the fall of 1909. He was born in Germany, January S, 1858, a son of John H. and
Elizabeth (Tisfeld) Leuning. The father died in Germany but the mother came to
the United States at the age of seventy-five years and spent her last days in South
Dakota.
D. G. Leuning remained a resident of Germany until he reached the age of twen-
ty-five and then came to America in 1883, settling in Illinois. After five years spent
in that state he established his home in Iowa, where he lived for twelve years, after
which he was a resident of South Dakota for nine years. On the 16th of October,
1909, he arrived in the Yakima valley and purchased twenty acres of land a mile
northwest of Buena. A part of this is in alfalfa. He also bought nineteen acres
more above the canal but that tract was covered with sagebrush. He has since
sold all but seven acres of the home farm, which is planted to orchard. He put a
pumpinig plant on the upper nineteen acres, cleared it and also planted apples, pears
and peaches there, converting the place into a splendid orchard property. From both
tracts he gathers a large amount of fine fruit annually and as the years have passed
he has prospered as one of the best fruit raisers of the northwest. Upon his home
place he has erected a good residence and barns.
On the 2d of May, 1882, Mr. Leuning was married to Johanna Kremer, a native
of Germany, and they have become parents of twelve children: Anna, the wife of
Andrew Barker, a rancher near Zillah, by whom she has four children; Ernest, who
is also engaged in ranching in the same locality and has a wife and five children;
John, who is likewise a rancher and is married and has four children; Ella, the wife
of William Filer, a ranchman living in the Zillah district, by whom she has two
children; Mary, the wife of Nels Nasby of South Dakota and the mother of two
children; Hannah, the wife of William E. Laupp, a farmer of the Yakima valley,
and they now have one child; Katherine. who is in the L'nited States reclamation
service; Minnie, the wife of Elliott Johnston, of Yakima; and George, William, .\ntze
and Lydia, all at home. There are also seventeen grandchildren and the family
record is notable in that there have been no deaths among the twelve childrn.
When Mr. Leuning came to. the United States he was seventy-five dollars in
debt. As the years have passed he has prospered and at the same time has provided
a most comfortable living for his family. He and his sons have cleaned up and im-
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 939
proved many acres of fine land and his property holdings are now valuable and
return to him a substantial income.
Mr. Leuning and his family are all members of the Evangelical Association and
he assisted in founding the church near his home. His position upon the temper-
ance question is indicated by the fact that he has voted the prohibition ticket the
greater part of his life. His aid and influence are given to the support of measures
which tend to uplift the individual and advance the interests of humanity.
HUGH D. SMITH.
Hugh D. Smith, a representative rancher living near Sunnyside, was born in
Lafayette county, Missouri. March 17, 1871, a son of W. R. and Louisa (Birchill)
Smith, who were natives of Tennessee but became early settlers of Missouri, where
the father followed the occupation of farming for many years. He has now passed
away, but the mother still survives and is at present living in Spokane, Washington.
Hugh D. Smith acquired a public school education and was reared in the usual
manner of the farm-bred boy who divides his time between the work of the school-
room, the pleasures of the playground and the tasks connected with farm work. He
continued to engage in farming with his father until he attained his majority and
afterward he bought farm land in Missouri. There he carried on agricultural inter-
ests on his own account until 1910, when he sold the property, and in 1911 he came
to Yakima countj- and purchased forty-tw'o acres two and a half miles northeast of
Sunnyside. This was an improved ranch, which he has since owned and occupied.
He has a fine home and his attention is given to the raising of corn, potatoes and
hay. He also makes a specialty of raising sheep and hogs and likewise conducts a
dairy business, having a good herd of full-blooded shorthorn cattle. His business
interests are wisely and carefully conducted and results that accrue arc most grati-
fying.
On the 12th of March, 1902, Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Docia A.
Young, a native of Missouri and a daughter of H. W. and Kate (Catron) Young.
They now have four children, namely: Young, Docia, Kenneth and George. Mrs.
Smith is a member of the Methodist church.
Mr. Smith gives his political support to the democratic party. While living in
Missouri he served on the school board but has never been an office seeker, pre-
ferring to concentrate his efforts and attention upon his business affairs, and he is
known as one of the successful ranchers of the Yakima valley. He has ever culti-
vated the qualities of diligence and determination and allows no obstacle or diffi-
culty to bar his path if it can be overcome by persistent and honorable effort.
BURT L. HARRIS.
For fourteen years Burt L. Harris has been connected with important ranching
interests in Yakima county. His long experience in the live stock business has been
one of the causes of his success which he has achieved along that line and he is,
moreover, interested in other enterprises, being interested in financial and commer-
cial institutions.
Mr. Harris was born in Stella, Nebraska, May 1, 1875, his parents being Isaac
and Rosie G. Harris, both of whom removed from the state of Illinois to Nebraska
in the '60s, being numbered among the hbnored pioneers of the latter state. There
the father gave his attention to the live stock business, attaining considerable suc-
cess, and he was popular in the community, in which he had made many friends
during his long residence.
Mr. Harris of this review was reared under the parental roof and from his
parents received his first lessons in regard to life's duties. He acquired his education
in the schools of the neighborhood and after laying aside his textbooks entered upon
the same line of business in which his father was engaged, assisting the latter in his
940 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
live stock interests. He so continued for nearly twenty years, but in 1904 conceived
the idea of making removal to the far west, having heard many favorable report* of
the opportunities and advantages presented to a young man in the state of Wash-
ington and particularly in Yakima county. He at first located upon a ranch on the
Moxee, where he remained for some time, but later acquired a large property on
the reservation and this has remained the headquarters of his live stock interests
ever since. In the conduct of his business he has utilized progressive methods and
now has about four hundred head of beef steers and also raises a valuable hay crop
upon his property. He is a trustee of the Yakima Trust Company, his business abil-
ity and good judgment being readily recognized by his co-directors of the institu-
tion. He is also connected with the Pasco L'nion Stock Yards, of which he is a
director, and is president of Harris Brothers, Inc., which firm he founded in part-
nership with his brother. George W. Harris, who is representing the family in war
activities, being connected with Red Cross work in Europe.
On June 25, 1913, Mr. Harris was united in marriage to Miss Xevene Pelham, a
native of Indiana and a daughter of J. M. Pelham, who became a resident of Pasco,
Washington, in 1910. He was connected in an official capacity with the Northern
Pacific Railroad and was respected by his superior oflicers and esteemed by those
who worked under him, all recognizing in him an able and loyal official. To Mr. and
Mrs. Harris has been born a son, Guy Pelham.
Mr. Harris has always taken a laudable part in the further upbuilding of his
county and the particular section in which he lives and is ever ready to give of his
time and means in order to promote objects which he considers worthy and useful.
Since coming here he has made many friends and is particularly well known in the
local blue lodge of Masons, of which he has become a member, while he is also a
member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. Both he and his wife are a
welcome addition to the younger set of the neighborhood in which they reside and
there are many who enjoy the open-hearted hospitality of their pleasant home.
ALFRED F. GUINAN.
Alfred F. Guinan, a teacher in the schools of Iowa, a miner and prospector in
Alaska and now successfully identified with fruit raising in the Yakima valley, is
the owner of valualjle orchards covering about eighty-four acres of land near Selah.
Mr. Guinan was born in Hamilton county, Iowa, in June, 1868, a son of Charles and
Mary Ann (Kelly) Guinan, the former a native of Ireland, while the latter was born
in Canada, in which country their marriage was celebrated. Crossing the border
into the United States, they became residents of Iowa about 1865 or 1866 and there
the father engaged in farming until his death. Both he and his wife have passed
away and thej' left to their family a most creditable name.
Alfred F. Guinan acquired a public school education and during vacation periods
assisted his father in the work of the fields. After his textbooks were put aside he
concentrated his attention largely upon farm work but also took up the profession of
teaching, which he followed for a year in Iowa. He then removed to the northwest
and for a year was identified with educational interests in Montana. Later he be-
came associated with the Blackfoot Milling Company as bookkeeper and scaler, oc-
cupying that dual position for five years. He was next bookkeeper with the Mam-
moth Gold Mining Company in Montana and in 1899 he went to the Klondike, spend-
ing four months in Dawson. In the spring of 190O he removed to Nome and there
remained continuously with the exception of two winter seasons, until 1907. During his
stay in the far north he located a group of claims near Nome and still has mining inter-
ests in that section. He is also the owner ot a large dredge which is being operated in
that part of the country. In the fall of 1907 Mr. Guinan. however, came to Yakima
and bought an interest in orchard land on Selah Heights. He finally made indi-
vidual investment in eighty-four acres, whereon he now resides, and of this he has
eighty acres planted to apples and pears. His orchards are among the best in this
section of the state. They are in excellent bearing condition and everything i.i
done along the most modern, progressive and scientific lines to keep his trees healthy
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 943
that fruit of the finest size, quality and flavor may be produced. He has also seeded
the greater part of his land to alfalfa and is thus raising a double crop. In 1911 he
erected a fine home upon his place, it being one of the attractive residences of that
part of the valley.
In 1904 Mr. Guinan was married to Miss Alice Weober, of Davenport, Iowa.
Fraternally he is connected with Yakima Lodge, No. 318, B. P. O. E., and also with
the Knights of Columbus and his membership in the latter also indicates the con-
nection of the family with the Catholic faith, being communicants of St. Joseph's
Catholic church. His political support is given to the democratic party, and while
never an oftice seeker, he keeps well informed on the questions and vital political
problems of the day. He is a member of the Arctic Brotherhood of Alaska and a
life member of the Arctic Club, of Seattle, and has had most interesting and varied
experiences during his sojourn in the northwest. Today he is ranked among the
wide-awake, alert and energetic business men of Yakima county, his wisely directed
efforts being a potent force in bringing to him substantial prosperity.
FRED P. KAPPELMAN.
Fred P. Kappelman is a member of the firm of Kappelman Brothers, proprietors
of a noonday eating house of Yakima and well known manufacturers of candy, ice
cream, etc. This business, which was established in February, 1910, has grown stead-
ily under the capable management and wise direction of the Kappelman Brothers,
whose enterprise ranks them with the foremost business men of their adopted city.
Fred P. Kappelman was born October 18, 1876, in Chicago, a son of Fred P. and
Minnie L. (Kliese) Kappelman. The father has now passed away but the mother
is living in Evanston, Illinois. It was in the schools of that attractive suburb that
Fred P. Kappelman pursued his education and in 1901 he went to Alaska, where his
brother Frank had located in 1897. The brothers were associated in the candy busi-
ness there for sixteen months and in 1909 came to Yakima and established business
in February, 1910, in a corner of Clarke's drug store, where they conducted their in-
terests for three years. They then removed to No. 213 East Yakima avenue, where
they continued for four years, after which they secured a pleasing location at No.
218 East Yakima avenue, where they occupy a room twenty-eight by one hundred
and forty feet. They conduct a fine noonday luncheon and have a seating capacity
for one hundred. Their place is liberally patronized by reason of the excellent cook-
ing and the high quality of food products there served. The firm also manufactures
candy, ice cream, syrups and other goods of that character and they employ eighteen
people. Their patronage is steadily increasing and the business has proven profit-
able from the beginning.
Fred P. Kappelman was married January S, 1911, to Miss Jennie C. Culver, of
Chicago. He belongs to the Elks Lodge No. 318, of Yakima, also to the Knights of
Pythias and to the Commercial Club and has many warm friends in all of these or-
ganizations. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and he is never
remiss in the duties of citizenship but stands loyally for those interests which are
of civic worth. He does not seek or desire oflice, however, as his time and energy
are concentrated upon the development of tlie business, which has steadily grown to
its present gratifying proportions.
FRANK G. KAPPELMAN.
The name of Kappelman is synonymous with high standards of restaurant service
in Yakima and Frank G. Kappelman is one of the proprietors of a noonday eating
establishment of merit, in connection with which is conducted the manufacture of
candies, ice cream, syrups and other goods of that character. In this enterprise he
is associated with his twin brother, Fred P. Kappelman. They were born on the
18th of October, 1876, in Chicago, Illinois, and pursued their education in the public
P44 HISTORY OF YAKIMA \"ALLEY
schools of Evanston, where the family home was maintained. Frank G. Kappelman
learned the printing business in Chicago and in 1897 he went to Alaska, where he
carried on mining. Later he was engaged in the printing business there, first in
Dawson, and afterward in Nome. He was connected with Major Strong, recently
governor of Alaska, in the founding of the Nome News in 1899 and was in charge
of the mechanical end of the business, with which he was connected for several
years. Later he again resumed mining operations in the vicinity of Mount McKinley,
being one of the few to see that noted peak. He spent thirteen years in Alaska,
including the winter as well as the summer of seasons, and during the last year and
a half which he spent in that country he was associated with his twin brother in
the candy manufacturing business at Nome. Returning to the states, they settled at
Yakima in 1909 and in 1910 opened the business which they now carry on. They
began on a small scale, occupying a corner of Clarke's drug store but after three
years were obliged to seek larger quarters and a second time have been forced to
remove in order to secure a greater space. They now have a well appointed noonday res-
taurant with a seating capacity of a hundred and their trade is cared for by eighteen
employes. They also enjoy a liberal patronage in the manufacture of syrups, ice
cream and candy and their business- is of a very substantial size.
On the 12th of April, 1917, Mr. Kappelman was married to Miss Edyth Home,
of Yakima, and they have one son, Frederick Coke. In his political views Mr.
Kappelman is a democrat. He belongs to the Commercial Club, thus indicating his
deep interest in the business development and welfare of the city. He is an exem-
plary representative of Yakima Lodge No. 24, F. & A. M., and also belongs to Elks
Lodge No. 318. His membership relations extend likewise to the Sour Dough Club,
an organization formed of former residents of Alaska. Of social manner and genial
disposition, his personal qualities are those which contribute to success in his chosen
undertaking and the firm of Kappelman Brothers ranks high in business circles of
Yakima.
CARL ROBERT DALTON.
Many are the sturdy, reliable and industrious people whom Sweden has furnished
to the new world and among this very desirable class of citizens is numbered Carl
Robert Dalton, who was born in that country June 6, 1877, and now owns a valuable
farm in the Wenas valley which he has brought under a high state of cultivation.
Having the energy to transform into a reality his boyhood dreams of a prosperous
existence, he came to this country in order to participate in the many chances here
presented for advancement, and in the development of a valuable ranch property in
the Yakima valley has realized his ambition. The father is still a resident of his
native land, where he has followed the occupation of farming througho^ut his life,
but the mother is deceased.
After acquiring an average degree of schooling and starting upon life's active
labors Carl R. Dalton decided upon agriculture as a suitable field for his efforts and
upon coming to Yakima county located in the Wenas valley, taking up a homestead
claim on which he proved up. Later he bought eighty acres of land and now has one
of the fine ranches of his neighborhood. He raises hay and grain, both of high qual-
ity, and also has valuable stock upon his place, deriving from these various sources
a gratifying income by following progressive and up-to-date methods. He built a
pleasant home, modernly arranged, and there Mr. and Mrs. Dalton often entertain
their friends, who eagerly partake of their hearty hospitality.
The marriage of Carl Robert Dalton and Bertha Gross was solemnized August
21, 1912. Mrs. Dalton is a daughter of August and Ernestine Gross, who were num-
bered among the pioneers of the Puget Sound, where the father for many years fol-
lowed the occupation of farming. They removed to Yakima in 1905. Mr. Gross has
now passed away, but his widow survives and is still residing in Yakima.
Mr. Dalton has become thoroughly Americanized and is a loyal adhefent of all
the principles and ideals of this country. Here he has found the opportunities
which he sought and has made for himself a substantial position among the citizens
HISTORY OF YAKIMA X'ALLEY 945
of his community. Although well informed on the questions and issues of the day
he has never aspired to public office but on the contrary has given his whole atten-
tion to the further improvement of his farm. He is a republican by political per-
suasion and supports the measures and candidates of that party.
WILLIAM E. NORTON.
William E. Norton of the Yakima Transfer Company is one of the citizens that
Minnesota has contributed to the state of Washington. He was born in St. Charles,
Minnesota, March 5, 1881, his parents being Thomas and Christina (Gilmore) Nor-
ton, -who removed to Dayton. Washington, in 1883. The father came to North
Yakima in 1885 and he was joined by his family in 1888. He purchased a ranch and
devoted his remaining days to agricultural pursuits. His widow survives and is yet
living in Y'akima.
William E. Norton, after mastering the branches of learning taught in the public
schools of Yakima, began learning the harness-making trade in preparation for the
practical duties of a business life. He later entered the transfer business in connec-
tion with his father under the firm style of Norton & Son and eventually piirchased
the business, which he conducted under the name of the Norton Transfer & Storage
Company at No. 11 North Front street. Later he and J. J. Crawford bought out
the Yakima Transfer Company, which had been established by Linbarger Brothers
and W. L. Steinweg and which was later owned by Linbarger, Kelso & Wilcox.
Eventually the business was taken over by T. J. Manahan and on the 1st of March,
1917. was purchased by J. J. Crawford and W. E. Norton. The business has been
conducted at No. 11 South First avenue for the past two years. They occupy two
lloors of a building two hundred by one hundred and forty feet, in addition to which
they have a w-arehouse with barns at No. 415 North Front street. Their equipment
includes nine teams, one single rig and two auto trucks and they employ about fif-
teen people. They are conducting the largest transfer business between Spokane
and the coast and they also have a very large storage business. Mr. Norton's part-
ner, John J. Crawford, who is his brother-in-law, is now with the Field Artillery in
the L'nited States army, and Mr. Norton continues the business, which he is carefully
conducting. His earnest efiforts to please his patrons, the thoroughness with which
he accomplishes whatever is intrusted to him and his enterprising methods have
been the dominant element in the attainment of the substantial success which the
firm has won.
Mr. Norton is a valued member of Elks Lodge No. 318, of Y''akinia and his name
is also on the membership rolls of the Commercial Club and the Business Men's As-
sociation. His study of the political questions and issues of the day has led to his
stalwart support of the republican party. Practically his entire life has been spent
in the west. He is a firm believer in Washington and its future and his own life
illustrates the possibilities for successful accomplishment in this section of the
country that is undergoing such rapid and such substantial development.
OLE WASHINGTON.
Ole Washington is one of the pioneer ranchers of Yakima county, having begun
his farming operations here before Sunnyside was established. Through the inter-
vening period he has carefully cultivated his land and has won a substantial measure
of success as a reward for his labors. He was born in Nelson county, Virginia, Jan-
uary 21, 1856, and on the 17th of January, 1875, removed to Morgan county, Tennes-
see, where for three years he was employed in railroad work. He afterward spent
a few months in Kentucky, where he worked for the United States government in
the building of cofferdams on the Mississippi river. In 1877 he became a resident
of Will county, Illinois, wjiere he engaged in mining for twelve years, and later he
spent one year in Chicago. He then returned to Will county and on the 16th of
M6 HISTORY OF YAKIM.A. VALLEY
February, 1889, he arrived in Kittitas county, Washington, where he was employed
as a fireman and engineer at Rosj'hi. He afterward devoted his time and energies
to mining until he brought his family to the ranch which he now owns and occu-
pies. On the 3d of October, 1890, he took up a homestead in the lower end of the
Yakima_valley. before even Sunnyside had been founded. It was a wild tract covered
with sagebrush and he was among the first settlers of the district. Not a furrow had
lieen turned nor an improvement made upon the place when it came into his pos-
session, but he possesses energy, industry and determinatian and these characteristics
stood him in a good stead in the development of his ranch property. In May, 1892,
he brought his family to the place, at which time his nearest neighbor was Henry
Vawner, living three and a half miles away. In those early days he had to pay a
dollar per barrel for water to be hauled to his ranch. That year the Yakima river
froze solid, so that they could cross on wagons and there was two and a half feet
of snow. The nearest store was at Prosser, fifteen miles away, and the family had to
share in all of the hardships and privations of frontier settlers. Mr. Washington
took up one hundred and sixty acres of land but afterward sold one hundred and
twenty acres of his property and had forty acres remaining. The drainage, however,
took three acres of his land, so that he has thirty-seven acres capable of cultivation.
He raises corn, hay and potatoes and also conducts a small dairy business.
It was on the 29th of April, 1884, that Mr. Washington was united in marriage
to Miss Lucy Wells, a native of Virginia, and to them have been born seven chil-
dren but they have had the misfortune to lose six of them. The surviving daughter,
Vivian, was graduated from the high school of Grandview as a member of the class
of 1919. Mr. Washington has ever been a stalwart champion of the cause of educa-
tion and he assisted in establishing the first school in the neighborhood, while his
wife served on the school board for over fifteen years. Both are members of the
Baptist church and Mr. Washington gives his political support to the republican
party. Theirs is an attractive home and the ranch is an excellent property. They
were among the pioneer people of the valley and have contributed in substantial
measure to its development and progress. As the architect of his own fortunes Mr.
Washington has buildcd wisely and well and as the reward of his industry and per-
severance is now the owner of an excellent ranch.
JOHAXES JOHXSOX.
For a considerable period it was believed that the greater part of the Swedish
emigration had Minnesota as its destination. But the Swedish people, quick ever to
recognize opportunities, have realized that the northwest has many chances for busi-
ness progress and in recent years a large percentage of those who have come from
the Scandinavian countries have made their way to Washington. A most substan-
tial element in the citizenship of Y''akima county is that which has been furnished by
Sweden. Johanes Johnson, a representative of that class, was born in Sweden, Oc-
tober 19, 1870, a son of John and Marie (Erickson) Johnson, both of whom have
passed away. The father was a farmer by occupation and followed that pursuit in
order to provide for the support of his family.
Johanes Johnson remained in his native country until he had reached the age of
about twenty-three years, when he crossed the Atlantic to the new world. This was
in 1893 and he took up his abode in Chicago, where he remained until 1916. He was
engaged in steam hammer forging work in connection with railway locomotive con-
struction but his thoughts turned to the northwest, of whose opportunities he had
heard favorable reports. In 1913, therefore, he invested in ten acres of land on
Academy Heights and had si.x acres of this tract planted to apples, using pears as
fillers. In 1916 he brought his family to the northwest, built a substantial residence
upon his land and is now bending every energy to the further development and im-
provement of his place, which has already become one of the substantial ranch prop-
erties of the district. In addition to raising fruit he is engaged in the production of
hay and potatoes, of which he annually harvests large crops.
On the 21st of May, 1904, Mr. Johnson was united in marriage to Miss Alma
HISTORy OF YAKIMA VALLEY 947
Marie Olson, who was born in Sweden, a daughter of Ole and Britta (Neilson)
Olson. The mother has passed away but the father still lives in Sweden, although
at one time he spent a couple of years in Michigan. Mrs. Johnson crossed the
Atlantic and became a resident of Chicago in 1899. By her marriage she has become
the mother of three children: Ethel, Florence and Eldon. The family attend the
Swedish Mission church, and Mr. Johnson gives his political endorsement to the
republican party, which he has supported since becoming a naturalized American
citizen. He is actuated by a spirit of advancement in all that he undertakes and
his close application and indefatigable energy have been strong points in winning for
him the substantial success which he now enjoys.
WILLIAM E. LAUPP.
Through the steps of an orderly progression in the business world William E.
Laupp has reached a place among the substantial citizens and orchardists of the
Zillah district. He was 'born in Horicon township. Dodge county, Wisconsin, June
26, 1888, a son of John and Minnie (Bladow) Laupp. The father was born in Dayton,
Ohio, while the mother was a native of Germany and they became pioneer residents
of Wisconsin, where Mr. Laupp followed the moulder's trade. He passed away in
that state but his widow survives and is still living there.
While spending his youthful days under the parental roof William E. Laupp
of this review attended the public schools and afterward learned the machinist's
trade, which he followed in Wisconsin until March 1, 1910. He then came to the
Yakima valley, where he worked for wages until 1913. He then rented land, which
he cultivated until 1917, when he bought four and a third acres a mile northwest
of Buena, already planted to apples and pears. He has since built a good home upon
his place and is devoting his attention to the further development of his orchards
and the care of his fruit.
On the 26th of February, 19L^, Mr. Laupp was married to Miss Johanna Leun-
ing, a daughter of D. G. Leuning, mentioned elsewhere in this work. They now have
one child, LeRoy, who was born April 29, 1914. Mr. Laupp does not identify himself
with any political party but casts an independent ballot. He is a self-made young
orchardist whose business interests have been wisely conducted and whose life has
been one of unfaltering activity.
OSCAR CARLSON.
Oscar Carlson, for eighteen years a resident of Yakima county, started upon his
business career here by working for wages. He is truly a self-made man, for what-
ever he has achieved is the direct result of his industry and perseverance. He care-
fully saved his earnings until he was able to purchase property and today he is the
owner of thirty acres of excellent land on Academy Heights. He was born in
Sweden, September 5, 1882, a son of Carl J. and Christina (Anderson) Johnson, both
of whom arc living in Sweden, where the father devotes his attention to agricultural
pursuits.
Oscar Carlson acquired a public school education in his native land and there
remained to the age of eighteen years, when he determined to try his fortune in
America. Accordingly he severed home ties and in 1900 crossed the .Atlantic, making
his way to Geneva, Illinois, where he lived for a year. In 1901 he came to Yakima
county, where he began working for wages. He carefully saved his earnings as the
years passed and in 1910 he purchased ten acres of land in the Moxee valley. He
then devoted his energies to the development and improvement of that place until
1916, when he sold it to his brother and bought thirty acres of land on Academy
Heights. He has planted altogether eighty acres of orchards for other landowners
in this locality and has done much therefore to develop the fruit raising interests of
the district. His own land is devoted to the raising of hay. grain, beets and onions
548 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
and he also raises a large number of hogs annually. His place is improved with a
good residence, which he built, and with modern equipment that indicates his pro-
gressive spirit and his determination to make his farm a paying proposition.
In August, 1918, Mr. Carlson was united in marriage to Miss Emma Rieger, who
was born in Pennsylvania. She is a member of the Catholic church, while Mr. Carl-
son has membership in the Lutheran church. His political allegiance is given to the
republican party, which finds in him a stalwart supporter. He is a man of genuine
personal worth. His neighbors speak of him in terms of high regard and all with
whom he has had business relations recognize in him the honesty and straightfor-
vvardness characteristic of the Swedish people. He has never had occasion to regret
coming to the new world, for in utilizing the opportunities which he here found he
has made steady progress toward the goal of prosperity.
C. E. MEYSTRE.
Many arc the sturd}' and valuable citizens who have come from Switzerland to
this country, among them being C. E. Meystre, now a prosperous agriculturist in
the Naches district. He was born in the land of the Alps, near the French border,
Friday, November 13, 1863, a son of John Frederick and Jeannette (Vez) Meystre,
both of whom are now deceased. The father spent his entire life in Switzerland
and there followed the trade of shoemaking.
In 1882, at the age of nineteen, C. E. Meystre came to the United States, hav-
ing been left an orphan at seven years. He heard many favorable reports regarding
the opportunities presented for advancement in this country. He located at first in
St. Paul, Minnesota, but remained there only a month, at the end of which time he
made his way to Wabasha county, that state, and later went to Marshall county,
Minnesota, spending four years in Argyle. where he worked for wages until 1888,
when he came to Yakima county, Washington.
In 1890 Mr. Meystre was united in marriage to Hilda Engdahl, a native of
Sweden and a daughter of A. C. Engdahl. who in 1886 brought his family to Yakima
county. Mrs. Meystre was county superintendent of schools at the time Washington
was admitted to statehood and is a graduate of the State Normal School of Minne-
sota, receiving the second life diploma to teach school in Yakima county. She had
acquired title to the land on the upper Naches where Mi. and Mrs. Meystre now live
and Mr. Meystre now gives his attention to the further cultivation of this property.
The farm comprises over two hundred acres, of which eighty are in a high state
of cultivation, while three are devoted to orchard. Mr. Meystre follows the most
progressive and up-to-date methods in the cultivation of his land and great suc-
cess has attended his labors, so that he is now numbered among the prosperous
agriculturists of his neighborhood. He has erected suitable buildings and a fine home
and everything about the place bespeaks the progressive methods of the owner.
Mr. and Mrs. Meystre have a family of ten children: Helen J., at home: Laura
A., who is the widow of Thomas Betiero and resides at home: Constance E., also at
home: Elvie, the wife of Frank Rousseau, of Yakima; Emile F., who volunteered for
service and is now with the United States army in France, having been severely
wounded on the 19th of July, 1918, and reported dead about that time: Ivan E., who
is now in his second year in the State L'niversity at Pullman: Lillian C, attending
Wapato high school; and Rose, Josephine and Hilda, all at home.
Mr. and Mrs. Meystre are widely and favorably known in their neighborhood,
to the development of which they have contributed in such marked measure in their
respective spheres of life. Not only have both taken a prominent part in agricul-
tural development but Mrs. Meystre in particular has done much toward furthering
educational advancement. Mr. Meystre is a prominent member of the Grange, being
master of Wapatox Grange, and his wife has been secretary of the organization for
the past six years. In his political affiliations he is a democrat^and while he is not a
politician in the ordinary sense of the word he has always been deeply interested
in any movement pertaining to the general welfare and for many years has served
as school director of his district. Fraternally he is connected with Lodge No. 1.^0.
C. E. MEYSTRE
HISTORY OF YAKIMA X'ALLEY 951
A. F. & A. M.. of Minnesota, the honorable principles of brotherhood underlying
this organization guiding him in his conduct toward his fellowmen. There is great
credit due Mr. Meystre for what he has achieved, as he has attained a position of sub-
stantial prosperity entirely unaided and is therefore entitled to the proud American
title of a self-made man.
STOVER BROTHERS.
The Stover brothers are among the most prominent ranchers of the southern
part of the Y^akima valley. They have extensive holdings and are actively and suc-
cessfully engaged in the cultivation of lands from which they derive a most substan-
tial annual income. They are sons of Philip Robert Stover, now deceased, who was
born in Greene county, Ohio, May 15, 1845, a son of John anl Nancy (Dill) Stover,
the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Ohio. John Stover was a
cooper by trade and owned and carried on a shop in Ohio. At the time of the Civil
war he responded to the country's call for troops and joined the army, his death
occurring at Vicksburg, Mississippi, during the progress of the war.
His son, Philip Robert Stover, also learned the cooper's trade and he, too. put
aside business cares after the outbreak of hostilities between the north and the
south. He joined the One Hundred and Fifty-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry and
was on active duty until the nation's starry banner had been planted in the capital
of the southern confederacy. Resuming work at his trade, he conducted a cooper
shop at Palestine, Ohio, where he was also employed in a sawmill. He likewise
devoted four years to railroad engineering and did various other things, such as
selling lightning rods and sewing machines. He also conducted a real estate busi-
ness but finally turned his attention to farming, securing a tract of laud near Green-
ville, Ohio, which he continued to cultivate for many years or until 1904, when he
disposed of that property and removed to the northwest, making Y'akima county his
destination.
Here he and his sons purchased sixty acres of land six miles southeast of Sunny-
side, which at that time was all covered with sagebrush. A well was dug to a depth
of two hundred and forty feet and a substantial house was erected. The work of
development and improvement on the farm was carried forward year after year and
the father was actively identified with ranching interests to the time of his death,
which occurred on the 19th of September, 1916. His loss was deeply deplored, for
he had become firmly established as a leading, valued and highly respected citizen
of the community.
On the 18th of January. 18"0. Philip R. Stover was united in marriage to Miss
Alice E. Wilcox, who was born in Darke county, Ohio, a daughter of James and
Elizabeth (Ketring) Wilcox, who were also natives of the Buckeye state, where they
were connected with farming interests and where they made their home until called
to their final rest.
In his political views Philip Robert Stover was a republican but was not am-
bitious to liold office, although ever loyal to the best interests of the community in
whicli he lived, his loyalty being manifest in active support of all measures for the
general good. Both he and his wife were members of the Presbyterian church and
their sterling worth of character endeared them to all with whom they came in con-
tact.
They had a family of nine children, of whom the first born, James, died at the
age of five years, while the youngest child died in infancy. Victor A., the second
son, was born in Darke county, Ohio. July 14, 1872, and acquired a public school
education, after which he engaged in farming for a time with his father. Later he
rented land in the east and ultimately came to Yakima county with his father, after
which he purchased land in this section of the state. He now has thirty-six acres
devoted to general farming and upon the place he has built a good home and all
necessary buildings for the shelter of grain and stock. His farm is well improved
according to modern ideas and he is progressive in all that he undertakes. He was
married March 16. 1900. to Miss Mae Shook, of Darke county, Ohio, who passed
?52 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
awaj- on the 13th of September, 1917. They were the parents of three children:
Ernest, Herbert and Virginia, but the last named died at the age of three years.
Victor A. Stover attends the Brethren church, in the work of which he takes an
active and helpful interest. In politics he maintains an independent course. He has
served on the school board and he was among those who established the first tele-
phone system in this section. He has ever stood for progress and improvement in
community affairs and his activity and enterprise have placed him in the front rank
among the leading citizens. The third of the family, Marcus Stover, died at the
age of eleven months. The only daughter, Reta Virginia, was born on the 10th of
October, 1876, and is now the wife of the Rev. L. S. Bauman, an evangelist of the
Brethren church now residing in California.
William S. Stover, born in Darke county, Ohio, May 8, 1879, obtained a public
school education and was the first of the family to come to Yakima county, where he
arrived in the fall of 1902, at which time he took up a homestead near Bickleton,
Washington, where his sister, Mrs. Bauman, also later secured a homestead. He has
since devoted his attention to the improvement of farms and other work in connec-
tion with the development of the valley. In 1903 he purchased twenty acres of land
in the district in which the Stover brothers all now reside and where the father
built his first house. William S. Stover has since purchased forty acres additional
and throughout the intervening period ' has resided in this district. He now has
fifty acres of land here and has built thereon a nice home and added other modern
improvements. He has also purcha.sed forty acres near by and is successfully en-
gaged in general farming. He spent one year in Alaska on a geological survey.
Like the others of the family, he maintains an independent attitude in relation to
political aiifairs and his religious faith is that of the Brethren church.
Garfield R. Stover, associated with his brothers in business aftairs, was born in
.Adams county, Indiana, March 24, 1881, the family living in that locality for a period
of six years. He, too, is indebted to public schools for his educational privileges and
he also enjoyed the benefit of a commercial course in the A. D. Wilt Business Col-
lege at Dayton. Ohio. In the spring of 1903 he arrived in Yakima county, joining
his brother W^illiam, and he also took up a homestead in Horse Heaven, near Bickle-
ton. He purchased his first twenty acres of land in connection with his brother
\\'illiam. His place is improved with a fine residence and the characteristic spirit
of enterprise of the Stover family is manifest in all that he does. He married Blanche
Hartman, a native of North Dakota, and they became the parents of two children,
Jasper Garfield and Gerald Dean. In politics Garfield R. Stover is independent nor
has he ever been an office seeker. He has served, however, as drainage commissioner
of District No. 9 for two years and helped organize the district. He is interested in
everything that pertains to the public welfare and cooperates heartily in all move-
ments for the general good.
Philip Stover, the seventh member of the family, was born in Indiana, February
13, 1884, and obtained a public school education, while later he was grduated on the
completion of a course in law in the Willamette University at Salem, Oregon. He
practiced his profession for a short time in that state and later at Sunnyside, Wash-
ington, while subsequently he spent five j'ears in Alaska with a geological surveying
party. In 1911 he went to the Philippines and for six years was connected with the
United States Constabulary Force with the rank of first lieutenant. He became a
captain in the Officers' Reserve Corps in 1918. He is now assistant superintendent
of the penal farm at San Ramon, Zamboanga, Mindanao, P. I.
Conrad Stover, born in Indiana, April IS, 1886, completed a high school course
and also a civil engineering course in Ohio. He, too, went to Alaska, where he re-
mained for three years and later was connected with the LTnited States Reclamation
Service on the geological survey of the Yakima valley. He is now at Hoquiam,
Washington, where he is engaged in shipbuilding work. He married Florence
Mahaffy, a daughter of Professor Mahaffy, superintendent of schools at Sunnyside,
and they have one child, Robert.
The three sons, Victor A., William S., and Garfield R. Stover, have adjoining
homes. They have one hundred acres of land adjoining and eighty acres near by,
together with the four hundred and eighty acres of the homestead in Horse Heaven,
which is rented. They likewise lease sixty acres near the home farm and they are
HISTORY OF YAKIMA YALLFA' 951
among the most prominent and progressive agriculturists of their section of the
state. They have beautiful homes, splendid barns and all modern improvements
upon the place. They are successful and well known ranchers and what they have
undertaken has been accomplished. The boys have graded and seeded over four
hundred acres of land for others. They had but little when they came to Yakima
county and are now numbered among the most successful residents of the valley.
They raise hay and corn, also have splendid orchards and are successfully carrying
on business as raisers of live stock. They are actuated by a spirit of progress that
produces splendid results and their course has contributed much to the development
and upbuilding of the district in which they make their home, while at the same
time their labors have greatly enhanced their individual fortunes. All who know
them speak of them in terms of high regard, for they are reliable citizens, progres-
sive business men and thoroughly straightforward in every relation of life.
SIDNEY W. MEANS.
The late Sidney W. Means, formerly a wholesale fruit merchant of Yakima,
resident manager with the Ryan Fruit Company, was born in Marysville, Kansas, in
1883, a son of William. E. and Emma H. (Hunt) Means, and died October 29, 1918.
The paternal grandfather was John W. Means, who took his family to Marshall
county, Kansas, in 1861, removing to that district from Missouri. He became a
pioneer settler of the Sunflower state, where he extensively engaged in farming. His
son, William E. Means, also took up the occupation of farming in Kansas but he
and his wife are now residents of Y'akima.
Sidney W. Means completed his public school education by graduation from
the high school at Blue Rapids, Kansas, and afterward he attended the State Agri-
cultural College. He made his initial step in the business world in connection with
the dry goods and clothing trade, being active along those lines in Kansas and
Nebraska. The year 1908 witnessed his arrival in Yakima, where he became asso-
ciated with the Barnes-Woodin Company, in charge of their clothing department.
In 1912 he severed his connection with that house and went with Richie & Gilbert
for one year in the fruit business. He was afterward inspector for the State Horti-
cultural Department and for two years he was superintendent in charge of the ware-
house and cold storage department of the Fruit Growers Storage & Supply Company.
He next organized the Producers Fruit Company of Oregon and subsequently the
Means & Ballard Company in the conduct of their fruit business, which ultimately
they sold to the Ryan Fruit Company, Mr. Means remaining as resident manager.
The Ryan Fruit Company is a reorganization of the Ryan-Newton Company of
Spokane and was organized in January, 1917, with a capita! of a million dollars. The
head offices are in Spokane, with T. F. Ryan as the president and R. T. Dilworth as
the secretary and treasurer. They have thirty-two houses in si.x western states,
theirs being one of the largest organizations of the trade in the west. They have
an average daily output of forty cars of fruit and vegetables and not only buy and
sell vegetables but act also as jobbers and distributors. The Yakima plant was
established in 1917. buying out Means & Ballard, and the business is conducted at
Nos. 25-27 North First avenue. This plant supplies their other houses with Yakima
produce and shipped four hundred cars of fruit and vegetables in 1917. The Yakima
plant includes a large common storage building fifty-five by one hundred and seventy
feet and three stories in height. They are represented by buyers all over the valley
and employ here more than sixty people in the busy season and in addition to sales
rooms and warehouse have a boxing and packing plant. Mr. Means' experience in
connection with the fruit trade well qualified him for the work which he undertook
in this connection and he was regarded as a most valued representative of the cor-
poration.
One the 26th of June, 1907, Mr. Means was married to Miss Isabel Tibbetts, of
Beatrice, Nebraska, and they had two children, Beverly Esther and Marion. He
belonged to the Commercial Club and to the Business Men's Association and also-
to the Yakima Traffic Association and was deeply interested in the work of those
t-S4 HISTORY OF YAKIMA WALLEY
organizations to promote business conditions and improve everything that had to
do with the commercial upbuilding and development of this section of the country.
He voted with the republican party and was a firm believer in its principles but not
an office seeker. His religious faith was that of the Presbyterian church and his
life was ever guided by its teachings. He was a man of genuine worth whom to
know was to respect and honor and during the years of his residence in Yakima he
made many warm friends, who deeply deplored his untimely end on October 29,
1918, when death called him at the early age of but thirty-five years. His memory
is sacred to his immediate family to whose welfare he was most unselfishly devoted,
making them ever his foremost thought and care.
ARTHUR N. SWIGART.
The wonderful agricultural development of the Yakima valley has been brought
about by the combined eflforts of many progressive men who have recognized the
possibilities of the district for the production of crops and fruit and have made the
once barren tract a most beautiful region of green fields and fine orchards. Con-
tributing to this result is Arthur N. Swigart, who is engaged in ranching near Sunny-
side. He was born in Fremont county, Iowa, April 1, 1880, a son of Hezekiah and
Sarah (Black) Swigart, both of whom were natives of Illinois, whence they removed
to Iowa, casting in their lot with the early settlers during the pioneer epoch in the
history of that state. The father there engaged in farming for many years but now
resides in Missouri. The mother's death occurred in 1916. The family removed to
Atchison county, Missouri, in 1880 and there the father has since lived.
Arthur N. Swigart acquired a public school education and when a youth of fif-
teen years began to work for wages upon farms. In the spring of 1902 he came
to Yakima county and purchased forty acres of land in connection with his brother,
James H., the place being situated three miles east of Sunnyside. It was once all
covered with sagebrush. He cleared a part of the land and continued its cultiva-
tion until 1903. when he sold that property and made investment in forty acres two
and a half miles northeast of Sunnyside. This was cleared and he there engaged in
farming until 1911, when he sold that place. He next bought seven acres two and a
half miles northeast of Sunnyside and in 1916 he increased his holdings by the addi-
tional purchase of thirty-six acres. He now has forty-three acres in all and upon
the ranch he has built a good residence and added other substantial buildings for
the shelter of grain and stock. He conducts a small dairy but gives much of his time
to the raising of corn, hay and potatoes, producing substantial crops annually.
On the 19th of January, 1905, Mr. Swigart was united in marriage to Miss Olive
Stahlhut, a daughter of William and Lydia Stahlhut, the former a prominent ranch-
man of Yakima county. They are now parents of five children, as follows: Lloyd,
Alma, Esther, Ralph and Edgar. Mr. Swigart belongs to the Non-Partisan League.
He stands for progressiveness in all public affairs and his cooperation can be counted
upon to further plans and measures for the general good. He does not desire, how-
ever, to serve in public office and, giving his entire time and attention to his busi-
ness afiairs, has become a successful rancher.
I. L. MARCHILDON.
For seventeen years I. L. Marchildon has resided in Yakima county. Arriving
here in 1901, he purchased twenty acres of land and has since given his attention to
its further development and improvement, converting it into a farming ranch prop-
erty largely devoted to fruit raising. Mr. Marchildon is of Canadian birth. He was
born in Ontario on the 4th of December, 1854, and is a son of Constant and Gen-
evieve (Tessie) Marchildon, who spent their entire lives in Canada.
The son was educated in a French school and when seventeen years of age
started out in the business world on his own account, since which time he has de-
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 957
pended entirely on his own resources. He was first employed on boats on the lakes
and afterward went to St. Louis. Missouri, from which point he sailed on the Missis-
sippi river for nearly three years. He afterward devoted twenty-four years of his
life to wheat raising in Minnesota and in 1901 came to Y'akima county, where he
invested in a twenty-acre tract of land adjoining the limits of Yakima. There were
a few apple trees on the place at the time but the work of development had been
carried forward to only a slight extent at the time of his purchase. He closely stud-
ied the possibilities for the development of his ranch and that he has made the most
of his opportunities is indicated in the excellent appearance of the place, which is
today largely planted to orchard. He has various kinds of fruit trees, which are in
healthful condition, showing excellent care. The income from the fruit which he
raises is a most gratifying one. He has rebuilt his residence, has also put up barns
and other necessary buildings for the shelter of his fruit and the farm machinery
and implements, with which he has equipped his place.
On the 19th of February, 1882, Mr. Marchildon was married at Red Lake Falls,
Minnesota, to Miss Amanda Lizee, of Ste. Genevieve de Bastican, Quebec, Canada, a
daughter of TrefTle and Mary (Jacob) Lizee, who were also of Canadian birth and of
French descent. The mother died in Canada, March 2, 1880, and the father after-
ward took his family to Minnesota, where he passed away in 1884. They had a family
of ten children, nine of whom reached adult age, this number including Mrs. Mar-
childon, who by her marriage has become the mother of three children: Eva, a grad-
uate of the EUensburg Normal School, and who taught school until her marriage
and is now the wife of Dr. F. N. Sickenga, of Yakima; Dulice, deceased; and Maria,
at home. She is now attending the LIniversity of Washington and has won major
rank in the French Fine Arts College of Education.
Mr. and Mrs. Marchildon are members of St. Paul's Catholic church and his
political allegiance is given to the democratic party. He has never been ambitious
to hold office, preferring to concentrate his efforts and attention upon his business
aflfairs, which, carefully directed, have brought to him a substantial measure of
prosperity.
BENJAMIN HOOVER.
Benjamin Hoover, a successful rancher living near Sunnyside, was born in Wayne
county, Ohio, April 2, 1853, a son of Cyrus and Annie (Weaver) Hoover, both of
whom were natives of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. The former was a son of
Daniel Hoover, who was also born in Lancaster county, and his ancestors came to
the new world with William Penn. In the year 1840 Daniel Hoover left the Key-
stone state and removed to Wayne county, Ohio, where he purchased land and en-
gaged in farming to the time of his death. His son, Cyrus Hoover, also devoted his
attention to farming throughout his entire life, passing away in the year 1900. He
had for six years survived his wife, whose death occurred in 1894. She was a daughter
of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Weaver of Pennsylvania, who also became pioneer residents
of Ohio. Both were members of the German Baptist or Dunkard church, in the work
of which they took a very active part.
Benjamin Hoover was the fourth in order of birth in a family of eight children.
He attended the normal school and afterward took up the profession of teaching,
which he followed through thirteen terms. He then gave his attention to farming.
From liis father he received a farm and later he purchased other land until he was
the owner of one hundred and thirty acres. Eventually, however, he disposed of
that property and took up his abode neaj Sunnyside, Washington, in 1901, investing
in eighty acres of land a mile north of the city. The tract was then all covered with
sagebrush, but he cleared it and transformed it into productive fields, from which he
has annually gathered good harvests. He has since sold a portion of the land, re-
taining possession of only fifty acres. He has built a good house upon the place and
he raises hay and corn and follows general farming, his fields producing substantial
crops.
On the 12th of April, 1881, Mr. Hoover was united in marriage to Miss Celia B.
(39)
358 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
Reese, a native of Stark county. Ohio, and a daugliter of Jackson and Blanche Sarah
(Clark) Reese, who were also born in the Buckeye state and are now deceased. By
occupation the father was a carpenter. Mr. and Mrs. Hoover have become the
parents of seven children, as follows: Musadora, the wife of Thomas Antles, a
rancher of Yakima county, by whom she has one child; Camilla, the wife of Earl
Rowley, a ranchman residing in Benton county, by whom she has three children;
Roscoe, living on the home farm, wedded Miss Beatrice Shields, who passed away
leaving one child; Celia Belle, the wife of Fred Delansky, of Sunnyside, by whom she
has one child; Angie Lorina, who gave her hand in marriage to Clarence Zook, of
Sunnyside; Vennetta, the wife of Marvin Roark, of Ellensburg, Washington; and
Lindell, who wedded Wilma Leffingwell and lives in Sunnyside.
Mrs. Hoover is a member of the Methodist church, while Mr. Hoover has mem-
bership in the Brethren church. In politics he is an independent republican. He
has served as township assessor and was also a member of the scliool board in
Ohio, but he prefers to give his undivided time and attention to his Inisincss affairs,
which have been carefully directed and have brou.ght to him a measure of
Ihat numbers him among the substantial ranchmen of this part of the stafe.
HARRY F. ROBERTS.
Harry F. Roberts, a rancher living at Tampico, is one of the native sons of
Yakima county, his birth having occurred on his father's ranch on the Ahtanum,
March 23, 1885. His parents were Harry and Augusta (Heath) Roberts, the former
a native of Glasgow, Scotland, and the latter of Maine. They were married in Mis-
souri and about 1881 removed westward to Yakima county by way of The Dalles,
Oregon. The father took up a homestead claim at what is now Tampico and located
a post office there. He also opened a store and in addition to its conduct engaged in
the cultivation of hop vineyards, in general farming and in the raising of live stock.
His was a very active and useful life in which industry and perseverance won a
substantial measure of success. Later he lived retired at Yakima, where he spent his
remaining days, his death there occurring in 1910. His widow survives and is now a
resident of Arizona.
Harry F. Roberts acquired a public school education in Yakima county and
afterward entered the sheep business and also took up general farming. He likewise
still conducts the store which was established by his father at Tampico. In his
business affairs he is a partner of his brother. W. A. Roberts, who was born in Wide
Hollow, in Yakima county, in 1883. Both are progressive and enterprising young
business men, alert to every opportunity and displaying unfaltering enterprise in
the conduct of their interests.
On the 6th of December, 1911, Harry F. Roberts was united in marriage to Miss
Daisy M. Archer, who was born at Parkston, South Dakota, a daughter of Benjamin
and Alice Archer, who removed to Bickleton, Washington. Mr. and Mrs. Roberts
have become parents of a son and daughter, Archie and Kathlyn.
Fraternally Mr. Roberts is connected with the Elks Lodge No. 318 at Yakima
and his political endorsement is given to the republican party, which he has sup-
ported since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He is interested in
all that has to do with the welfare and progress of the community in which he lives
and his aid and cooperation arc ever given to plans and projects for the general
good.
EMIL C. DALTOX.
Emil C. Dalton, who is numbered among the prosperous agriculturists of the
Wenas valley, where he owns three hundred and seventy acres of land, gives par-
ticular attention to cattle interests, very successfully conducting a large dairy. Not
only is he thoroughly informed in regard to agricultural matters in general and as
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 959
pertaining to the branch in which he specializes, but he has also proven himself an
up-to-date business man who is well able to take care of large interests. A native
of Sweden, Mr. Dalton was born September 12, 1870. His mother has passed away but
is surxived by lier husband, who is still a resident of his native country.
liniil C Dalton emigrated to this country in his teens and after reaching the
•Atlantic seaboard made his way to Minnesota, where he arrived in the spring of 1888.
For about two years he remained in that state but in 1890 removed to Spokane and
spent the years from 1892 until 1894 in Okanogan county. In the fall of the latter
year he arrived in Yakima county and here he has ever since given his attention
closely to agricultural pursuits. In 1895 he bought a ranch on the Wenas and now
owns three hundred and seventy acres, of which forty are in a high state of cultiva-
tion, while the remainder of the property is used as pasture. His progwessive methods
and spirit are indicated by the fine appearance which his farm presents, for he has not
only erected good buildings to shelter his produce and stock but has also built a
modern residence, handsomely appointed. He raises grain and hay and conducts a
large dairy. He has bred a good grade of cattle in his herd and his success along
this line is very gratifying.
On December 30, 1907, Mr, Dalton was united in marriage to Miss Hulda Swen-
son, a native of Sweden, who crossed to this country in 1902. A pretty romance is
the foundation of this union, for it was in that year that Mr. Dalton returned to
Sweden in order to pay a visit to his parents and on the return trip met his future
wife on shipboard. A mutual attraction resulted and it became plain to Mr. Dalton
that here and now he had met the one whom he would have to rule his household.
Miss Swenson proceeded to Chicago and there she lived for five years, but during
all of this time Mr, Dalton remained true to his choice and finally they agreed to
wed, A happy union resulted, Mrs. Dalton Ijecoming an able helpmate to her hus-
band, assisting him faithfully in liis efforts toward the goal of prosperity. In 1914
they again paid a visit to Sweden and were nearly caught in the upheaval caused by
the outbreak of the World war. but succeeded in safely reaching .\merican shores
before shipping was entirely paralyzed.
There is much credit due Mr, Dalton for what he has accomplished, as all of
his prosperity is the result of his own labor and foresight. He is public-spirited and
ever ready to give of his time and effort to promote worth\' causes and is a loyal and
valued resident of his community, county and state.
ED REMY.
Ed Reniy is the president of the Yakima County Horticultural L'nion and has
been a most active factor in promoting the fruit raising interests of this section of
the state, demonstrating the possibilities of the valley in his connection and doing
much to stimulate effort of that character. He has lived in the valley since April,
1893, and his labors have been a most resultant force in producing desired results,
Mr. Remy is a native of Belgium. He was born on the 12th of November, 1860,
a son of Peter J. and Mary Jane Remy. The mother died in her native country and
in 1879 the father came with his son Ed to the new world, settling in Kent, Ohio.
He was a glassblower by trade and after working along that line for a time in Ohio
lived in various places. Ed Remy accompanied his father as he removed from point
to point and in April, 1893, he reached the Yakima valley, where he purchased a
fruit ranch three miles southeast of the city of Yakima, It was then a tract of wild
land. He planted it to prunes and is still the owner of the place. His labors demon-
strated the possibility for successful prune production in this locality and in 190t)
he turned his attention to the raising of apples and pears. He has ten acres planted
to trees of that kind and his fruit interests are now in excellent condition, returning
to him a gratif3-ing annual income. He is also the owner of city property, having
made investment in Yakima real estate. He has been very active in building up the
Yakima County Horticultural Union and deserves great credit for his eflforts in that
connection, being now president of the or.ganization which is doing so much to ad-
vance the fruit raising interests of this section of the state and promote and protect
960 HISTORY OF YAKIMA X'ALLEY
the rights of those active in this field of business. Mr. Remy also served for four
years on the state fair board under Governor Meade.
On the I6th of January. 1883, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Remy and
Miss Mary Deiley, a native of England. Their children are three in number: Mary,
who is president of the Yakima school board and resides at home; Alice, the wife of
Chester L. Miller, a resident of the Yakima valley; and Ed, Jr,, who is with the
Yakima County Horticultural Union.
The religious faith of the family is that of the Methodist church and in addi-
tion to his membership therein Mr. Remy is a member of Yakima Lodge, No. 24, F.
& A. M.; Yakima Chapter, No. 21, R. A. M.; Yakima Commandery, No. 13, K. T.;
and Afifi Temple of the Mystic Shrine. He belongs to the Commercial Club and in
politics is a republican. In addition to his other activities of a business nature he
has served as trustee and president of the Union Ditch Company. He is most widely
known because of his activity along horticultural lines, in which connection he has
done much for the west. He is constantly studying the possibilities and opportuni-
ties for fruit culture and his labors have given demonstration of the practicability of
his belief. He has set a pace which others have followed, leading to the substantial
development of Yakima county along horticultural lines.
YAKIMA COUNTY HORTICULTURAL UNION.
The Yakima County Horticultural Union is an institution which has had much
to do with the history of development in the Yakima valley. An organization was
elTected in June, 1902, known as the Yakima Horticultural Union and was incorporated
under the name of the Y'akima County Horticultural Union in 1903. It was organized
by Edward Remy, who saw the necessity for and benefit of such an organization,
believing that the interests of the fruit growers must be protected and knowing that
much could be accomplished in the way of development along horticultural lines
through concerted effort. The first officers of the company were: W. L. Wright,
president; Edward Remy, treasurer; R. O. Bacon, vice president; J. M. Brown, secre-
tary; and L. B. Kenyon, trustee. M. N. Richards succeeded Mr. Wright in the presi-
dency in 190S and he in turn was succeeded by W. N. Irish in 1909. In 1913 W. M.
Nelson became the president and Mr. Richards was again elected to that office in
1917, followed by Edward Remy, who was chosen the chief executive in 1918. Mr.
Remy had been a member of the board since the organization was effected and is well
qualified for his position as chief executive.
Ir 190.^, R. O. Bacon was succeeded in the vice presidency by E. G. Peck and in
the same year Mr. Remy was reelected treasurer and J. M. Brown the secretary.
In 1906 W. N, Irish was elected secretary, with Mr. Remy continuing in the office of
treasurer. In 1907 there was no change in the official personnel of the Union and
on the 9th of May, 1908, the same officers were reelected. In 1909, however. W. N.
Irish became the president, with W. M. Richards as vice president, Edward Remy as
treasurer and E. G. Peck as secretary. E. E. Samson was made manager and so con-
tinue I until the spring of 1910, when he was succeeded by C. R. Paddock, who served
until 1912, when E. E. Samson was recalled to the office and continued until 1915.
Fred Eberlc then assumed the position and is still manager. The election of offi-
cers brought no change in the board in 1910, and in 1911 W. N. Irish was chosen
president, with W. M. Nelson as vice president and E. G. Peck as secretary and
treasurer. In the election of 1912, W. N. Irish was continued in the presidency, with
W. M. Nelson as vice president and O. K. Conant as secretary and treasurer. The
last named still fills that position. In 1913 W. M. Nelson was elected president,
with W. M. Richards as vice president, and there was no change in the list of offi-
cials in 1914. In 1915 LeRoy Pease was elected vice president, but otherwise the
board remained the same. In 1916 W. W. Scott became vice president and in 1907
h3 was succeeded by Edward Remy.
When the Union was organized in 1902 offices were opened in the J. M. Perry
v/arehouse. In 1903 a removal was made to C street and First avenue, North, and
in 1907 the Union erected its present stone building at the corner of A street and
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLtY 961
North First avenue, a building that is fifty by one hundred and seventy feet. In 1914
a warehouse was built at Xaches that is fifty by one hundred and fifty feet and one
story in height with basement. In 1915 a second warehouse, fifty by one hundred
feet, was built at Selah and in 1916 a one-story warehouse, fifty by one hundred
feet, was erected at Wapato. In the same year an addition was built to the Yakima
establishment. This is two stories in height with basement and is fifty by one
hundred and seventy-two feet. It contains a cold storage plant. In 1917 the Union
purch;iscd the Y'akima Fruit Growers' Exchange on West Nob Hill, a building one
hundred by one hundred and fifty feet, also enlarged the Selah building with a two-
story and basement brick structure fifty by one hundred and twelve feet. A warehouse
fifty by one hundred feet was built at Tieton and in 1918 its capacity was increased
by putting a basement underneath.
The Yakima County Horticultural Union is a corporation that handles fruit
and produce for its stockholders and it has three hundred and fifty members. The
shipments in 1918 amounted to more than fourteen hundred cars. There is a wait-
ing list of tliosc who would become members, many wishing to enjoy the service
ani benefits of the organization. There are packing plants at all the warehouses,
with gravity conveyors, and the plants are supplied with electric power and the
most modern equipment of all kinds for the handling of fruit and produce. Each
grade, size and variety of fruit is pooled and sold together. The company has earned
a surplus of forty thousand dollars and has paid six and seven per cent dividends.
The main object is to sell the growers' products at the best prices but not to make
bi;j dividends. The Union has established the Blue Ribbon brand and the Red Ribbon
brand The products are sold all over the United States and Europe and anything
bearing the name of the Yakima County Horticultural Union may be taken as of
high standard quality. Only the best growers are admitted and the Union is formed
of only the best men in the valley. It has done a great work for the development
and protection of horticultural interests and is a most valuable element in horti-
cultural progress in this section of the state.
ALBERT A. McDERMID.
Albert A. McDermid is the owner of a valuable ranch property near Harwood.
He secured one hundred and sixty acres of arid land covered with sagebrush. The
buildinr, o' the Tieton canal supplied water and Mr. McDermid supplied the energy,
entcri'risc and determination necessary to make this productive land, producing large
crops. He has gained for himself a place among the substantial agriculturists and
horticulturists of this section of the state.
A native of Minnesota. Mr. McDermid was born in Nicollet count}- on the 14th of
Sepun-.l.er. 1862. a son of Peter H. and Adeline (Kennedy) McDermid, the former a
nativi: of Canada, \\hile the latter was born in Ohio. They became pioneers of
Minnesota, where tlu- father took up government land and with characteri-^tic energy
began con\erting the wild tract into rich and arable fields. The mother died in Minne-
sota but the father afterward came to Yakima county, where his last days were
passed.
Albert A. McDermid obtained a public school education and afterward learned
the carpenter's trade, becoming a thorough workman. In 1889 he arrived in Yakima
county and for a considerable period followed his trade. He opened a carpenter
shop and did a large amount of contract work in this section, but recognizing the
possibilities for progress along agricultural and horticultural lines, in 1897 he rented
land and in 1898 purchased twenty acres on South Nob Hill. He planted ten acres
of this to orchard and devoted the remainder to the raising of hay. He owned that
property until 1918. when he sold it. About 1904 he had taken up a homestead above
Harwood. on the Tieton. It was a tract of wild and undeveloped land covered with
the native sagebrush and his place of one hundred and sixty acres gave little indica-
tion that it would soon become a profitable and productive tract. Later, however,
962 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
the Tieton project went through and with a plentiful supply of water Mr.' McDermid
has converted his place into one of the finest ranches in the valley. He has a com-
fortable residence upon his place, with all necessary barns and outbuildings, and he
has ten acres of his lanil planted to pears, while the remainder is devoted to the raising
of hay and grain. His crops arc satisfactory and his labors arc constituting the basis
of a desirable success as the years pass.
In 1891 Mr. McDermid was united in marriage to Miss Lucy Dunham, who was
born in Nicollet county, Minnesota, a daughter of Jesse and Frances (Clark) Dun-
ham, the former the owner of a flour mill there. The father died in Minnesota, after
which his widow came to the northwest and spent her last days in the home of Mr.
and Mrs. McDennid. By tlie marriage of this couple have been born seven children,
but Donald, tlieir firstborn died in 1917 at the age of twenty-five years. The others
are: Bernice, at liome; Robert, also with his parents; Kenneth and Frances, who
are attending higli scliool: Warren; and Gordon. The family spends the winter
months in Yakima in order that the children may have the opportunities aflforded
by the excellent schools of that city.
Fraternalh' Mr, McDermid is connected with the Masons and also with the
Modern Woodmen of America and his religious faith is that of the Congregational
church Politically he maintains an independent course, voting for men and meas-
ure.; rather than for party. In the early days of his residence here he was a sergeant
in the Home Guard. The greater part of his life has been devoted to agricultural
and industrial interests, however, and at the present time he is concentrating his
efforts and attention upon tlie latter line of activity with notable success. It is an
arduous task to convert wild land into productive fields, but this work Mr. Mc-
Dermid has accomplished and his labors have been amply rewarded. His life illus-
trates what can be done through determination and energy, and his example of un-
faltering industry and thorough reliability in business affairs is one well worthy
of enudation.
WILLIAM L. BAKER.
William L. Baker is now the owner of excellent orchards, but the land that came
into his possession was a wild tract covered with sagebrush. His labors are thus
manifest in the results which have been achieved. The record of his life is the story
of earnest endeavor and should serve to inspire and encourage others, showing what
can be accomplished through individual effort.
Mr. Baker was born in Cocke county, Tennessee, on the 15th of April, 1862, a son
of Jphn and Margaret (Netherton; Baker, who after residing for a considerable
period in the south removed to the northwest in 1876, taking up their abode in Doug-
las county, Oregon, where the father engaged in farming for about eight years. In
1884 he removed to Lewis county, Washington, where he secured a tract of govern-
ment land and began the development of a farm. Thereon he spent his remaining
days, his death occurring in 1897, while his wife passed away the previous year.
William L. Baker acquired a public school education and followed farming in
connection with his father from the time when he put aside his textbooks until he
had reached the age of thirty-seven years save that in the meantime he took up a
homestead in Lewis county, which both farmed. In August, 1898. William L. Baker
came to Yakima and for a time was associated with the Yakima Hardware Company
in the plumbing and roofing department, working in that connection for twelve years
or until 1910. That he was an efficient workman, thoroughly capable and reliable, is
indicated in the fact that he was so long retained in the position. At length, how-
ever, he determined to engage in business on his own account and resigned his
position, after which he purchased forty acres of sagebrush land on Selah Heights.
At a subsequent period he sold twenty acres of that tract. He now has fifteen acres
planted to apples and pears, with a few peaches, and his orchards are in excellent
bearing condition, bringing forth fine varieties of fruit, for he was most careful in
the selection of his nursery stock. He has built a nice home and has added other
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 967
modern improvements to his place and his is today one of the pleasing ranch prop-
erties of the section in which he lives.
On September 4, 1896, Mr. Baker was united in marriage to Mrs. Martha Jones,
a nati\e of Kansas and a daughter of Walter and Elizabeth Crabtree. Her mother
was born in Georgia and her father in Missouri. In his political views Mr. Baker is
a democrat and is conversant with tlie leading questions and issues of the day but
has never been an office seeker. His attention has always been fully occupied by his
business affairs and his life has been one of industry and determination, resulting in
the attainment of a substantial competence.
JOHX HENRY LEUNING.
John Henry Leuning, who since 1910 has resided in the Yakima valley, where he
is now devoting his time and energies largely to horticultural pursuits, was born
on the 2d of December, 1886, in Illinois, a son of D. G. Leuning, mentioned at length
on another page of this work. While spending his youthful days under the parental
rooi he attended public schools of South Dakota and in 1910, when a young man
or twenty-four years, he arrived in the Yakima valley, where he has since made his
lionie thereon and has since given liis attention to the furtlier development and im-
hcuic thcieon and has since given his attention to the further development and im-
provement of the place. He now has six acres in apples and pears, while the re-
mamder is pasture and plow land, upon which he raises various crops best adapt' '
to sell and climatic conditions here.
On the 9th of March, 1913, Mr. Leuning was married to Miss Inez V. F
a native of Iowa and a daughter of C. C. and Prudence Hedges, who came to Wash-
ington in 1894, settling in Seattle, whence they removed to the Yakima valley in
1900. Her father then bought nineteen acres of land near Buena and has since car-
ried on ranching in that locality but his wife has passed away. To Mr. and Mrs.
Leuning have been born four children, Ernest Francis, Hazel Margaret, John El-
wood and Raymond Glenn.
Air. Leuning and his family are members of the Christian church of Zillah and in
politics he maintains an independent course. He is a progressive young man who
has made for himself a creditable place in business circles and in public regard as
well.
LEE POLLARD.
Lee Pollard, whose identification with the agricultural development of Yakima
county has been of considerable worth, makes his home in the vicinity of Grandview.
He was born in Rockingham county, Virginia, March 12, 1865, and in 1900 came to
Washington, settling at Roslyn, where he engaged in mining coal. In 1901 he took
up a homestead of eighty acres near where Grandview now stands. The tract was
all covered with sagebrush. It was wild land just as it had come from the hand of
nature. He brought his family to this place and at once began its development and
impiovement. He has since sold ten acres but retains the ownership of seventy acres,
which is devoted to the raising of corn, potatoes and hay. He also engages in rais-
ing hogs to some extent and he likewise conducts a dairy business. In addition to
the improvement of his own property he cleared, grubbed and fenced eighty acres
belonging to Dr. P. B. Wing, now a resident of California, and erected thereon good
buildings such as are necessary in the equipment of a modern ranch property. This
place adjoins his own.
In 1888 Mr. Pollard was married to Miss Jennie Jenkins, who was born in Page
county, Virginia, October 30, 186S. They have become the parents of eight children.
Henry, who has a wife and three children, is now engaged in mining at Roslyn, Wash-
ington. Arthur, who has a wife and seven children, is a miner and motor driver
at Roslyn. Mary Magdalene is the wife of James Brooks, a resident of Tacoma,
&68 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
and the3' have seven children. Charles Edward is the next of the family. Sarah
Elizabeth is the wife of Thomas Blalock, a resident of Yakima. Harry, Isaiah and
Douglas are all at home. The family circle yet remains unbroken by the hand of
death. All of the children have been given good public school education. The son
Harry took up three hundred and twenty acres of government land on Squaw creek
and is improving it, doing dry farming. The daughter, Sarah Elizabeth, also has
a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres adjoining her brother's property.
The family attend the Baptist church and Mr. Pollard gives his political endorse-
ment to the republican party. He is a successful pioneer rancher and has won sub-
stantial prosperity in his farming operations. He has contributed in substantial
measure to the upbuilding of the valley as well as to the upbuilding of his indi-
vidual fortunes. He started here with a cash capital of a dollar and a half and had
a family of wife and eight children. His industry and determination have enabled
him to steadily advance and his record shows what a man can do through persis-
tency of purpose and undaunted energy. He is always dependable and reliable, a
man of his word, and those with whom he has had business associations know that
he is straightforward in all dealings. He is now pleasantly situated and enabled to
enjo> all of the comforts of life.
REUBEN HAY.
Reuben Hay owns and occupies a ranch of forty acres two and a half miles north-
east of Sunnyside. This property has been in his possession since 1912, but he did
not take up his abode thereon until 1914. His birth occurred in Gallia county, Ohio,
November 4, 1863, his parents being Hamilton and Elizabeth (Shaw) Hay, both of
whom were natives of Gallia county. The father was a son of Reuben and Margaret
(Aleshire) Hay, who were natives of eastern Virginia and became pioneer settlers
of Ohio, taking up their abode in Gallia county in 1817. The maternal grandparents
were Ward and Jenny (^^■ard) Shaw, who also became pioneer residents of the
Buckeye state. Hamilton Hay was a farmer by occupation and devoted his entire
life to that pursuit. During the period of the Civil war he served as a member of the
Home Guards. Both he and his wife passed away in Ohio, the latter on the 3d of
September, 1873, while the former survived until 1898. They were prominent and well
known farming people of that locality, enjoying the high respect of all who knew them.
Reuben Hay, whose name introduces this record, acquired a public school educa-
tion in Ohio and also attended the normal school for a few terms. He then took
up the profession of teaching, which he followed from 1884 until 1917. He taught in
the schools of Ohio until 1901 and then made his way to Seattle, Washington. For a
year he v.'as a teacher at Enumclaw, Washington, and for three and a half years was
principal of the schools at Preston, this state. He was then appointed principal of
the Parental school at Tacoma, where he remained for seven and a half years, and
in 1914 he removed to Sunnyside, teaching at Waneta as principal of the school
there for three years. In 1914 he settled upon his ranch which he has purchased in
1912, becoming owner of a tract of forty acres pleasantly located two and a half
miles northeast of Sunnyside. Upon this place he raises hay and corn, also sugar
beets and conducts a small dairy.
On the 2Sth of August, 1889. Mr. Hay was married to Miss Effie Larrimer, who
was born in Chambersburg, Gallia county. Ohio, a daughter of William and Nancy
(Ross) Larrimer. The record of their children is a most interesting one. Raymond.
the:r eldest son, born March 3, 1891, enlisted in the Two Hundred and Eleventh
Regiment of the Canadian army in 1916 and that he might render active service
to the world in the effort to prevent militarism from becoming the dominant power.
He saw active service throughout the entire struggle from the time of his enlistment
until the armistice was signed and was wounded at Passchendaele. Belgium, on the
6th of August, 1917. For six months he was in a hospital in England and after he had
somewhat recovered remained in that country, taking care of the sick and wounded
and replacement soldiers. He became a sergeant and was active in recruiting work.
He went to Europe on the Olympic and returned on the same boat, receiving an
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 969
honorable discharge on the 28th of January, 1919. By trade he is a machinist. Charles,
the second son, born February 11, 1893, has been farming the home place since it
was purchased by his father. Larry, born March 6, 1896, enlisted in Company C of
the Second Washington Regiment, One Hundred and Sixty-first United States In-
fantry, on the 27th of March, 1917, and later was in the Ninth Infantry Regulars.
He left Long Island on the 13th of December, 1917, and went into action in June,
1918. He was gassed on the 3d of July, 1918, and after being sent back to his regi-
ment at Soissons was hit by eleven pieces of shrapnel, being severely wounded and
sent to the hospital. Recovering, however, he returned to active service and was all
through the campaign of 1918 until again badly wounded on the 3d of October,
1918, by a shell. He had been advanced to the rank of corporal. Emory, born Oc-
tober 23, 1898, enlisted in March, 1916, in the Two Hundred and Eleventh Battalion
of the Canadian Infantry, and reached France in December of that year. He was
also made a corporal and has been at the front throughout the whole war. He has
been engaged" in railway construction, spending most of the time in No Man's Land.
Teddy the next of the family, is deceased. George died in infancy. Clayton, born
May 10, 1909, completes the family.
Mr. Hay is a member of the Modern Brotherhood of America and in politics
maintains an independent course. .He is interested in all those activities which have to
do with the welfare and progress of his community and the state at large, and his
progressi^e citizenship and interest in democracy are indicated in his giving to the
cause three stalwart sons whose heroic service constitutes a most brilliant page upon
the family history.
FRED EBERLE.
Fred Eberle, manager for the Yakima County Horticultural L'nion, was born
in Dekalb county, Missouri, November 7, 1877, a son of George and Mary (Strong)
Eberle. The father, a farmer by occupation, removed to Doniphan county, Kansas,
in 1887 and still makes his home there. The son, then a lad of ten years, continued
his education in the public schools of that locality and afterward had the benefit
of instruction in a business college at St. Joseph, Missouri. Early in his business
career he spent four years with the Wells Fargo Express Company in southern Kan-
sas and in Oklahoma and in December, 1904, he arrived in the Pacific northwest,
making his way to Seattle, where he resided until May 29, 1905, when he came to
Yakima. Here he entered into association with the firm of J. M. Perry & Com-
pany and in 1906 and 1907 was with the Ryan-Newton Company, wholesale fruit
dealers. From 1908 until 1910 inclusive he was with the Yakima County Hortical-
tural Union as a traveling salesman and from 1911 until 1913 was the northwestern
representative at Yakima for the C. H. Robinson Company of Grand Forks, North
Dakota. In August of the latter year he became assistant manager of the Yakitna
County Horticultural L'nion and in February, 191.^, was advanced to the position of
general manager. This is a gigantic concern, controlling, directing and protecting
the interests of the leading fruit raisers of this section of the state. The organiza-
tion is formed of the most prominent horticulturists" of the Yakima valley and has
an immense plant in the city of Yakima, with warehouses and branch establishments
at various other points. As general manager Mr. Eberle is bending his efiforts to ad-
ministrative direction and executive control and is in close touch with every phase
of horticultural life and development in the northwest. He is the vice president of
the Yakima Valley Traffic & Credit Association, a fact which indicates his familiar-
ity with all that has to do with shipping interests.
On the 4th of Octobei, 1901, Mr, Eberle was married to Miss Cassia E. Hub-
bard, of Kirksville, Missouri, and they have one son, Gordon. Mr. Eberle belongs
to Yakima Lodge, No. 24, F. & A. M., and passing up through the York Rite has
become identified with Yakima Chapter, No. 21, R. A. M., and Yakima Commandery,
No. 13. K. T. His wife attends the Presbyterian church and in social circles
they are prominently known. Mr. Eberle also belongs to the Yakima Commercial
Club and to the Yakima Valley Business Men's Association and is interested in every
970 HISTORY OF YAKIMA \ALLEY
project put forth to benefit the citj- and valley in its extending trade relations. Polit-
ically Mr. Eberle is a republican, loyal in his support of what he believes to be
for the best interests of community, commonwealth and country. He is alert to every
opportunity opened in the ramifying branches of trade, is actuated in all that he does
by a spirit of progressiveness and his initiative has carried forward the organiza-
tion which he represents to a point where it has become a most dominant factor in
the trade conditions of the northwest affecting horticultural interests.
LLOYD GARRETSON.
Lloyd Garretson, prominently known as a wholesale fruit man of Washington,
conducting business in Yakima under the name of the Pacific Fruit & Produce Com-
pany of Portland, has developed interests of extensive proportions, constituting an
important element in the commercial activity of the city. Y'akima is the center of
ths shipping for this company, while the home office is located at Portland and the
jobbing trade taken care of from that point, by his partner, George Youell. The
work of the Pacific Fruit & Produce Company entitles the officers to more than
passing notice as representative business men of the northwest, among them, Mr.
Garretson. He was born in Iowa in 1872, a son of James W. and Lucy S. (Monday)
Garretson, who were natives of Pennsylvania and of Virginia respectively. They be-
came residents of Iowa in the "SO's, and the father then worked at the carpenter's
trade, which he had learned in early life. He remained in the middle west for a long
period but in 1890 removed to the Pacific coast, settling in Tacoma, Washington,
where both he and his wife passed away. Their son, Lloyd Garretson, acquired
a public school education in Iowa and when a youth learned the carpenter's trade
under his father, with whom he worked until attaining his niajority. Subsequently
to the removal of the family to the northwest he purchased a retail grocery store in
Tacoma, at 42nd and Stephens streets and there continued in business until 1894,
when he organized the Pacific Fruit Company of Tacoma, for the conduct
of a small retail business of that character. With the development of his trade
he transformed his interests into a wholesale business and in addition to fruit con-
ducted a general market. In 189S he was joined by George Youell in a partnership
and under their combined direction the business grew rapidly and was incorporated
in 1906. Mr. Garretson remained in Tacoma until 1903, when he removed to Yakima
to take charge of the interests of the business at this point, Y'akima being the seat
of the head shipping office, while Portland has the home office, and the jobbing
trade is cared for at that point. The business had been organized under the name
of the Pacific Fruit & Produce Company of Tacoma in 1894. with the head office
at Portland, while in 1902 the branch house at Yakima was opened, at which time
the company utilized the warehouse of the Pioneer Lumber Company. In 1906 they
built a warehouse at No.' 5 North First avenue — a one-story brick structure. This
was enlarged in 1910 by the addition of a basement and a cold storage plant. In
191S they purchased the Perry building adjoining and thus secured a space one
hi'iidred by one hundred and eighty feet. The building is two stones in height with
basement and there is cold stftrage equipment for eighty cars. The company has
its own boxing and shipping plants and has established a branch house at Selah
Washington, where they have a warehouse seventy-five by one hundred feet. This
was opened in 1917. In 1913 they established a warehouse at Zillah, thirty by seventy
feet, and they also have two warehouses at Grandview, conducted under the name
of the E. T. Blew Company, which were established in 1916. Their warehouse at
Ktnnewick, established in 1915, is fifty by one hundred feet and their warehouse at
Wcnatchee, estalilished in 1914, is one hundred by one hundred feet with basement.
In 1917 they further extended their equipment by securing a warehouse at Hanford,
fifty by seventy feet, one story in height with basement, and at Wapato they rent
a warehouse during the summer months. During 1917 they handled fourteen hun-
dred car loads of fruit. Their business not only covers the Yakima valley but many
outside points and in all they have forty branches in Oregon, Washington and Cali-
fornia. The company farms three hundred acres of land, half of which they pur-
HISTORY OF 'YAKIMA \'ALLEY 971
chaser! in 1915. which is devoted to diversified crops, seventy acres being planted to
fruit. This end of the business is under the management of Jolin Koraski. The
oflicers of the Pacific Fruit & Produce Company are: George Youell. the president
and treasurer, and a resident of Portland; and Lloyd Garretson, vice president and
secretary. Under the direction of these men an imme/ivze Jjusiness has been built up
and developed that covers much of the Pacific coast ckun.S'ry north of San Francisco.
There is no phase of the fruit and produce business with which they are not thor-
oughly familiar, from the time of production in the orchard until the sales are com-
pleted in the eastern markets.
In 1896 Mr. Garretson was married to Miss Sophia Margaret Rommerman, of
Taconia, and they have three children: James Warren, nineteen years of age, a
member of the United States army, now in France, who was a student in the Uni-
versity of Washington; Helen May, aged fifteen; and John, a lad of nine years.
Mr. Garretson belongs to Yakima Lodge, No. 318, B. P. O. E. He is also a mem-
ber of the Yakima Country Club and of the Yakima Commercial Club, of the Yakima
Valley Business Men's Association and the Traffic and Credit Association and of the
last named was one of the organizers. He is likewise a trustee and the treasurer of
the Fruit Growers' Agency.
KNUTE IVERSON.
Among the substantial citizens furnished to America by the land of the midnight
sun is Knute Iverson. whose birth occurred in Norway on the 14th of June, 1867,
and who is now a well known rancher in the Zillah district of Yakima county. His
parents were Iver and Hilda Iverson. both now decoascd. The father followed car-
pentering and also engaged in farming.
Kr.ute Iverson obtained a public school education in his native country and was
a young man of nineteen years when he bade adieu to friends and home and sailed
fo- the new world, taking up his abode in Minnesota in 1886. Two years later, or
in 1888. he came to Washington, settling in Tacoma, and in 1901 he removed to
Lester, Washington, where he engaged in the dairy business. In 1906 he arrived in
tht Yakima valley, where in 1903 he had purchased sixty acres of land a quarter of
a mile southwest of Buena. Here he entered the dairy business and also engaged in
the raising of hay and various crops. He likewise raises some pears upon his place.
He had eighty acres on the Yakima Indian reservation at one time and pastured there-
on one hundred and seventy-five head of fine cattle, which, however, he sold in 1918.
In 1911 he built a fine home upon his ranch near Buena and is most comfortably and
pleasantly situated in life.
In 1891 Mr. IverSon was married to Miss Ellen Strom, a native of Norway, and
they became the parents of three children, of whom two have passed away. The
surviving son, L'ngell. now twenty-six years of age, has taken a course in civil engi-
neering; in the State College at Pullman. Washington, and for two years gave his
attention to the work of the Agricultural College there. He is now a member of
thi' United States army.
Kr.ute Iverson has membership with the Woodmen of the World and is also
cor.ni-cted with the Pacific Mutual Life Insurance Company. In politics he is a re-
publican. His time and attention, however, are mostly given to his business affairs
and the thoroughness which he has displayed in the conduct of his interests has
been a dominant element in the attainment of gratifying success.
CHARLES R. PADDOCK.
As one visits the splendid orchards of Washington, with their immense yield, it
is a!niosi impossible to realize that only a few short years ago it was believed that
fruit cfuld pot be successfully raised in the Yakima valley or in this part of the state.
With the development of the fruit growing interests many prominent and progres-
972 HISTORY OF YAKIMA \ALLEY
sive business men have come to the front. Among this number is Charles R. Paddock,
iioiv a wholesale fruit dealer of Yakima, who has developed interests of large ex-
tent and importance. He is winning well merited success and his position as a
representative business man of Yakima is indeed an enviable one.
Mr. Paddock is a native of Colby. Clark county, Wisconsin. He was born in
1880, of the marriage of Chester and Mary (Russell) Paddock, who in the year 1882
removed with their family to South Dakota and settled at Volga, where the father
took up the occupation of farming. There he continued to reside until 1902, when he
came to the northwest, establishing his home in Seattle. He died in Yakima, while
his wife departed this life in Tacoma.
Charles R. Paddock, after acquiring a public school education in South Dakota,
came to Washington in 1901 and for a year was employed in a sawmill in Seattle.
He afterward became associated with J. P. Warner & Company in the fruit busi-
ness and still later was with the American Produce Company. In 1906 he arrived in
Yakima and entered the employ of the Yakima County Horticultural Union in the
capacity of bookkeeper. His fidelity and capability in that connection led to his
promotion tc the position of manager in 1909 and he so continued to serve until
the early part of 1912. Ambitious to engage in business on his own account, he
then cr.tered the brokerage field, organizing the firm of C. R. Paddock & Company
in 1914. This was incorporated on the 1st of July, 1918, and offices which were or-
iginally established in the Yakima Trust building were removed in 1917 to 13 South
First avenue, where the company has a warehouse fifty by one hundred and fifty
feet, together with commodious office space. They do a brokerage and shipping
business in fruit and produce and have built up a patronage of gratifying propor-
tions.
In 1910 Mr. Paddock was married to Miss Pearl L. Kelly, of Y'akima, a daughter
of William and Martha (Strickland) Kelly. Mrs. Paddock was born in Oregon and her
people were pioneer residents of that state, whence they removed to Yakima in 1906.
To Mr. and Mrs. Paddock has been born one son, who is aflfectionately called Billy.
Mr. Paddock is a well known Mason, belonging to Yakima Lodge, No. 24, F. &
A. M.. also to the Lodge of Perfection up to the Consistory, which is the thirtieth
degree. He likewise has membership in Elks Lodge, No. 318, of Yakima and is en-
rolled among the representatives of the Yakima Country Club and the Yakima Com-
mercial Club. In politics he maintains an independent course and his religious views
arj indicated in his attendance at the Presbyterian church. He is a member of the
Y'oung Men's Christian Association and also of the Home Guard and he is intensely
interested in everything that is truly and patriotically American. He cooperates
heartily and willingly in every effort to promote public progress and improvement
and to raise the standards of citizenship. At the same time he has been a progres-
sive, wide-awake and alert business man who has accomplished his purposes and
won a position among the successful merchants of the west. He is a man of de-
termined purpose who never stops short of the successful accomplishment of his
plans, fie has ever recognized that if one avenue of opportunity is closed he can
carve out other paths whereby to reach the desired goal, and his determination and
energy have carried him over many obstacles and difficulties.
HORACE A. CROCKER & SONS.
The remarkably rapid development which Washington has experienced in con-
tradistinction to other western states is largely due to that sturdy element which is
represented by the local agriculturists. These mostly came from the middle west and
here have found the opportunities which in a more thickly settled section were de-
nied them. Anions tliese men who have made good here is Horace .A. Crocker, a well
known and prosperous rancher, who owns a valuable property three and a half miles
west of Grandview. which is devoted to general agricultural pursuits. He and his
sons have developed a farming property of the highest class and his substantial home
and commodious barns bespeak the industry which has been bestowed upon the
place.
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 973
A native of Dane county, Wisconsin, Horace A. Crocker was born February
10, 1848, and is a son of John Russell and Jane (Lester) Crocker, the former born in
New York and the latter in Michigan. His paternal grandfather, Benjamin Crocker,
was a native of Xew York and was numbered among the early pioneers of Dane
county Wisconsin, where for many years he followed the trade of a shoemaker but
also farmed to a considerable extent. Throughout his life the father followed the
latter occupation in Wisconsin but his death occurred at the home of a daughter in
Minnesota. The mother passed away in Wisconsin.
Horace A. Crocker was reared amid pioneer conditions in the middle west and
in early life experienced the hardsliips connected with such a life. In the acquirement
of an education he attended the rudimentary schools of his neighborhood but in
1879, having become thoroughly acquainted with all farming methods then in opera-
tion in his native state, he removed to Wadena county, Minnesota, where he bought
land, and in that state he continued to engage in agricultural pursuits for thirty
ycaro. The year 1909 marked his arrival in Yakima county, his family accompany-
ing him, and here he at first rented land, which he cultivated until 1915, when his
.'5ons bought a ranch three and a half miles west of Grandview, comprising twenty
acres, in the management and operation of which he is now active. They raise corn,
potatoes and hay and everything about the place indicates twentieth century enter-
prise. There is a good house and barn upon the place and the most modern farm
machinery and equipment can be found there.
On the 1st of February, 1870, Mr. Crocker was married to Miss Amelia Page,
a native of Waterford, Wisconsin, and a daughter of David and Tryphosa (Tubbs)
Page, who were natives of New York and became early pioneers of Wisconsin.
Both parents are now deceased. The father was for many years engaged in agri-
cultural pursuits in Racine county. To Mr. and Mrs. Crocker were born the follow-
ing children: William Wyatt, who died at the age of thirteen months; Irvine Elmer,
who died at the age of twenty-two years; .\lva Adelbert, who was born August 28,
1877, and is a rancher; Roxccy, the wife of Leonard Nickerson. a rancher of Yakima
county; and Clinton George, who was born in Minnesota, December 1, 1885, and is
ranching with his brother, Alva A.
Mr. Crocker and his family occupy a position of high esteem among their fellow
citizens, having proven themselves industrious, thorough business men who do their
part in the world. The family are socialists, being strongly imbued with the prin-
ciples of social equality underlying that party. The father, although now seventy
years of age, is still vigorous and active and has had his full share in raising the
value of the farm property which is owned by him and the family. They are the
best of neighbors, helpful and obliging, and have made many friends since coming
here.
FRTDOLF NELSON.
Fridolf Nelson, a Yakima manufacturer of prominence, connected since 1914 with
the Nelson Manufacturing Company, was born in Sweden, March 6, 1872, a son of
Nels Nelson and Maria (Johnson) Nelson, who are still residents of Sweden. The
son obtained his education in the schools of his native country and came to the
United States in 1893, making his way to Chicago, where he lived for seven years.
In 1900 he went to Alaska, where he remained for eight years and during that
period was largely engaged in mining at Nome.
Mr. Nelson then returned to the States, making his way to Seattle, and in con-
nection with two others he purchased three-quarters of a section of land a mile
west of Wiley City. Later, however, he sold most of this to a Swedish colony. He
and his partners organized the Jupiter Investment Company and handled the land,
whicli they settled with people of their own nationality and thus developed one of
the progressive colonies of the district. Mr. Nelson, making his home in Yakima,
became interested in the Nelson Manufacturing Company, which was organized in
1914 by John Nelson, who had invented the Nelson fruit grader. He was joined
by Fridolf Nelson and the machine was perfected in 1914. after which patents were
974 HISTORY OF YAKIMA \'ALLEY
secured. They began the manufacture of the machine on South Sixth avenue, whence
a removal was made to First street, South, in 1915. They started to sell the machine
in 1915 and in the spring of 1916 a removal was made to First avenue and A street,
where they rented a two-story building forty by eighty feet. They manufacture
two-unit machines which sell at four hundred dollars, each machine having a capacity
of from ten to twelve hundred boxes of fruit per day. They employ seven
men and are meeting with success because of the excellence of their grader.
which is unsurpassed by any other device of the kind on the market. The floor space
required is twenty-nine feet and four inches by eleven feet and six inches and the
machine will accurately grade apples, pears and peaches, being absolutely the only
machine that will grade pears as well as other fruit. This machine has received the
highest award at the Washington state fairs. It is so constructed that one grader
determines the size of each piece of fruit by weighing, after which it is gently
dropped into the cups from the elevator and the fruit is caught in a canvas bag and
then drops lightly to the canvas bottom of the bin, the longest drop being only six
inches. Thus all bruising is eliminated. The graders are made of the best possi-
ble materials and the machinery runs very smoothly and quietly. A variation from
one ounce to one and one quarter pounds is obtainable, and when once the rail is
set there is no variation. The Nelson machine has received the endorsement of many
of the most prominent fruit packing concerns of the northwest. The demand for the
machine is constantly growing and the business is thereby increasing.
On the 24th of September, 1911. Mr. Nelson was married to Miss Mathilda An-
derson, who was born in Sweden and was a resident of Seattle. They have one
child. Herbert, born December 8, 1912. Mr. Nelson has never been active as a lodge
man or as a club member but has concentrated his efforts and attention upon his
business interests with growing success. He has shipped his machines to New Zea-
land and all over the west and such is the growth of the business that he is unable
to supply the demand.
GEORGE B. LONGMIRE.
The name of Longmire has long been honorably connected with successful agri-
cultural accomplishments in the Yakima valley and George B. Longmire of this
review is among the younger farmers who are carrying on this high reputation in
his neighborhood. A thoroughly western man of western ideas, imbued with western
energy and western purpose. Mr. Longmire was born in Yakima county March 8,
1886, a son of Mr. and Mrs. David Longmire, who are more extensively mentioned
on other pages of this work.
George B. Longmire was reared under the parental roof and the first lessons of
life were carefully instilled by his loving parents during his early boyhood. In the
acquirement of his education he attended the public schools near his father's farm
and when old enough took up farm labor, continuing with his father upon the ranch
until 1906. There he acquired a good fundamental knowledge of the methods of
agriculture, becoming theoretically as well as practically acquainted with the best
way of handling a farming enterprise. In that year some land was left to him by
his mother, to the cultivation of which he gave his immediate and resultant atten-
tion, winning success through his industry, energy and foresight. So well did he
succeed that he was enabled to buy additional land and now owns one hundred and
twenty acres, all of which is under cultivation, while he also holds title to three sections
of land in partnership with his brothers. This property is largely used as range.
He raises hay and also grain to some extent and has been especially successful in
the cattle business, specializing in fujl blooded Shorthorns and Hereford sires. He
now runs over one hundred head of cattle, his herd representing a snug little fortune.
On the 18th of March, 1908. at the age of twenty-two George B. Longmire and
Goldie Shepherd were united in marriage. She is a native of Washington and a
daughter of .Asbury Shepherd, who came to Yakima county about 1903 and now
resides at Selah. Mr. and Mrs. Longmire have two children: Dorothy, aged eight;
and Marjorie, seven years of age.
GEORGE B. LONGMIRE
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 977
In his political affiliations Mr. Longmire is a democrat but does not consider
himself bound by party ties, preferring to exercise his own judgment by supporting
the candidate whom he regards as best fitted for the office to which he aspires. He
has not only prospered individually and built up a substantial competence for him-
self, which is evident from his fine ranch, his excellent home, the modern buildings
and all other improvements upon his property, but he has ever given of his time,
effort and means toward the support of movements of a public nature, discharging
his duties as an American citizen appreciatively and conscientiously. Many are the
friends whom he has made in Selah and all who know him esteem him as a reliable,
trustworthy young man who has seriously set himself the task of making an honor-
O. K. CONANT.
O. K. Conant, widely known as the efficient secretary and treasurer of the Yakima
County Horticultural Union, his cooperation being considered a most valualjle fac-
tor in promoting the interests of the organization, was born in Plainfield, Illinois,
in 1868, a son of A. E. and Elizabeth (Filbrook) Conant, both of whom were na-
tives of Maine. They removed to Illinois in 1853 and there the father devoted his life
to the occupation of farming, but both he and his wife have now passed away.
O. K. Conant supplemented a public school education by attendance at Val-
pa'-ai^f^ CniviTsity of Indiana and the University of Wooster. of Wooster, Ohio, and
through the period of his later youth and early manhood he followed farming in
Illinois. He was thus identified with its agricultural interests until 1906, when he
made his way to the Yakima valley and purchased seventy-two acres of land four
miles west of the city of Yakima. He still has sixty-five acres of that tract, of which
fiftv acres i= planted to fruit, including apples and pears. He makes his home thereon
and is situated in the midst of most attractive and pleasant surroundings. Ho lie-
came secretary and treasurer of the Yakima County Horticultural Union and in order
to prosecute his duties in tliat connection he drives into Yakima each day. Tlie Union
wits formed to promote and protect the shippmg and other interests of the horticul-
turist? of the valley, to encourage fruit raising and to direct and manage the sale
of fruit. The business has been thoroughly systematized and splendidly developed
and as one of the executives of the L'nioll Mr. Conant is taking a very active and
helpful part in formulating and prosecuting its plans. He is widely recognized as
a man of notable sagacTty and progressiveness, nor does he stop short of the success-
ful fuil'.l'ment of any plan which he makes.
In 1899 Mr. Conant was married to Miss Bessie Flagg. of Plainfield. Illinois,
ar.d »hey have two adopted children, Ralph and Xeal. The religious faith of the
family is that of the Presbyterian church and the political belief of Mr. Conant is that
of the republican party. His activities, however, are mostly concentrated upon his
iniportant Inisiness affairs and in addition to his other interests he is a director of
the Yakima \'alley Canal Companv. He is justly proud of the L'nion and what has
been accomplished in that direction. He early recognized the value of concerted
effort in promoting the interests of horticulturists and his work for the Union has
be;n far-reaching, effective and valuable.
JOHX L. BEDELL.
Important ranching interests near Grandview claim the attention of John L.
Bedell, who was born in .\labama in May, 1858. and in 1878 went with tlie family to
Tennessee. In 1880 remo\'al was made to Kansas, and he located in Cherokee county,
taking up railroad land. There he farmed for two years, selling at the end of that
period. He then worked for wages on farms in Missouri and also in the mines there
but subsequently went to Illinois, where he was engaged in the latter line of work
until he came to the state of Washington, locating in Roslyn in March. 1889. There
r78 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
he again engaged in mining and so continued until 1890, when he took up a home-
stead in the lower part of Yakima county about five miles southeast of the present
townsite of Sunnyside. To get an idea of the conditions which he had to face at the
time of his arrival it may be mentioned in this connection that he had to pay at that
time five dollars for having a barrel of water hauled from the Yakima river. Prosser
was then the nearest market and it was therefore necessary for him to travel a dis-
tance of fourteen miles in order to do his shopping. He was among the first settlers
of his part of the county. In fact there were only two other families who were
living at that time within range of his farm. Water for irrigation was not avail-
able until 1907 and here Mr. Bedell made his home for seventeen years until irriga-
tion came about. In the beginning he had one hundred and sixty acres of land but
gradually he has sold all of this except a tract of thirty acres, which is now in
a high state of cultivation, and he raises corn, potatoes and alfalfa. He has one
of the finest farms in the neighborhood, the property having become valuable en-
tirely through his own labors. Following progressive methods, he has succeeded
to a very gratifying extent and has erected a fine home.
On the 25th of June, 1883, Mr. Bedell was married to Miss Carrie Wilson, a na-
tive of Rock Island, Illinois, the ceremony being performed in Port Byron, that
state. To this union were born the following children: Amy O., at home; and
Orange B., who married A. C. Tribblc. a resident of Tacoma, Washington.
Mr. Bedell is a valued member of the Baptist church and in his political affili-
ations is a republican. He served for some time as postmaster of Ronald, Wash-
ington, near Roslyn, holding that position for four years prior to coming to his
ranch. He was also a member of the school board there and has served as a member
of the local school board of district Xo. 35, for ten years, the cause of education
ever finding in him a stalwart champion. For two terms, or four years, he served
as trustee of the Water Users Association and also has been commissioner of drain-
age district, No. 9. for four years. .'Kt this writing he is master of Wanita Grange,
in which organization he has many friends and where he exchanges his views and
experiences in regard to local ranching conditions. All who know him respect him as
a loj-al citizen who is thoroughly devoted to public interests and ever ready to lend
a helping hand in order to promote worthy public enterprises. While he has at-
tained individual prosperity, he has never lost sight of his duties as a citizen and,
moreover, has led a blameless life in all of his private connections so that not the
least shadow of evil or suspicion falls upon "his career. In fact those who have known
him longest esteem him highest and are most appreciative of his honorable quali-
ties of heart and mind.
JOHN NELSON.
John Nelson is a prominent Yakima manufacturer and inventor whose skill and
ingenuity, combined with the recognition of a need among fruit growers, led to his
invention of the Nelson fruit grader, which has been placed upon the market and is
now being rapidly sold. Mr. Nelson is a native of Sweden. He was born May 15.
1860, and is a son of Johannes and Lisa (Anderson! Nelson, who came to the United
States in 1878 and located at Dassel, Minnesota. The father was a farmer by occupa-
tion, devoting his life to that pursuit until his labors were ended in death. Both he
and his wife passed away in Minnesota.
In his youthful days John Nelson learned the carpenter's trade, which he fol-
lowed at various points in Minnesota, remaining a resident •of that section of the
country until 1909, when he removed to Yakima and soon afterward purchased a
fruit ranch near Selah. There he still makes his home and is engaged in the rais-
ing of apples and pears. He has well developed orchards, in which he utilizes the
latest scientific discoveries for the care and protection of the trees and for handling
the crops. In the course of his business he recognized the necessity of a good fruit
grader and on the 25th of December. 1913, after carefully considering and thinking
over the matter, began the work of inventing the Nelson fruit grader, which he brought
to perfection. He then organized the Nelson Manufacturing Company of Yakima
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 979
and began the building of these graders. For this purpose he has established a
well equipped plant supplied with all necessary machinery, and he is turning out a
grader which is finding a very rapid and ready sale on the market. It is built of
excellent materials and grades fruit to perfection. In fact it is the only grader that
has successfully handled pears. All fruit is handled in such a way by the machine
that bruising is entirely elcminated. There is no variation in the matter of size and
the machine has proven one hundred per cent, efficient in determining size and sound-
ness of the fruits handled. This grader soon won wide recognition as the best that
has been placed upon the market and the supply at the present time is not equal to the
demand.
On the 15th of October, 1905. John Nelson was married to Miss Clara Johnson,
a native of Stillwater, Minnesota, and to them has been born a daughter. Faith Chris-
tine, now three and a half years of age. Mr. Nelson usually votes with the demo-
cratic party but does not hestitate to cast an independent ballot if his judgment so
dictates. He has never been a lodge man or active in club circles, preferring always
to concentrate his eflforts and attention upon his business interests, which have con-
stantly grown in volume and importance until he is today widely known as a fruit
raiser and manufacturer of Yakima.
MOSES J. BROWN.
Moses J. Brown is actively engaged in ranching near Sunnyside and the course
that he has followed has largely set a standard for progressivness in his district.
He has a place equipped with every modern improvement and he employs the most
scientific methods in the cultivation of his land and the care of his crops. His suc-
cess is indeed well deserved.
Mr. Brown is a native of Merrimack county. New Hampshire, born September
22, 1860, a son of James B. and Mary S. (Newell) Brown, who were likewise natives
of the old Granite state. The paternal grandfather, Moses Brown, was born in New
York and was a representative of one of the old colonial families. James B. Brown
devoted his life to the occupation of farming, but both he and his wife have now
passed away.
Moses J. Brown acquired a public school education in the east and afterward en-
gaged in clerking, being thus employed for several years. Subsequently he began
general merchandising on his own account at Henniker, New Hampshire, and was
thus busily occupied from 1895 until about 1904, when he sold his store. In 1905 he
took up his abode at Spokane. This was not his first visit, however, to Washington,
for he had come to the state in 1891. settling at Wickersham, where he entered the
shingle mill business and was engaged in shingle manufacturing until 1897, when he
returned to New Hampshire and there devoted his attention to merchandising and to
farming until, again attracted by the irresistible lure of the west, he came to Spo-
kane. While in that city he was with the Chant Music Company. In 1909 he pur-
chased two hundred and thirty acres of land two miles north of Sunnyside, the en-
tire tract at that time being covered with sagebrush. The following year he began
the development of the ranch and in the spring of 1912 took up his abode thereon. He
has seventy-eight acres planted to apples, with pear fillers on forty acres of the
tract. This is the largest orchard in the southern part of Yakima county. He
has sold considerable of his land, retaining possession of one hundred and fifty acres,
constituting one of the valuable ranch properties of his section of the valley. He has
erected a fine home and other substantial and modern buildings upon the place. His
orchard is in fine bearing condition and he had ten car loads of fruit in 1917 from
just one-half of the orchard. His ranch is all flumed and piped for irrigation and
it has fine air drainage and is practically free from frost. Mr. Brown at first put
in an electric pumping plant with a capacity of two hundred gallons per minute to
irrigate his seventy-eight acre orchard, but in 1916 the ditch was built and he was
then able to discard the electric pumping plant. The house is lighted by electricity
and supplied with hot and cold water, both the house and barns having water under
(40)
980 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
pressure. He has a splendid hot water heating plant and his is one of the finest
developments in the valley viewed from every standpoint.
On the 6th of July, 1893, Mr. Brown was united in marriage to Miss Imogene
Swift, who was born in Clarkson, New York, a daughter of George W. and Mary J.
(Cheeseman) Swift, both of whom were farming people of the Empire state but
have now passed away.
In his political views Mr. Brown is a stalwart republican, giving earnest support
to the party. He attends the Methodist church. His wife is a member of the Wo-
man's Club of Sunnyside, in which she takes a very active interest. They occupy
a prominent social position and enjoy the high regard of all with whom they have
come in contact, while Mr. Brown's reputation in business circles is a most enviable
one. Actuated by a most progressive spirit and at all times achieving his purposes,
his labors have exemplified the most advanced ideas in modern ranching and have
constituted an example that many others have followed.
GEORGE VV. EVANS.
Among those who have carried forward agricultural interests to well nigh
perfection is George W. Evans, who is owner of one of the best properties in the
Wenas valley, of four hundred acres, two hundred of which are under cultivation.
Mr. Evans has specialized in the line of dairying and today conducts one of the most
profitable enterprises of this kind in the valley. He has also been postmaster of
Wenas for a number of years and in the discharge of his official duties has ever
been prompt, accurate and obliging. A university graduate of high standing, Mr. Evans
studied law during that time and this knowledge has stood him in good stead during
his business career although he has never praticed. His memory often goes back to
those pleasant days filled with college work and college ambitions when he was one
of the idols of his university, winning renown on the football field. Moreover, Mr.
Evans has a record of historical significance and general great interest to his credit
which connects him with the Spanish-American war, in which conflict he partici-
pated in some of the most important engagements, being one of those who took part
in the capture of Manila, which he entered at that time.
A native of Minnesota, George W. Evans was born in Garden City, November
25, 1877, a son of Eri B. and Abbie Ella (Clark) Evans. The father was active as an
agriculturist in that state but in 1906 came to Yakima and bought a farm on the
Wenas. where he now makes his home. Mr. Evans of this review was reared under
the parental roof, his first lessons in life being instilled with loving care by his par-
ents. In the acquirement of an education he attended the public school? until he was
sufficiently prepared to enter the university, where he took up a law course, graduat-
ing from the LTniversity of Minnesota in 1901. During this time he was a promi-
nent member of Phi Kappa Psi and Phi Delta Phi. Strong of body and healthy of
mind, be took the greatest interest in college athletics and became a star on the
Twi'i LTniversity football team, on which he played left halfback. He played this
positi'-.n with great success against Madison and also participated in the great games
against Chicago, Purdue, Michigan and other big schools. When the country called
men to arms on account of the outbreak of the Spanish-.'\merican war Mr. Evans,
loyal to the flag and thirsting for adventure, broke into his university course, enlist-
ing in Company A, Thirteenth Minnesota Volunteers, in 1898. Soon we find him
overseas in the Philippines and he was among that memorable number who took
part in the capture of Manila. For nineteen months he served in the army and in
1900 was honorably mustered out. then completing his law course. The profession,
however, did not seem to hold out to him sufficient inducements and he turned to
the hotel business, being occupied along that line in St. Paul until 1906. He was so
successful in his venture there that in 1905 he was enabled to acquire title to a ranch
in the 'VVenas valley of Yakima county but did not take up his residence here until
a year later. The winter of 1906 he spent in California and subsequently came to
his ranch. This property comprises four hundred acres, two hundred of which are
under cultivation, devoted to grain and hay, while the rest serves as pasture for high
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 981
grade stock raised from registered sires. To this branch, particularly, Mr. Evans has
gi\cn his close attention and has been very successful in the dairying line, using
twenty cows for this purpose. Moreover, he manages a one hundred and sixty acre
foim liclimging to his sister.
On February 18. 1902. Mr. Evans was united in marriage to Miss Grace Barker,
of St. Paul, a daughter of Colonel T. A. and Sarah H. Bat-ker. To this union two
children were born, a son and a daughter, George W., Jr., and Gladys Graham.
Mr. Evans by successfully carrying forward farming pursuits in his district has
greatly contributed to development and upbuilding, instituting modern and progres-
sive methods. In fact he is a pioneer along this line and has set an example for
others to copy. In his political affiliations he is a republican but not a politician in
the commonly accepted sense of the word, although he has served as postmaster of
Wenas for the past ten years, discharging his duties promptly and satisfactorily. In
(his connection he has become well known and many are the friends whom he has
made in the neighborhood.
Mr. Evans is a member of the Episcopal church and deeply interested in its
work. The loyalty which induced him to enlist in the Spanish-American war in order
to brmg liberty to subjugated nations who suffered under Spain's cruel administra-
tion has remained with him in days of peace and again found demonstration when
the world war broke out. During this conflict he was ever interested in measures
undertaken by the government in order to establish supreme world democracy. In
local aflFairs he gives his efforts and means willingly and readily in support of worthy
movements, thus proving himself a valued citizen.
ROBERT H. KAKDLE.
Robert H. Kandle is now living retired in Yakima and among the residents of
the city there is perhaps no one who has more intimate knowledge of pioneer life
and conditions in this section of the country than he. Mr. Kandle is familiar with
every phase of the early development of the region, where he has lived for almost
a half century, having come in 1871. He was born in Elkhart county. Indiana, in
1847, a son of Henry and Margaret (Hills) Kandle. who were pioneer people of that
state, where the father devoted his life to farming. Both he and his wife have long
since passed away. They crossed the plains in the year 1852, making their way
to Olympia. Washington, after which they took up their abode on a ranch in Thurs-
ton county, where they lived until 1860. In that year they removed to Pierce county,
Washington, where both the father and mother passed away.
Robert H. Kandle was but five years of age when the family home was estab-
lished on the Pacific coast and throughout the intervening period he has been an
interested witness of the growth and development of the western country. On the
4th of March. 1871, he arrived in Yakima, crossing the Naches river with canoes. He
and his party swam their horses across and took their wagons apart, loading them
in the canoes and thus reaching the opposite bank. Mr. Kandle herded cattle over
the Naches valle\' long before North Yakima was founded. All supplies were brought
in from The Dales, Oregon, by pack train and every condition of frontier life was
here met. With his removal to this section of the state he took up government land
in the Wenas valley, where he remained for tlirce years. He then returned to Pierce
county, Washington, where he resided until about 1899, when he again came to Yakima
and purchased a ranch on the Wenas. This he devoted to the raising of hay and
grain and continued his farming operations there until about 1908, when he retired
from active business life and took up his abode in the city of Yakima, where he now
makes his home.
On the 5th of June. 1870. Mr. Kandle was married to Miss Talitha Longmire, a
daughter of James and Verinda Longmire who crossed the plains in 1853 and set-
tled in Thurston county. Washington, where their remaining days were passed. Mr.
and Mrs. Kandle have had a family of nine children: James, who is living on his
father's ranch; ^^'alter. a resident of Pierce county, Washington; Maggie, the wife
of pfenry Anderson, living in Tacoma; Annie, the wife of J. X. Reynolds, formerly
982 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
a rancher of Thurston county, now located on the Natches; Cora, the wife of William
Anderson, who is farming on the Xachcs in Yakima county; Ella, the wife of Joseph
T. Bruner, living in Yakima; Frank, a rancher on the Wenas; George, who is ranch-
ing on the Naches; and Flora, who died at the age of sixteen years.
There is no phase of the development, settlement and upbuilding of this section
of the state with which Robert H. Kandle is not familiar and as a ranchman he con-
tributed to its agricultural progress. He can relate many interesting incidents of
the early days and tlic pioneer conditions that then existed, his story presenting a
clear picture of life in the Yakima Valley almost a half century ago.
GEORGE McLaughlin.
George McLaughlin, engaged in the auto repair business, in which connection he
has built up one of the largest enterprises of the kind in Yakima, was born in Raw-
lins county, Kansas, March 22, 1889, a son of George D. and Anna M. McLaughlin,
who were pioneer settlers of the Sunflower state. The father was a farmer by
occupation and later took up railroad work. He is now a resident of Walla Walla,
Washington, where he has made his home since 1904 and throughout the interverjing
period has continued active in railway service.
George McLaughlin acquired a public school education and afterward began
learning the machinist's trade under the direction of J. D. Jones of Walla Walla.
He also worked along the same line in Tacoma and subsequently went to the Brem-
erton navy yard, where he was employed for two and a half years. He was after-
ward upon the ocean in the army transport service and in July, 1910, he again went
ti Walla Walla, where he was connected with the Walla Walla Iron Works and
other enterprises demanding his mechanical skill and ingenuity. In June, 1912, he
came to Yakima and worked for the firm of Goodman & Tucker. He was afterward
employed by the Yakima Automobile Company, but ambitious to engage in business
on his own account, he entered into partnership with C. C. Brown in December, 1913,
and they organized the Independent .'\utomobile Company. They have since built
up one of the best auto repairing businesses in Yakima. Their patronage is exten-
sive, for they have won the public confidence and trust by reason of their skill and
ability. The v^forkmanship is of the highest grade and they now enjoy a most liberal
patronage.
On the 10th of June, 1913, Mr. McLaughlin was married to Miss Nellie A. Bun-
nell, of Yakima, and they have two children, George and John. Mr. McLaughlin
belongs to no lodges and in politics maintains an independent course. He concen-
trates his efforts and attention upon hi? business affairs and his energy and determina-
tion enable him to overcome all difficulties and obstacles in his path and press stead-
ily forward to the goal of success.
ROBERT H. KERSHAW.
Pioneering takes all of a man and all of that man's iron purpose and long pa-
tience, as is evident from the fact that so many who came out to the western wilds
gave up in despair, returning, if luck would have it, to the east in order to take up
their old occupations. Those, however, who had the grit and endurance to hang on,
thereby proved themselves the fittest and that success has come to them is only the
just reward of their efforts made amid surroundings which tried the best and brav-
est. Interesting as are the stories of the pioneers to the present generation, the
hardships of those times can only be appreciated by those who went through with
them and among these is Robert H. Kershaw, a native of LUah and a western man
by spirit and inclination. He was born August 30, 1861, a son of Robert and Mary
(Harrison) Kershaw, natives of England, who in their young lives came to the
United States, making their way in the approved primitive style overland to Utah,
where they settled as pioneers. There the father successfully farmed until 1880 and
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 983
then came to Yakima county, where he bought a farm on the Naches, subsequently
selling out and removirlg to California. Later in his life, however, he returned to
Yakima county, but he now has passed away, as has his wife.
Robert H. Kershaw received a public school education in his native state and
after laying aside his textbooks turned his attention to farming, assisting his father
in such work until 1884, in which year he set out for himself. Until 1887 he worked
as a farm hand for others and, carefully saving his earnings, was at length enabled
to buy a ranch on the Wenas. To its further cultivation and improvement he has
since given close attention and. studying the soil and climate carefully, has brought
the land to a high state of productivity. His farm here comprises two hundred and
forty acres and he also has two tliousand acres on the LImptanum, two hundred and
fifty acres of which are devoted to farming purposes, while the rest is range. Mr.
Kershaw employs modern ideas in the operation of his properties and by judicious
management has acquired prosperity. He has modern buildings and up-to-date
equipment upon his places and his annual income from his labors is now adequately
compensating him.
On the 3d of April, 1887. Mr. Kershaw was united in marriage to Miss Ella
Taylor, a daughter of Isaac Taylor, a native of Lucas county, Iowa, who came to
Yakima county with his family in 1884. To this union were born eight children:
Edna, who married Jerry Miles, a rancher of Yakima county, who resides near
Granger: Harry, who is interested in and operates his father's large ranch on the
L'mptanum and is married and has one child: Ray, who is in the United States
army and who is a partner of his father and brother; Edith, at home; Myrtle, who
married Frank Collis. a rancher on the Wenas: Fred, who has been in the Ignited
States army and is now at home; and Gladys and Clarence, at home. The father
and his sons own and operate all their interests together.
Mr. Kershaw is a republican in his political afiiliations but has never sought
public office, his important agricultural interests requiring his undivided attention.
However, he has ever been deeply interested in general development and readily
cooperates in the promotion .of movements undertaken on behalf of the general wel-
fare along material, mental and ideal lines. His memory harks back to the days
when primitive conditions still existed here and therefore forms a connecting link
between those days of hardship and self-denial and the present pleasant days of
achievement and enjoyment, reflecting an up-to-date civilization. Moreover, Mr.
Kershaw has not only witnessed this remarkable change but through his labors has
contributed thereto and participated therein.
DAVID W. GREEN.
David' W. Green, a well known rancher living not far from Sunnyside, was born
in Owen county. Indiana. May 23. 1865. a son of Hilary and Elizalieth (Sumerlottc)
Green, who were natives of Prussia and of Pennsylvania respectively. The paternal
grandfather, Mathew Green, was a native of England but was living in Prussia at
the time of the birth of his son Hilary, who was still Init a young lad when the fam-
ily emigrated to the United States. A brother of Mathew Green was killed while
lighting with the British army in Egypt. Hilary Green, the father of David W.
Green, settled in Ohio and afterward went to Indiana, while in 1866 he removed
with his family to Kansas and spent his remaining days in that state, both he and his
wife passing away in Crawford county. They were pioneer residents of Kansas,
contributing to the early development and later upbuilding of the section in which
the}' made their home.
David W. Green acquired a public school education and remained with his father
until he reached the age of twenty-one years. He then worked for wages for six
years and subsequently, attracted by the opportunities of the growing northwest
and imbued with the same pioneer spirit that prompted his father's removal to Kan-
sas, he came to Washington, settling first in Garfield county, in 1892. There he
worked for wages for a few years in connection with agricultural interests and then
took up painting and decorating, doing a contracting business along that line. In
584 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
1907 he removed to Yakima county and purchased ninety-six acres near Outlook. He
had no capital, so he arranged to purchase the property on time, paying nothing
down. Less than a year later, however, he sold sixty-five acres of the tract for
enough to pay for the entire place and leave him eleven hundred dollars clear. About
1906 he had purchased forty acres of land in Oregon, which he kept for three years
and then sold at a profit of eleven hundred dollars. After disposing of sixty-five
acres of his ninety-six acre ranch near Outlook he traded the remainder for land near
Pomeroy and he also bought forty-seven acres northeast of Granger, which had
never been improved and which is still in his possession. For three years he was a
resident of Walla Walla and during that time was engaged in the real estate busi-
ness. In 1913 he returned to Sunnyside and bought eighty acres two and a half miles
northeast of the city, which he still owns. In 1918 he made investment in thirty-
one acres a half mile north of Sunnyside and took up his abode upon the latter
place, while his sons cultivate the eighty-acre tract. He raises hay, corn and pota-
toes and annually gathers good crops. He also has a fine home upon his ranch and
all modern improvements, while his progressive spirit is manifest in the excellent
appearance of the place and the air of neatness and thrift which pervades the farm.
On the I4th of March, 1886, Mr. Green was united in marriage to Miss Alice
Starnes, a native of McDonough county, Illinois, and a daughter of R. J. and Sidney
(Clugston) Starnes, who were born in the states of Tennessee and Ohio respec-
tively. The father followed farming throughout his active business career and both
, he and his wife have now passed away. Mr. and Mrs. Green are the parents of six
children, as follows: Roy, who is married and has one child and who operates his
father's farm of eighty acres northeast of Sunnyside; Myrtle, the wife of .Andrew
Holm, of Walla Walla, by whom she has two children: Willie, the wife of Stanley
Dixon, of Pomeroy, Washington, by whom she has a son; Frank, who cultivates his
father's ranch of eighty acres in association with his brother Roy; Gael, a student
in the Hill Military Academy of Portland; and Soleil, who is at home and is a high
school pupil.
Fraternally Mr. Green is connected with the Woodmen of the World and the
Knights of Pythias, in which he has held all of the chairs. He has also filled the
chairs in the grand lodge of the Knights of Pythias. His wife is a member of the
Rebekahs and also of The Circle at Pomeroy. She was a member of the Woman's
Club at Walla Walla and she has membership in the Neighborhood Club. In his
political views David W. Green is a republican of the progressive type and was a
strong supporter of Theodore Roosevelt, the man who more than any other individual
perhaps best illustrated the true American spirit. While an active supporter of
political principles in which he believes, he has never been an office seeker. He is a
successful ranchman, possessed of good business ability, keen sagacity and insight,
and whatever he undertakes he carries forward to successful completion.
SAMUEL G. ALLAN.
A prominent general and dairy farmer of Naches^ the cradle of Samuel G.
Allan stood in the land of hills and heather, his birth having occurred in Scotland.
October 3, 1855. He is a son of Robert and Elizabeth (Gibson') Allan, also natives
of Scotland. From that country the father made his way to Canada in 1856, and
his family located in the Dominion in 1861. There they remained until 1880, when
they removed to North Dakota, taking up government land, and there Robert .Allan
successfully followed agricultural pursuits for many years, being ably assisted by
his son, Samuel G. In 1901 the family came to Yakima count}- and father and son
acquired title to two hundred and thirty-six acres on the upper Naches, where they
engaged in raising hay, grain and also fruit, being successful in these various lines
to a most gratifying extent. A dairy was instituted and modernly equipped and from
this source a considerable addition to their income was derived. They built a fine
home and suitalile farm Iniildings and now their property is one of the most valuable
in their neighborhood. Robert Allan still makes his home with our subject but
his wife has passed away. Although Mr. .Allan of this review has lieen quite sue-
William
ALLAX BROTHERS
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 987
ccssful in the raising of fruit he has not talcen up this branch for commercial pur-
poses but gives most of his attention to his cattle interests, specializing in high grade
Holsteins.
On December 25, 1907, Mr. Allan married Mrs. Viette (Penney) Rolfe, a native
of Iowa and a daughter of Alfred Penney, who came to Yakima county in 1901 but
has since returned to Iowa, where he now lives retired. Mr. and Mrs. Allan have
one son, Francis, who was born January 26, 1909.
Mr. Allan has always taken a helpful interest in the progress and improvement
of the sections in which he has lived but has never allied himself definitely with any
political party, preferring to vote independently. While in North Dakota he served
on the local school board and also as township trustee and in the discharge of his
duties proved a trustworthy, reliable and efficient officer. He is a member of the
Presbyterian church, to which denomination he is very devoted, being helpfully
interested in the work of the church. More in alignment with his occupation, he is
a member of the Yakima County Horticultural L^nion. His rare foresight antici-
pating opportunities, Mr. Allan has built up by industry and rare good judgment a
valuable property which stands today as irrefutable evidence of his activities. He
has many friends in the Yakima valley and all who know him are agreed as to his
high qualities of character.
THOMAS G. ALLAN.
One of the prosperous agriculturists of the Naches valley is Thomas G. Allan,
a native of Ontario, Canada, born March 5, 1865, and a son of Robert and Elizabeth
(Gibson) Allan, who were born in Scotland. The father arrived in the Dominion in
1856 and after preparing a home brought his family to Canada five years later, or in
1861. There the father was most successful as an agriculturist but in 1880, perceiviiig
better opportunities in North Dakota, he decided upon removal to that state and in
that year took up government land and also ran a shingle and carding mill. After
twenty-one years another removal brought the family to the Yakima valley, where
the father became an agriculturist, owning a valuable property in joint ownership
with his son, Samuel G., who is more extensively mentioned on other pages of this
work. Mrs. Elizabeth Allan, the mother, has passed away.
Thomas G. -Allan acquired his education in the Dominion and also in North
Dakota, making the removal with his parents. He early turned his attention to agri-
cultural pursuits and under the able guidance of his father studied farming methods
from a theoretical point of view as well as in practical execution. While in North
Dakota he owned a farm and successfully demonstrated his ability as an up-to-date
agriculturist. In 1901 he came to the Yakima valley, and casting around for oppor-
tunities, proved his business ability and experience by his fortunate acquiretnent of
ten acres of valuable land situated on south Nob Hill This he platted into what
became the Allan acre tracts, all of which he sold to excellent advantage with the
exception of but a few lots. In 1910 Mr. Allan turned his attention to orcharding
by acquiring ten acres in the upper Naches valley, which he planted to apples. He
now has one of the finest apple orchards in his neighborhood and by careful study
and applying his knowledge and experience to his fruit raising operations has attained
prosperity. Mr. Allan made his home in Yakima until 1915, but is now living upon
his fruit ranch, which has become one of the show places of the district. Moreover,
he rents fourteen acres of orchard adjoining his property.
In July, 1896, Thomas G. Allan was united in marriage to Ann Walker McNatt,
a native of Canada, who passed away in October 1901. In 1904 Mr. Allan wedded
Margaret Campbell, a native of Scotland, the ceremony being solemnized in that
country. Mrs. Allan is a daughter of Duncan Campbell, deceased, of Scotland. Her
mother came here with the family in 1910 and now lives in Yakima. By his first
marriage Mr. .Allan has two children: Robert, who is now serving in the United
States army; and Roy, at home. Of the second marriage three daughters were
born: Margaret, Hazel and Edith.
Mr. Allan is a substantial and valued citizen, having, through the development of
988 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
his property, greatly contributed to the growth of his district. He is ever willing
to give of his time and means in order to promote the welfare of the general public,
and although not a politician in the commonly accepted sense of the word, is well
informed in regard to the issues of the day. He votes independently, following his
judgment in regard to the support of candidates, not being influenced by party con-
siderations. In religious faith he is a Christian Scientist and sincerely attached to
the; doctrines of that church. Along the line of his occupation he is a member of
the Grange and also the Yakima County Horticultural Union, in both of which or-
ganizations he has many friends, receiving and giving valuable information and thus
keeping in touch with the latest methods in regard to his business affairs.
PAUL C. WOODIX.
Paul C. Woodin is the owner of splendidly improved farm property near Sunny-
side, in which section of Yakima county he has spent almost two decades. He was
born in Carroll county. Illinois, February 20. 1883, a son of S. T. and Jennie M.
(Bunker) Woodin, the former also a native of Carroll county, Illinois, while the
latter was born in New Hampshire. The paternal grandparents of Paul C. Woodin
were pioneer settlers of Illinois, where S. T. Woodin resided until 1900, when he
brought his family to the northwest, settling near Sunnyside. He took up a home-
stead of one hundred and sixty acres a half mile north of the town, purchasing a
relinquishment from John Reed. The entire tract was covered with sagebrush, but
he at once began to clear and develop the property and afterward sold sixty acres
of the tract. He built a fine home upon the place and added many modern improve-
ments, continuing its cultivation until 1916, when he sold the property to his son
Paul and retired from active business. He has taken a most helpful part in the de-
velopment of the valley and is numbered among the valued pioneer settlers of this
portion of the state. His wife passed away in 1905.
Paul C. Woodin was graduated from the Sunnyside high school with the class
of 1906 and was reared to the occupation of ranching, to which he devoted the vaca-
tion periods while he was still in school. After completing his high school course
he spent a year and a half in the Washington State College at Pullman and then re-
turned to the ranch, which he cultivated in connection with his father until he pur-
chased the farm. In 1907 he built a large barn upon the place and also a silo. He
raises corn, hay, potatoes and sugar beets and has a splendidly developed property
which annually produces large harvests.
On the 4th of September. 1912. Mr. Woodin was united in marriage to Miss
Laura Schader, a native of Iowa and a daughter of Lewis F. and Mary Schader.
They have become the parents of two children. Lawrence and Phyllis.
Mr. Woodin is a member of the Methodist church and his political belief is that
of the republican party. He has lived in the northwest from the age of seventeen
years and has therefore been a witness of much of the growth and development of
this section of the state, while as a ranchman he has contributed to its agricultural
progress. He is in touch with all modern methods of farming and an air of neat-
ness and thrift pervades his place and indicates his progressive spirit.
CHARLES M. HOLTZINGER.
Among those who are actively and successfully engaged in business as whole-
sale dealers in fruit at Yakima is Charles M. Holtzinger, who was born in Hamburg,
Iowa, September 9, 1874, a son of Captain Milton S. and Sarah A. (Scott) Holtzinger.
The father won his title by service throughout the Civil war, in which he enlisted as
a private, his valor and loyalty gaining him promotion until he rose to the rank of
captain in the Fourth Iowa Cavalry. He died in Iowa in the year 1879, while his
wife survived until 1917.
Charles M. Holtzinger, in the acquirement of his education, passed through con-
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 989
secutive grades in the public schools of his native city until he had completed a high
school course. He was reared to the occupation of farming and devoted his atten-
tion to that pursuit in early manhood. In 1894 he became connected with the fruit
business as a dealer in apples at Hamburg, Iowa, and later he engaged in buying
fruit in the east for A. A, Lash, of Lincoln, Nebraska. He afterward spent eight
years with E. P. Stacy & Sons of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and traveled all over the
United States as fruit buyer for that firm. In 1912 he entered business on his own
account in Yakima, opening an oftice at ZiUah. He had been in the Yakima valley
each year from 1908 as representative of the Stacy interests. In starting out on his
own account he began as a fruit broker and in 1913 he opened his office in Yakima.
In 1918 he erected a fine new two-story building, one hundred by one hundred and
ten feet, at the corner of West Yakima and Second avenues. His new plant has a
ladies' rest room and it is supplied with gas and water, with which girls who are
employed may cook food. The general office is here maintained and there are also
two private offices, with large general packing rooms for fruit. He employs more
than a hundred people and his fruit goes out under the "Big Z" brand. His ship-
ments in 1917 amounted to over four hundred cars of fruit. His building is of tile
and brick. He has a complete storage plant in the basement and his is the only ware-
house in this district that can run trucks into the basement. The railroad tracks ex-
tend along the side of the warehouse and he has gravity carriers, electric conveyors
and all modern equipment. He uses a twenty-ton automatic Fairbanks scale which
is the largest in the town and he has his own trucks for gathering and delivering
fruit. In all of his business affairs he follows most progressive methods and is re-
garded as one of the representative wholesale fruit merchants of this section. His
business is steadily growing and the enterprise of his methods is one of the strong
features in the attainment of his present prosperity. At different times he has owned
several ranches but has disposed of all of these.
On December 21, 1902, Mr. Holtzinger was married to Miss Lela F, West, a
native of North Carolina, and they have become parents of two children, Ruth and
Frances. Mr. Holtzinger gives his political allegiance to the republican party but
has never been an office seeker. He belongs to the Yakima Country Club and the
Commercial Club, and his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Meth-
odist church, to the teachings of which he always loyally adheres, guiding his life
thereby. His record proves conclusively that success and an honored name may be
won simultaneously.
OREN V. GRISWOLD.
Oren V. Griswold. whose ranch property of thirty-nine acres is situated two and
a half miles north of Sunnyside, was born in Carroll county, Illinois, August 19, 1870.
a son of W. J. and Nancy J. (Cheeseman) Griswold. The father was a native of
New York, while the mother was born in Illinois and was a daughter of Alfred
Cheeseman, a native of England. The paternal grandfather was Eli Griswold, whose
birth occurred in New York. W. J. Griswold devoted his life to the occupation of
farming but has now passed away. His widow survives and divides her time between
Seattle and the home of her son Oren.
In the public schools, while spending his youthful days under the parental roof,
Oren V. Griswold pursued his education and afterward attended the commercial
school of Valparaiso University in Indiana. He then learned the trades of painting
and paper hanging and was employed along those lines at Milledgeville, Illinois, for
a period of twelve years. At the end of that time he turned his attention to farming,
to which he devoted eight years in Illinois, and on the 1st of March, 1912, he arrived
in Sunnyside, Washington, where he was employed on the road ditch for four years
and also worked for wages in other connections. In 1916 he invested in thirty-nine
acres of land two and a half miles north of Sunnyside and upon his farm he now
has a fine residence and attractive modern improvements. He raises hay and also
engages in the dairy business, keeping a good grade of Holstein cattle for this pur-
pose.
990 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
On the 1st of February, 1893, Mr. Griswold was united in marriage to Miss
Emma Landis, a native of Ogle county, Illinois, and a daughter of Jacob and Cath-
erine (Bursley) Landis, who were born in New York and were taken to Illinois in
childhood days. The father, who followed farming throughout his active business
career, has passed away, but the mother still survives and yet makes her home in
Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Griswold have become parents of six children, namely: Vada
Pauline, who married L. Frank Green in 1919; Helen Alzaida; Porter Edwin; Luella
Ruth; William Oren; and Catherine Nancy.
Fraternally Mr. Griswold is connected with the Masons and is a past high priest
of Sunnyside Chapter No. 35, R. A. M. 'He is also connected with the Modern
Woodmen of America and his wife is a member of Sunnyside Chapter No. 134,
O. E. S. Both are members of the Mystic Workers of the World and have been
active representatives thereof, Mr. Griswold acting as secretary of the order, while
his wife was banker for three years. He was also worthy adviser of the Modern
Woodmen of America for two years and a director for six years. He likewise served
as school director in Illinois for seven years. Both he and his wife are stanch sup-
porters of the republican party and they and their family hold membership in the
Methodist church. They are people of genuine worth, enjoying the warm regard
of all with whom they have come in contact because their aid and influence are
given on the side of progress, improvement and the right.
CAPTAIN J. W. VICKERS.
Captain J. W. Vickers, a prominent representative of the wholesale fruit trade
of Washington conducting business at Kennewick, was born in Comanche, Texas,
in August, 1868, his parents being E. P. and Virginia Vickers. The father went to
Texas soon after the Civil war, in which he had served throughout the period of hos-
tilities. He served as deputy United States marshal in Texas and while filling that
office was killed. His widow now resides in Kansas.
Captain Vickers obtained a public school education and was employed along
mechanical lines until 1898, when the same patriotic spirit that prompted his father's
enlistment in the Civil war caused him to tender his services to the government at
the time of the Spanish-American war, in which he 'served as a member of Troop L
of the Rough Riders. He was afterward for three years on active duty with the Sixth
Regiment of Cavalry in the Philippines and in China, and following his honorable
discharge from the army, he was engaged in civil service work in Manila for fifteen
years. He organized and was superintendent of the department of artesian wells,
installing over eighteen hundred flowing wells in that country and establishing water
plants throughout the Philippines. While thus engaged he handled appropriations
to the amount of three million dollars per year in connection with the work.
In October, 1915, Captain Vickers returned to the L'nited States and established
his home at Kennewick, Washington. He organized the Highlands Fruit Company,
which has sixty acres planted to apples near Kennewick. He has since been presi-
dent and manager of that company and is also identified with the Spokane Fruit
Growers Company, which has its head ofifice in Spokane and was organized in 1912.
It is composed of fruit growers of Washington and is controlled by a board of fif-
teen trustees. The business was started at Kennewick in 1916 and in 1917 the com-
pany built a warehouse fifty by two hundred and fifty feet, of which fifty by one
hundred and fifty feet is a frost-proof storage department. Thirty by one hundred
and fifty feet of this building is two stories in height and the second story is a mod-
ern fruit-packing room. The company handled one hundred carloads of apples and
fifty carloads of soft fruit in 1917. The warehouse was built by the Kennewick-
Richland Warehouse Company, a separate organization, but controlled by the same
people. The officers of the company are: J. W. Vickers, president; A. Lehnhard,
vice-president; and A. P. Russell, secretary and treasurer, and all three are actively
connected with the business. The local board of the Spokane Fruit Growers Com-
pany consists of A. Leonard, president; R. H. Briggs, secretary; and J. W. Vickers,
manager. Captain Vickers has been very active in the conduct and management of
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 991
the business and is thoroughly familiar with every phase of fruit production and
sales in this section of the country. He is also the president of the Highlands Gas
& Oil Company, which has leases on ten hundred and fifty acres of oil land. He is
likewise a trustee of the Highland Water Users Association.
On the 2Sth of June, 1910, Captain Vickers was married to Miss Iza Fisher, of
Manila, who was born in Evansville, Indiana, and went to the Philippines as a nurse.
They now have one child, Gladys, who is six years of age.
Fraternally Captain Vickers is connected with the Masons and has attained the
thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite and crossed the sands of the desert with
the Xobles of the Mystic Shrine. He is also a past chancellor commander of the
Knights of Pythias. His religious faith is that of the Methodist church and in politi-
cal belief he is a republican. He is a progressive man, alert to every opportunity.
His life's experiences have been broad and varied, making him a man of liberal cul-
ture and wide general information, and Kennewick may well be proud to number him
among her citizens. Although fifty years of age, he passed the required examination
and on the 18th of August, 1918, was commissioned captain in the Quartermaster's
Corps and was stationed at Washington, D. C, until the armistice was signed, when
he asked for a discharge, which was granted February IS, 1919. He is a personal
friend of General Wood, and had the war lasted a few more weeks, would probably
have been sent to France. It was a great disappointment to him that he did not
get "over there."
ISAAC NEWTON POLLARD.
For many years agricultural interests have claimed the attention of Isaac New-
ton Pollard, a native of Iowa, who has now a well developed ranch on the Wenas.
He is numbered among the honored pioneers of Washington, for he came to this
state in 1864 and many are the interesting experiences which he underwent in those
early days before the seeds of civilization were plantd in this western country. Wild
game was still plentiful in those days and often Indians went on the rampage. It
may be mentioned in this connection that Mr. Pollard was one of the party that
captured Chief Moses and nine of his warriors, who were responsible for the killing
of the Perkins family, one of the notorious deeds of horror in Washington's early
history.
Isaac Newton Pollard was born in Lucas county, Iowa, October 22, 1855, a son
of Asa and Tilatha (Taylor) Pollard, both natives of Indiana and early Iowa pio-
neers, in which state they took up government land when that stretch of country
was yet unsettled. In 1864 the Pollard family came to Washington by ox team,
locating in Thurston county, and there the father took up a homestead and pre-
emption claim, assiduously devoting his labors to the cultivation of this property
until his demise. His wife has also passed away.
Isaac Newton Pollard was but nine years of age when the family removed to
Washington and he therefore received his education largely in the public schools
of this state. Many were the interesting experiences which he underwent while a
boy and young man, at whicli period he turned liis attention to agricultural pursuits.
Being much impressed with the opportunities presented in Yakima county, he in
1877, at the age of twenty-two, made his way to this district and here he has since
remained as an honored resident. He lived with a brother-in-law, David Longmire,
until 1883, but in that year acquired title to one hundred and sixty acres on the
Wenas. All this was wild land but undeterred Mr. Pollard set himself to the task
of bringing it under cultivation and as the years have passed he has improved his
place so that it is now one of the valuable properties of the neighborhood, fifty-five
acres being under cultivation. He raises hay and grain, while his stock interests are
also important. He has ever followed progressive methods and as the years have
passed and his means have increased has put up suitable buildings, installed modern
machinery and added other necessary equipment, thus through foresight and industry
gaining a place among the substantial citizens of the Yakima valley.
On December 10, 1882, Mr. Pollard was united in marriage to Miss May A.
S92 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
Green, a native of Illinois, and to them were born six children: Otis, at home; Eric,
who died at the age of thirteen; Cecil and Gladys, also at home; and Audrey and
Lawrence, who have passed away.
Mr. Pollard has ever readily cooperated with those who have had at heart the
growth and upbuilding of the Yakima valley and his nearer locality and in many
ways has contributed toward worthy movements. In politics he is a democrat and
in religious faith a member of the Seventh Day Adventist church. He has many
friends in Yakima county and all who know him speak of him in terms of high re-
gard.
LOREN B. KELLY.
Loren B. Kelly, a laundryman of Yakima, conducting a growing and substantial
business under the name of the Yakima Steam Laundry, was born in Duquoin,
Illinois, in 1874, his parents being Thomas B. and Nannie B. Kelly. The father was
a farmer by occupation, but at the time of the Civil war his loyalty to his country
predominated every other interest of his life and he joined the Union army, serving
for four years in defense of the stars and stripes. At one time he served as post-
master of his town and at all times gave patriotic allegiance to his native land. He
died in 1893 and is still survived by his widow, who yet makes her home in Illinois.
Loren B. Kelly, spending his youthful days under the parental roof, acquired a
public school education and started out in the business world as a clerk in the office
of the Illinois Central Railroad Company at Duquoin, Illinois. Later he occupied
a position in a coal office for three years and in 1906 he became identified with the
laundry business as proprietor of the Duquoin Steam Laundry in his native city. He
carried on the business for three years and then sold out, after which he spent si.x
months in the laundry business in North Dakota.
The year 1911 witnessed the arrival of Mr. Kelly in Yakima, at which time he
established the Yakima Steam Laundry, which he has since conducted. He became
the president of the company, with C. F. Kelly as the secretary and Mrs. Bertha
Kelly as the treasurer. The business was located at Nos. 406 and 408 West Yakima
avenue, where it was maintained until 1913. It was then consolidated with the Model
L'nited States Laundry and Read's Laundry and a removal was made to Nos. Ill
and 113 South Second street, where the company now occupies a two-story building
fifty by one hundred and forty feet. Their plant is supplied with all modern equip-
ment, including the latest improved laundry machines of all kinds to facilitate the
work and make it of highest standard. They employ from fifty-five to eighty people
and their business extends throughout the Yakima valley. They utilize five motor
cars and one wagon for collection and delivery purposes.
In 1913 Mr. Kelly was married to Miss Bertha Babbitt, who was born in Ne-
braska but at the time of her 'marriage was a resident of Yakima. They became the
parents of two children but both died in infancy.
Mr. Kelly is well known as a member of Elks Lodge No. 318, and also belongs
to the Yakima Commercial Club and to the Yakima Valley Business Men's Associa-
tion. His political endorsement is given to the republican party and his religious
faith is indicated by his membership in the Baptist church. He is also a member of
the Young Men's Christian Association, of which he is serving as a trustee. He
takes an active and helpful part in promoting the moral as well as the material
progress of his community and he stands at all times for those forces which are most
worth while to the individual and to the commonwealth.
EDWARD B. FITTS.
Edward B. Pitts, who is engaged in ranching, his attention being given to the
further development and improvement of forty acres of land a half mile west of
Buena, was born in Hartford, Connecticut, March 31, 1852, a son of Daniel and
Harriet (Screen) Fitts. The father died when the son was but seventeen months
HISTORY OF YAKIMA \ALLEY 993
old, leaving his widow with three children. She never remarried but devoted her
attention to her children, to whom she gave liberal educational advantages. She
afterward lived in Minneapolis with her son Edward for a number of years but later
returned to Hartford, Connecticut, wlit-re she passed away in 1914 at the advanced
age of ninety-three years.
Edward B. Pitts was reared by his mother and obtained a public school educa-
tion in Hartford. He made his initial step in the business world in connection with
the retail meat trade and in 1872 he left New England for Minneapolis, where he
conducted a meat market until 1878, He then removed to Bismark, North Dakota,
where he resided for five years. While upon the western frontier he drove stage,
hunted buffaloes and went through all the experiences of pioneer life in North Dakota
and Montana. In 1882, however, he returned to Minneapolis and was engaged in
the meat business there for twenty-two years. In 1904 he came to Yakima county,
Washington, and he conducted a meat market at Toppenish for a year and a half.
He afterward spent nine months at Prosser, Washington. In the meantime, however,
he had purchased ten acres of land near Buena, which he sold in 1917, He also took
up a homestead six miles east of Zillah, which he likewise later sold. He opened the
first meat market at Zillah and conducted the business there for four years, when he
disposed of his interests in the town and engaged in butchering on his ranch on the
hill for a year. He afterward removed to the ranch owned by his wife, comprising
forty acres a half mile west of Buena. He now has one acre planted to fruit, while
the remainder of the land is devoted to the raising of hay, corn and other general
farm products. He likewise conducts a small dairy business. A fine home has been
erected upon the farm and all modern improvements have been added to the place,
making it a valuable property, from which he yearly gathers fine harvests.
In 1882 Mr. Fitts was married to Miss Ida Hill, a native of Connecticut and a
daughter of William and Phoebe Hill. Mrs. Fitts passed away in Minneapolis in
1902. There were two children of that marriage but the younger, Rosa, is deceased.
The son, Joel Archer, is residing in Chicago, where he is employed as an electrical
engineer. He is married and has two sons. On the Sth of December, 1911, Mr,
Fitts of this review was again married, his second union being with Mrs. Lorena
(Wodds) Walker, who resided in the Yakima valley, having removed to the Pacific
coast from Missouri. By her former marriage she had five children. Carl, who is
ranching on the Yakima Indian reservation, is married and has two children; Mrs.
E. W. Cox is married and resides near Buena; Captain Wesley W. Walker is now
with the United States marines in France; Claude, who served on the Mexican bor-
der, is now a corporal in the United States army in France; Lorene is at home.
Mr. and Mrs. Fitts attend the Baptist church and in politics he maintains an in-
dependent course, voting for men and measures rather than party. He has led an
active and useful life and his energy and determination have brought to him a sub-
stantial measure of success. Both he and his wife are highly esteemed in the Yakima
valley, where they now reside, and the hospitality of the best homes in their section
of the county is freely accorded them.
C. A. SMITH.
C, A. Smith, editor and proprietor of the Yakima Valley Farmer, an agricultural
publication whicli lit- is successfully conducting, was born in Cheboygan, Michigan,
on the 15th of March, 1878, his parents being Edwin and Marj (Wheelock) Smith.
The father was a lumberman and in 1883 left Michigan for the northwest, settling in
Coeur d' Alene, Idaho, where he is now living retired,
C. A. Smith of this review, putting aside his textbooks at the age of sixteen years,
entered the newspaper field by securing a position in a newspaper office at Kingston,
Idaho. In 1898 he published the Idaho State Tribune at Wallace, Idaho, and later he
pursued a business course in Heald's Business College of San Francisco, In Sep-
tember, 1900, he removed to Butte, Montana, where he became secretary for the
Western Labor Union, and in 1905 he entered the cigar selling business, in which
he continued for two years. On the expiration of that period he became identified
:<04 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
witli the purchasing department of the Anaconda Mining Company and so con-
tinued from June, 1907, until May, 1911, when he was made chief clerk. His next
position was that of first assistant treasurer of the city of Butte, in which capacity
he served until 1913, when he was elected a member of the city council. He was
afterward engaged in the advertising business until October, 1914, when Mayor
Duncan of Butte was ousted from office and Mr. Smith was elected to serve as mayor
for the remaining period of the term, covering seven months. Thus he continued
as the chief executive of that city until May, 1915. After retiring from office he re-
moved to the Yakima valley and purchased the Tribune, a paper published at Top-
penish. This he continued until 1917, when he bought the Yakima Valley Farmer,
which was established on the 1st of December, 1917, as successor to the Freeman's
Farmer, which had been launched in Missouri by Leigh R. Freeman, who was a pio-
neer settler of the Yakima valley, coming across the country with ox team in the
'70s. He located in the city of Yakima and afterward removed his building to North
Yakima when the new town was started. He brought forth the Freeman Farmer as
. a monthly publication, with a circulation that extended throughout the northwest. It
was published as a general agricultural paper by Mr. Freeman until his death, which
occurred in February, 1915. His wife and daughter afterward conducted the paper
for two years, at the end of which time Mrs. Freeman was called to her final rest
and in 1917 the paper was sold, Mr. Smith becoming proprietor. This is the oldest
publication in Washington. Mr. Smith is the manager and editor as well as the
owner of the paper, which is now published weekly and has a circulation of over
thirty-five hundred. It is the only farm paperlssued in the Yakima valley. It pre-
sents everything of interest to the farmer concerning the cultivation of the land and
the development of the crops and is a most progressive journal, proving of great
value to the farming people of the community. The Yakima Valley Farmer is unique
in that its publisher insists that it is a "farmers' paper" instead of the ordinary
"farm paper." The publication and its publisher are especially active in furthering
farmers' organizations, giving particular attention to the marketing feature, which
Mr. Smith insists is the weakest link in the nation's agricultural system, and which
must be solved before the farmers of the country can assume the position of dignity
and influence to which their economic importance entitle them. The shop is supplied
with all modern printing equipment, including the latest improved presses and other
machinery, and he employs from three to six people. He also does a large amount
of job printing, catalogues and other work of that kind.
On the 3d of July. 1902, Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Bessie E.
Hughes, of Butte, Montana, and they have one daughter, Helen, now fifteen years
of age.
BARNEY E. BAKER.
Barney E. Baker is the owner of a fine orchard property comprising eighteen
acres of land on Selah Heights and this is devoted to the raising of apples, prunes,
peaches and pears. He has been very successful in the conduct of the business and
what he has already achieved indicates that his future career will be well worth
watching.
Mr. Baker is a native son of Pennsylvania. He was born in Millport, that state,
on the 3d of July, 1882, a son of H. D. and Mary (Warner) Baker, the former a
native of New York, while the latter was born in the Keystone state. The father
became a farmer and also engaged in the lumber business, cutting his own tiinber.
In 1901 he crossed the continent to Yakima county and purchased thirty-two acres
of land on Selah Heights, the tract being all covered with the native sagebrush when
it came into his possession. He still retains twenty-one acres of the purchase and
has eight acres planted in orchards. The remainder is devoted to diversified farm-
ing and both branches of his business are proving profitable for he wisely and ener-
getically carries on the work and continues the propagation of his orchards and the
production of his crops according to most progressive methods. In 1893 he was
BARNEY E. BAKER
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 997
called upon to mourn the loss of his wife. Subsequently he wedded Agnes R. Baker
and they still occupy the old home farm.
Barney E. Baker, after acquiring a public school education, assisted in the cul-
tivation of the home place, early becoming the active assistant of his father in that
line of work. His residence in Yakima county dates from 1901. lie purchased thirty-
one acres of land on Selah Heights and cleared it of the sagebrush with which it was
covered. It was naturally arid, as indicated by the fact that sage was almost the
only thing that grew upon it, Ijut he plowed it and began its improvement. In 1904
he sold that property to his cousin. Earl Baker, and afterward went to Rupert, Idaho,
taking up his abode on Snake river, where he purchased eighty acres of wild land
which he devoted to general farming. He also opened a blacksmith and carriage
shop, which he conducted until 1916, when he sold his property there and returned
to Yakima county. Here he invested in eighteen acres of land on Selah Heights and
has since engaged in the raising of apples, prunes, peaches, pears and other fruits,
having a fine orchard.
On the 22d of November, 1906, Mr. Baker was married to Miss Cora R. Graver,
a native of Wisconsin and a daughter of Peter Graver, who, removing westward, took
up his abode in Mankato, Minnesota, during the girlhood days of Mrs. Baker.
Fraternally, Mr. Baker is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fel-
lows, of which he has been a member since reaching the age of twenty-one years.
He is now affiliated with Selah Lodge No. 312, I. O. O. F., of which he is a past
grand. His wife is a member of the Ghristian church. Politically he maintains an
independent course and along business lines he is identified with the Yakima Gounty
Horticultural Union. He is a man who has traveled broadly, thus greatly promoting
his knowledge, and his mind is stored with many interesting reminiscences of his
journeys. During 1903 he took a trip to Australia, New Zealand and other parts of
the world in order to see the countries and he has traveled to a great extent over
the United States. He is ever interested in matters of public concern, in the welfare
of his community and of his fellow townsmen, and he stands for all that is progres-
sive in citizenship.
A. BERT WILCOX.
A. Bert Wilcox is the owner of important ranching interests in the Yakima val-
ley. He makes his home in the city of Yakima, from which point he directs his agri-
cultural interests. He was born in Wales on the 23d of August, 1868, a son of C. P.
and Anna Maria (McKinstry) Wilco.x, both of whom are natives of New York, and
they were on a visit in Wales when their son was born. The father was a contractor
and followed that pursuit in order to provide for the support of his family. In the
year 1872 he left the east and removed to Minnesota, where he resided for more than
a decade, and in 1886 he arrived in Washington. He lived in the Sound district until
1889, when he came to Yakima. He had been prominent in the lumber business in
Minnesota and had established and successfully conducted thirteen yards in that
state. He is now living retired, for well earned rest has crowned his years of intense
and well directed activity. Putting aside business cares, he is now enjoying the
fruits of his former toil, having a comfortable competence that supplies him with
all of the necessities and many of the luxuries of life. For several years he lived in
Yakima but he and his wife now make their home in Pasadena, California, to which
place they removed in 1908. While in Yakima, Mr. Wilcox developed considerable
property in the city and contributed in no small degree to its development and im-
provement.
A. Bert Wilcox supplemented his public school training by study in Hamline
L'niversity at St. Paul, Minnesota, and in January, 1890, he arrived in Yakima, after
which he purchased wild land on the Parker bottom. This he developed into a fruit
ranch and has a fine orchard of eighty acres. He now rents his ranch, having re-
moved to Yakima in 1910, since which time he has made his home in the city. He
was connected with the Yakima Transfer & Storage Company for three years and
did a successful business in that connection but at the end of that period sold out.
998 HISTORY OF YAKIMA ^■ALLEY
He has bought and sold several properties and business interests but has practically
retired. However, he is still the owner of two excellent ranch properties, from
which he derives a gratifying annual income.
On March 1, 1899, Mr. \Vilco.x was married to Miss Grace A. Goodwin, a daugh-
ter of J. W. Goodwin, who was the first white settler in the Cowiche valley. Mr.
and Mrs. Wilcox have become the parents of a son, Kenneth B., seventeen years of
age and now a high school student.
Mr. Wilcox is identified with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and also
with the Knights and Ladies of Security. His political endorsement is given to the
republican party but the honors and emoluments of office have had no attraction for
him, as he has always preferred to concentrate his efforts and attention upon his
business affairs. His judicious investments, his keen sagacity and his unfaltering-
purpose have been the salient elements in attaining the success which he now enjoys.
ELMER E. HOLT.
Elmer E. Holt, who was the first settler on the Outlook project near Sunnyside,
ie now one of the prosperous ranchers of that section of Yakima county and today
has a highly improved property that came into his possession as a tract of wild land
covered with sagebrush. His identification with the northwest dates from 1902,
but he is a native son of Iowa, his birth having occurred in Clinton, that state, on
the 28th of September, 1866. He is a son of Alexander and Salena (Rowland) Holt,
the former a native of Kentucky, while the latter was born in Indiana. The father
was a son of Willis Holt, who was also born in Kentucky and went with his family to
Iowa, casting in his lot among the pioneer settlers of that state. It was in Iowa
that Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Holt were married and there the father devoted his
attention to agricultural pursuits. His wife's people were also pioneer settlers of
that state. The death of Alexander Holt occurred in April, 1918, and his widow now
resides at Fulton, Illinois. They had removed from Iowa to Whiteside county. Illi-
nois, when their son Elmer was but three years of age and there he was reared and
educated, pursuing a public school course. After his textbooks were put aside he
took up the occupation of farming in connection with his father and was thus en-
gaged until he reached the age of twenty-two years. He afterward turned his atten-
tion to sawmill work and later was engaged in railroading for thirteen years as a
brakeman and conductor on the Chicago & Northwestern, being connected with the
freight service.
In 1902 Elmer E. Holt arrived in Washington and took up a homestead. He
proved up on the property and transformed it into a good farm, of which he remained
owner until 1909, when he sold and came to Sunnyside, working for the United States
Reclamation Service for five years. In 191.S Mr. Holt purchased forty acres of land
two and a half miles north of Sunnyside — a tract of sagebrush giving no indicatiort
that it might be at some future date a valuable and productive farm propert}'. Mr.
Holt became the first settler on this part of the Outlook project.. He now has his
land all cleared and he raises hay. corn, potatoes and sugar beets, annually producing
large crops. In 1916 he built a nice home upon his place and has a splendidly im-
proved property.
On the 22d of November. 1894. Mr. Holt was united in marriage to Miss Susie
Skare, a native of Hamilton county, Iowa, and a daughter of Sjure and Bertha
(Johnston") Skare, who were born in Norway. They emigrated to the L'nited States
as young people, about 1864, and Mr. Skare became a successful agriculturist of Iowa.
Mr. and Mrs. Holt have four children, as follows: Clarence, who was born October
1,^, 1895; Mae, the wife of Glen Campbell, who is engaged in ranching near Sunny-
side; George, whose birth occurred April 16, 1903; and Cecil, whose natal day was
January 1, 1911.
Fraternally Mr. Holt is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows
and also with the Modern Woodmen of America, in which he has filled all of the
ofifices. He votes for men and measures rather than for party. The cause of edu-
cation has found in him a stalwart champion and he has served on the school board..
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 999
He is also a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and is much interested in the
moral progress of the community. In a word he stands for all that has to do with
the improvement and upbuilding of the district in which he has made his home and
his labors have been a contributing factor to its substantial development.
C. JOSEPH DA VISE. .
C. Joseph Da Vise, manager for the Yakima Rex Spray Company, with office in
the city of Yakima, was born in Wales in 1868, his parents being George and Roberta
Da Vise, the former a miner, but both have now passed away. The son was gradu-
ated from the Imperial College of Science with the class of 1890 and for three years
was a student in Yale LTniversity, where he pursued the scientific course. Later he
was in the government service in Oklahoma. Texas. Louisiana and other states, being
employed as entomologist and plant pathologist until 1908, when he came to Yakima.
He then accepted the position of directing manager for the Rex Company in the
northwest. The Y'akima Rex Spray Company was established in 1907 as a branch
of a chain of Rex plants which had been founded by the Rex Company of Omaha,
Nebraska. The Yakima plant covers two and a half acres of ground. The buildings
are sixty by one hundred and forty feet and three stories in height and basement.
The company has its own railway sidings and is engaged in the manufacture of lime,
sulphur and oil sprays. The capacity is from eight to ten thousand barrels of spray
per year, with a six months' run and employment is given to fifteen people in Yakima.
The product from the Yakima plant is sold throughout the territory from Ellensburg
to Walla Walla and this plant has its own tank car distribution and also truck dis-
tribution for supplying local demand. They have established numerous local sta-
tions with steel tank storage. H. C. Kilgour is the local manager at Yakima, with
Mr. Da Vise as the directing manager of the northwestern plants, which include
plants in Wenatchec, Washington, and Payette, Idaho. The broad scientific train-
ing and the previous experience of Mr. Da Vise well qualify him for the responsible
duties which he has assumed in this connection. His labors are of an educative as
well as of an executive character and he is doing much to bring about a thorough
understanding of the use and value of sprays in connection with the development of
the orchards of this section of the country.
On the 20th of July, 1908. Mr. Da Vise was married to Miss Alice Newton, of
Kansas City. Fraternally he is connected with the Benevolent Protective Order of
Elks, being a charter member of the lodge at Guthrie, Oklahoma. He is identified
with several organizations of a scientific nature, including the American Chemical
Society and the American Entomological Society. He belongs to the Y'akima Coun-
try Club and to the Arctic Club of Seattle, to the Western Automobile Club, the Inter-
state Highway Association, the American Automobile Club, and the Yakima Good
Roads Association, of which he is an executive member. He is also a member of
the National Evergreen Highway Association. He has motored all over the world
and is a most enthusiastic champion of the good roads movement. His winter seasons
are devoted to travelogue work as a lecturer in the interests of the national parks
and he is a personal friend of Stephen T. Mather, director of the National Parks.
.Actuated in all that he docs by a progressiveness that is continually reaching out to
broader fields and larger opportunities, his life work has been of great benefit in con-
nection with the horticultural interests of the state and also in the way of awakening
the public interest and public conscience concerning public needs and opportunities.
HOLT CALVERT.
Among the successful agriculturists of the Wenas district is Holt Calvert, -who
has a fine property near Selah, comprising one hundred and sixty acres. He was
born at St. Joseph, Missouri, March 5, 1860, a son of Frank and Bettie (Calvert)
Calvert, natives of that state. The Calvert family was originally established in Ken-
1000 HISTORY OF YAKIMA \ALLEY
tucky, where the grandfather, Lewis Calvert, was born and thence they migrated as
pioneers to Missouri, removing to that state with ox teams. The grandfather as
well as the parents, all of whom followed the occupation of farming, died in Mis-
souri.
Holt Calvert was reared and educated in his native state, early in life becoming
acquainted with agricultural methods. In 1885, however, he decided to make a re-
moval to the state of Washington in order to profit by the conditions presented in a
less thickly settled country. He at' first located in Ellensburg and there remained a
year. At the end of that period he came to the Wenas valley and acquired seven
hundred and twenty acres of land, to the cultivation of which he devoted his atten-
tion until 1910, when he sold out and acquired another tract of one hundred and
sixty acres on the Wenas, located about three miles south of David Longmire's farm.
All of this land is now under cultivation and Mr. Calvert every year harvests valu-
able crops of hay and grain, deriving a substantial income from his labors. His farm
is in a most desirable location and there are several fine springs to be found upon the
property. He has followed the most progressive methods, has instituted the most
modern equipment, and is now numbered among the most substantial agriculturists
of his district.
On November 25, 1891, Mr. Calvert was united in marriage to Miss Ida Cleman,
a native of Yakima county and a daughter of Clifford and Sarah Cleman, pioneers of
this county. The father for many years followed agricultural pursuits very success-
fully but is now retired. His wife has passed away. To Mr. and Mrs. Calvert five
children have been born: Robert, at home; Edward, who is a rancher on the Wenas
and is married and has one child; Mabel, the wife of Herbert Miles, who is also
ranching on the Wenas; Millie, who married Carl Longmire, likewise a rancher on
the Wenas; and Lottie, at home.
Mr. Calvert has ever taken a great interest in public improvements and readily
gives of his time, efforts and means in order to promote progress and prosperity in
his locality. Politically he is independent, voting, according to his judgment with-
out considering party affiliations. There is much that is honorable and commendable
in his life, as he is a self-made man and through his own efforts has attained pros-
perity. He is loyal in his friendships, dependable in his business transactions and
conscientious in his citizenship and in many ways has therefore set an example to
a younger generation as to what in every respect constitutes a successful career.
WILLIAM F. AMONETTE.
William F. Amonette, who in 1917 established Motor Inn. of which he is presi-
dent, has since successfully conducted that business in Yakima. He was born in
Tennessee on the 5th of May. 1883. a son of John and Katherine (Boring) Amonette.
The father is now deceased, but the mother survives and makes her home in Kelsey.
Texas.
William F. Amonette, after acquiring a public school education, learned the ma-
chinist's trade in the railway shops of the Louisville & Nashville Railroad Company
and afterward was employed by the Union Pacific Railway. He came to the north-
west in 1900, making his way to Oregon, and subsequently was in the service of the
Oregon-Washington Railroad & Navigation Company. He took up automobile
work in Tacoma in 1915 and in 1917 came to Yakima. On the 11th of June of that
year he joined with three others in establishing the Motor Inn and after successfully
conducting the business for a time Mr. Amonette purchased the interests of his
partners in the concern and is now sole proprietor. It has a frontage of seventy-
five feet. In the new quarters he has excellent equipment and facilities for the con-
duct of his business, which has been steadily growing and has already reached grati-
fying proportions.
In 1908 Mr. Amonette was married to Miss Sallie Grant, of Yakima, and they
have gained many friends during the period of their residence in this city. Mr.
Amonette has a fine ranch on the Yakima reservation, having made judicious invest-
ment in that property. He is a member of the Machinsts' Union and is himself an
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 1001
expert workman. Since coming to Yakima he has become proprietor of a fine shop
and the standard of service there rendered to his patrons is of such high character
that his business has steadily and constantly grown and developed. He has equipped
his plant with all modern machinery and is able to do any class of repair work, while
the integrity of his methods has insured him the goodwill and respect of all with
whom he has been brought in contact.
FRED B. PLATH.
Fred B. Plath is an active factor in business circles of Yakima as the secretary
and treasurer of the Washington Fruit & Produce Company, with which he has thus
been identified since its organization in 1916. His birth occurred in Sleepy Eye, Min-
nesota, on the 4th of September, 1881, his parents being Herman and Louise (Lang)
Plath. who removed to Yakima, Washington, in the year 1909. Here the mother
passed away in 1911, and the father on November 29, 1918, at the venerable age of
ninety-one years, less seven days.
Fred B. Plath attended the public schools in the acquirement of an education and
following his graduation from the high school entered his father's flour mill in Min-
nesota. He was a young man of twenty-eight years when he came with his parents
to Yakima in 1909 and here he secured a position as bookeeper in a bank, being thus
employed for six months. Subsequently he spent a similar period in the service of
the St. Paul & Tacoma Lumber Company, while later he became associated with M.
J. Hafcner in the wholesale fruit business. In 1916, in connection with M. M. Pike,
these two gentlemen organized the Washington Fruit & Produce Company, of
which Mr. Plath has since been secretary and treasurer. His efforts have contrib-
uted in no small measure to the continued growth and success of the enterprise and
he has won a place among the representative and substantial business men of Yakima.
On the 25th of Dlecembcr, 1917, Mr. Plath was united in marriage to Miss Marg-
aret Gale McMechan, of Yakima. In politics he maintains an independent course,
supporting men and measures rather than party, while fraternally he is identified
with the Modern Woodmen of America. His many excellent qualities commend
him to the confidence and esteem of all who know him and he has gained a gratifying
measure of prosperity during the years of his residence in Yakima.
JOHN HENRY MILLER.
John Henry Miller occupies a fine home which stands in the midst of a ranch
of seventy acres adjoining the corporation limits of Sunnyside on the north. He
comes to Washington from the state of Kansas, but his birth occurred in Waterloo,
Iowa, on the 22d of February, 1859. He is a son of Henry and Nancy (Keim) Miller,
both of whom were natives of Somerset county, Pennsylvania, and removed to Ohio
before becoming pioneer settlers of Iowa. The father followed farming in the Hawk-
e\'e state to the time of his death, while his widow passed away in Nebraska.
John Henry Miller acquired a public school education in Iowa and when eigh-
teen years of age began working for wages, being thus employed in Iowa and Illi-
nois. He afterward went to Nebraska, where he carried on farming for three years,
and in 1882 he began renting land in Hamilton county, Nebraska, thus carrying on
agricultural pursuits for tliree years. In 1885 he removed to Brown county, Kansas,
where he followed farming until 1901. In that year he came to Sunnyside, Wash-
ington, where he had purchased eighty acres of land adjoining the north edge of the
town. He has since sold a ten-acre tract. The remainder is all under cultivation
and he raises hay, corn, potatoes and sugar beets but now rents most of his land.
His attractive residence was built in 1902 and he also has good barns and all modern
improvements upon his place, which is lacking in none of the accessories and conven-
iences of the model farm of the twentieth century.
On the 7th of December, 1882, Mr. Miller was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary
(41)
1002 , HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
Catherine Flickinger, a native of Blackhawk county, Iowa, and a daughter of Jacob
Flickinger. To Mr. and Mrs. Miller have been born three children. Mida is the
wife of Creighton Atkinson, a carpenter by trade, whom she wedded on the 23d of
January, 1907, and by whom she has had four children, namely: Mary Josephine,
who was born October 11, 1907; Katherine, whose birth occurred on the 10th of Oc-
tober, 1909; Thelma May, born July 11, 1913; and John Henry, who was born March
7, 1917, and died on the 22d of April following. Edna May Miller is a professional
nurse of Salt Lake City. Maynard Miler passed away at the age of a year and a
half.
Mr. Miller and his family are members of the First Brethren church, in which
he is now serving as a trustee. His political allegiance is given to the republican
party but he does not seek nor desire office, preferring to concentrate his efforts
and attention upon his business affairs, which have been wisely and carefully directed
and bring to him the measure of success that is now his.
CHARLES W. CAMP.
Charles W. Camp has been continuouslj' engaged in the drug business in Yakima
for the past thirteen years, his present location being No. 302 West Yakima avenue.
He is a western man by birth, training and preference and is characterized by the
spirit of enterprise which has been the dominant factor in the development and up-
building of this section of the country. His birth occurred in Denver, Colorado,
in 1882, his parents being C. L. and Martha Camp. The latter died at the birth of
her son Charles. Mr. Camp was afterward married again and in 1890 removed to
Seattle, Washington, where he successfully practiced law to the time of his demise,
which occurred in 1896.
Charles W. Camp, who was a lad of eight years when he accompanied his father
to Seattle, supplemented his early educational training by a course of study in the
Seattle Business College. He became identified with the drug business when a youth
of seventeen and has since remained in that line of activity. The year 1904 witnessed
his arrival in Yakima and in July of the following year he opened a drug store on
West Yakima avenue, this being the first establishment of the kind west of the
tracks. In 1910 he removed to his present location at No. 302 West Yakima avenue,
where he occupies a building twenty-five by one hundred feet and carries an e.xten-
sive general line of drugs and druggists' sundries. His store is attractively appointed
and the reliability and integrity of his business methods have won him a constantly
increasing patronage, so that well merited prosperity has come to him.
Mr. Camp gives his political allegiance to the republican party and is a member
of the Commercial Club. He takes an active interest in everything that has to do
with the progress and advancement of the community, his influence being always
given on the side of right, reform and improvement. His fraternal relations are
with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. He is popular in both social and
business circles of Yakima, where his genuine personal worth is recognized and
appreciated by his many friends.
ELMER H. STOUT.
For twenty-two years Elmer H. Stout has been a resident of Washington and
he dates his residence in Yakima county from 1898. He was bodn in Galva, Kansas,
April 5, 1875, a son of Elijah T. and Martha E. (Bruce) Stout, who were pioneer
people of Kansas, where the father established the town of Galva, laying it out on
his homestead. In 1885 he removed to Neosho county, Kansas, where he resided for
three years and then became a resident of Coffey county Kansas, where he continued
to make his home until 1894. Leaving the Sunflower state, he then made his way
southward to Houston, Texas, and in 1905 he came to Yakima county, where he
rented land. Later he purchased a farm, which he continued to cultivate for a time
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 1003
but subsequently retired to Yakima, where his death occurred September 9, 1917.
His widow is still living upon a farm near that of our subject.
Elmer H. Stout obtained a public school education and in 1897 he left Texas
and removed to the northwest, locating first in Seattle. Afterward he became a resi-
dent of Tacoma and in the spring of 1898 made his way to Yakima, where he worked
out for about a year. He then took up a homestead on Eureka flats, proved up on
the property and after obtaining title thereto sold it. He also did some railway con-
tract work on the construction of the North Bank road near Pasco, and was six
months in Idaho engaged in railway construction work. In 1908 he took up his
abode on a ranch with his father in the Wcnas valley and since that time he has
given his attention to the development, cultivation and improvement of the place,
purchasing his father's interest therein about 1911. He has eighty acres of land,
which is devoted to the cultivation of grain and hay. He also raises hogs upon his
place and is meeting with success in the various liranches of his business. All the
improvements upon his place have been made liy Mr. Stout, who has similarly
equipped the farm upon which tlic mother and a lirothcr make their home.
On the 1st of January, 19\3. Mr. Stout was married to Miss Viola Hile, a native
of Pennsylvania and a daugliter of John C. and Mary Catherine (Vought) Hile, both
of whom passed away in Pennsylvania. To Mr. and Mrs. Stout have been born two
children, Ruth and Kenneth.
Mr. Stout is a member of the Modern Woodmen of .\merica and his religious
faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal church. His life has been guided by high
and honorable principles and the sterling worth of his character is recognized by all
with whom he has come in contact.
MARK M. PIKE.
Mark M. Pike, occupying a prominent position among the leading wholesale
fruit dealers of the Yakima valley, is a man of undaunted enterprise, of laudable am-
l)ition and of unfaltering perseverance. He was born in Friendship, New York,
February 2S, 1867, a son of Mark W. and Hattie E. Pike. In the acquirement of his
education he was graduated from a college at Lansing. Michigan, and afterward en-
tered the lumber business in northern Michigan. He became an important factor in
Michigan wholesale lumber circles, conducting business for a considerable period at
Wolverine, that state. In 190O he made a trip to the northwest to investigate the
country, for he believed that he might enjoy still broader opportunities in this sec-
tion. He had for a time been engaged in the wholesale meat business while in
Michigan, but in 1906 he disposed of his interests there and came to Yakima. Soon
afterward he purchased three ranches and also made large investments in city prop-
erty. One of his ranches is situated in the Selah valley and comprises forty acres of
land which is devoted to fruit. He also has a ranch of sixteen acres on the Naches,
on which he is engaged in fruit raising, and his third ranch is on Nob Hill. In 1911
he organized the firm of Pike & Blood for the conduct of a wholesale fruit business
and purchased a large wooden building one hundred by one hundred and eighty
feet. This he utilized until 1916, when he moved the building from the ground ancl
erected a fine brick structure one hundred by one hundred and eighty feet and three
stories in height. He has storage capacity for two hundred cars and there arc rail-
way tracks at each end of the building. In 1917 he handled four hundred car loads
of fruit and his products are shipped all over the United States under the name of the
"Liberty Bell" brand, his posters showing a picture of the old liberty bell. In 1916
the firm of Pike & Blood was dissolved and the business was reorganized under
the name of the Washington Fruit & Produce Company, with Mr. Pike as the presi-
dent, Fred B. Plath as secretary and treasurer and M. J. Hafener as vice president
and manager. While the firm owns some fine fruit ranches, they are also large buy-
ers and their business constitutes an excellent market for fruit producers in this
section of the state. There were thirty thousand car loads of fruit produced in
Idaho, Oregon, Washington and Montana in 1917 and fifteen thousand car loads of
this fruit came from the Yakima valley. In addition to his other interests Mr, Pike
urn ■ HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
is connected with the Western Meat Company of Albuquerque, Xew Mexico, and
with an oil company in Allegany county. New York, and he has very extensive land
holdings in Michigan.
From the age of two years Mr. Pike lived with his maternal grandfather, by
whom he was reared. In 1902 he married Margaret Jewell, who was born in Toronto,
Canada, and later lived in Sheboygan, Michigan. Mr. and Mrs. Pike have four chil-
dren: Mark, eleven years of age; Ruth, aged nine; Alice, seven; and Donald, four.
Mr. and Mrs. Pike attend the Presbyterian church and they occupy an enviable
position in the social circles of Yakima, where the hospitality of their home is
greatly enjoyed by their many friends. Politicallly Mr. Pike is a democrat and fra-
ternally is connected with the Elks Lodge No. 318. He likewise has membership in
the Yakima Commercial Club and is much interested in all that has to do with the
welfare and progress of the city and the advancement of its commercial and business
interests. He made no mistake when he became identified with the wholesale fruit
trade. In this he has found a congenial field of labor and one which offers excellent
opportunities. In utilizing the chances that have come to him for legitimate success
he has steadily worked his way upward and is now at the head of a gratifying and
growing business.
JAMES GUY LONGMIRE.
James Guy Longmirc is the owner of one hundred and twenty acres of excellent
land near Selah. which he is carefully and systematically cultivating. He is operating-
altogether one hundred and sixty acres, for he cultivates forty acres of the old home
place. He is one of the native sons of Washington, his Ijirth having occurred in
the Wenas valley of Yakima county, on the 6th of Noveml>er, 1888, his father being
David Longmire. His education was acquired in the public schools and when a
youth of sixteen years he and his brother George rented the father's farm. Since
that time he has been continuously connected with the agricultural development of
this region. When he had reached the age of eighteen years he received forty acres
of the old homestead as a gift and began farming on his own account. He also rented
another part of the old home place and subsequently he bought sixty acres of land,
while in 1917 he made an additional purchase of twenty acres, so that he now has
one hundred and twenty acres in all. This does not indicate the entire extent of his
labors, however, for he also cultivates forty acres of the old homestead and he has
an interest in twenty-four hundred acres of pasture land with his brothers. He is a
progressive agriculturist and stock raiser, carrying on his work along modern lines
of development and improvement. His labors have been productive of excellent
results. There now stand as monuments to his effort, enterprise and laudable am-
bition an attractive farm residence and substantial barns upon his place. .An air of
neatness and thrift pervades the ranch and he is successfully engaged in the cultiva-
tion of hay and grain and in tlic raising of sheep.
On January 19, 1916, Mr. Longmire was married to Miss Pearl Hansen, a native
of California, and he has one child, Evelyn. He has spent his entire life in this sec-
tion of the state and from early youth has been identified with its agricultural devel-
opment and interests. His early thorough training well qualified him to undertake
farming on his own account when he attained his majority and as the years have
passed his enterprise and laudable ambition have brought to him growing success.
DAVID E. LOXGMIRE.
The Washington spirit, as the spirit of western energy and enterprise may well
be termed, has fallen upon the shoulders of David E. Longmire, who is among the
younger successful agriculturists of Yakima county, giving his attention to a valu-
able property near Selah. He comes of distinguished pioneer ancestry, his father hay-
ing founded the family home in what later became the state of Washington when this
MR. AND MRS. DAVID E. LONGMIRE
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 1007
region was yet a wilderness. That pioneer spirit of endurance and patience has
come down to David E. Longmire as a valuable inheritance and this he has combined
with modern ideas and progressive methods, thus building up within a short period
a farming enterprise which may be termed modern. He was born in Yakima county,
November 8, 1883, a son of David Longmire, of whom extended mention is made on
other pages of this work.
In the acquirement of his education David E. Longmire attended the public
schools. After having prepared for the arduous duties of life he decided to follow
the same occupation in which his father had been so successful and so continued
upon the same ranch until 1904, when he reached his majority. The independent
spirit to do for himself and court fortune on his own account then led him to take
over forty acres of the home farm and this he has since cultivated to such good pur-
pose that in 1905 he was able to buy another forty acres and still another tract of
the same size in 1917, so that he now owns one hundred and twenty acres, all of
which is under irrigation. Moreover, in partnership with his two brothers, he holds
title to fourteen hundred acres of valuable range land. He gives his attention largely
to grain and hay but also raises potatoes and until 1917 gave much of his time to
live stock. He has modern and up-to-date buildings upon the property and has in-
stituted the most improved farm machinery, thus proving himself a young man who
is ever ready to embrace tlie latest disco\eries in regard to twentieth century agri-
cultural methods.
On December 11, 1904, Mr. Longmire was united in marriage to Miss Mary
Annie Miles, a daughter of John and Annie Miles, who became residents of Yakima
county in 1902, coming from Missouri. Both have now passed away. To Mr. and
Mrs. Longmire were born four children, of whom three have passed away. These
are Marvin Miles, Stanley Hiram and Clyde Percy. The other member of the fam-
ily, a boy, James Manfred, is now about ten months old. Mr. and Mrs. Longmire
have ever been interested in the higher things of life and are devoted members of
the Christian church. They arc well liked among the young people of the valley
and have many friends here.
In politics Mr. Longmire is a democrat but has never aspired to office although
he keeps in touch with all puljlic matters and is well informed in regard to questions
of public policy. He is a likeable young man who readily makes friends and all who
know him agree as to his sterling qualities of character. He becomingly carries a
family name that has long been honorably connected with the history of develop-
ment in the state of Washington.
WILLIAM H. DOOLY.
William H. Dooly, actively engaged in business as a stock buyer in Yakima, was
l)orn in Dickinson county, Kansas, on the 8th of April, 1879, a son of J. W. and L. V.
(Gardner) Dooly, both of whom were natives of Missouri. The father removed to
the Sound country in Washington in 1890 and the following year made his way to
Yakima. He later took up a homestead near Prosser, Washington, and afterward
lived in the vicinity of Granger, where he was engaged in the hop Ijusiness, there re-
siding until his life's labors were ended in death in the year 1905. His widow passed
away in 1907.
William H. Dooly, after acquiring a public school education, turned his attention
to the live stock business and for many years was a buyer for the firm of Frye &
Company of Seattle, the largest dealers of the northwest. In 1915 he entered busi-
ness on his own account/ as a stock buyer and is now engaged successfully and exten-
sively in handling cattle and hogs. His previous experience well qualifies him for
this business and he is a recognized authority on stock values. While with the firm
of Frye & Company he was connected with the horse business and he also rode the
range as a young man. In fact his entire career has brought him into close connec-
tion with the live stock interests of the northwest.
In October. 1901. Mr. Dooly was united in marriage to Miss Delia E. Dopps, of
Granger, Washington, who was born in Norton. Norton county, Kansas. She is a
1008 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
daughter of J. H. and Emma (Hasleaii) Dopps. Her father came with his children.
five in number, to Washington in 1898, traveling all the way from Kansas with
horses. His wife had passed away some years previous to this. Mr. and Mrs. Dooly
have become the parents of a son, Harold J.
Fraternally Mr. Dooly is connected with the Elks Lodge No. 318 and the Com-
mercial Club. His political allegiance is given to the republican party but he has
neither time nor inclination for public office as his entire attention is concentrated
upon his business affairs and his close application and indefatigable energy are prov-
ing potent elements in the attainment of a well deserved success.
CRAWFORD H. GRIFFIN.
Crawford H. Griffin, who since 1915 has resided in the Yakima valley and is now
engaged in ranching near Sunnyside, was born in Gibson county, Indiana, March 30.
1880, a son of William H. and Arniilda (Lawrence) Griffin, the former a native of
Ohio, while the latter was born in Indiana. They became residents of Kansas in 1897
and there the father devoted his attention to the occupation of farming until his
life's labors were ended in death. The mother is still a resident of that state.
Crawford H. Griffin acquired a public school educaion and worked upon the
home farm until he reached the age of nineteen, being early trained to the best
methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops. After leaving home he engaged
in the barbering business for eight years. Removing to Nevada, he resided there
for several years, after which he engaged in farming for eight years in Virginia. In
March, 1915, he arrived in the Yakima valley and bought twenty acres of land a mile
north of Sunnyside. He has since purchased an additional twenty acres, so that he
now has forty acres on which he is engaged in the raising of hay, corn and potatoes.
He has been quite successful in the cultivation of his crops and has developed his
ranch into one of the attractive properties of the district.
On the 2d of November, 1903, Mr. Griffin was united in marriage to Miss Emma
Lewis, a native of Nevada and a daughter of George and Martha C. Lewis. They
now have a son, Lewis, who is fourteen years of age.
Mr. Griffin is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and his wife
holds membership in the Baptist church. They are both people of sterling worth,
enjoying the friendship and good will of all who know them. They have resided
near Sunnyside for a comparatively brief period but are itnbued with the enterprising
spirit of the west and are recognized as a valued addition to the citizenship of the
community. Mr. Griffin gives his political allegiance to the republican party.
HORACE P. JAMES.
Horace P. James, president of the Yakima Frunt Growers' Association, was
born in Weybridge. Vermont, in the year 1855, the width of the continent thus sep-
arating him from his birthplace. He is a son of Samuel and Susan (Payne) James.
l)oth of whom were representatives of old colonial families. In the maternal line he
traces his ancestry back to those who aided in winning independence in the Revolu-
tionary war. Samuel James was a farmer by occupation and both he and his wife
have passed away.
Horace P. James, reared in the Green Mountain state and guided by the best
New England traditions of teaching, made wise use of his time, talents and oppor-
tunities in his early life, attending the Middlebury College, from which he was grad-
uated, and afterward entering the theological school of Oberlin College, Ohio, con-
ducted under the auspices of the Congregational church. He completed his course
there by graduation in 1879, and having been ordained to the ministry, secured his
first church at Corinth, Vermont, in 1880. There he remained for six years, when in
1886 he accepted a call to the ministry of a church at Cooperstown, North Dakota,
where he spent two years. In 1888 he arrived in Colfax, Washington, and was pastor
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 1009
of the Congregational church at that place for twelve years. He removed to Yakima
in 1900, at which time he assumed pastoral duties in connection with the Congrega-
tional church of this city, which he served for six years. In 1906 he became identi-
fied with fruit production and shipment, purchasing a fruit ranch four miles west of
Yakima. He invested in si.xteen acres of wild land and now has ten acres in Ijearing
apple and pear orchards. He was one of the organizers of the Yakima Fruit Grow-
ers' Association in 1910 and for the past two years has been its president. This
company has a large warehouse and cold storage plant in Yakima and another at
Zillah, which is one of the largest in the northwest. These two represent an invest-
ment of one hundred and seventy-five thousand dollars. The company likewise has
warehouses throughout the valley, including ten besides the two large plants already
mentioned, and in the year 1917 the company handled over twelve hundred carloads
of fruit, while in 1914 they handled as many as two thousand, two hundred and fifty-
three carloads. They are among the largest wholesalers of fruit in the valley and
their shipments are made under the brands of Blue Y and Red Y. They employ
about one hundred people during the busy season and the business was conducted as
a cooperative concern until 1918, when it was reorganized on a stock basis, Mr.
James becoming the president, with E. L. Porter as secretary, Austin Woodyard as
treasurer and C. H. Hinman as manager. This has been one of the largest and most
successful organizations of the kind in the valley and Mr. James has taken a most
active and helpful part in building up the fruit industry in this part of the state.
In 1881 Mr. James was married to Miss Achsa Hayward ,of Weybridge. Vermont.
a daughter of Judge A. D. Hayward. They have two children. Laura Susan, the
elder, became the wife of Harvey Young, of Yakima, and has two children. The
younger daughter, Julia Lucile, residing in New York, is a graduate of Whitman Col-
lege, pursued a library course at Columbia College, and is now librarian in the Na-
tional City Bank of New York.
Mr. and Mrs. James hold memliership in the Congregational church, taking an
active and helpful interest in its work and upbuilding . Mr. James is a life member
of the Commercial Club, one of three thus identified with the organibation, and he
served as its secretary from 1906 until 1911. He has been a most thorough and
earnest student of conditions which have to do with the commercial progress of his
section of the state and especially with the development of the fruit raising and ship-
ping interests and his work in this connection has been far-reaching and beneficial.
His splendid qualities as a business man and as a citizen number him among the rep-
resentative and honored residents of the valley.
JOSEPH B. ELLIOTT.
Joseph B. Elliott, who is living in Yakima at the venerable age of eighty years,
has been engaged in the conduct of a valuable fruit ranch near the city. This land is
now included in the city limits and most of it Mr. Elliott has disposed of, retaining,
nowever, two and a hajf acres, where he resides. He was born in Lorain county,
Ohio, on the 8th of September, 1838, a son of Moses A. and Hannah (Barnard)
Elliott. The father, a native of Vermont, removed to Ohio in 1833 and about a third
of a century later, in 1867, made his way to Putnam county, Illinois, where he spent
the remainder of his life. His wife was called to her final rest while a resident of
Ohio.
Joseph B. Elliott pursued his education in the schools of the Buckeye state and
was there married. In 1865 he removed to Putnam county, Illinois, while subse-
quently he took up his abode in LaSalle county, that state, where he continued to
make his home until the time of his removal to the Pacific northwest in 1901. Dis-
posing of his interests in Illinois, he came to Yakima and purchased a fruit ranch of
twenty acres near the city which he cultivated most successfully for a number of'
years. Later the city limits were extended to include this ranch. He has now sold
all except two and a half acres of the tract and there he is living in the enjoyment of
good health, ease and comfort.
In 1863 Mr. Elliott was united in marriage to Miss Henrietta Gott, who passed
1010 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
away in Yakima in 1903, leaving four children: Lina and Minnie, both at home; and
Grant and Judd, twins. Grant Elliott is now a real estate owner of Seattle, is mar-
ried and has three daughters and a son. Judd also lives in Seattle and is married and
has two sons.
Politically Mr. Elliott is a stanch republican, supporting the men and measures
of that party at the polls. He attends the Congregational church and his career has
ever been such that he well merits the regard and esteem accorded him. During the
period of his residence in Yakima, covering seventeen years, he has gained many
friends and is now spending the evening of life in quiet and content.
WILLIAM S. JOHNSTON.
William S. Johnston, a well known orchardist and rancher living near Sunnyside,
was born in Ontario, Canada, Navember 29, 1847, a son of Robert T. and Mary
(Kidd) Johnston, both of whom were natives of England. They crossed the Atlantic
to Canada in early life and in 1872 the father removed with his family to Michigan
and there spent his remaining days.
The son, William S. Johnston, acquired a public school education and through
the period of his boyhood and youth farmed with his father when not occupied with
the duties of the schoolroom. He thus early received practical training in the occu-
pation which he has made a life work. In 1874 he arrived in Walla Walla, Wash-
ington, and in 1877 took up government land in Whitman county, where for many
years he carried on farming-, devoting his attention to the tilling of the soil there
until 1903. In that year he sold his property in Whitman county and bought eighty
acres in Yakima county, two miles northwest of Sunnyside. It was then a tract of
wild land upon which not a furrow had been turned nor an improvement made, but
with characteristic energy he began its development and the results which he has
achieved are most creditable and satisfying. He now has fifteen acres planted to
fruit trees and his orchard is in excellent condition. The remainder of his land is
devoted to the raising of hay and to general farming and both branches of his busi-
ness are proving profitable. His farm presents a most neat and attractive appear-
ance, indicting his careful supervision and progressive methods.
In 1885 Mr. Johnston was united in marriage to Mrs. Viola Flowers, who re-
moved to Oregon in 1851, with her people, taking up their abode among the pioneer
settlers of that state. Mr. and Mrs. Johnston are the parents of five children, namely:
Lulu, Ora and Leo. all at home; Mabel, who is the wife of Charles Hamilton, of
Yakima; and Perry, who is also yet under the parental roof.
Mr. Johnson is a member of the Knights of Pythias fraternity, in which he has
held all of the chairs. In politics he is a republican and while living in Whitman
county he was chosen as its representative to the state legislature in 1895. That fie
is interested in the cause of education is indicated by his service on the school board.
He at all times stands for progress and improvement in relation to public affairs,
while in his business interests he is actuated by a spirit of enterprise that never stops
short of the successful accomplishment of his purpose.
J. EDGAR BARKES.
J. Edgar Barkes, a well known and successful young business man of Yakima, is
the president of the Central Drug Company, of which concern he has been at the
head since its establishment in March, 1913. His birth occurred in Columbus,
Indiana, on the 4th of March, 188S. his parents being Isaac N. and Emma (Williams)
Barkes, the latter now deceased. The father, an agriculturist by occupation, still
resides in Indiana.
After pursuing his public school education J. Edgar Barkes entered the School
of Pharmacy of Valparaiso University at Valparaiso. Indiana, and following his grad-
uation in 1904 was employed as a clerk in the Hoosier state for two years. On attain-
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 1011
ing his majority, in 1906, he made his way westward to Spokane, Washington, and sub-
sequently worked as a clerk in that and other cities of the state. The year 1912 wit-
nessed his arrival in Yakima and at the end of a six months' period of clerkship here
he purchased the business of the Stafford Drug Company, changing the name to the
Central Drug Company. Incorporated He has acted as president since its establish-
ment in March, 1913, while H. E. Tim is the secretary and treasurer. In 1917 removal
was made from the first location at No. 416 West Yakima avenue to the corner of
West Yakima and Fifth avenues, where they have a modern drug store, twenty-five
by sixty feet, with tile floor. In February, 1915, they opened a branch store at Ros-
lyn, Washington, which was conducted by Mr. Tim until 1918, when he entered the
military service of his country and the establishment was sold. The business in
Yakima has reached extensive and gratifying proportions, for Mr. Barkes thoroughly
understands his profession and, moreover, manifests excellent business ability and
the utmost integrity in the conduct of the enterprise A large line of drugs and
druggists' sundries is attractively arranged and the patronage is continually growing.
On the 8th of March, 1908, Mr. Barkes was united in marriage to Miss Alma
Fisher, of Denver, Colorado, by whom he has a son, Robert, who is now in his
third year. He gives his political allegiance to the republican party and fraternally
is identified with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Independent Order of
Odd Fellows and the Foresters. He has become widely and favorably known in both
business and social circles of Yakima and has made many friends who rejoice in
his prosperity, for it has been most honorably won.
ROBERT H. WILKINSON.
Robert H. Wilkinson acquired a public school education and farmed with his
brother upon the old home place during the period of his youth and early manhood.
In 1897 he rented land in Illinois and continued its cultivation until he came to
Yakima county in 1912, at which time he purchased thirty acres of land a mile and a
half north of Sunnyside. This was all improved. He now has thirteen acres planted
to fruit and his orchards are in excellent condition, forming a most attractive fea-
ture of the landscape. The balance of his farm is devoted to the production of corn,
potatoes and general crops.
On the 28th of April. 1897, Mr. Wilkinson was united in marriage to Miss Inez
Josephine Strawn, who was born at Kirkland, Illinois, and passed away January 21,
1917. She was a member of the Congregational church and Mr. Wilkinson also has
membership in that church. His political allegiance is given to the democratic party.
He has never sought political office but for fifteen years while in Illinois he served
as a member of the school board. Since coming to the northwest he has concen-
trated his efforts and energies upon the development of his ranch property and is re-
garded as one of the successful orchardists of his part of Yakima county.
JOHN W. SKINNER.
John W. Skinner, whose ranch of sixty acres is situated two and a half miles
northwest of Sunnyside, was born in Cass county, Indiana, March 10, 1860, a son of
Andrew J. and Eliza Jane (Payton) Skinner. The father was born in Pickaway county,
Ohio, as was the mother, and their marriage was celebrated in their native state.
Soon afterward they removed to Indiana and Mr. Skinner engaged in farming in
that state until 1872, when he went to Osage county, Kansas, where both he and his
wife passed away.
John W. Skinner acquired a public school education and at the age of twenty
years started in business on his own account. He rented land in the middle west
until 1911, when he came to Yakima county, Washington, and continued the cultiva-
tion of rented land until 1916. He then purchased a tract of sixty acres two and a
half miles northwest of Sunnyside, an improved ranch property on which is a good
1012 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
house, substantial barns and other modern equipments. His attention is given to the
cultivation of such crops as hay, corn and potatoes and he also conducts a dairy
business. His plans are well defined and promptly e.xecuted and his energy has been
the strong foundation of his success.
On the 24th of December, 1882, Mr. Skinner was united in marriage to Miss
Mellie M. Burkett, a native of Tennessee and a daughter of G. W. and Melissa
(Dariberry) Burkett, both of whom are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Skinner have two
daughters: Jessie Belle, the wife of William Burt, a farmer of Osage county, Kansas,
by whom she has three children: and Jennie Jeanette, the wife of John A. Frye, a
ranchman of Yakima, by whom she has one child.
Fraternally 'Slv. Skinner is connected with the Ancient Order of United Work-
men and politically he is a republican, but his attention and interest center upon his
business affairs and his close application thereto has brought to him a graifying
measure of prosperity.
De WITT TUFTS.
DeWitt Tufts, an enterprising and successful business man of Y'akima, is the
active manager of the West Side Drug Company at No. 602 West Yakima avenue.
He was born near Fargo, North Dakota, in 1888, a son of D. C. and Belle (Camp-
bell) Tufts, who established their home in Yakima in the year 1907. They have since
become widely and favorably known here and the father has been engaged in the
fruit business.
After completing his public school education DeWitt Tufts became a student in
the department of pharmacy in the North Dakota Agricultural College at Fargo,
while subsequently he was employed as a drug clerk in that city for four years.
Coming to Yakima, he continued clerking until 1913, w-hen in association with R. W.
Lennon he purchased the interests of W. A. Coffin and established the West Side
Drug Company on the 13th of March. In 1916 Murray Brown purchased an interest
in the business and in January of the following year the Brown Pharmacy was
opened in the Majestic building. Mr. Brown has since been in charge there, while
Mr. Tufts manages the store of the company at Xo. 602 West Yakima avenue, where
they have a handsome and up-to-date establishment. They carry a complete stock
of goods in their line and have built up an extensive and enviable patronage which
places them among the substantial and representative business men of the city.
On the 31st of December, 1911, Mr. Tufts was united in marriage to Miss Marvel
Kauflfman, of Yakima, by whom he has two children, Joan and Roy. In his political
views he is independent, supporting men and measures rather than party, and fra-
ternally he is identified with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. He is also
an interested and active member of the Yakima Commercial Club and the Yakima
Valley Business Men's Association and is widely recognized as an alert, energetic
and enterprising young business man who has already gained a most creditable and
well deserved measure of prosperity.
FRANKLIN R. FULMER.
Franklin R. Fulmer is a member of the firm of Fulmer Brothers, proprietors of
the best equipped machine shop and garage in Yakima. His business has been de-
veloped along substantial lines, showing him to be thoroughly conversant with every
branch of the trade and possessing at the same time the mechanical skill and in-
genuity upon which success of that character must depend.
Mr. Fuhncr was born in Rochelle, Illinois, September 12, 1887, and is a son of
John and Mary Fulmer. The father, who was a blacksmith by trade and followed
that pursuit in order to provide for his family, has now passed away, but the mother
survives and is living in Moline, Illinois.
In the year 1893 the family removed to Olin, Iowa, and it was there that Franklin
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 1013
R. Fulmer acquired his public school education. He afterward learned the machin-
ist's trade in Moline, Illinois, and has followed the trade in various parts of the
United States, his skill and ability enabling him to readily obtain work wherever
he lived. In 1911 he came to Yakima and was employed in a local shop for a year.
He was then appointed to the position of deputy sheriff, in which capacity he served
for nearly two years, after which he established l)usiness on his own account in 1914
l)y becoming one of the organizers of the firm of Fulmer Brothers. Their business
was established at No. 317 West Yakima avenue and in 1916 a removal was made to
No. 510 West Yakima avenue. In 1917 F. R. Fulmer was joined by H. B. Fulmer
and the partnership relation still continues. They have a machine shop which is
ninety-five by one hundred and forty feet. It is the best equipped shop in Yakima
county, being supplied with all tlie latest improved machinery for work of this char-
acter, and they employ from ten to twelve men. They do acetylene welding and
they are sales agents for the Velie trucks and touring cars throughout Yakima
county.
In 1914 Mr. Fulmer was married to Miss Katherine Shuk, of Yakima, and they
have one child. Francis. Mr. Fulmer has never been prominent as a lodge man or
clubman, preferring in his leisure hours to devote his time to his family, while in
business he has displayed that close application and unabating energy which are
always dominant factors in the attainment of legitimate success.
EDW^ARD A. LINDSEY.
Edward A. Lindsey, manager for Eradner & Company of Yakima, is one of the
native sons of the city in which he makes his, home. He was born in 18b8, his pa-
rents being William and .A.ddie J. Lindsey, the former a native of Virginia, while the
latter was born in Indiana. The father was a son of Walter Lindsey, who came to
Yakima in 1865 when the work of development and progress had scarcely been begun
in tliis section of the state. Walter Lindsey took up a homestead, owning the old
Chambers place and later the Sanford place, and he became well known as a stock-
man in this part of Washington, where he continued to reside until called to his final
rest. William Lindsey was in the government service on the plains during the Civil
war and made his way to the northwest in 1867, at which time he took up govern-
ment land and developed a claim, becoming one of the well known ranchmen of the
district. He is now living retired. In the early days he drove a freight team in this
district and was one of the typical pioneers of the period. At one time he was the
owner of forty acres of land now included within the center of Yakima, having
traded a horse for that land, which later he sold for one thousand dollars. At differ-
ent periods he has owned land throughout this district and he has been an active
factor in promoting the development and upbuilding of the section in which he lives.
He served as assessor and as deputy sheriff in an early day and at all times he has
stood for the best interests of the community.
Edward A. Lindsey, whose name introduces this review, is indebted to the public
school system for his educational opportunities. In his youthful days he rode the
range in connection with the stock business and was quite active in connection with
the buying and selling of horses. He afterward turned his attention to farming, in
which he engaged until 1904, when he removed to Yakima, where he purchased a
homo which he has since occupied. On the 15th of June, 1906, he began working for
the firm of Bradner & Company in their office. This branch buys cream for the
creamery in Seattle and Mr. Lindsey, proving his worth and ability, was appointed
to the position of manager of the Yakima establishment in 1908 and has so served
to the present time.
In November, 1892, Mr. Lindsey was married to Miss Ida Parker, of Kansas,
who came to Yakima with her parents in 1890. The children of this marriage are:
Harry A., who is a first lieutenant in the LTnited States artillery; William, twenty-
one years of age, who is a lieutenant in the United States army; and Eva, twelve
years of age, at home.
Mr. Lindsey maintains an independent political course, voting for the candidates
1014 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
whom he regards as best qualified for office. He belongs to the Modern Woodmen
of America, but has never been active in lodge or club circles. He served for three
years as school director and the cause of educatoon finds in him a stalwart champion.
A lifelong resident of the northwest, he has made his home in Yakima for a half cen-
tury and there are few so familiar with the history of its growth as he. He has
lived to witness great changes and has always had much faith in the future of city
and district — a faith which he has lived to see justified in the rapid development and
substantial business upbuilding of the valley in recent years.
MICHAEL LENTZ.
Michael Lentz is well known in business circles of Yakima as the president of
the Lentz Hardware Company, which was established in 1910. He is a native of
Dubuque, Iowa, where his birth occurred in 1870, his parents being Philip and
Frances (Ernsdorff) Lentz. The father, who successfully followed farming through-
out his active business career, is now living retired in Yakima.
Michael Lentz supplemented his early educational advantages by a course of
study in an Iowa business college and when a young man of twenty-two years entered
the heavy wholesale hardware business in Dubuque. This line of activity has always
claimed his attention and to his steady application to this one business his success
is undoubtedly due in large measure. In 1909 he left the Hawkeye state and made
his way to Yakima. Washington, where for a year he was employed in a hardware
store. In 1910 he established the Lentz Hardware Company, purchasing the inter-
ests of the Haney Hardware Company, which had been organized in 1908. The store
is situated at the corner of Fourth and West Yakima avenues and is fifty by one hun-
dred and forty feet, witli basement throughout. The compan\- carries a general line
of hardware, also paints, oils and glass and does plumbing and installation work of
heating systems, having Ijuilt up an extensive and gratifying patronage in these lines.
The officers of the concern are as follows: Michael Lentz, president; Jacob Lentz,
secretary and treasurer: and J. B. Lentz, vice president. In addition to the hardware
establishment Mr. Lentz also owns a fine fruit orchard and his present prosperity is
indeed well deserved, for he is a man of excellent business ability, sound judgment
and unfaltering enterprise.
In 1897 Mr. Lentz was united in marriage to Miss Julia Kass, of Illinois, by
whom he has five children, as follows: Marie, who is a graduate of St. Josepli's
Academy; Loleti, a student in St. Joseph's .Academy; Raymond, who is pursuing his
studies in Marquette College; and Cyril and Eva, both at home.
Politically Mr. Lentz is a stanch republican and he belongs to the Commercial
Club and to the Business Men's Association, taking an active part in the work of
these organizations to promote the advancemene of Yakima along material lines.
His religious faith is indicated liy his membership in St. Joseph's Catholic church
and his identification with the Knights of Columbus. His course has ever been such
as to win the esteem and regard of those with whom he has been associated and he
enjoys an enviable reputation as a representative and successful citizen of Yakima.
WILLIAM TODD.
William Todd, successfully engaged in the dairy business near Yakima, belongs
to that class of men whose individual efforts, resulting in the attainment of success,
have won for them the proud .American title of a self-made man. He was born in
Scotland, February 7, 1843, a son of Alexander and Hannah Todd, both of whom
spent their entire lives in Scotland.
The son acquired a public school education in his native country and then took
up the occupation of farming, which he followed there for a considerable period. At
length, however, he decided to leave the land of crag and glen, of mountain peak
and mountain lake, of lowland, heath and plain, the land of liberty, poetry and song.
aaox KvmiAV
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 1017
of religious and educational zeal, the home of Wallace and Bruce, of Scott and Burns,
whose heroes have honored Britain's flag on every field, from Waterloo to the Marne,
the ancestral home of many of America's brightest, best and most distinguished men.
When home ties were severed he crossed the Atlantic in the year 1892 and made his
way to Minnesota. There he resided for about two years and on the 1st of February,
1894. arrived in Yakima, where for a time he worked for wages. He then began
farming on his own account on rented land, and prospering in the undertaking, on
the 1st of March, 1902, he purchased one hundred and sixty acres, one-half of which
is plow land. He then entered the dairy business and is now the owner of registered
Holstein cattle. He is engaged in milking twenty cows and is thus conducting a
large dairy business, finding a ready sale for his product. He has forty acres planted
to alfalfa and also engages in raising corn and other grains. LTpon his place he has
built a fine home, large barns and sheds and has all of the modern equipment of a
twentieth century model dairy farm. He has purchased five registered bulls for his
herd since taking up his abode upon this place and has one of the finest herds of
Holstein cattle to be found in the northwest. His business interests are conducted
under the name of William Todd & Sons, for he has associated his sons with him
in the undertaking.
In 1874 Mr. Todd was united in marriage to Miss Grace Milroy, a native of
Scotland, and to them have been born five children; Hannah, now the wife of George
Jackson and the mother of one daughter; Alexander, at home; Maggie, the wife of
AX'illiam Allan, by w^hom she has five sons and a daughter; Grace, who is the wife of
Herman Helmich and the mother of three daughters and one son; and William, who
is also at home, associated with his father in the dairy business.
Mr. Todd and his family are members of the Presbyterian church and the sons
as well as the father, are republicans in their political views. Mr. Todd has now
reached the age of seventy-si.K years, but is still an active and alert man, carefully
directing his Inisiness affairs and taking active part in the work of the farm. He
deserves much credit for what he has accomplished. When he arrived in the new
world his financial resources were limited but with determined purpose he set out to
wrest fortune from the hands of fate in this country. With love for his native land,
lie is nevertheless deeply attached to his adopted country and is an enthusiastic sup-
porter of the northwest and its opportunities. Here he has gradually worked his way
upward until he now occupies a place among the men of affluence who are Inter-
ested in farming and dairying in the vicinity of Yakima.
ELMER E. SAMSON.
Much has been written concerning the cause of success and the best methods of
attaining it, but no matter in how much fantastic theorizing one may indulge he must
eventually reach the conclusion that honorable success is the direct result of inde-
fatigable effort, intelligently directed. A noted New York financier has said; "If you
would win success you must be willing to pay the price — the price of earnest, self-
denying effort." With a realization of these facts Elmer E. Samson has so directed
his labors that he has made for himself a most creditable place in the business circles
of Yakima, being now a well known wholesale merchant, conducting his interests
under the name of the E. E. Samson Company, Inc., marketers of fruit and produce.
Mr. Samson was born in Lyman, New Hampshire, in 1862. a son of Edwin and
Phoebe (Dexter) Samson, the former now deceased, while the latter is a resident of
California. The father during his active business career was engaged in the cigar
trade.
The son, reared in the Old Granite state, there acquired a public school educa-
tion and started out in the business world as a clerk in a store. Later he learned
telegraphy and in 1886 he made his way westward to Minneapolis, where he was em-
ployed as telegraph operator l)y the Northern Pacific Railroad Company. The year
1887 witnessed his arrival in the northwest, at which time he went to Portland, Ore-
gon, and afterward to Tacoma, Washington, where he acted as telegrapher in the
superintendent's office. He was afterward stationed at several places during the sue-
1018 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
ceeding three years, at the end of which time he left the telegraph service and in 1890
entered into business at Puyallup, Washington, as a real estate dealer, while later he
took up merchandising. His next step identified him with the banking and mortgage
loan business and he became secretary and treasurer of the Puyallup Loan & Trust
Company, with which he was associated until 1896.
In that year Mr. Samson went to Alaska and spent the greater part of five years
in that country. He was one of those who took part in the Klondike rush of 1897,
and during a part of his sojourn in the far northern country he was with the White
Pass Railway Company. He was also connected with the River Transportation
Company during a part of the time and he spent one winter at Dawson. It was in
1903 that Mr. Samson came to Yakima, where he became interested in the fruit busi-
ness, working for the Ryan-Newton Company. During the next year he occupied
the position of manager with the Yakima County Horticultural Union and continued
in that position for five years. Later he went to British Columbia, where he spent
two years, and then again came to Yakima, where for three years more he was man-
ager for the Horticultural Union. In 1915 he organized the E. E. Samson Company,
Inc. marketers of fruit and produce, at No. 9 First Avenue, South. This company
lias a warehouse seventy-five by one hundred and fifty feet, with a storage capacity
for eighty carloads of fruit and produce. The company also owns a warehouse at
Selah with a storage capacity of fifty cars and it is represented by buyers through-
out the valley. The firm ships under the name of Samson, which is used as a brand
name- for the fruit. Its annual shipments amount to from five to six hundred cars.
The officers of the company are: E. E. Samson, president: C. D. Samson, secretary
and treasurer; and C. H. Oliver, vice president.
On the 3d of May, 1887, Mr. Samson was married to Miss Margaret Willis, a
native of California, and to them have been born four children. Harold Willis at-
tended the Pullman College and is now with the Bureau, of Markets, in the service
of the United States government. He is also a graduate of the University of Cali-
fornia and he has ever specialized in horticulture. He married Gladys Lockwood and
they have two children. Clyde D. Samson, the second of the family of Elmer E.
Samson, is with his father in business. He married Henrietta Muller and has one
child. Donald, the third son, was in France with the Field Artillery, having taken
active part in the world struggle. E. F. Samson, the youngest of the family, died
at the age of three months.
Mr. Samson of this review is well known in Masonic circles as a loyal advocate
of the teachings of the craft. He has membership in Yakima Lodge, No. 24, F. &
A. M.; Yakima Chapter, No. 21, R. A. M.: Yakima Commandery.^ No. 13. K. T.;
Tacoma Consistory, S. P. R. S.; and in Afifi Temple of the Mystic Shrine. Mr.
Samson is a republican in politics and is never neglectful of his duties of citizenship.
He is a member of the Commercial Club and takes an active interest in the work of
that organization for the benefit of the city. At all times he has been actuated by a
spirit of advancement that is continually reaching out along broadening lines for the
betterment of the individual and the community, and his business activity has ever
been of a character that has promoted public prosperity as well as personal success.
HARRY B. FULMER.
Harry B. Fulnier is a partner in the firm of Fulmcr Brothers of Yakima, con-
ducting an extensive machine shop and garage business which includes also the sale
of Velie motor cars and trucks. Mr. Fulmer comes to the northwest from Iowa,
his birth having occurred in Hickory Grove, that state, on the 16th of April, 1885.
He is a son of John and Mary Fulmer. mentioned elsewhere in this work in connec-
tion with the sketch of their son, Franklin R. Fulmer, who is a partner of Harry
B. Fulmer.
The latter acquired a public school education and when his textbooks were laid
aside he took up the business of learning the machinist's trade, being employed by
the Root & Van Der Voort Engineering Company, manufacturers of gas engines and
automobiles, of East Moline, Illinois. He continued to work at the trade, becoming
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 1019
a tool and die maker with the Rock Island Railway Company at Silvis, Illinois.
Later he was with the Union Pacific Railroad Company as expert gasoline engineer,
working for the Union Pacific and for the McKeen Motor Car Company jointly at
Omaha. He was next sent to Yakima to take charge of the gasoline equipment of
the North Coast Railway Company, which was afterward taken over liy the Oregon
Railway & Navigation Company and eventually by the Union Pacific Railroad Com-
pany. Mr. Fulmer continued for seven years in that line of work and on tlic 27th
of May, 1910, arrived in Yakima. In 1917 he joined his brother, F. R. Fulmer, under
the firm style of Fulmer Brotlicrs, and has since been active in this business, to which
he brought thorough training and broad experience. They employ from ten to
twelve workmen and they have the largest and best equipped machine shop in the
city. Their patronage in that connection is very liberal and at the same time they
are doing a good business as sales agents for the Velie motor cars and trucks. Their
garage department is fast proving an important branch of their business and they
are meeting with success in all that the}' undertake.
On the 20th of June, 1906. Mr. Fulmer was married to Miss .Mma Peterson, of
Moline, Illinois, and to them have been born two children, but the elder, Gladys, is
now deceased. The younger, Helen, is five years of age.
Mr. Fulmer does not ally himself with any political party but casts an independ-
ent ballot. Fraternally he is connected with the Benevolent Protctivc Order of Elks.
WILLIAM R. OLSEN.
William R. Olsen, whose name is on the list of Yakima merchants, while his
straightforward business policy and enterprise have enabled him to build up a grati-
fying grocery trade, was born in Chicago, Illinois, in 1888, his parents being Tellaf
and Mary Olsen. The father, who devoted his life to the business of contracting
and building, died in 1896 but the mother survives and now makes her home in Cali-
fornia.
William R. Olsen completed his education in the Lane high school of Chicago
and began his business career as clerk in a drug store, where he was employed for a
few years. He was afterward manager of the Forty-eighth Avenue Pharmacy in
Chicago, having gained broad and valuable experience along that line that qualified him.
to take control of a store of that character. He arrived in the Yakima valley in
1915 and was proprietor of a general merchandise establishment at Buena, Washing-
ton, for a time an'd was instrumental in having a postoffice established there. In
1916 he came to Yakima, where he opened a grocery store in the Public Market and he
has since built up a very substantial trade through honest dealing and also by reason
of the excellent line of staple and fancy groceries which he carries. He has ever
recognized the fact that satisfied patrons are the best advertisement and he has done
everything possible to please those who give him their trade. His commercial meth-
ods will bear the closest investigation and scrutiny and his course again proves the
wisdom of the old adage that honesty is the best policy.
In 191 S Mr. Olsen was married to Miss Julia Matilda Erickson, of Redfield,
.South Dakota, and they have become parents of two children, Richard and Lois. Mr.
Olsen votes with the republican party and he belongs to the Commercial Club. His
lodge connections are with the Masons and his religious faith is indicated by his
membership in the Methodist church.
WILLIAM B. HILLMAN.
William B. Hillman, a dealer in electrical goods at Yakima, entered the business
circles of this city in 1909, and has since been an active representative of commercial
interests here. A native of Minnesota, he was born in Hastings on the 20th of
August, 1878, a son of Samuel T. and Hannah (Bennett) Hillman, the latter a
daughter of the Rev. George W. Bennett, who settled in the Willamette valley in
1020 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
pioneer times. The father of William B. Hillman died in the year 1882. after which
the mother removed westward to Oregon, the family home being established at Cor-
vallis, where she passed away at the age of forty years.
William B. Hillman accompanied his mother to the Pacific coast. He acquired
a public school education, which he supplemented by a course of study in the Oregon
Agricultural College, from which he was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of
Science and Electrical Engineer. He afterward pursued a practical engineering
course with the Westinghousc Company of Pittsburgh. Pennsylvania, and in 1905 he
became a resident of Clarkston. Washington, where he installed the first Westing-
house steam turbine generator that was brought to this state. When that task was
completed he became superintendent of electric construction for the Tieton project,
in connection with the Yakima Valley United States Reclamation Service, and was
thus engaged from 1907 until 1909. He afterward went to Priest Rapids and installed
the machinery for the Hanford Power Company and also for the AUis-Chalmers
Company.
In was in 1909 that Mr. Hillman established business in Y'akima at No. 110 South
Second street, where he remained until 1910, when he removed to No. 312 West
Yakima avenue. The following year he secured a location one block west and on
the 1st of March, 1918. he removed to No. 308 West Yakima avenue, where he has a
floor space of twenty-five by one hundred and thirty feet. He carries a full line of
electric supplies and electric automobile equipment and specializes in auto electric
work. He is a representative of the Auto-Lite, the Westinghouse interests and other
lines. He also installs lighting plants on farms, doing a big business in that con-
nection. He employs from six to ten people and his patronage is extensive and
gratifying.
In January. 1907. Mr. Hillman was united in marriage to Miss Julia M. Chilcott.
of Mapleton. Pennsylvania, and they have become parents of five children: Ruth.
Stanley. Margaret. Julia and William. The religoius faith of the family is that of
the Methodist church, to which Mr. and Mrs. Hillman loyally adhere. His political
position is independent of party ties. He belongs to the .American Institute of Elec-
trical Engineers and occupies a most progressive place in connection with scientific
attainments in his line.
JOHN L. BARNEY.
John L. Barney, the manager and one of the founders and owners of the Yakima
Cash Store, was born in Boulder county. Colorado, June 8. 1877. His parents. W. H.
nad Aurilla E. (Gray) Barney, are still living in that state, where the father has long
conducted business as a steam engineer.
The son. John L. Barney, was a pupil in the public schools of Colorado but put
aside his textbooks when a youth of fifteen in order to make his initial start in the
business world. He accepted a clej-kship in a store and has since been identified with
mercantile interests. For some time he was employed by T. M. Callahan, of Long-
mont. Colorado, and in 1903 he was associated with Mr. Callahan in opening a mer-
cantile establishment at Montpelier, Idaho, which he conducted for six years. On
the expiration of that period he came to Yakima and in 1909 the Yakima Cash Store
was established by Mr. Barney and Mr. Callahan at No. 417 West Yakima avenue.
The store is fifty by seventy feet and an excellent line of dry goods and ladies' ready-
to-wear clothing, as well as men's clothing and shoes, is carried, in fact they handle
everything in men's furnishings. This is the leading west side store and Mr. Barney
is the manager. Since the Yakima establishment has been placed upon a profitable
basis they have exerted their efforts in other fields, opening stores at Pasco, at Roslyn
and at Cle Elum. these being three branches of the Yakima establishment. Mr. Bar
ney attends to the buying for all four stores, which constitute a part of a chain of
twenty-eight stores over Washington. Idaho and Colorado.
In 1901 Mr. Barney was married to Miss Eva B. Wagner, of Seymour, Iowa.
Fraternally he is a well known Mason, holding membership in Yakima Lodge. No. 24.
1'. & A. M.: Yakima Chapter. No. 21. R. & A. M.; and Yakima Commandery. No. 13.
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 1021
K. T. His wife attends the Presbyterian church. Mr. Barney is a member of the
Commercial Club and in politics is an independent republican. He is not ambitious
to hold office but cooperates in progressive movements that have to do with the
welfare and upbuilding of the city and state in which he makes his home. The major
part of his time and attention is concentrated upon his business affairs and from a
humble clerkship he has risen to a place of distinction in commercial circles of the
northwest. The thoroughness with which he mastered his duties in his youthful days
has remained one of the strong elements in his progress as the years 'have passed by.
He has acquainted himself with every phase of the buying as well as the selling end
of the business and has ever recognized the fact that satisfied patrons are the best
advertisement. He has therefore done everything possible to please those wlio have
given him their trade and his business has grown constantly year by year He has
always held to high standards of commercial activity and he now ranks with the
leading merchants of the Yakima valley.
THEODORE A. LIEBERT.
Theodore A. Liebert is a successful grocery merchant of Yakima, conducting his
business at No. 210 Seventh avenue. South. He was born in Manitowoc. Wisconsin,
on the 10th of June. 1877. a son of Fred and Minnie Liebert, who removed from Wis-
consin to Crookston, Minnesota, where the father continued to reside to the time of
his demise. Throughout his active Ijusiness career lie was successfully engaged in
general agricultural pursuits. His widow still survives and now makes her home in
Yakima.
Theodore A. Liebert supplemented his early educational training by a course in
a business college at Crookston. Minnesota, and after putting aside his textbooks
necame associated with J. H. Peterson in the soda water bottling business, being
thus engaged at Crookston for a period of eleven years. In 1907 he made his way
to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he spent a year and a half, and in 1909 came to
Washington, entering the service of the Western Engineering Company at Tacoma.
It was in 1911 that he arrived in Yakima, having the previous year purchased the
grocery store of George Surbridge at No. 214 Seventh avenue, South, where he car-
ried on business until 1917, when he moved into the new building at No. 210 Seventh
avenue. South. Here he carries a large stock of staple and fancy groceries and his
trade has steadily grown until it has now reached extensive and profitable propor-
tions, for his business methods are characterized by the utmost integrity and he has
ever recognized the fact that satisfied customers are the best advertisement.
In October, 1901, Mr. Liebert was united in marriage to Miss Emma Worm, of
Princeton. Wisconsin, by whom he has three children: Laura. Margaret and Carl.
In politics he is independent, always considering the capability of a candidate rather
than his party affiliation. His religious faith is that of the Lutheran church and his
life has been governed by its teachings. A man of genuine personal worth, he has
become widely and favorably known through business and social connections and
enjoys an enviable reputation as one of the substantial merchants of Yakima.
H. M. GILBERT.
H. M. Gilbert is a fruit grower of Yakima, whose wise investments and care-
fully directed business interests have brought to him a most substantial measure of
success. He does not claim the possession of any unusual qualities, but l)y keen
business discernment and unwearied industry he has reached the enviable position
which he now occupies. He was born in Geneseo, Illinois, October 22, 1862, a son
of Nathaniel C. and Francelia A. (Amsden) Gilbert, the former a native of New
York, while the latter was born in Vermont. They were among the pioneer resi-
dents of Henry county, Illinois, where the father devoted his life to the occupation
of farming. He has passed away and the mother still lives in that state.
(42)
1P22 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
H. M. Gilbert completed his education in Knox College of Galesburg, Illinois,
with the class of 1885 and three years later his alma mater conferred upon him the
Master of Arts degree. He was reared to the occupation of farming, early liecame
familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the stock and took
up agricultural life when his school days were ended. He was one of the promi-
nent stock farmers of Illinois until 1897, when he sought the opportunities of the
northwest and came to Yakima, at which time he purchased a twenty-acre tract of
land on Yakima Heights, a district that is now a suburb of the city. He and his
wife are owners of more than three hundred acres of fine land all over the valley
and planted to apples. Mr. Gilbert has recognized the conditions and the oppor-
tunities of this section of the country, seeking to improve the former and utilize the
latter to the benefit of public as well as private interests. He was one of the or-
ganizers of the Tieton Water Users' Association, of which he has been the presi-
dent for the past three years. Into banking circles he has extended his efforts and
is now the president of the Central Bank of Toppenish, which position he has oc-
cupied since its organization. He is also the president of the Richey & Gilbert Com-
pany, which was organized in 1900 for the conduct of farming interests and which
was incorporated in 1904. They are now extensively engaged in the wholesale fruit
trade as dealers, packers and shippers. Their main office is in Toppenish and they
also have warehouses at Zillah. Buena, Wapato, Donald. Yakima and Selah. Some-
thing of the vast volume of their trade is indicated in the fact that they ship over
one thousand cars of fruit annually.
In 1892 Mr. Gilbert was united in marriage to Miss Marion H. Richey, a daugh-
ter of James and Anna (Hamilton) Richey and a native of Lasalle county, Illinois.
The family came to Yakima about 1899 and the father was a partner of Mr. Gilbert,
their association being continued until the death of Mr. Richey in 1911. Mrs. Richey
has also passed away. To Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert have been born seven children:
Curtis R., who is now a captain of Company F of the Three Hundred and Si.\ty-
first Infantry, serving in France; Lois Marion, who is a graduate of the University
of Washington and is assistant matron at the Grand Mound Reform School for
Girls; Elon, a student of the University of Washington, who joined the United
States Naval Reserve and is in the Naval branch of the aviation service at Seattle;
Margaret, who is a freshman in the University of Washington; Horace N., who is a
senior in the high school and is president of the associate student body; Dorothy,
attending high school; and Evelyn, also in school.
The religious faith of the family is that of the Congregational church and Mr.
Gilbert is identified with the Yakima Commercial Club. His political endorsement
is given to the republcan party. He is one of the best known men in this section
of the state by reason of the extent and importance of his business interests, which
cover a wide territory, while the high regard entertained for him is the direct result
of a social, genial nature and thorough reliability in all of his transactions. He stands
for progress and improvement in every relation affecting the welfare of the individual
and of the community at large and his business activities have ever been of a char-
acter that have contributed to general improvement and prosperity as well as to
individual success. He is a lover of the northwest with its countless opportunities and
advantages, and that he has done much for its upbuilding is uniformly recognized.
ROY FURVIANCE.
Roy Purviance, who is engaged in stock farming and dairying in Yakima county,
is a native son of Washington, his birth having occurred in Klickitat county, May 5,
1?(87, his parents being A. H. and Mary E. (Lusby) Purviance. The father was born
in Illinois, the mother in Missouri and they were married in Klickitat county, Wash-
ington. A. H. Purviance was a son of James Jackson Purviance, who came to Wash-
ington with his family in pioneer times, settling in Klickitat county. The father of
Mary E. Lusby was also one of the pioneer residents of Klickitat county and it was
after the removal of the two families to this state that the parents of our subject
were married. Mr. Purviance took up three hundred and twenty acres of govern-
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 1023
ment land in Klickitat county and tliere carried on farming for some time but even-
tually sold out and removed to Yakima county in 1897. He then purchased sixty acres
of land, which he continued to further develop and improve to the time of his re-
tirement. Eventually he put aside the active work of the fields and rested from
further labor, enjoying the fruits of his former toil. He died in August, 1912, and
is survived by Mrs. Purviance, who yet makes her home in Yakima.
Roy Purviance acquired a public school education and when not busy with his
textbooks assisted his father in the development and improvement of the home ranch.
Later he purchased forty acres of his father's place and is still engaged in farming.
He is devoting his attention to the raising of alfalfa and grain, also to stock farming
and dairying and for the latter purpose he keeps a number of graded cows. His
business interests are wisely and carefully conducted and his success is well merited.
On the 4th of November, 1908, Mr. Purviance was united in marriage to Miss
Blanche Rake, a native of Ohio and a daughter of Richard and Jennie Rake, who
came to Yakima county about 1906. Mr. and Mrs. Purviance are now the parents
of two daughters, Dorothy Edna and Leona Margaret. The political support of
Mr. Purviance is given to the democratic party and fraternally he is connected with
the Brotherhood of American Yeomen. His religious faith is that of the Baptist
church, to the support of which he makes generous contribution, doing all in his
power to promote its growth and extend its influence. He has been a lifelong resi-
dent of Washington, thoroughly imbued with the spirit of western enterprise and
progress, which spirit finds exemplification in his business career.
HOWARD A. HARSCH.
Howard A. Harsch. whose photographic studio is the oldest estalilishment of the
kind in Yakima and who in his work has always maintained the higliest standards
of the art, was born in Braidwood, Illinois, on the 23d of June, 1878, a son of Alfred
James and Ella (Gardner) Harsch. The parents came to Washington in 1902, settl-
ing in Skagit county, where the father bought a ranch and lived on the same until
his death.
The son. Howard -A, Harsch, acquired a public school education in his native
state. He afterward engaged in various lines of Inisiness before taking up photog-
raphy about 1908. On the 6th of September. 1912, he came to Yakima, where he
bought out a photographic gallery at 101 1-2 East Yakima avenue and through the
intervening period he has developed a business of extensive proportions. He is now
the oldest photographer in Yakima in years of continuous connection with tlie city.
His gallery is supplied with all of the latest appliances to promote the photographic
art and he utilizes the most improved processes in his work. Appreciative of the
value of light and shade, he has been very successful in obtaining lifelike results
in his work and has thereby won a liberal patronage.
On the 5th of September. 1900. Mr. Harsch was united in marriage to Miss M.
.'\rdelle Travis, a native of Chicago, Illinois, and they have two children. Alfred and
Orlena.
WILLIAM R. BENHAM.
William R. Benhani is living retired in Yakima but is still the owner of an ex-
cellent ranch property near the city, which he rents. He was born in Syracuse, New
York. September 24. 1863, a son of James V. and Isabel (Hamilton) Benham. The
lather was a minister of the Methodist Episcopal church and engaged in preaching
all over the state of New York.
William R. Benham spent the days of liis boyhood and early youth in the east
and in 1880, when a lad of seventeen years, made his way westward to Fort Collins,
Colorado, where he entered the cattle business, remaining in that state for a decade.
He afterward went to Idaho, where he was similarly employed, and in 1903 he ar-
1024 HISTORY OF YAKIMA WALLEY
rived in Yakima, after which lie purchased a stock ranch near the city. This he
stocked with fine Holstein cattle and high grade hogs and his stock raising interests
have been an important source of revenue to him since that time. At present he is
renting his ranch property and living in Yakima, enjoying a rest which he has truly
earned and richly merits.
On the 1st of October. 1888. Mr. Benhani was married to Miss Emily Guest, of
Fort Collins, a daughter of James and Annie (Morris) Guest, both of whom were
natives of London, England. On crossing the Atlantic to the new world they set-
tled first in New York and afterward removed to Colorado, where the father con-
ducted business, being a jeweler by trade. Mr. and Mrs. Benham have one child.
Veva Grace, who is now a teacher in the high school of Yakima.
Mr. Benham belongs to the Woodmen of the World and his political endorse-
ment is given to the republican party. In his business career he has steadily advanced
and it has been by reason of his close application, keen sagacity and unfaltering
enterprise that he has gained a place among the men of affluence in Yakima, with
interests sufficient to supply him with all of the comforts and some of the luxuries
of life without recourse to further labor.
CHARLES E. HEWITT.
Charles E. Hewitt, a civil engineer of Yakima, was born in, Iowa, October 30,
1868, a son of W. J. and Amy Ann (Bergan) Hewitt, who were farming people, and
the father, in addition to tilling the soil, was also engaged in contracting and build-
ing. He lived for many years in Louisa county. Iowa, but has now passed away.
His widow, however, survives and has reached the advanced age of eighty-five years.
Charles E. Hewitt is a graduate of the Iowa State University of the class of 1897,
in which he completed a course in civil engineering. He was afterward with the geo-
logical survey and did work in connection with railways until 1903, being engaged
in work in the central states. Later he became connected with the reclamation
service of the United States government and came to Washington on the Okanogan
project, having charge of it during the second year. He was connected therewith
until 1909, when he retired from the government service and has since been engaged
in private practice in Yakima. His thorough preliminary training, his broad experi-
ence and his wide scientific knowledge well qualify him for important duties in this
connection and his clientage is now large. His work has identified him with many
important civil engineering projects in the northwest and he has, in addition to pri-
vate work, served as water commissioner for the past three years under the state
hydraulic engineer.
In 1906 Mr. Hewitt was united in marriage to Miss Cora L. Eichar. a native of
Conwaj-. Iowa, and to them has been born a daughter, Ruth Elizabeth. The relig-
ious faith of Mr. and Mrs. Hewitt is that of the Presbyterian church and in political
belief he is a republican. He belongs to the Yakima Engineering Club and also to
the Pacific Northwest Society of Engineers and is held in the highest esteem by his
colleagues and contemporaries in the profession, who recognize his superior worth
and ability along engineering lines.
VALENTINE RETTIG.
Valentine Rcttig. now deceased, became a farmer of Yakima county in 1899.
He was born in Germany, October 30, 1846, and acquired his education- in the schools
of that country. He came to the United States in 1866, when twenty years of age,
and first settled near Erie. Kansas, where he purchased railway land and engaged in
farming. For a third of a century he resided in that locality and on the 4th of
August, 1899, arrived in Yakima county, where he purchased forty acres of land seven
miles southwest of the city of Yakima. The greater part of the tract was still wild
and undeveloped and with characteristic energy and determination he began the im-
MR. AND MRS. VALENTINE RETTIG
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 1027
provement of the place. He built thereon a comfortable residence and added various
other improvements, carrying on the work of the fields year by year as time passed
on. Barns have been built upon the farm since he died and the equipment is now
thoroughly modern. Mr. Rettig planted two acres to orchard, raising apples and
pears, and the remainder of the farm is devoted to the growing of alfalfa, grain and
potatoes.
In 1878 Mr. Rettig was united in marriage to Miss Laura E. Miller, who was
born in Indiana in 1860, a daughter of David and Emma (Guthrie) Miller, who in the
year 1872 removed westward to Kansas, where her father continued to engage in
farming until about 1904, when he brought his family to Yakima county, Washins-
ton. The father died at the age of ci.yhty-three years, while the mother iiassed away
in 1862. To Mr. and Mrs. Retti.u were liorn ten children: E. H., who has followed
farming on the Cowiche and is now working in the navy yard at Olympia, is mar-
ried and has eight children: G. W., residing in Idaho, is also married; Mary Kath-
crine is the wife of Samuel Taylor, a resident of Gooding, Idaho, and has four chil-
dren; Alice is the wife of William Beden, living on a ranch on the Cowiche, and
they have two children; Annie is the wife of M, J. Gardner, a resident of Prosser, and
they have three children; Augusta is the wife of Ben Hartley, of Idaho, by whom
she has one child; Otto is at home; Mark is a member of the United States navy,
and John and Charles are both at home.
Mr. Rettig was a member of the Lutheran church and his wife and children
adhere to the same religious faith. His political allegiance was given to the demo-
cratic party. He was very active in church work and was widely known and loved
throughout the community in which he resided. He passed away April 7, 1915.
JOHN WAYENBERG.
John Wayenberg was a representative of that Holland community that has con-
tributed so largely and beneficially to the upbuilding and development of the Yakima
valley. He was born in Holland, December 31, 1862. a son of Tennis and Grace
(Van de Braak) Wayenberg and is a brother of Henry Wayenberg. who is mentioned
at length on another page of this work. He acquired a public school education and
thus became well qualified for life's practical and responsible duties. When his
schoolbooks were put aside he took up farming and later purchased land from his
father. He followed agricultural pursuits in Iowa until 1901. when he came west to
Yakima county and made investment in forty acres of land, which was then entirely
wild. He cleared this and placed improvements upon it. erecting a fine home, large
and commodious barns and also putting up good fences. Later he bought four acres
more and his landed possessions then comprised a valuable ranch property of forty-
four acres. Of this he planted nine acres to fruit, the four which he bought having
already been thus planted. He made a specialty of raising apples, pears and grapes
and annually produced large crops. The remainder of his land was devoted to gen-
eral farming and his labors were attended by substantial success. He understood
the nature and condition of the soil, the demands of his crops in this particular and
the best methods of propagating his grain and fruit. His labors were followed by
very gratifying results and he became known as one of the substantial agriculturists
and horticulturists of his district. He was a member of the Yakima County Horti-
cultural Union and he did everything in his power to bring about improved condi-
tions for the fruit raisers.
On the 19th of January. 1888, Mr. Wayenberg was married to Miss Dina Hul-
shof, a native of Holland and a daughter of Herman and Cornelia (Endendyk) Hul-
shof. The father died in Holland and the mother afterward became the wife of
Herman Naberhauis, who brought the family to the United States in 1885, settling
in Iowa, where the wife and mother passed away in 1916. Mr. Naberhauis. however,
still survives and yet makes his home in Iowa. To Mr. and Mrs. Wayenberg have
been born four children. Grace is the wife of Charles Van Wechel. who cultivates
the old homestead farm, and they have two children. Cornelia is the wife of Frank
Gerritson. a rancher living on the Moxee, and they have one child. Peter is a mem-
1028 HISTORY OF YAKIMA ^•ALLEY
l)er of the Aviation Corps of the United States army and is now in France. Lawrence
Henry, eleven years of age, completes the family.
The death of John Wayenberg occurred March 23, 1917. He was a loyal and de-
voted member of the Reformed church to which his wife also belonged, but Mrs.
Wayenberg has since joined the Presbyterian church. Mr. Wayenberg was a stanch
republican in his political views and his worth as a man and citizen was widely ac-
knowledged. All who knew him esteemed him for his many sterling traits of char-
acter and his active and useful career constitutes an example that otliers may profit-
ably follow, for his record shows what can be accomplished through individual ef-
fort, not only in the way of building up a successful business but also in the way of
building up character and winning the good name that is rather to be chosen than
great riches.
CARLOS A. ENGLES.
Carlos A. Engles, who is engaged in general farming in Yakima county, was
born in Germany in 1841. His boyhood and youth were passed in his native country
and in 1870 he came to the United States, after which he secured employment in
Pennsylvania. He afterward worked in Minnesota for two years and in 1874 made
his way westward to the Pacific coast, settling in California. There he engaged in
ranching until 1885, when he came to the Yakima valley and purchased thirty acres
of land five and a half miles southwest of the city of Yakima. Upon that place he
built a home and has since occupied it. His attention is given to the raising of
grain, hay and cattle and his well directed energies are bringing to him substantial
success.
In 1889 Mr. Engles was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Schrocder, of New
York, who passed away in October, 1914. Mr. and Mrs. Engles became the parents
of two children: Emma, at home; and Minnie, who has departed this life. Mr. Engles
and his daughter manage the ranch together, the father depending largely upon his
daughter, whose assistance and business judgment have been of the greatest benefit
in the conduct of the ranch. They are pioneer people of this section of the state
who have lived lives of intelligently directed industry, and they are highly esteemed
wherever known.
CORNELIUS J. LY.XCH. M. D.
Dr. Cornelius J. Lynch, a prominent member of the medical profession, prac-
ticing at Yakima, where he makes a specialty of surgery, was born in Chehalis.
Lewis county, Washington, on tlic 4th of August, 1874, and is a representative
of one of the pioneer families of the state, his parents being T. J. and Julia
(McCarty) Lynch, who were natives of Ireland and who established their home in
Lewis county, Washington, in 1869. They had gone to San Francisco, California, in
1849 and after twenty years' residence in that state made their way northward to
Washington, traveling 1)y team and wagon. In 1878 they became residents of Y'akiina
county, and Mr. Lynch took up a homestead claim and began irrigating the place.
He engaged in raising hops until 1880 and afterward followed stock raising and di-
versified farming. .-\t the time of the Perkins massacre he and his family lived in
a sod fort for six weeks. At a later period Mr. Lynch removed to North Yakima,
where his remaining days were spent in retirement, enjoying a rest which he had
truly earned and richly deserved. His widow survives and is now living in Yakima.
Dr. Lynch was the fourth in order of birth in a family of seven children. He
has spent his entire life in Washington and in his youthful days attended the coun-
try school, to which he had to go a distance of three and a half miles. Later he
had the advantage of high school training in Yakima and subsequently he entered
the Washington State Normal School at Ellcnsl)urg. while hi< professional course was
pursued in the University of Louisville at Louisville, Kentucky, from which institu-
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 1029
tion he was graduated with the M. D. degree in 1900. Having thus qualified for a
professional career, Dr. Lynch returned to Yakima after one year of hospital work
and has since devoted his time and attention to the general practice of medicine and
surgery but largely specializes in the latter field, in which he has developed notable
talent.
In 1903 Dr. Lynch was united in marriage to Miss Pearl M. Painter, of Walla
Walla, Washington, and to them have been born two children, Herbert and Margaret.
The religious faith of the family is that of the Catholic church and Dr. Lynch holds
membership with the Knights of Columbus and the Benevolent Protective Order of
Elks. He is also a member of the Country Club of Yakima. In politics he main-
tains an independent course, voting for men and measures rather than for party.
Along strictly professional lines his association is with the Yakima County and the
Washington States Medical Societies and his prominence in the profession is in-
dicated in the fact that he was in 1912 honored with election to the presidency of the
state association, in which position he served for a term of two years. He is also a
past president of the county association and he is a charter member of the American
College of Surgeons. He puts forth every possible effort to promote his knowledge
along professional lines and thus advance his efficiency.
A. L. CLARK.
With marked ability in tlie line of his chosen vocation, A. L. Clark has been
connected with some of the most important building projects of the northwest, con-
tributing in substantial measure to the development of this section of the country. He
is the manager for the Yakima Paving Company at Yakima and brings to his im-
portant duties in this connection thorough training and broad experience, although
he is still a young man.
Mr. Clark was born in Lincoln, Nebraska, on the 1st of January, 1884, a son
of Byron T. and Ella (Dye) Clark, who removed to Tacoma in the year 1905. The
father was engaged in the grain business and became one of the representative mer-
chants in that field in his adopted city but is now living retired.
A. L. Clark acquired a public school education and in his youthful days took
up the occupation of farming, early becoming familiar with the best methods of
tilling the soil and caring for the crops. He afterward turned his attention, how-
ever, to construction work in Tacoma and for ten years was connected with the
Washington Paving Company, which was organized in Tacoma. The Yakima
office was established in 1915 in the Wilson building and in 1918 was removed to
the Miller building. Mr. Clark then severed his connection with the Washington Paving
Company and organized the Yakima Paving Company, of which he is now manager.
He has organized the -A. L. Clark Company, which operates in the Yakima valley.
On the 8th of April, 1908, Mr. Clark was married to Miss Ethel Savage and they
have an interesting little daughter, Frances Ellen. Politically Mr. Clark is a re-
publican, having supported the party since reaching voting age, but is not an office
seeker. Fraternally he is connected with the Masons. He is recognized as a man
of genuine worth and marked ability and Yakima numbers him among her valued
and representative citizens.
ARTHUR LESLIE HUSS.
Arthur Leslie Huss. a native of the Kittitas valley and now one of its prosper-
ous farmers, operating a ranch comprising two hundred and forty acres about eleven
miles northeast of Ellensburg, was born March 21, 1893, and comes of an old pioneer
family of this section of the state. His parents were Edward H. and Rose (Rader)
Huss. the former a son of Harvey Huss. one of the honored pioneers of the Kittitas
valley. Edward H. Huss passed away May 4, 1917, shooting himself accidentally.
He came to the Kittitas valley as a young man and became very successful as a farmer.
1030 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
His widow now resides upon tlie old home farm with her son. Arthur Leslie. She
is a daughter of Mr. and Airs, -\ndre\v Jackson Rader, also honored pioneers of this
section.
Arthur L. Huss was reared under the parental roof and in the acquirement of
his education attended the schools of the neighborhood. He early became familiar
with farming methods under the able guidance of his father and continued upon
the home place, which he now operates and which comprises two hundred and forty
acres, largely devoted to hay and grain. The land is under a good state of cultiva-
tion, the buildings upon the place are modern and up-to-date equipment proclaims
the progressive methods of the owner.
On the 30th of April, 1918, Mr. Huss was united in marriage to Miss Ethel
Sheneberger, who was also born in this section of the state and is a daughter of
John and Kate Sheneberger. Both Mr. and Mrs. Huss attend the Christian church,
to which denomination they are sincerely devoted.
Mr. Huss belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and politically he
votes independently, giving his support to men and measures that he believes will
prove of the greatest benefit to the general public without taking into consideration
party lines. He is a well known agriculturist and business man. ably managing the
farm, and although now only twenty-six years of age has already demonstrated
capability and good business judgment. Among the younger people both he and
his wife are very popular and their hospitable fireside is often the meeting place
of their friends.
DELMAR F. BICE, M. D.
Dr. Delmar F. Bice is a successful physician and surgeon of Yakima, enjoying
a large practice. He was born in Iowa, on the 24th of February, 1883, a son of Isaac
and Mary C. Bice, who were early settlers of the Hawkeye state. The father, who
successfully followed farming throughout his active business career, is now living re-
tired in the enjoyment of well earned rest. The mother, however, is deceased.
In the acquirement of his more advanced education Delmar F. Bice attended
Cornell College of Mount Vernon, Iowa, from which institution he won the degree
of Bachelor of Science in 1908. Having determined upon the practice of medicine
as a life work, he then entered the Northwestern University Medical School of Chicago
and there completed his course by graduation with the class of 1912. The period of
his internship was spent in the Chicago Lying-In Hospital and in St. Mary's Hos-
pital of Pueblo, Colorado, and in 1913 he opened an office at Toppenish. Washington,
where he followed his profession until January, 1918. Since that time he has prac-
ticed in Yakima and has already built up an extensive patronage. He is a member of
the Yakima County Medical Society and the American Medical .Association.
In 1913 Dr. Bice was united in marriage to Miss Edith Williamson, of Tama,
Iowa, by whom he has a son. Max Herbert. He is a member of Nu Sigma Nu and
also a worthy exemplar of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Toppenish Lodge.
No. 178, F. & A. M. He is likewise identified with the Benevolent Protective Order
of Elks and is a popular member of the Country Club.
ANTON R. FOSSUM.
-Anton R. Possum is numlicred among the American citizens that Norway
has furnished to this country, many of whom have in such marked degree contributed
toward agricultural development in various sections of the United States. Although
he has now retired to some extent from the more ardous duties of agriculture he still
gives his attention to about ten acres which are planted to apples and pears. In this
country he has found the success which he sought by bringing into play his natural
ability and supplementing this quality with foresight, business acumen and industry.
Mr. Fossum was born in Norway, December 27, 1862, his parents being Andreas and
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY lO.il
Margaret Fossum, the latter of whom is deceased. The father, who is an asriciilturist.
still resides in Norway.
Anton R. Fossum was reared under the parental roof and in the excellent schools
of his native country received his education until he was well prepared for life's
arduous duties. He remained in Norway until about twenty-one years of age, but
not being content with the opportunities presented in his native land, he decided to
cross the Atlantic and came to America in order to profit ))y the chances here of-
fered. He did not tarry on the .\tlantic seaboard but soon after his arrival went to
Chicago, reaching that city in 1883, and there he remained for a year and a half. At
the end of that period he made his way to Rock Springs, Wyoming, where he fol-
lowed his trade as a painter. He next located in Virginia City, Montana, there stay-
ing for a year, and thence went to Butte, where eighteen months were spent. At the
end of that time he returned to Rock Springs and that remained his residence for
about six years, although he returned to Europe during this space of time and also
spent one year in Boston. Later he returned to Chicago, where he followed the
trade of painting for about twelve years, but the fascination of the western country
was upon him and in 1908 he decided to again seek the Pacific slope. He came to
the Yakima valley, where he acquired twenty-five acres on the lower Naches and to
its cultivation he gave his attention for some time but has since sold fifteen acres.
At the present time he has ten acres, which are planted to apples and pears and from
which he derives a very gratifying income. Mr. Fossum has set out all of these trees
and he has built a nice home and suitable barns, everything about the place indicat-
ing his progressive and up-to-date methods.
In 1912 Mr. Fossum was united in marriage to Miss Thora Tenesen, a native of
Norway, who came to this country as a young girl, and to this union has been
born a son, Andreas Thor, whose birth occurred June 5, 1913.
In his political views Mr. Fossum is a democrat, steadfastly supporting the can-
didates of that party. He has never had the desire to hold public office although he
takes a great interest in anything that pertains to the development of his section of
the state. Fraternally he is connected with the Masons, being a member of Pleiades
Lodge, No. 475, A. F. & A. M., of Chicago, Illinois, having joined the Masonic order
while a resident of that city. He has ever remained true to the principles underlying
this organization, which guide him in his conduct toward his fellowmen. There is
much credit due Mr. Fossum for what he has achieved, as he has made his way in
life entirely unaided and now is numbered among the substantial citizens of his part
of the Yakima valley.
NELS NYSTROM.
Nels Nystrom, a successful orchardist, who in 1913 began the development of a
place on Ahtanum Heights, was born in Sweden on the 14th of September, 1865, a
son of Per and Martha (Nelson) Nystrom. On coming to the United States they
made their way first to Omaha, Nebraska, where their latter days were passed, both
dying in that city.
Nels Nystrom acquired a public school education and crossed the Atlantic to the
new world in 1883. He first made his way to Kansas, where he was employed as a
farm hand for about five years, and in 1888 he went to Omaha, Nebraska, where he
took up carpentering and eventually became a contractor. He was thus identified
with building interests until about 1904. when he removed to St. Paul, Minnesota,
where he engaged in contracting and in carpenter work until 1913. In the latter year
he arrived in Yakima county, Washington, and purchased ten acres of land on -Ah-
tanum Heights. He has since planted this to apples, using pears and peaches as
fillers. He has builts an attractive home upon his place and is now successfully carry-
ing on his work as an orchardist.
On the Sth of May, 1898, Mr. Nystrom was united in marriage to Miss Sophia
Carlson, a native of Sweden and a daughter of Carl and Sarah Carlson, who came to
the United States in 1900. The mother has passed away but the father survives and
is living retired from active business in Yakima county. Mr. and Mrs. Nystrom
1032 HISTORY OF YAKIMA \'ALLEY
have become parents of two sons. Clarence and Carl, the former born March 1,
1899. and the latter on the 15th of April, 1901.
In his political views Mr. Nystrom is a republican and keeps well informed on
the questions and issues of the day but has not been an office seeker. He and his
wife are members of the Congregational church and are recognized as people of
sterling worth, meriting the high regard and good will which are uniformly extended
to them by those with whom they have become acquainted during the years of their
residence in the northwest.
DEWEY BARNS.
Among the younger representatives of agricultural life in Kittitas county is Dewey
Barns, who is one of the native sons of this region. He was born in this county on the
19th of April, 1899, a son of Absalom and Anna Melinda (Geddis) Barns, who were
pioneer people of this section of the state. The father became a well known farmer
of Kittitas county, having one hundred and sixty acres of land which he converted into
a productive farm. He died on the 4th of July. 1918. having for a long period sur-
vived his wife, who passed away on the 27th of February, 1903. In their family were
seven children: Louise, who is now the wife of A. L. McCumber, a resident of
Puyallup, Washington; Homer, living upon the old home place: Ethel, who married
C. W. Miller and resides in California: Earl, Chester, Dewey and Bernice, all at
home.
Dewey Barns spent his youthful days under the parental roof and his educational
opportunities were those afforded by the public schools. When not busy with his
textbooks he worked in the fields and early became familiar with the best methods of
tilling the soil and caring for the crops. He is engaged in the raising of hay and
grain and is associated with his brothers in the management and conduct of the old
home ranch. They are also devoting their attention to the raising of cattle and horses
and are meeting with substantial success in the conduct of their interests. They are
progressive young men. alert and energetic, and their systematic and carefully defined
labors are bringing to them substantial returns.
JAMES W, ADKISON.
James W. Adkison. well known as a real estate dealer of Yakima, was born in
Mason City, Illinois, March 13, 1864, a son of George W. and Euphrasia Jane (Gard-
ner) .-Kdkison, both of whom were natives of Ohio but removed westward to Illinois
in 1856. The father there devoted his life to the occupation of farming until 1869,
when he removed with his family to Kansas. There he took up government land
and in 1879 he went to Colorado, settling at Leadville. However, he afterward re-
turned to Kansas, where his last days were spent, and his wife later passed away
in Oklahoma.
James W. .\dkison acquired a public school education in Girard, Kansas, where
he completed the high school course. He accompanied his parents to Colorado and
afterward located near what is now Glenwood, in that state. There he took up three
hundred and twenty acres of land and he put in the first irrigation project in Gar-
field county, Colorado. He was one of the pioneer settlers of that district and his
daughter, Euphrasia Jane, was the first white child born in the county. It was in
1882 that Mr. .^dkison located there, after which he carefully developed his ranch and
for about twehe years was successfully engaged in raising horses in that district.
In fact, he bought and sold horses all over the west. About 1896 he removed to
Noble county, Oklahoma, where he took up government land, being in the famous
race for land when all the settlers started at a gunshot for choice tracts. Mr. Ad-
kison was the first in the race and therefore had his choice. He obtained a fine
quarter section and developed an excellent ranch property, remaining thereon for
six years. He then sold his interests in Oklahoma and made his way to the north-
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 10.33
west, arriving in Yakima on the lOtli of August, 1902. He purcliased property in
the town and entered the real estate and insurance business the following year. His
office was first located in the Ditter Ijlock, but in 1906 he removed his office to the
west side of the railway tracks on West Yakima avenue and later went to Fourth
avenue, while in 1916 a removal took him to 317 West Yakima avenue. He has done
much to improve the west side of the city and has witnessed its entire growth and
development on that side of the tracks. His work has been of great importance in
furthering Yakima's growth and at the same time his labors have brought to him
substantial returns on his investment.
On the 26th of July, 1881, Mr. Adkison was married to Miss Sarah Emma Bald-
win, of Garfield county, Colorado, theirs being the first marriage celebrated in that
county. She was a daughter of Fred A. and Sarah Baldwin, who located in Colorado
during early pioneer times. Mrs. Adkison passed away on the 16th of April, 1899,
and in 1907 Mr. Adkison was again married, his second union being with Myrtle M.
Fullliright of Yakima, a daughter of James L. Fullbright, who became a resident of
this city in 1900 and took up the business of ranching. Mr. Adkison's children are:
Euphrasia Jane, who became the wife of Dave Clark, a Yakima pioneer, by whom
she has one child, Renna; Lanora, who married Emmet R. Zerkle, a farmer of the
Yakima valley, by whom she has one son, Ralph; and William W., who is a baker
of Seattle. He is married and has one child, Robert.
In politics Mr. Adkison is an independent democrat, for while he usually votes
with the party he does not consider himself bound by party ties. Coming to Yakima
at an early day, he has done a most important part in promoting its interests, and
the worth of his work is widely acknowledged. He has social qualities which render
him popular and the circle of his friends has constantly broadened as the circle of
his acquaintance has been extended with the passing years.
JAMES K. COX.
Although James K. Cox has now passed the seventy-fourth milestone on life's
journey he is still active as an orchardist in the Yakima valley, having a ten acre
fruit ranch near Zillah. At one time he owned seventy acres but has now sold most
of the tract to his children. His career is interesting, as it has been pursued in
various vi-estern states, and thus he has been identified with the development of the
northwest.
A native of Hannibal, Missouri, James K. Cox was born November 27, 1844,
and is a son of Louis Allen and Caroline P. (Baird) Cox, natives of Barren county,
Kentucky. They removed to Missouri in 1842, later taking up their residence in
Macon county, that state, where the father followed agricultural pursuits for many
years, and there both parents passed away. Louis A. Cox went to California in
search of the golden fleece in 1850 and in that state he remained for fifteen years,
his efTorts being attended with more or less success. He then returned to Missouri.
James K. Cox was reared upon a Missouri farm and in his youth became familiar
with life under pioneer conditions. He learned lessons in agriculture and in the
acquirement of an education attended the public schools until he reached the age of
eighteen years, when he began his independent career. When twenty-one years of
age, in 1865, he crossed the plains to Virginia City, Montana, where he remained for
eighteen months, but in the latter part of 1866 he returned to Missouri. In 1869 he
was married in that state and then went to Boone county, Arkansas, where for five
years he was engaged in agricultural pursuits, at the end of which period he returned
to Missouri, again remaining in that state for a year. Later he went to Texas, where
for four years he was engaged in the stock business and as a rancher in the central
part of the state. Going from there to Arkansas, he resided for nine years in that
state, from 1880 until 1889, and from the latter year until 1901 he was again a resident
of Missouri. He then came to the Yakima valley and in 1901 acquired title to twenty
acres of land a half mile east of Buena, which was then in alfalfa but which he has
since planted to fruit. He has sold ten acres of this tract, retaining the remaining ten,
from which he receives a very gratifying income, always following the most pro-
1034 HISTORY OF YAKIMA N^ALLEY
gressive methods. He has built a fine home and instituted other improvements, so that
his place has now become a very valuable one. Since coming to the Yakima valley
he has acquired other laid, owning at one time seventy acres in all, but he now
has sold this to his children in order that they might have homes of their own.
On January 24, 1869, Mr. Cox was united in marriage to Miss Virginia Merrill,
a native of Marion county. West Virginia, and a daughter of Andrew and Julia
(Davis) Merrill, who in 1851 became residents of Kentucky and in 1854 removed
to Missouri, where both passed away. Mr. and Mrs. Cox have become the parents
of the following children. Nora Etta, the first born, died at the age of nineteen
years. Lucian M.. who follows ranching near his father's place, is married and has
two children. Roma Ella first married M. Smith, who has passed away, and she is
now the wife of J. L. Love, by whom she has one child, and they reside in the state
of Missouri. Olive May wedded William E. Gibson, of Toppenish, Washington, and
the3' have three sons. Ida Caroline is the wife of Everett T. Brown, who is a rancher
on the Yakima Indian reservation, and they have two children. Erhest V.. who is
ranching near his father's place, is married and has two children. Andrew B. is at
hom«. Spruce McCoy, who is ranching nearby, is married and has one child. Julia
\'irginia is a successful teacher and now makes her home in Montana. Lola Lyda, the
youngest member of the family, also follows the profession of teaching. On the 24th
of January, 1919, Mr. and Mrs. Cox celebrated their golden wedding, being on that
occasion surrounded by all of their children except one. The ceremony was made
memorable by this reunion of practically all of the family and many were the ex-
pressions of felicitation which this worthy couple received from their many friends
and neighbors. A group picture of the whole family was taken to commemorate the
event and remain as a memento to future generations. The children of Mr. and
Mrs. Cox all received an excellent education and si.x of them have been school teachers.
The family are devoted members of the Christian church, in the work of which they
take a helpful interest.
Politically Mr. Cox is a democrat, having ever stanchly supported that party.
While a resident of Missouri he served as justice of the peace and also as school
director. While his career has been pursued in various states, each removal has
marked a forward step and he now is numbered among the prosperous and substantial
residents of his section of Yakima county.
FERD K. HARTER.
Ferd K. Harter, now deceased, was identified with farming interests in Yakima
county from 1903 until his demise. He was born in Miami county, Indiana. May 23.
1862, a son of John and Emmeline (Krider') Harter. He acquired a public school
education and also attended a preparatory college at Fort Wayne. Indiana, after
which he entered the State Normal School. Subsequently he went to Nebraska in
1883 and there engaged in teaching school for a year. On the expiration of that
period he took up government land in Sheridan county, Nebraska, and proved up
on his claim, securing title to the property. He continued its further cultivation and
development for fifteen years, save that during that time he spent two years in
Indiana on account of the ill health of memliers of his family. In 1901 he removed
to Cheyenne county, Wyoming, where he resided for a year, and next took up his
abode at Priest River, Idaho, where he remained for six months.
In 1903 Mr. Harter arrived in Y^akima county and purchased forty acres of land
four miles southeast of Y'akima. This he improved and developed, devoting his
attention to general agricultural pursuits thereon to the time of his death, which
occurred March 30. 1912.
On the 10th of February. 1892, Mr. Harter was united in marriage to Miss
Lina MacDougal. who was born in Liberty, Indiana, a daughter of Alexander and
.Amanda (Showalter) MacDougal. The children of this marriage are two in num-
ber: Emmeline, the wife of Harold Milne, residing with Mrs. Harter: and Daniel
MacDougal, a rancher, eighteen years of age, also at home. Mr. and Mrs. Milne
have one child, Katherine.
FERD K. HARTER
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLF.Y 1037
In his political views Mr. Harter maintained an independent course, voting for
men and measures rather tlian for party. He was a member of the Modern Wood-
men of America. His preference was the Methodist church. He possessed many
sterling traits of character and his admirable qualities gained for liim the high regard
of all with whom he was associated.
EARL D. CALKINS.
E. D. Calkins, whose name is associated with tlie wliolesale fruit trade at Yakima,
comes to the northwest from Nebraska. His birth occurred in Ashland, that state,
on the 1st of January, 1890, his parents being Charles E. and Ida May Calkins. The
mother passed away in 1896 and the father, removing to the northwest, is now en-
.gaged in farming near Sunnyside in Y'akima county.
E. D. Calkins, after acquiring a pulilic schoiol education in Nebraska, went to
Seattle, Washington, where he was graduated from the higii school, and later he spent
a year as a student in the University of Washington, thus becoming well qualified
by lilieral educational opportunities for life's practical and responsible duties. He
afterward turned his attention to the fruit commission business in Tacoma, where
he remained for a year, and in 1910 he came to Yakima, where for one year he was
associated with the firm of Richey & Gilbert. Subsequently he spent three years with
the Yakima Valley Fruit Growers' .Association as warehouse manager and for one
year he served as deputy horticulturist for Yakima. In 1916 he joined C. R. Pad-
dock and in 1918 purchased an interest in the wholesale fruit business of which he
is now one of the proprietors. They arc conducting one of the important enter-
prises of this character in Yakima, enjoying an extensive patronage, their sales cover-
ing a wide territory.
On the 27th of February, 1914, Mr. Calkins was married to Miss Verna B. Pratt,
of Y'akima, and they have become parents of a daughter and son, Dorothy Jean and
Richard Earl. Mr. Calkins is a member of the Elks Lodge No. 318 of Yakima and
also a member of the Cameretta Club, which is a male chorus, Mr. Calkins possess-
ing an excellent baritone voice. Much of his pleasure and recreation comes to him
through music. His political allegiance is given to the republican party, but while
he keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day, he has never been
active in politics as an office seeker. His business career is free from any spectacular
phases. He has gradually worked his way upward and won his success by legiti-
mate methods and unfaltering industry and he has today gained an enviable position
in commercial circles of his adopted city.
BURT F. IRISH.
Since 1913 Burt F. Irish has been identified with fruit raising in Yakima county.
A life of activity along other lines led up to his present connection and now he is
classed with the successful orchardists of his section of the valley. He was born in
Linn county, Kansas, February 1, 1858, a son of Columbus G. and Frances A. (Hurd)
Irish, who were natives of Pennsylvania and of Massachusetts respectively and be-
came pioneer settlers of Kansas, where they located in the '60s. The father was in
the United States army during the Civil war and afterward participated in Indian
fighting, being stationed at a later period at Fort Sill and Fort Randall in Dakota
territory. He was a carpenter by trade and eventually became a contractor. He
located at Yankton, South Dakota, after leaving the army and later went to El Paso,
Texas, where his last days were passed. His wife survived him and died in Colfax,
California, in 1918. at the age of eighty-one years.
Burt F. Irish acquired a public school education in Minnesota and started out
in the business world to provide for his own support when a youth of seventeen. He
learned the printer's trade and became manager of the press department in a print-
ing house at Fergus Falls, Minnesota. He was connected with the Fergus Falls Daily
1038 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
Journal for thirty years and severed his connection with that paper in 1910, at which
time he came to the Yakima valley. For one winter he worked on the Yakima Herald.
In 1913 he purchased ten acres of land on Parker Heights, which was already planted
to orchard, and is now raising apples, pears, peaches and cherries. He has built an
attactive residence upon his place and also substantial barns. He likewise has a
i,rood packing shed and every facility for the care of his fruit and he is a member of
the Yakima County Horticultural Union.
On the 9th of May. 1885, Mr. Irish was married to Miss Amy U. Hawes, wlio
was born in Minnesota, and they have become parents of a daughter, Nina E., who
is now attending the normal school at Bellingham, Washington.
Mr. Irish is connected with the Knights of the Maccabees and the Modern Wood-
men of America and his wife has membership with the Presbyterian church. In politics
he votes as an independent republican. He is interested in all matters of citizenship
and gives his support and co-operation to well defined plans and measures for the
general good. He does not seek nor desire ofifice, however, preferring to concen-
trate his efforts and attention upon his business affairs, which have been carefully
and wisely directed during the period of his residence in the Yakima valley. Today
he is the owner of excellent orchards and in addition to the cultivation of his fruit
he raises a few full blooded trotting horses and Guernsey cattle. Fine horses have
always been his hobby and he has broken and trained horses for pastime through-
out his entire life He is an excellent judge of fine stock and takes great delight in
raising such upon his ranch.
CARL H. HANSEN.
Carl H. Hansen, the able deputy sheriff of Benton county, is a native of Minne-
apolis. Minnesota, born in 1888, and is a son of Iver and Josephine Hansen, the for-
mer of whom is engaged in the grocery business in Minneapolis. The son received
a public school education and after putting aside his textbooks turned his attention
to a business career becoming connected with a wholesale hardware house. Later
he was employed in a retail hardware store in Alinnesota. In 1914 he came to Prosser,
at that time holding the important position of special officer of the deparment of the
interior. For the past eight months he has served as deputy sheriff of Benton county
and his ability has been recognized by the public. His government work as special
officer had much to do with the supression of illicit liquor traffic among the Indians
and in the discharge of his duties he went to Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washing-
ton under orders from the main office at Denver.
In 1909 Mr. Hansen was united in marriage to Miss Nanna Oftedal, of Minne-
apolis, and they have two children, Leone and Robert, aged respectively seven and
five years. Mr. Hansen owns a valuable tract of land near Prosser. In his political
views he is a republican and fraternally he belongs to the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows, the Yeomen and the Foresters of America. Both he and his wife are popular
in the social circles of Prosser and have many friends in the city, all of whom speak
of them in terms of high appreciation.
FOLKERT NICHOLAS SICKENGA, D. D. S.
Dr. Folkert Nicholas Sickenga, who for nine years has been successfully en-
gaged in the practice of dentistry in Yakima, comes to the new world from Holland,
where his birth occurred on the 2Sth of February, 1880, his parents being Jacob and
Baroness (Van Heemstre) Sickenga. The father was an attorney and was a member
of the first chamber appellate court, serving as judge for a number of years. He has
now passed away, but the mother still resides in Holland.
Dr. Sickenga pursued a public school education in his native country and in 1903
came to the United States. He afterward pursued a business course at Omaha. Ne-
braska, and subsequently accepted the position of assistant cashier with the Cudahy
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 1039
Packing Company of that city. There he remained until 1905, when he came to the
Pacific coast and, entering upon preparation for the practice of dentistry, was gradu-
ated from the School of Dentistry of the North Pacific College with the class of 1909.
The same year he opened an office in Yakima, where he has since remained. He has
a splendidly equipped suite of rooms, having secured all the latest and most approved
equipment for dental practice, and his knowledge has given him place among the
ablest dentists of the city.
On the 13th of November, 1913, Dr. Sickenga was married to Miss Eva Mar-
childon, of Yakima, and they have two children, Mary Louise and Eva Jane. The
Doctor is a charter member of the Delta Sigma Delta, a dental fraternity. He also
belongs to the Benevolent Protective CJrder of Elks, while in politics he maintains an
independent course.
OLIVER HINMAN.
Oliver Hinman. who passed away January 31, 1919, spent his last years in retire-
ment from active business upon a ranch near Ellensburg. At different periods in his
life he had been active in commercial and official circles as well as along agricultural
lines but in his later years enjoyed that rest which came to him as the reward of per-
sistent and earnest effort. Oliver Hinman, moreover, was a typical representative of
western enterprise and progress. He had always lived in this section of the country,
his birth having occurred at Forest Grove, Oregon, March 27, 1857, his parents being
Alanson and Martha (Gerrish) Hinman, the former a native of New York, while the
latter was born in Missouri. The paternal grandfather was Alanson Hinman, Sr.,
who was also a native of the Empire state, where he spent his entire life. His son
and namesake started across the country with ox teams in 1844. with Oregon as his
destination. For a time he engaged in teaching in Whitman College and later re-
moved to Salem, Oregon, where he took up a donation claim between Yamhill and
Washington counties. At a subsequent date he removed to Forest Grove, where he
purchased a farm and thereon continued to reside throughout his remaining days.
He not only bore all of the hardships of travel across the long, hot stretches of sand
and over the high mountain ranges in the year 1844 but for many years faced the
difficulties and privations of pioneer life. However, he lived to see many changes and
at all times bore his part in the work of general improvement and development. His
fellow townsmen, appreciative of his worth and ability, called him to public office
and he was twice chosen to represent his district in the state legislature. He was
also collector of customs at Astoria for two years. His wife was a daughter of James
Gerrish, who made his way to Oregon in the middle part of the '40s. He, too, was
one of the earliest settlers of the state and continued to reside within its borders
until called to his final rest.
Oliver Hinman attended the Pacific University after completing his public school
course and then entered mercantile business in connection with his father. He be-
came identified with the Yakima valley in 1881. at which time he removed to the
city of Yakima, where he opened a hardware store. Later he went to North Yakima
when the town moved there and in 1885 he sold his business to the firm of Weed
& Rowe. In 1886 they opened a branch establishment at Ellensburg, with Mr. Hin-
man as local manager, and in 1888 Mr. Hinman and S. R. Geddis purchased the store,
which was destroyed by fire in 1889 with a loss of over thirty thousand dollars. Mr.
Hinman then devoted his attention to ranching for a few years and in 1902 he was ap-
pointed postmaster, serving in that position until 1914 or for a period of twelve years.
Throughout this entire time he also kept his ranch and at the time of his death was
the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of excellent land which is devoted to gen-
eral farming and is now being conducted by his son. A. R. Hinman.
On the 25th of July, 1883, Mr. Hinman was united in marriage to Miss Ella F.
McDonald, who was born in Portland, Oregon, a daughter of Harley M. and Eliza-
beth (Hampson) McDonald, who were pioneers of the Sunset state. To Mr. and
Mrs. Hinman were born three children: Mrs. Mary E. Bradshaw, living in Ellens-
1040 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
burg; Alfred R.. who is conducting the home ranch: and Laurada F.. who is a teacher
of music.
Mr. Hinman belonged to the Masonic fraternity, having taken the degrees of
lodge, chapter and commandcry. while with the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine he also
crossed the sands of the desert. He likewise belonged to the Benevolent Protective
Order of Elks, having his membership in Lodge No. 1102 at EUensburg. His political
endorsement was given to the republican party and in office he proved most capable
and faithful, while at all tiines his course was that of a public-spirited citizen devoted
to the general good. He deserved all the credit implied in the term a self-made man,
for by persistent effort he worked steadily upward and his achievements brought
him the gratifying measure of success that enabled him to spend his last years in
retirement.
At the time of his death one who had known him intimately for many years wrote
of him: "And thus another pioneer went out to take up his eternal abode, with those
who have gone before, of that noljle band of men and women who strove amidst
hardships and inconveniences which the newer generation can scarcely comprehend
and whose striving changed desert and wilderness and frowning menace into peaceful
farm and city and security — 1 first met him at Old Y'akima, Yakima county, Wash-
ington territory, in the month of March, 1883, and from that time until the day of
his death, just about thirty-six years, we were good friends and most of the time
near neighbors and were frequently together, and now, looking back over the long-
road upon which we were travelers together, a close retrospection recalls none but
pleasant memories with him. 'Doc' as he was familiarly known, always retained the
hospitable, kind and generous spirit of the old pioneer people. He enjoyed to mix
with his friends as well as any man I ever knew. In the good old days when kindred
souls were wont to meet and while away the moments in pleasant pastime and joy-
ous camaraderie, he was ever a boon companion. Times have changed and the fes-
tive occasions of auld-lang-syne have vanished to return no more, and the sunshine
spirits that brought them about are nearl}' all gone as well. Under those old con-
ditions and influences friendships were established strong and enduring as life. It is
doubtful, indeed, if such friendships can ever establish themselves under the changed
and changing conditions of life that confront us now.
"He was always pleasant and by nature readily responsive to humor and good
cheer. It delighted his soul to get a joke on his friends and he has always yielded
in good nature to one on himself. In every gathering his presence engendered and
dispensed sunshine. He had his ups and downs, his successes and failures, as all who
endeavor have ever had, but his nature was never overshadowed by the one nor
over elated by the other. His joys weighed above his sorrows. He gleaned more
pleasure out of life than the average man. Millions of our race go through life from
beginning to end. be that life short or long, and are never able to even up. Though
our good friend has passed away before the full three score years and ten had been
meted out, it may truly be said 'he was ahead of the game.' and his life was a suc-
cess. He loved his home. He loved his family. He loved his friends. He loved his
country. He delighted to see prosperity all around. There was no envy in his heart.
That others might succeed beyond himself cast no shadow over his nature but rather
gave him gladness. He was self-sustaining, accommodating, sympathetic, agreeable,
forgiving, humane. He filled his allotted place in the busy world among those of
his generation full and well, and now that he is gone, that place will show a vacancy
as long as his family, his friends and his associates live. When the call came he was
ready to take the 'long trail' without hesitation, without a qualm, without a fear."
ALFRED W. BURNS, D. D. S.
A splendidly equipped office is indicative of the high efficiency to which Dr. Al-
fred W. Burns has attained in the practice of dentistry. He ranks with the lead-
ing representatives of the profession in Y'akima, where since 1903 he has made his
home and engaged in active practice. He was born in Buffalo, New York, August 29,
1878, a son of John Byron and Lillian (Hotchkiss) Burns. The father was a physician
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 1(H1
who practiced in Yakima to the time of his death, which occurred in 1917. He had
been a resident on the Paciiic coast since 1888, at which time he made his way to
California, there following his profession until 1900, when he came to Y'akima, where
he opened an office. He was in general practice from that time until his demise and
served as health officer of Yakima. He was also prominent in Masonry, attaining the
thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite, and he occupied the chairs in the various
branches of the order. Moreover, he was the only man ever elected for a second
term as exalted ruler of the Elks lodge of Yakima. His genuine personal worth, his
fidelity to any cause which he espoused and his professional skill placed him high
in the regard of his fellow townsmen.
Dr. Alfred W. Burns pursued a public school education and supplemented it
by a year's study in the University of Buffalo. He was afterward graduated from
the Northern Pacific Dental College of Portland, Oregon, as a member of the class
of 1903. after which he returned to Yakima, where the family home had been es-
tablished in 1900. Through the intervening period of si.xteen years he has continued
in active and successful practice here. His standing in the profession is indicated in
the fact that he has been made a member of the state board of dental e,xaminers.
On the 10th of June, 1914, Dr. Burns was united in marriage to Miss Marion
Miller, a daughter of Ale.xander Miller, one of the prominent grain merchants of
this section of the state, mentioned elsewhere in this work. Dr. and Mrs. Burns have
a son, John L.. now three years of age.
The Doctor belongs to Yakima Lodge, No. 24, F. & A. M., also to the Elks lodge,
the Knights of Pythias and to the Country Club and the Commercial Club. His in-
terests are broad and varied and his intelligently directed activities have brought him
prominently to the front in his chosen field of labor. Those who know him, and his
friends are legion, speak of him in terms of high personal regard and Yakima is proud
to claim him as a citizen.
FRANK B. WOOD.
.\ richh- bearing orchard one mile northeast of Buena represents the life work of
Frank B. Wood, a progressive horticulturist of that district. He was born in Che-
nango county. New York, April 8, 1864, a son of Joshua and Abbie Jane (Morgan)
Wood, natives of Pennsylvania and Connecticut respectively. The father was a gun-
smith by trade and in 1867 the family took up their residence in Otoe county, Ne-
braska. Joshua Wood conducted a gun shop at Nebraska City until 1877, when he
took up a homestead in Otoe county, and there he continued until 1898, when he
removed to Dundy count}-, Nebraska, and there bought a ranch, to the further culti-
vation of which he gave his attention until his death, which occurred February 10,
1916. His widow survives and is still a resident of that locality.
Frank B. Wood received a public school education and in 1886, when twenty-two
years of age, took up a homestead claim in Dundy county, Nebraska. He became
quite successful as a rancher there but in the fall of 1898 removed to Gallatin county,
Montana, where he purchased a farm, which he operated for eleven years, selling out
in 1909. At that time he came to Yakima county, Washington, and bought ten acres
of land one mile nortlieast of Buena, five acres of which were in orchard. He has
since planted the remainder of the tract to apples, pears and peaches and has built
a good home and made other improvements, so that his fruit ranch is now valuable,
his annual profits being very gratifying.
On -April 8, 1888, Mr. Wood was united in marriage to Miss Anna Alsbury, a native .
of Missouri and a daughter of Thomas and Anna (Veath) .A.lsbury, natives of Illinois,
in which state they were born near Springfield. They became early settlers of Mis-
souri but in 1886 removed to Nebraska and in 1899 came to Zillah, Washington, where
the father owned part of the present town site of Zillah, his tract comprising fifteen
acres, which he transformed into a richly bearing orchard, and there he lived until
his demise. His wife passed away when Mrs. Wood was but four years old and sub-
sequently her father married Mrs. Rosamond Mudd, who still resides in Zillah. Mr.
and Mrs. Wood have ten children: Nettie, who married William Frakes, of Yakima.
(43)
1042 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
by whom she has two children; Burk, deceased, who is survived by a wife and one
child; Elmer, a rancher of Benton City, Washington, who is married and has one
child; Myrtle, the wife of Otto Hillbury, a rancher near Zillah, by whom she has a son;
Bessie, who married Charles Zurnstein, of Mullan, Idaho, by whom she has one child;
and Leona, Warren, Albert, Mary and Olive.
Fraternally Mr. Wood belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America and his wife
is a member of the Methodist church. While a resident of Nebraska he served on the
local school board and although he has held no public office since coming to Yakima
county he ever gives his aid and support to measures which he considers of value in
promoting the general welfare. He is now a prosperous orchardist of his region, and
his prosperity is well deserved as it is the result of his own labors. He has partici-
pated in the upbuilding of the west not only in Nebraska but also in Montana, whither
the family, including five children, removed by team, and later in the Yakima valley,
where he now represents important horticultural interests. Mr. Wood has many
friends in Zillah and vicinity and all see in him a loyal citizen, a reliable business man
and a faitliful friend.
JOHN P. LOUDON, M. D.
Among the successful practicing physicians of Yakima who employ the latest
scientific knowledge in their professional duties is Dr. John P. Loudon, who was born
in New Zealand on the 30th of October. 1883. and is a son of William and Elizabeth
Loudon, who came to the L'nited States in 1884. Making their way across the country,
they settled in the Yakima valley, taking up a homestead to which the father devoted
his attention throughout his remaining days, his death occurring in 1885. The mother
survives and is yet living in this state.
Dr. Loudon concluded his public school education by study in the high school at
Yakima and afterward entered the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor as a medical
student, being graduated with the class of 1908. In that year he went to Youngstown,
Ohio, and entered the City Hospital as an interne, occupying the position for two
years and gaining very broad, valuable and practical knowledge through hospital
practice. In 1910 he returned to Yakima, where he opened an office which he has
since maintained. He has resumed his studies at various periods and at all times has
been a broad reader of medical literature, so that he has kept in touch with the trend
of modern professional thought and progress. He concentrates upon no particular
line but continues in general practice and his ability is recognized and attested by the
public and the profession.
On the 4th of June. 1914, Dr. Loudon was married to Miss Florence E. Jones, a
daughter of Owen Jones, of Yakima, and they have one child. Elizabeth. Dr. Loudon
belongs to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and is a member of the Country
Club and of the Commercial Club. His interest in the latter indicates his devotion
to the welfare and progress of the community in which he makes his home. Along
strictly professional lines he has connections with the County and State Medical Socie-
ties and also with the American Medical Association and through the proceedings of
these bodies keeps in touch with the trend of professional thought and discovery.
ELLWOOD P. HINMAN.
The rapid growth and development of some of the western cities is a matter of
marvel to the staid, conservative east, but when one considers that it is men of
enterprise who are seeking opportunities that have been the builders of such cities,
the reason for their rapid development is found. To this class belongs Ellwood P.
Hinman. who was born in Henry county, Illinois, on the 19th of May, 1878, a son
of W. W. and Elizabeth (Townsend) Hinman. The father is now deceased but the
mother survives and is now living in Moline, Illinois. In pioneer days in that sec-
tion of that country W. W. Hinman took up a homestead claim in Henry county, Illi-
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 1043
nois, and became actively identified with its interests. He was a son of Willis Hin-
nian, a native of Ohio, who left that state, accompanied by his wife, two sons and a
daughter, and made his way westward to Illinois, where he cast in his lot with the
pioneer settlers of the early '30s. At that time there were still many evidences of
Indian occupancy in that section of the country and tlie work of progress and improve-
ment seemed scarcely begun. With the further upbuilding of that section both Willis
and W. W. Hinman were closely associated for many years.
Ellwood P. Hinman there acquired his public school education, passing through
consecutive grades until graduated from the high school. He next entered the employ
of the Farmers National Bank at Cambridge. Illinois, where he spent six years, be-
coming assistant cashier of that institution. He afterward removed to Wyoming,
Illinois, and was cashier of the National Bank of that place for five years. Then, at-
tracted by the opportunities of the growing west, he made his way to Coeur d'Alene,
Idaho, where he spent eight months, and in July, 1910, he arrived in Toppenish, where
he spent eight months, and secured the position of assistant cashier of the Central
Bank of Toppenish, thus remaining until November. 1916. In the fall of the following
year he luircha'-ed an interest in the store of E. H. Dobrin and in 1918 they incor-
porated their interests under the name of the .\rcade Department Store. They have a
fine new building, which was erected by Mr. Dorbin and is two stories in height,
seventy-five by one hundred feet. They conduct a general department store, carrying
a well selected, large stock, and their business methods insure them a liberal patronage.
They hold to high standards in the line of goods carried, in the personnel of the house
and in the treatment accorded patrons and their progressivcness in these particulars
has won for them a very satisfactory patronage. In addition to his commercial inter-
ests Mr. Hinman owns fine ranch land on the Yakima Indian reservation.
On the 14th of June, 1905. Mr. Hinman was married to Miss Bessie B. Long, of
Moline, Illinois, but who was born in Lynn, Henry county, that state. By her mar-
riage she has become the mother of two children, IsIa and Ellwood P., Jr.
Mr. Hinman gives his political allegiance to the republican party where national
questions and issues are involved but casts an independent ballot at local elec-
tions. He has served as a member of the city council and exercised his official
prerogatives in that connection in suppo»t of many progressive public measures.
He belongs to the Toppenish Commercial Club and every feature of the city's
growth and development is of interest to him. He is a Mason, holding membership
in Toppenish Lodge No. 178. A., F. & A. M.. and he has taken the degrees in the
various Scottisli Rite bodies, while with the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine of
Mohammed Temple of Peoria, lUinois. he has crossed the sands of the desert. He
and his wife are members of the Congregational church and are people of the high-
est respectability and worth, enjoying the warm regard of all with whom they have
come in contact, while the hospitality of the best homes of Toppenish is freely and
generously accorded them.
JOHN J. MACDONALD.
John J. Macdonald is one of those valuable American citizens that Scotland
has furnished to this country. His innate thriftiness, enterprise and perseverance
have led him to a successful position among the agriculturists of Yakima county,
where he now owns a valuable property of about ^eventj- acres. Especial credit is
due Mr. Macdonald, for his enterprise along horticultural lines, as he has assisted
in making fruit raising a prosperous venture in his district. He now has thirty-four
acres in apples, using peaches and pears as fillers, and from his orchard he receives
a very gratifying income. His progressive methods serve as an example to other
horticulturists and he has greatly contributed toward prosperity in the valley.
A native of Scotland. Mr. Macdonald was born September 17. 1869, and is a
son of Mr. and Mrs. .'\lexandcr Macdonald who passed away in their native land.
The father there followed agricultural pursuits throughout his active life and was
esteemed and respected in his community.
1044 HISTORY OF YAKIMA \'ALLEY
John J. Macdonald was reared in Scotland and attended the schools of his native
land. When old enough he become connected with farming to some extent, acquir-
ing a thorough knowledge of agricultural methods. It was in 1889, at the age of
twenty, that he went to Portland. Oregon, selecting that city as his residence be-
cause he believed in its growth and that there he would find good business oppor-
tunities. For ten years he was connected with the firm of Olds, Wortman & King
as manager of their cloak department. He saw the opportunities presented in the
Yakima valley and in March, 1899, came to this district, where he opened a dry
goods store, which he conducted until 1911. Then turning to agriculture, he ac-
quired one hundred and twenty acres under the Tieton project but of this he later
sold fifty acres and now has a tract of seventy acres which is highly developed. On
his property he has built an excellent home as well as modern barns and other
buildings needed for fruit storing and packing. He has installed modern machin-
ery and added other equipment, so that his place is now among the best developed
and most valuable of his neighborhood. Thirty-four acres of the land is planted
to apples, with peaches and pears as fillers. The balance of the land is in hay, of
which crop he raises a good quality.
In March, 1898, Mr. Macdonald was united in marriage to Miss Jeannette John-
stone, a native of Victoria, Canada, and a daughter of J. S. Johnstone. To this
union were born four children: Lyall, who is attending the State University at
Seattle; and Ronald, Barbara and Margaret.
Mr. and Mrs. Macdonald have many friends in Tieton and vicinity and all who
know them speak of them in the highest terms. As one of the leading and substan-
tial citizens and one of the foremost orchardists Mr. Macdonald has greatly con-
tributed to the upbuilding and development of this region. He is ever ready to give his
support to public projects of worth and as merchant as well as agriculturist has ever
enjoyed the highest reputation. In his political affiliation he is a republican but
outside of supporting party issues and candidates at the ballot box is not active.
Both he and his wife arc valued members of the Presbyterian church, in the work
of which they take a deep interest and to which they helpfully contribute. There
is great credit due Mr. Macdonald for what he has achieved, as he came to this
country empty-handed and now has acquired a competence which places him among
the men of affluence of his district, he being well entitled to the proud American
title of a self-made man.
VESTAL STANLEY SNYDER.
Vestal Stanley Snyder was for a number of years prominently connected with
the Yakima bar. continuing in active practice to the time of his death, which occurred
on the 7th of March, 1911. He was then in the forty-fourth year of his age, his birth
having occurred in Indiana. December 27, 1867, his parents being Henry W. and
Henrietta (Jackson) Snyder, who were also natives of the Hoosier state, where they
remained for many years. In later life, however, they established their home at
Hutchinson, Kansas, where the father passed away, and the mother is now living in
Chicago.
Having determined upon the practice of law as a life work. Vestal Stanley Snyder
matriculated in the law department of Valparaiso University of Indiana, from which
he was graduated with the class of 1891. He then came to the northwest, going first
to Spokane but soon afterward taking up his abode at Cheney, Washington, where
he followed his profession until 1894. He then opened an ofiice in Yakima and con-
tinued in active practice throughout his remaining days. He was for two terms
prosecuting attorney here. He displayed marked ability along professional lines,
preparing his cases with great thoroughness and care and presenting his cause with
notable clearness and cogency. In 1902 he purchased one hundred and thirty-seven
acres of land six miles west of Yakima, of which property his widow has now sold
a part but still retains sixty-five acres, of which forty-one acres is planted to or-
chards, both apple and pear. Mr. Snyder built a beautiful home upon the ranch-
one of the prettiest in the valley. It was all planned by Mrs. Snyder, who person-
VESTAL SNYDER
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 1047
ally supervised its construction. It is built upon a hill, commanding a fine view of
the surrounding country, and there is a car line adjacent, so that the advantages of
the city are easily obtainable.
It was on the 26th of November, 1891, that Mr. Snyder was united in marriage
to Miss Nona M. Marquis, who was born in Danville. Illinois, a daughter of James
F. and Mary C. (Salman^ Marquis, who were also natives of Illinois and have now
passed away. Mrs. Snyder is a graduate of the Normal School of Valparaiso Uni-
versity. By her marriage she has become the mother of two children: Helen Mar-
i|uis is the wife of Walter H. Johnson, a resident of St. Michael, Alaska, and they
have a son. Robert Stanley; Marion Henrietta is a graduate of the high school of
Yakima and also of a business college at Seattle.
Mr. Snyder and his wife attended the Episcopal church, of which she is a mem-
lier, and he gave his political allegiance to the democratic party, which Mrs. Snyder
also supports. Mr. Snyder was a member of the Knights of Pythias, also the Mod-
ern Woodmen of .\merica and Elks Lodge No. 318, of Yakima. He was a self-made
and successful man and one who had many friends. He possessed sterling traits of
character which endeared him to all with whom he came in contact and his mem-
ory is yet enshrined in the hearts of those who knew him.
THOMAS L. JONES.
Thomas L. Jones, who since 1912 has occupied the position of superintendent
with the Roslj'n Fuel Company at Roslyn, Washington, was born in Connellsville,
Pennsylvania, on the 24th .of August. 1853. His father, William Jones, entered the
coke business there in 1835, taking his coke on flatboats down the Ohio river. He
was one of the pioneer coke manufacturers and throughout his entire life engaged
in the coke and coal trade, remaining a resident of Connellsville, Pennsylvania, to
the time of his death. As early as 1836 he engaged in making coke for the old
Overholt distillery in Pennsylvania, was the pioneer coke maker of the United
States and a verv prominent mining man. His wife bore the maiden name of Mary
White.
Thomas L. Jones started work in the coal mines when but ten years of age
and for a quarter of a century remained in the employ of one firm, becoming man-
ager of a coal mine at Carnegie. Pennsylvania, when but twenty-three years of age.
He was connected with the Summerhill Coal & Coke Company during the period
of the great riot at Pittsburgh. Later he went to Johnstown. Pennsylvania, where
he opened a mine for the Argyle Coal Company, which he operated for three years.
He next went to Greensburg, Pennsylvania, where he opened a mine for the Key-
stone Coal & Coke Company and continued as superintendent thereof until 190O.
He was afterward with the National Steel Company and assisted in building three
large coke plants in Fayette county, Pennsylvania. Subsequently he spent ten years
in expert work in examining coal fields in Virginia, Ohio and Illinois, and in 1912
he came to Roslyn, Washington, as superintendent of the Roslyn Fuel Company.
Since 1917 he has also been superintendent of the Queen mine of the Independent
Coal & Coke Company at Roslyn. He is a typical mining :nan, thoroughly success-
ful, and he has gained expert knowledge and ability as a mining and electrical engi-
neer through his wide experience and study. During the past few years he has also
assisted in installing twenty-five or more dry kiln plants for drying lumber at various
points in the northwest. He has a nephew. Charles E. Jones, who, coming to the
noi-thwest. established the Beekman mine at Jonesville, the town being named in
his honor.
In the year 1882 Air. Jones of this review was married to Clarissa Baker, of
Greensburg. Pennsylvania, a daughter of Simon Baker, a contractor and builder.
The children of this marriage are: Mary Martha, the wife of J. C. Seanor, living in
Seattle: Harry, who is engineer for the Roslyn Fuel Company; Clarissa, who is
with her mother in Seattle; and three children who died in infancy. The family
home is maintained in Seattle, from which point Mr. Jones makes trips to the mine
at Roslyn.
1048 HISTORY OF YAKIMA X'ALLEY
He is a member of the German Reformed church and in politics is a den
His time and attention, however, have been mostly given to his business affairs
and, entering upon his present line of work when a lad of only ten years, he has
had broad and varied experience that has brought him to the front as a mining and
electrical engineer. His position at the present time is one of large responsibility
and the duties thereof are most efficiently discharged.
A. W. SEVERANCE.
A. W. Severance, an orchardist living near Wapato, was born in Pierce county,
Wisconsin, April 18, 1863, but dates his residence in this part of the country from
1889 and thus has been identified with the northwest through three decades. His
parents were Joseph and Lydia F. (Weston) Severance, the former a native of Old-
town, Maine, while the latter was born in Skowhegan, Maine. They became
pioneer residents of Wisconsin, where the father followed the occupation of farm-
ing until 1896, when he made his way to the Pacific coast, settling first in Oregon.
He afterward came to the Yakima valley about 1900 and lived retired to the time
of his death. He was a veteran of the Civil war, having loyally served in defense
of the Union cause during that dark hour in America's history, and at all times he
was loyal to the best interests of the country. Both he and his wife have passed
away.
Their son, A. W. Severance, having acquired a public school education^ entered
Carleton College at Northfield. Minnesota, and in due course of time was graduated
from that institution. He afterward taught school for four years in the middle west
and, attracted by the opportunities of the growing northwest, came to Washington
in 1889, settling in Cowlitz county. He subsequently removed to Tillamook, Ore-
gon, where he lived from 1890 until 1910 and during that period was engaged in
the practice of law. In 1910 he opened a law office in Yakima, where he continued
in active practice for two years. In 190S he and his brother, E. W. Severance, had
purchased twenty-one acres of sagebrush land on Parker Heights and the brother
had occupied it from the beginning. They afterward divided their holdings, how-
ever, and in 1912 Mr. Severance of this review took up his abode on his portion of
the tract. He has eleven acres, all planted to orchards, making a specialty of the
raising of apples, pears, peaches and prunes. He has built a nice home upon his
place and has all modern accessories and conveniences there. In orcharding, as in
law practice, he is winning success. He has the thoroughness and energy which
constitute the basis of all honorable and legitimate success and he is putting forth
every effort to thoroughly familiarize himself with the best methods of raising
fruit in the northwest.
On the 11th of June, 1905, Mr. Severance was married to Miss Dora E. High,
a native of Knoxville, Iowa, and a daughter of Solomon and Mary A. High. Their
children are Ruth and Mildred. The parents are consistent members of the Presby-
terian church and in social circles they occupy an enviable position, the hospitality
of the best homes of their community being freely accorded them. Mr. Severance
belongs to the Knights of Pythias fraternity and his political allegiance is given
to the republican party. He served as chief clerk and as general clerk of the sen-
ate of Oregon when a resident of that state. He was also the first mayor of Tilla-
mook, Oregon, and likewise filled the office of prosecuting attorney and city attor-
ney for several terms, making a most excellent record in those positions. He was
active on the school board and in all public affairs and has ever cooperated heartily
in all plans and projects for the genera! good. While now residing upon his ranch
and giving much attention to its further development, he still accepts some law
cases and has been heard before the supreme court since establishing his home on
the ranch. He is interested in everything pertaining to the development of the land
and the promotion of agricultural and horticultural interests in this section and is
now an active member of the board of directors for the Union Gap Irrigation Dis-
trict. He has one of the finest orchard tracts of the Y'akima valley, clearing over
HISTORY OF YAKIMA \ALLEY 1049
four hundred dollars per acre on his place in 1918. The ranch is practically frost-
proof and he ohtains tine crops when others lose their fruit through freezing.
' The life record of Mr. Severance would be incomplete were there failure to
make reference to the military history of the family. His great-grandfather, George
Severance, was one of the heroes of the Revolutionary war. His grandfather
served in the War of 1812 and the father and seven uncles of Mr. Severance of this
review were soldiers of the Civil war. His mother was a daughter of Edward
Weston, also a veteran of the Civil war, while her grandfather served in the War
of 1812 and was descended from Colonel Abel Weston, who fought for American
independence in the Revolutionary war. In both the paternal and maternal lines
the ancestry is connected with old colonial families and their descendants have ever
worked and fought for the best interests of America. President Franklin Pierce
was a cousin of the grandfather of .\. W. Severance in the maternal line. But while
the story of the military record of his ancestors is being given, one must not for-
get the splendid part which the two sons of Mr. Severance, born of his first mar-
riage, have played in the recently concluded great European war. Warren, the elder
son, born September 5, 1893, is now a member of the United States navy on the ship
Shawmut, an oil-burning mine-laying vessel. During the past six months this ves-
sel has made twenty thousand miles, including fourteen thousand miles in the North
Sea, and has sunk eighteen submarines. The average life of a British vessel doing
the same work has been seventeen days, but the Shawmut has been particularly
fortunate. Now that the war is over and its crew safe from German treachery, they
have every reason to be proud of the record which they have made. The younger
son, Logan Severance, born February 9, 1896, is a member of the United States
Marines, stationed on the island of Guam. Both boys enlisted and the elder son had
seen service on the Mexican border before enlisting for service in the war against
Germany and its policy of world-wide militarism. Mr. Severance has every reason
to be proud of the course of his two sons His own career has been marked by
equal faithfulness to duties of citizenship and by a helpful interest in all that has
pertained to the welfare and progress of the northwest during the long period of
his residence in this section of the country.
JAMES WOLCOTT.
James Wolcott, of Cle Elum, master mechanic for the Independent Coal &
Coke Company, was born in Flint, Michigan, December 10, 1866, a son of James and
Margaret (Gillespie) Wolcott. The father was born in Orleans county, New York,
while the mother's birth occurred in Ireland. They went to Michigan in 1837,
traveling across the country with ox team and casting in their lot with the pioneer
settlers of that region. They aided in reclaiming' the wild district for the purposes
of civilization and lived to see remarkable changes as the years passed on. The
mother died at the birth of her son James, but the father survived to old age.
passing away in 1918, after reaching the eighty-fourth milestone on life's journey.
James Wolcott obtained a high school education in his native city and after-
ward took up railway work in the engineering department of the Pere Marquette
Railroad. He advanced until he was made engineer and remained with the road
until 1893, when he entered the employ of Belding Brothers at Belding, Michigan.
He represented that firm as master mechanic for fourteen years and in 1906 he made
his way to the Pacific coast. Settling first at Baker City, Oregon, he was there
employed in railway work as shop foreman and later removed to Portland and
afterward to Tacoma and Seattle, where he started work for the Heffernan Engine
Works, with which he was connected until January, 1909. He then went to Beek-
man, Washington, and installed the machinery for the Roslyn Fuel Company, with
which he continued for five years as master mechanic. Later he was again at
Seattle, and on the 1st of May, 1916. he arrived in Cle Elum as master mechanic
for the Independent Coal & Coke Company, which responsible position he is now
filling.
On the 21st of November, 1891. Mr. Wolcott was united in marriage to Miss
lOSO HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
Fischer, who was born in Saginaw, Michigan, a daughter of Frederick Fischer.
Mr. Wolcott belongs to the Knights of Pythias and to the Masonic fraternity and
in his life exemplifies the beneficent spirit upon which these orders are based. His
political endorsement is given to the republican party at national elections but he
casts an independent local ballot. He has made steady advancement in his business
career since starting out along mechanical lines and has developed superior ability
as a mechanical engineer.
WILLIAM H. FRANCE.
William H. France is a successful general farmer and stock raiser of Kittitas
county. He now owns two hundred acres of land, which he has greatly improved,
and his farm has become one of the valuable properties of the neighborhood. A na-
tive of Iowa, he was born in Linn county, on the 17th of October, 1873, and is a
son of L. N. and .\ngeline (Taylor) France, the former a native of Illinois. Early
in life they removed to Iowa, of which state they became pioneers, and there the
father followed agricultural pursuits for a number of years. In 1885, however, they
decided upon a removal to the west and came to Yakima, taking up a homestead on
Wenas creek. This the father brought under a high state of cultivation but later
sold and now resides at Centralia, surviving his wife, who passed away several years
ago.
William H. France was reared under the guidance of his good parents and re-
ceived a public school education, after which he entered the live stock business as
a young man. Becoming thoroughly acquainted with this line of occupation and
also closely studying farming methods, in 1907 he began to operate a farm in Kittitas
county and now has two hundred acres of valuable land, largely devoted to the rais-
ing of hay and grain. He also .gives close attention to the live stock business and
has been very successful, so that he is now numbered among the prosperous agri-
culturists of his section of the state. He had the misfortune to have his residence de-
stroyed by fire December 23, 1918.
In 1907 Mr. France was united in marriage to Mrs. Katinka A. Toner, of Kittitas
county, who was formerly a resident of California. Both Mr. and Mrs. France are
popular socially and have many friends in and near Ellensburg.
Mr. France is a member of the Elks Lodge, No. 1102, and in his political affilia-
tions is a republican as far as national issues are concerned. In local affairs, however,
he prefers to support candidates irrespective of party, taking into consideration the
qualifications and ability of the man who runs for office. In successfully carrying
forward his agricultural labors Mr. France has not only become financially indepen-
dent but has also set a good example for those who have come after him. By his
work he has demonstrated the opportunities which await willing hands in this part
of the state and his work has therefore not only been of value to himself but also
as a factor in the upbuilding of his section.
LEANDER EDWARD LAWRENCE.
Lcander Edward Lawrence, a successful orchardist near Zillah, was born at
New Point, Indiana, April 16, 1859, a son of Daniel P. and Sarah A. (Coen) Law-
rence. The father was born in Beaver county, Pennsylvania, and the mother in
Indiana, in which state her parents had located in early pioneer times. Mrs.
Lawrence passed away when her son Leander was but three months old and the
father afterward wedded Mary Ann Gerard. In 1876 he removed with his family to
Nebraska, settling in Harvard, and later resided near Hastings, where both he
and his wife passed away.
L. E. Lawrence spent his youthful days in his native state and acquired his
public school education there. When a youth of eighteen he started out in the
business world to provide for his own support. He worked for wages for about
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 1051
three years and on attaining his majority took up government land in Kansas. He
afterward returned, to Nebraska, however, and there remained until 1899, when he
came to the Yakima valley and turned his attention to general merchandising and
the undertaking business in Zillah. Recognizing the opportunities for successful
fruit growing in this section, in 1908, he bought fifty-seven acres of land a mile and
a quarter north of Zillah, which at that time was covered with a native growth of
sagebrush. He sold his store in 1910 in order to concentrate his efforts and atten-
tion upon the development and improvement of his ranch, upon which he took up
his abode, building there a fine residence. He now has fifty acres of land planted
to fruit. Of his orchards thrity-five acres are in apples, ten acres in pears and the
balance in prunes and peaches. This is one of the largest private orchards in his
part of the county. He has a substantial packing house and every facility for hand-
ling and shipping the fruit and he has followed the most progressive methods in
the care of his orchards. He is continually studying everything that bears upon
horticultural development in the northwest and his broad experience and his suc-
cess enable him to speak with authority upon questions relative to fruit raising in
this section.
In 1879 Mr. Lawrence was united in marriage to Miss Rose Hans, of Nebraska,
who passed away in 1889. leaving two children: Bertha, the wife of George Elliott,
a resident of Salem, Oregon, by whom she has five children; and Charles, who died
at the age of eighteen years. Having lost his first wife, Mr. Lawrence afterward
married Miss Martha J. Diamond, of Nebraska, and they became parents of three
children: Harry, who is living in Aberdeen, Washington; Claude S., who died in
January, 1918, at the age of sixteen years; and Lenora, at home. In 1908 Mr.
Lawrence wedded Mary Ellen Drake, of Outlook, Washington, but formerly of
South Dakota.
Mr. Lawrence is identified with the Modern Woodmen of .America and the In-
dependent Order of Odd Fellows. He and his family are consistent members of the
Christian church, taking an active interest in its work and doing all in their power
to promote its growth and extend its influence. In politics he is a republican and
for ten years he served as constable. He is interested in all that pertains to the
welfare and upbuilding of the community in which he makes his home and is a
public-spirited citizen. His plans of life have ever been well formulated and
promptly executed and from each experience he has gleaned the lessons therein
contained. Starting out on his own account at the age of eighteen years, he has
worked persistently and energetically, and ever seeking broader opportunities, he
has come at length to rank with the successful orchardists of the Yakima valley.
ARTHUR W. HODDER.
Arthur W. Hodder was born in England, October 3. 1868, a son of Jacob and
Ann Hodder, who came to the United States in 1870, settling first at Belleville,
Illinois. The father was a coal merchant in England and engaged in mining coal
in the new world. After living for some time in Illinois he removed to Colorado,
where he resided for five years and then became a resident of Oskaloosa, Iowa.
In his later life he returned to Illinois, settling at Canton, and afterward became
manager of a mine at Norris, Illinois, where he was residing at the time of his
death, which occurred in 1913. His widow survives and makes her home in Canton,
Illinois, at the age of eighty years.
Arthur W. Hodder acquired a public school education in Iowa and entered the
coal mines when seventeen years of age. Since that time he has been identified
with mining interests in various capacities. He came to Washington in 1897,
making his way to Roslyn, where soon afterward he accepted a position as fire boss
at the mines, in which capacity he served for nine years. On the expiration of that
period he became foreman of the Dip mine and was occupying that position at the
time that the connecting mine was blown up. In September, 1913, he became super-
intendent of No. 57 Extension of the Cle Elum mine at Cle Elum, which employs
two hundred and seventy men and has an output of three thousand tons of coal
1052 HISTORY OF YAKIMA X'ALLEY
per day. His position therefore was one of heavy responsibility, but his duties were
most faithfully and capably discharged. He brought long experience to his work
and with every feature of mining he is thoroughly familiar. He resigned his
position February 1, 1919.
In 1902 Mr. Hodder was united in marriage to Miss Hannah Stewart, who was
born in England, a daughter of David Stewart, who was a coal miner and on coming
to the new world settled at Streator, Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Hodder are parents of
two children. Rena May and Earl.
From the time he attained his majority Mr. Hodder has been affiliated with the
Knights of Pythias and his political support is given to the republican party. His
entire life has been devoted to mining and he has enjoyed growing success and
progress in that field of labor. While born across the water, practically his entire
life has been spent in this country and he is strictly American in thought, feeling
and principle.
ROBERT WEBER.
Robert Weber is a well known shoe merchant of Prosser. where he has con-
ducted a store of that kind for a number of years. In the promotion of his enter-
prise he has Ijeen quite successful and todaj- enjoys a large trade.. Born in Germany
in 1861, he is a son of Frederick and Emily Weber, both of whom have passed
away.
The son was reared in his native land and there received his early education.
Upon laying aside his textbooks he turned to the shoe making trade, which he had
learned in Germany. In 1882, at the age of twenty-one, he went to Bismarck, North
Dakota, where for four years he conducted a shoe store and served for the same
length of time in the state militia, thereby demonstrating his patriotic spirit and his
appreciation of the duties of citizenship. He then took up a homestead claim north
of Bismarck, upon which he remained from 1886 to 1890, and also acted as mail car-
rier during this period. For ten years he was postmaster of Conger, North Dakota,
ably dischaging the duties of the office and also giving his attention to farming at
the same time. In 1908 he sold his interests there and in April, 1909, came to
Prosser, where he bought land, but established a shoe store at the same time and
to its conduct he has since given his time. As the years have passd he has built
up a good business, from which he now derives a gratifying income.
In 1890 Mr. Weber was united in marriage to Miss Louisa Brown, of North
Dakota, and they have eight children: Albert, who has a clerical position in Prosser;
Edna, the wife of Robert Evans, who is farming near Prosser; Robert, who is wag-
ing the fight for democracy in the United States navy; Clara: Emma; Rosie; Bertha
and Walter.
Mr. Weber has always taken a laudable interest in the growth and prosperity
of his community and through his business activities has contributed thereto. The
land which he owns near Prosser is of the best quality and of considerable value.
In his political affiliations he is a republican, steadfastly upholding the principles of
that party and ever supporting its candidates. He is a man of high principles and
character and all who know him speak of him in the most complimentary terms.
EARL W. BAILEY.
The fruit growing industry in the Yakima valley has of late taken exceedingly
forward strides and among the younger successful orchardists of this district is
numbered Earl W. Bailey, a native of Illinois, who was born in Dixon, March 20,
1887, and is a son of Duane W. and Julia G. (Graves) Bailey, both natives of Rupert,
Vermont. They removed to Illinois in their youth and there Duane W. Bailey
followed agricultural pursuits until 1889, when he went to Nebraska, where he con-
HISTORY OF YAKIMA \ALLEY 1053
tiinied to engage in farming until he passed away in 1900. His widow removed to
Seattle in 1909.
Earl W. Bailey was only two years of age when his parents took up their abode
in Nebraska and in that state he received his education. Early in life he became
acquainted with agricultural labor and later took over his father's farm, operating
the same until 1907, when he came to the Yakima valley, where he worked for
wages for a few years. In 1912, however, he acquired title to forty acres on the
upper Naches and now has twenty-five acres, largely in apples, but also has some
of his land in peaches and pears. The rest of the ranch is devoted to alfalfa. Mr.
Bailey has embraced all the latest methods in orcharding in order to obtain good
results. He has built an excellent barn on the property and also a packing house,
these improvements denoting the forward strides he has made toward success. He
also has a good modern residence, conveniently arranged.
On the 8th of February, 1913. Mr. Bailey was united in marriage to Miss Jennie
B. Wallin, of Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin. She is a daughter of A. C. and Mary E.
(King) Wallin and by her marriage has become the mother of two children, of
whom Beldon died in infancy, while Duane Wallin is five years of age.
Politically Mr. Bailey is a republican but outside of his service as a member
of the school board has not held any public office. Both he and his wife attend
the Presbyterian church, in the growth of which they take a helpful interest, while
fraternally Mr. Bailey is connected with the Masons, being a member of the blue
lodge and also the Modern Woodmen of America. Along the line of his occupation
he is connected with the Horticultural Union of Yakima County and in that organi-
zation often receives new ideas, also readily giving the value of his experience to
others. Although a comparatively young man. Mr. Bailey has already attained
financial independence and a prosperous future may be predicted for him.
WARD H. CRAMER.
For almost forty-four years Ward H. Cramer has been identified with some
phase or other of the development of the west. He is now engaged in general
farming near Ellensburg, having a ranch of eighty acres which he is successfully
cultivating and improving. He was born in Onondaga county. New York, August
25, 1853, a son of Henry V. and Betsy (Lamberson) Cramer, who were also natives
of Onondaga county, while both have passed away. The father devoted his life to
the occupation of farming. The mother, who was a daughter of John H. Lamber-
son, a pioneer farmer of Onondaga county. New York, departed this life in 1918,
at the notable old age of ninety-nine years.
Ward H. Cramer acquired a public school education and then became a student
in an academy at Homer, New York. Attracted by the opportunities of the grow-
ing west, he made his way to Cheyenne. Wyoming, in the spring of 1875, and after-
ward engaged in freighting for the government. In 1884 he removed to Billings,
Montana, where he entered the cattle business, and subsequently he purchased land
and conducted a cattle ranch, becoming one of the successful cattlemen of that
section of the country. His business affairs were wisely and carefully conducted
and his annual sales brought him a good financial return. In 1902, however, he
disposed of his interests there and afterward traveled to a considerable extent.
In 1904 he bought an eighty-acre ranch near Ellensburg and has since engaged in
general farming in this locality. In 1904 he began the erection of a fine residence
upon his place, has also built a new barn and has added the latest improved farm
machinery and all modern equipments and accessories which are features of the
model farm of the twentieth century.
In 1889 Mr. Cramer was united in marriage to Mrs. Minnie P. Owens, who was
born near Ripon, Wisconsin, and removed to Park City, Montana, in 1883. There
was one child by Mrs. Cramer's former marriage. Madison S., who is engaged in
farming with Mr. Cramer and owns thirty acres of ranch property.
Mr. Cramer belongs to the Masonic fraternity. His political allegiance is given
to the republican party and he keeps well informed on the questions and issues of
1054 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
the day but does not seek nor desire office, preferring always to concentrate his
efforts and attention upon his business interests. By close application and inde-
fatigable industry he has won a place among the leading farmers of Kittitas county
and has never had occasion to regret his determination to leave the east in order
to become identified with the great western empire. He has felt the stimulus of
opportunity in this section and has not only promoted his individual interests but
in many ways his activities have proven an clement in general development and
upbuilding.
JAMES N. HAND.
James N. Hand is one of the progressive ranchmen of the Kittitas valley.
Associated with his brother he has twelve hundred acres of range land, with six
hundred acres under irrigation and he has gained for himself a creditable position
among the successful ranchers of his section of the state. He was born at Kings-
court, County Cavan, Ireland, July 1, 1862, a son of Patrick and Bridget Hand, lioth
of whom passed away on the Emerald Isle. The son came to the United States
in 1885, when a young man of twenty-three years, and remained a resident of Iowa
from that date until 1889, during which period he engaged in the cultivation of
rented land. Thinking to find better business opportunities in the northwest, he
then made his way to the Kittitas valley and purchased forty acres of land, which
constituted the nucleus of_ his present extensive holdings. To this property he has
added from time to time until he and his brother Edward now have twelve hundred
acres of range land, together with a tract of six hundred acres under irrigation.
They own and conduct the farm together and are most progressive in their methods.
They raise hay and grain, annually gathering good crops, and they also devote con-
siderable attention to stock raising, keeping good grades of cattle, sheep and horses.
On July 20, 1909, James N. Hand was united in marriage to Miss Mary Finne-
gan, a native of Kingscourt, County Cavan, Ireland, whom he had known in school
days. Mrs. Hand came to New York, where she was met by her husband, their mar-
riage being celebrated in tha:f city. To Mr. and Mrs. Hand has been born a son,
James Edward, now seven years of age.
The religious faith of the family is that of the Catholic church and in politics
Mr. Hand maintains an independent course. He is a successful farmer and, more-
over, a self-made man whose industry and enterprise have been the dominant factors
in the attainment of his present success. He has never sought to figure promi-
nently in any public light but has given his entire time and attention to his business
afTairs and never has he had occasion to regret his determination to come to the
new world, for he has here found the opportunities which he sought and in their
utilization has won desired results.
DANIEL McCLEERY.
Daniel McCleery was not only widely and favorably known as one of the pro-
gressive business men of Zillah, Washington, but he also served for several years
as postmaster and in that connection ever ably and faithfully discharged his duties.
In his untimely death on March 13, 1913, Zillah lost one of its foremost and public-
spirited citizens. Mr. McCleery was a native of Trumbull county, Ohio, born Sep-
tember 18, 1844, and was a son of Daniel and Mary (.\dams) McCleery, natives of
Pennsylvania. They were pioneers of Ohio but in 1859 undertook the hazardous
trip across the plains to Colorado and located in Denver, where both passed away.
Thus they were connected with that great metropolis when it was yet a mining
village.
Daniel McCleery began his education in the public schools of Ohio and contmued
the same in Colorado, being fifteen years of age when his parents removed to that
state. One of his sisters was a schoolmate of President McKinley. When the Civil
DANIEL McCLEEKY AND FAMILY
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 1057
war broke out Mr. McCIeery enlisted in Company E, Second Colorado Cavalry, in
1861, and served until the close of the conflict, when he was mustered out and hon-
orably discharged at Junction City, Kansas. This, however, is not his only military
experience, for he reenlisted on May 9, 1876, in Company B, Second Regiment of
Cavalry, and served for live years. He was raised to the rank of corporal and par-
ticipated in much Indian fighting. He received his discharge May 8, 1881, at Fort
Keough. In that year he went to Nebraska, where he became manager of his broth-
er's large stock farm. He subsequently was postmaster of Pauline, Xebraska, and
served in that position for several years. The year 1903 marked his arrival in Zillah,
which remained his residence until his death. He entered the flour and feed business
and was quite successful along that line, while he also conducted a confectionery
store. Subsequently he was made postmaster of Zillah and for several years ably
discharged his official duties.
On March 2. 1887. Mr. McCIeery wedded Mrs. Jennie (Lawrence) Livingston, of
Hastings, Nebraska, the Lawrence family being more extensively mentioned in con-
nection with the sketch of L. E. Lawrence, a brother of Mrs. McCIeery. She bore
her husband two children: Jessie L., who is married to R. E. Hill, a ranchman located
west of Zillah, by whom she has a son. Noble G., now seven years of age; and Paul
D., who died in Nebraska when seventeen years of age.
Mr. McCIeery ever stanchly supported the republican party, in the principles of
which he thoroughly believed. Outside of the position of postmaster, however, he
held no other public offices, being content to fulfill his duties as a citizen in a private
capacity. Fraternally he was a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen
and also belonged to the Grand Army of the Republic, in which latter connection he
kept in touch with his old army comrades. In religious faith both he and his wife
were Methodists but as there is no church of that denomination in Zillah she now
belongs to the Christian church. Mr. McCIeery died of blood poisoning March 13,
1913, in a hospital at Toppenish, Washington, after two operations. His demise not
only caused sorrow to his immediate family but was greatly regretted by his many
friends, all of whom esteemed him as a man of high character, a reliable business
man, a public-spirited and loyal citizen and a trustworthy friend.
THEODORE R. JACOBS.
Theodore R. Jacobs, whose ability as an architect is manifest in many of the
fine buildings of Yakima and the valley, was born in Mannsville, New York, on the
8th of August, 1883, a son of George M. and Katherine (Rider) Jacobs, who in the
year 1888 left the Empire state and removed westward to Colorado. The father
was a civil engineer and did much surveying in connection with the development of
the irrigation systems of that state. He was appointed United States surveyor
general under President Cleveland during the latter's second administration and
occupied that office until 1908. He has passed away but is still survived by his
wife, who is now living in Pullman, Washington, with a daughter.
Tlicodore R. Jacobs was but five years of age when the family home was es-
tablished in Colorado and his education was acquired in the public schools of Den-
ver. He afterward entered the office of F. E. Kidder, a noted architect, when a
young man of seventeen years and remained with Mr. Kidder for about eight years,
receiving most thorough instruction and practical training in the profession. He
also attended a school in Denver maintained by the American Institute of Archi-
tects and known as the .Atelier, this being a similar institution to the one or more
schools maintained Ijy the American Institute of .Architects in each state in the
Union. After thorough preliminary training Mr. Jacolis, feeling that he was well
qualified to carry on business on his own account, opened an office in Spokane in
1910 and there remained until 1912. He afterward went to Pullman. Washington,
and was assistant architect at the State College for four years, having charge of
construction work to the amount of one million dollars. On the 25th of April. 1917,
he arrived in Yakima and already during the short period of his residence here
has designed many of the fine homes of the city. He is now engaged in buildftig
1058 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
the Toppenish high school and he erected the building for the Lowe Tire Company
of Yakima and has done other important work.
On the 18th of August, 1917, Mr. Jacobs was married to Miss Mabel B. Gerber,
of Yakima, and they have one son, Theodore Rider, Jr. Mr. Jacobs belongs to
Whitman Lodge No. 49, A. F. & A. M., and also has membership in the Commer-
cial Club. His political allegiance is given to the republican party. Along profes-
sional lines he is widely and favorably known and has membership in the Wash-
ington State Chapter of the American Institute of Architects. Prompted by laud-
able ambition, he has held to the highest standards of his profession and his ability
has brought him prominently to the front.
GRANDVIEW STATE BANK.
The Grandview State Bank, owing to the enterprising methods and sound judg-
ment of its officers, has become one of the strong financial institutions of this sec-
tion of the state. It was organized in Grandview, April 1, 1910, succeeding to the
banking business of A. W. Hawn & Company, whose private bank had been estab-
lished in 1908 by A. W. Hawn, J. D. Bassett and J. E. Prouty. With the organiza-
tion of the State Bank in 1910, J. D. Bassett was elected to the presidency, J. E.
Prouty becoming vice president and A. W. Hawn cashier. On the 1st of September,
1911, Mr. Prouty and Mr. Bassett sold their interests in the bank. On the 1st of
January, 1911. F. H. Gloyd became president and on the 1st of September of that
year E. O. Keck was elected vice president. In May, 1912, Mr. Keck became presi-
dent of the bank, with George M. Chase as vice president, and with the death of
Mr. Keck in the spring of 1917, Mr. Hawn was elected to the presidency. He had
continued all through the years as cashier of the bank and when he left that office
vacant John Vanderpole was chosen his successor. When the latter was made dep-
uty state bank examiner he was succeeded by A. L. Thiele, who has held the office
since August 20, 1918.
The bank was established with a capital of ten thousand dollars, which was
increased on the 1st of July, 1918, to twenty thousand dollars, and there is a surplus
of five thousand dollars. The deposits amount to about three hundred thousand
dollars and the rapid growth of the institution is shown by the fact that in 1906
there was only about five thousand dollars on deposit. The bank began business
in a little frame building which cost but four hundred dollars. In 1910 a good cor-
ner brick building was erected and in 1918 this was replaced by a fine stone building
which would be a credit to any town. The bank is supplied with oak fixtures, has
a torazzo floor, modern vaults and all equipment such as is found in the most mod-
ern bank buildings of the present day. The directors of the bank are A. W. Hawn,
George M. Chase and A. L. Thiele. The town of Grandview was established in 1906
and the bank was one of the first business enterprises of the new place. At that
date the entire countryside was covered with sagebrush but the town has grown
rapidly and the surrounding country has been marvelously developed, the bank
remaining as one of tlie important factors in the business life of the community.
A. W. HAWN.
A. W. Hawn. the honored president of the Grandview State Bank and one
of the substantial business men of Yakima county, was born in Canton, South
Dakota, November 30, 1873, a son of D. H. and .^ddie E. (York) Hawn, who were
pioneers of South Dakota^ The father was born in the state of New York, while
the mother's birth occurred in Wisconsin. They drove overland from Wisconsin
to South Dakota in 1869, and the father became one of the pioneer farmers of that
district. He had previously served his country as a soldier of the Union army in
the Civil war. After living for a number of years in South Dakota he removed
wfth .his family to Grandview, where he has since remained His wife has passed
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 1059
away but he yet makes his home in Grandview, although he has retired from active
business.
A. W. Hawn acquired a public school education and also pursued a business
course in Sioux City, Iowa. He then took up the occupation of farming, which he
followed for a short time in the early '90s, and later he became deputy register of
deeds at Canton, South Dakota. Subsequently he was in an abstract office and
tlicn became identified with the banking" business as an employe of the Farmers &
Merchants Bank at Worthing, South Dakota. In 1903 he arrived in Washington,
establishing his home at Ritzville. where he accepted the position of cashier with
the King Mercantile Company. He afterward removed to Sunnyside, Washington,
where he remained for six months, during which period he was engaged in the
real estate and insurance business. He also resided for a few months at Granger,
Washington, and finally came to Grandview, where he established a private bank
with the founding of the town. The history of this institution is given above. It
has shown a steady growth under the wise management and safe control of Mr.
Hawn, who has ever recognized the fact that the bank is most worthy of support
that most carefully safeguards the interests of its depositors.
In June, 1898, Mr. Hawn was united in marriage to Miss Elma Vida Stilwell.
of Canton, South Dakota, and their children are Elma, Lewis, Marcella and Mar-
garet. Fraternally Mr. Hawn is connected with the Elks Lodge No. 318, of Y'akima,
also with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Grandview. His political en-
dorsement is given to the republican party and for three years he served as alder-
man of Grandview, exercising his official prerogatives in support of many progres-
sive public measures. He has been at the head of the Liberty Loan drives in
Grandview and has put forth every possible effort to support the war activities
and thereby promote the interests of the government. In community affairs he
stands for all that has to do with the progress and upbuilding of his section and
lends his hearty aid and support to any movement or plan that is calculated to
benefit local interests.
OTTO M. JOHNSON.
Otto M. Johnson, who is one of the successful young farmers of Yakima
county, was born in Edmonds, Washington, February 9, 1894, a son of Otto W. and
Anna C. (Bard) Johnson, both of whom are natives of Sweden. The father came
to the LTnited States when seventeen years of age and established his home in St.
Paul, Minnesota. The mother was but eleven years of age when she crossed the
.Atlantic to the new world and they were married in St. Paul. After living for
some time in the middle west they came to the Pacific coast, settling in Edmonds,
Washington, in 1888. The father was engaged in the shoe business there for a
short time and afterward turned his attention to shingle manufacturing, in which
business he continued actively for about eighteen years. He is now a shoe mer-
chant of Seattle, well known as an enterprising business man of that city.
Otto M. Johnson acquired a public school education and after his textbooks
were put aside became a plumber and pipe fitter, learning the trade in Seattle. In
April, 1912, he removed to Yakima county and for a time operated a ranch be-
longing to his father near Wiley City. Subsequently, associated with L. M. Ayling,
he bought a ranch near Selah and afterward rented land on Naches Heights for
two years. In 1917 he purchased forty acres and he now has twenty-five acres
under cultivation, devoted largely to the raising of potatoes, hay and grain as
well as other crops. His land is carefully developed according to modern scientific
methods and the results achieved are most desirable. The care and thoroughness
with which he' has directed his interests have placed him among the successful
young farmers of his section of the state.
On the 5th of February, 1916, Mr. Johnson was united in marriage to Miss
Ethel C. Hersom. who was born in Iowa, a daughter of E. B. and Evaline Elizabeth
(Henthorne) Hersom. who came to Yakima county in 1902 and settled on a ranch
near Selah. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have become parents of an interesting little
1060 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
daughter, Edna Luella. They are well known and highly esteemed in the commu-
nity in which they reside, having gained many friends during the period of their
residence in Yakima county.
BERT L. BLOOD.
The name of Bert L. Blood is closely associated with the wholesale fruit trade
of Wapato, for he was one of the organizers of the Sunset Fruit & Produce Com-
pany and remains one of its officials. He was born in Oregon City, Oregon, on the
24th of April, 1883. a son of Abel Ri. and Hattie A. (Stone) Blood, the former a
native of Illinois, while the latter was born in Wisconsin. Both went to Iowa when
young people and in the year 1875 Abel R. Blood established his home in Seattle.
Washington, where he became connected with the lumber trade. His widow is a
daughter of David L. Stone, who removed to Oregon with his family in the same
year. The parents of Bert L. Blood were married in Marysville, California, in
1880. They had become acquainted in Iowa and the friendship thus begun ripened
into love and was consummated in marriage. In 1881 Abel R. Blood removed from
Washington to Oregon and there engaged in teaching school and was also active
in the lumber trade. In 1889, however, he returned to Washington, settling at
Chehalis. where he made his home until 1898. He then removed to Aberdeen,
Washington, where he remained until 1899. when he met death by accident. His
widow survives and is now living in Yakima.
.A.fter the completion of a high school course Bert L. Blood pursued a Inisiness
course and then in young manhood became actively identified with the lumber trade.
In 1904 he removed to Yakima, wdiere he was employed along various lines of busi-
ness, and in the spring of 1907 he purchased an orchard near Y'akima and has
since been identified with the horticultural interests of the valley. He was a mem-
ber of the firm of Pike & Blood, fruit dealers, from 1910 until 1916, when he sold
his interest in that connection and in 1917 became one of the organizers of the Sun-
set Fruit & Produce Company, of which he has since been the vice president. This
firm has made steady progress since its organization and their business is now large
and gratifying. Mr. Blood also owns a fine fruit ranch of five acres, which is in
good bearing
Fraternally he is connected with the Brotherhood of American Yeomen and he
belongs to the Toppenish Commercial Club. He is widely known in this section
of the state as an energetic and enterprising man and Wapato regards him as a
valued addition to her citizenship because of his business capacity and his loyalty
to every interest calculated to promote the growth and benefit of the town.
J. H. CARSTENS.
.'\ native of Illinois, J. H. Carstens has for about sixteen years been connected
with the development of Yakima, where he has not only been engaged in the build-
ing and construction business but has also engineered important real estate deals,
contributing by his activities toward the growth of his city, at the same time gain-
ing a comfortable comi)etence for himself.
Mr. Carstens passed his boyhood days in Nashville. Illinois, where he received
a public school education. As a young man he became connected with the build-
ing and construction business and on August 1. 1901. came to Yakima and. acquiring
land here, built thereon houses which he sold at a gratifying profit. He quickly
demonstrated his business ability and also his honesty and reliability, thereby
winning the trust and confidence of the public. He deals in real estate and is rec-
ognized among the few who have a true knowledge of local conditions. It is
therefore but natural that his business affairs have prospered and that he has been
quite successful along the line in which he first embarked. He largely gives his
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 1061
attention to developing his own town properties but is also interested in farm
lands, particularly in the establishment of fruit ranches.
On December 24, 1896, Mr Carstens was united in marriage to Miss Dora R.
Rhine, of Nashville, Illinois, and to them have been born two children, Halsey R.
and Alma. Mr. Carstens is prominent in the Masonic order, being a member of
Yakima Lodge Xo. 24, F. & A. M.; Yakima Chapter No, 21, R. A. M.; Yakima
Council No. 12, R. & S. M.; and Yakima Commandery, K. T. He also belongs to
the Modern Woodmen of America. In business circles he stands high as a thor-
ouglily reliable and trustworthy builder and real estate dealer and upon these quali-
fications have largely been built his success.
AUSTIN E. TYRRELL.
Although the business training and experience of Austin E. Tyrrell previous
to his arrival in Yakima county was totally unlike fruit growing, his activities being
directed along clerical lines, he has nevertheless met with substantial success in
the development of orchards in the Selah valley, where he now makes his home.
He was born in Waseca county, Minnesota, January 27, 1871, a son of Edward and
Mary Tyrrell, who in 1868 became residents of that state, removing to the upper
Mississippi valley from Maine. The father purchased a homestead from the gov-
ernment, securing a tract of land upon which not a furrow had been turned nor an
improvement made, but with characteristic energy he began its cultivation and
transformed the wild tract into productive fields, which he continued to cultivate
until his death. His widow survives and now lives with her children.
Austin E. Tyrrell acquired a public school education and afterward pursued a
business course in Mankato, Minnesota. He then secured employment in railroad
offices, where he continued until 1900, when he went to Montana and spent three
years with the Anaconda Copper Mining Company. He was afterward located in
Washington, D. C. where for five years he occupied a responsible position in the
treasury department of the United States. Attracted, however, by the stories whicli
reached him concerning the opportunities of the Yakima valley for fruit culture,
he came to tliis section of the state in 1910 and purchased ten acres of land on Selah
Heights. This tract he has since planted to pears and apples and now has splendid
bearing orchards. He has also spent three years in the interval in California as a
member of the state board of control but is now again upon the farm, which he is
carefully, wisely and successfully managing, having today one of the fine orchard
properties of this section of the state.
On the 20th of May, 1900, Mr. Tyrrell was united in marriage to Miss Rena An-
derson, a native of Minnesota and a daughter of T. Anderson, of Albert Lea, Minne-
sota. Politically Mr. Tyrrell maintains an independent course, voting for men and
measures rather than party, nor is he identified with fraternal interests, preferring
to concentrate his efforts and attention solely upon business affairs, and in all that
he does he is actuated by a laudable ambition
ABRAHAM VAN WYK.
Abraham Van Wyk is actively engaged in general farming and stock raising,
running both sheep and cattle upon his farm in Yakima county. He was born in
Holland. April 9, 1857. a son of John and Johanna Lena Van Wyk, who removed
to New Jersey in 1888 and there resided until they were called to their final rest.
Abraham Van Wyk spent the period of his boyhood and youth in his native
country and was about twenty-nine years of age, when he came to the United
States, crossing the Atlantic in 1886. He made his way to Nevada, where he en-
gaged in farming until 1888, when he returned eastward to New Jersey and there
joined his parents, who in that year came to the new world. He continued a resi-
dent of New Jersey until 1904, when he made his way to the Pacific northwest,
(44)
1062 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
settling in Yakima county, Washington, where he purchased twenty acres on the
Moxee. To this he afterward added a ten-acre tract, becoming owner of thirty
acres in all. He has since devoted his attention to general farming and he has over
six hundred head of sheep and cattle, handling registered Holstein cattle. His
live stock interests constitute an important branch of his business. He is also
engaged in the raising of hay and grain and his farming interests have gained him
a place among the substantial citizens of his section of the state.
On the 27th of August, 1898, Mr. Van Wyk was married to Miss Freda Neu-
deck, a native of Germany and a daughter of Gustave and Antonia Neudeck. Mrs.
Van Wyk came to the United States at the age of si.xteen years with her parents
and was married in New Jersey. To this marriage have been born five children:
John, who was born July 6, 1899: Gustave, born October 5, 1900; Walter, May 8,
1906; Otto Ernest. December 24, 1908; and Johanna Lena. May 28, 1911.
The parents attend the First Reformed church and Mr. Van Wyk gives his
political support to the republican party. He has never had occasion to regret his
determination to come to the new world, for here he has found the opportunities
which he sought and in their utilization has made steady progress toward the goal
of success.
FRANK TAYLOR.
Frank Taylor, of Ellensburg. filling the office of deputy sheriff of Kittitas
county, was born in Yakima county, Washington, on the 4th of July, 1883. near
Ellensburg, a son of William J. and Mary (Grewell) Taylor, of whom extended
mention is made on another page of this volume. Reared in this section of Wash-
ington, he acquired a public school education in Ellensburg, completing his course
by graduation from the high school with the class of 1903. He was then engaged
with his father in the live stock business until they retired from that field of
activity in 1898. They were afterward engaged in dealing in horses for several
years and subsequently Frank Taj'lor took up the occupation of farming, which he
followed for four years. He later devoted three years to teaming in Ellensburg and
on the 3d of March, 1914, he was called to the office of deputy sheriff, in which
position he has served for two terms, making a creditable record in that connection
by the prompt and fearless discharge of his duties. In 1918 he became the candi-
date of the democratic party for the office of sheriff.
In 1906 Mr. Taylor was united in marriage to Miss Emma .\braham, of Cali-
fornia, and to them have been born three children: Bernice May, Lois Augusta and
Frankie William. In his fraternal connections Mr. Taylor is an Elk, belonging to
Lodge No. 1102 of Ellensburg. His business interests and his public activity have
made him widely known through this section of the state and he is highly esteemed
as one who has been loyal to duty and faithful to every cause which he has
espoused.
ALEXANDER D. SLOAN.
Alexander D. Sloan, a representative of Yakima's commercial interests, being
engaged in the drug business, was born in Maryland on the 12th of November,
1866, a son of Alexander and Sarah (Percy) Sloan, who were natives of Scotland
and came to the United States when young people, being married on this side of
the Atlantic. The father was superintendent of the New Central Coal Company
and both he and his wife are now deceased.
Alexander D. Sloan acquired a public school education in his native state and
afterward was graduated from the LTniversity of Virginia, while in 1889 he com-
pleted a course in the University of Maryland. He had served an apprenticeship to
the drug business in Baltimore and pursued a scientific course in pharmacy in the
Maryland university. In 1896 he arrived in Yakima, where he purchased the Mercer
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 1063
drug store, and about 1899 he made a removal to the corner of First street and
Yakima avenue, where he occupies a building twenty-five by one hundred feet. He
has the oldest drug store of the city and has been continuously in business in
Yakima for a longer period than any other druggist. His prescriptions number
over two hundred and twenty-five thousand since the time the store was established.
Every prescription is on file and there is no drug store of the entire northwest
which enjoys or more deserves the confidence of the people. The store is taste-
fully and attractively arranged and an extensive line of the more reliable drugs is
carried.
On the 5th of September, 1902, Mr. Sloan was married to Miss Clara J. Sin-
clair, of Yakima, a daughter of Hugh K. Sinclair, one of the old-time ranchmen of
this section of the state. Mrs. Sloan was born in Nova Scotia and came to the
northwest in her childhood days, her parents being among the pioneer settlers of
the Naches valley.
Mr. Sloan is well known in fraternal circles, belonging to Yakima Lodge No.
24, A. F. & A. M.; Yakima Chapter, R. A. M.; to the Knights of Pythias; to the
Benevolent Protective Order of Elks; to the Fraternal Order of Eagles; and to the
Woodmen of the World. He is also a member of the Yakima Country Club. His
political allegiance is given to the republican party, in which he is an active worker.
He served as a delegate to the national convention in 1912 and again in 1916. He
has been a member of the state central committee for many years and has thus
taken an active part in directing the affairs and shaping the interests of the party
in Washington. He has also served as chairman of the county central committee.
The nature of his interests is furthermore indicated in the fact that he is a charter
member of the Yakima Historical Society and is now serving as its treasurer. He
is interested in everything that has to do with the west, its history and its upbuild-
ing, and he has played an important part in promoting its activities :ilong various
lines. His long residence in Yakima and his close connection with its business
affairs have made him widely known and high regard is entertained for him, for his
career has ever been such as would bear the closest investigation and scrutiny. In
connection with his other business interests Mr. Sloan is a director of the Yakima
Trust Company.
WILLIS R. BIRGE.
Important farming interests near Sunnyside claim the attention of Willis R.
Birge, a native of Minnesota, who was born in Rice county, February 9, 1857, a son
of Rodger P. and Isabel (Reed) Birge. The father was born in East Windsor, Con-
necticut, w'hile his wife was a native of Pennsylvania. He was numbered among the
honored pioneers of Iowa, whence in 1852 he made his way to Rice county, Minne-
sota, where he took up a homestead and there farmed until 1868. returning at the end
of that period to Iowa, where he spent a year. In .April, 1869. removal was made to
Seward county. Nebraska, where he arrived while pioneer conditions still maintained,
in fact bufTalo still roamed within thirty-five miles of his place. That property he
improved and operated until the spring of 1889. or for a period of twenty years Per-
ceiving greater opportunities in the Pacific northwest, he made up his mind to profit
liy the chances here offered and in the summer came to Washington, remaining at
that time, however, only a few months and continuing on to California. Later, how-
ever, he returned to this state, going to Sumner, and there he passed away in 1904.
His wife had preceded him by over a third of a centurv, her demise occurring in
1867.
Willis R. Birge received his education largely in the public schools of Nebraska
and he also attended Doane College of that state for a year, perceiving the advan-
tages gained from a thorough educational foundation in order to better pursue life's
arduous duties. After leaving college he decided to follow farming, remaining with
his father, until the spring of 1890, when he came to Washington and for three years
lived in Tacoma. while for six years Spokane was his residence. He was largely
engaged in railroading during this period. In 1898, however, Mr. Birge took up a
1064 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
desert claim four and a half miles southwest of Sunnyside but in 1900 changed it to
a homestead, on which he proved up. Under the homestead rights he received one
hundred and twenty acres but traded eighty acres of it for one hundred and twenty
acres near Mabton, in the Horse Heaven country This tract he now rents. The
remaining forty acres of the original home farm are highly developed and there he
erected a beautiful modern home in 1910. He also has good barns and everything
about the place indicates his progressive methods and the energy and industry which
he has exercised in making his one of the model farms of his neighborhood. He has
excellent barns and modern machinery, thus increasing the value of the annual yield.
He largely raises alfalfa and corn.
On the 3d of August. 1903, Mr. Birge was married to Almeda Alexander, a na-
tive of Greenville. Tennessee, through which state Mr. Birge made a most interest-
ing auto trip. Mrs. Birge is a daughter of James G. and Louise (Wagner) Alexander,
the former a native of Greenville. Tennessee, while the latter was born in \'irginia.
Mr. Alexander was of Scotch descent. His original American ancestor came to the
United States in colonial days and served in the Revolutionary war, thus assisting
in winning independence and liberty for this countrj'. The mother of Mrs. Birge
was of German descent, the family having come to this country prior to the Revolu-
tionary war. in which conflict some of them participated. Mr. and Mrs. .Alexander
have both passed away. ^
Mr. and Mrs. Birge attend the Presbyterian church, of which the latter is a de-
voted member. Fraternallj' Mr. Birge belongs to the Masons, being connected with
the blue lodge in Sunnyside and also the chapter. In politics he is independent but
gives preference to republican principles and candidates. Mrs. Birge is also con-
nected with the Masonic order, being a member of the Eastern Star. Both are very
popular in social circles of Sunnyside, where they have many friends. They are inter-
ested in intellectual and moral development and Mr. Birge is ever ready to give his
support to measures which have for their purpose the upbuilding of his district.
CHRISTY G. THOMAS.
Christy G. Thomas, postmaster of Cle Elum, is a native of Monroe county, Mis-
souri. He was born February 18, 1849, of the marriage of David and Isabel J.
(Sparks) Thomas, both of whom were born in Kentucky, the latter being a daughter
of James Sparks, who in 1839 removed to Missouri. David Thomas was a son of
Parson Thomas, who died in 1838, while en route to Missouri. It was in the year
1847 that David Thomas and Isabel J. Sparks were married in Missouri. The
former was the first postmaster at Woodlawn. that state, having been appointed to
the position in 1851. He afterward went to Pike's Peak. Colorado, attracted by the
gold discoveries in that region, and later he settled in Carroll county, Missouri. He
subsequently became a resident of Jackson county, Missouri, where he- was killed
by lightning on the 29th of April, 1872. His widow survived for a number of years,
passing away in Missouri in 1887.
Their son, Christy G. Thomas, acquired a public school education, the little
temple of learning in which he pursued his studies being one of the old-time log
schoolhouses of his native state. In young manhood he took up the occupation of
farming and also learned the carpenter's trade. He was afterward engaged in the
grocery business in Missouri in 1883 and 1884 and was otherwise identified with
business activity in that state for a considerable period. In 1901 he arrived in Cle
Elum, Washington, and for five years thereafter engaged in the cultivation of a
rented ranch. Subsequently he turned his attention to the livery business, in which
he engaged for four years. He next entered the hotel business purchasing the Reed
Hotel, but sold that property six months later. He then lived retired until the 10th
of July, 1913, when he was appointed postmaster of Cle Elum and on the expiration
of his four years' term was reappointed on the 24th of January, 1918. so that he
has now entered upon a period of service that will cover eight years.
On the 27th of February, 1876, Mr. Thomas was married to Miss Mary E.
Stalcup, who was born in Monroe county. Missouri, in 1849, a daughter of William
CHRISTY G. THOMAS
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 1067
and Sarah A. Stalciip. Tlie children of this marriage are: William B., now deceased;
Anna B., the wife of O. D. Chapman, a resident of Pasco, Washington; Maude, the
wife of A. W. Byers, living at Cle Elum; one who died in infancy; Leonard, w-ho
died at the age of one year; and Christy Ray, who is now acting as clerk in the
postoffice. He is married and makes his home in Cle Elum.
Mr. Thomas has always given his political allegiance to the democratic party, of
which he became a stanch supporter on attaining his majority. He is an enthusiastic
champion of the northwest and its opportunities and has lived to see remarkable
progress in the section in which he elected to make his home.
L. L. HEER.
L. L. Heer,^ president of the Valley Iron Works of Yakima and thus closely con-
nected with the industrial development of the city, was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsyl-
vania, in 1864. He acquired a public school education in the east and there learned
the machinist's trade. Later he occupied the position of manager with the Morgan
Engineering Company of Alliance, Ohio, and subsequently became assistant works
manager with the Wellman-Seaver-Morgan Company of Cleveland. He continued
his residence in that section of the country until Iiis removal to Yakima and he was
also at one time general foreman for tlie Eraser & Chalmers Engine Works at Chi-
cago. His training has been most thorough and comprehensive along the line in
which he is now engaged. The Valley Iron Works, of which he is proprietor, was
established in the old town of Yakima in the '80s by Mr. Schichtl, who conducted the
business under his own name and subsequently sold to Mr. Holstein, who in turn was
succeeded l>y the Moffett Patent Manufacturing Company, from whom Mr. Heer pur-
chased the business, changing the name to the Valley Iron Works in 1911. He has
greatly enlarged and improved the plant and occupies a building fifty by one hun-
dred and fifty feet. He does a general line of machine shop work and repairs and
employs about twelve skilled mechanics. Mr. Heer's experience in that direction
well qualifies him to direct the labors of these in his service, and to supply the knowl-
edge that must underlie cfticient workmanship.
In 1893 Mr. Heer was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Ellett, of Alliance,
Ohio, and they have become parents of a son and two daughters, but William is now
deceased. The others are Helen and Lois.
Mr. Heer is a republican in his political views and while well informed on the
questions and issues of the day and an earnest supporter of the party with which he
has voted since attaining adult age, he has never been an office seeker. He belongs
to the Yakima Valley Business Men's Association and he concentrates his efforts and
attention upon his individual interests, which arc most wisely and carefully directed
and which are now bringing to him substantial success.
JULIUS O. STRAND.
The soil of Yakima county is naturally rich and productive when water can be
added thereto and the development 'of the land has greatly increased the wealth of
the population, for it has been found that fruit, various cereals and all kinds of garden
product can be profitabh' raised. The region once wild and desolate, covered with
nothing but sagebrush, has been transformed into what is veritably one of the garden
spots of the world, and among those who are successfully engaged in the tilling of
the soil in this section is Julius O. Strand, who is the owner of forty acres of valuable
land which he has carefully and profitably cultivated. He w^as born in La Crosse
county, Wisconsin, June 11, 1864, a son of Ole and Ingeborg Strand, who were pioneer
people of Wisconsin. They were the second family to locate in the Boswick valley.
They came from Norway in 1848, and made their way across the country to Dane
county, Wisconsin, where they lived for a time and then took up their abode in La
1068 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
Crosse county, where they remained from 1852 until late in life, when they became
residents of Tacoma, Washington, where their last days were passed.
Julius O. Strand acquired a pubhc school education and through the period of
his youth and early manhood engaged in farming with his father. Later he purchased
the old homestead property and continued in, active identification with agricultural
interests in the Mississippi valley luitil 1903, when he sold the property and came to
Yakima county, where he spent a week. He afterward spent the winter in Colorado
and then returned to Wisconsin, where he remained through the succeeding three
years. In 190o he again arrived in Yakima county, where he and his brother and
brother-in-law purchased two hundred acres on the Cowiche. This they later sold,
after which Julius O. Strand made investment in eighty acres adjoining. He built
a fine home upon this place and began its development but later sold forty acres , of
the land to his brother. He still retains an equal amount and he is now succfssfully
engaged in the raising of grain and hay. He also makes a specialty of raising sugar
beets and he has twelve acres planted to apples, his orchards being in excellent bear-
ing condition. All the work upon his place is carefully and systematically done and
his practical and progressive methods are manifest in the excellent results which have
been achieved.
On the 15th of December, 1891, Mr. Strand was united in marriage to Miss An-
netta Strand, a native of Iowa and a daughter of Ole Strand. The children of this
marriage are as follows: Florence, who is the wife of Guy Simmons, a rancher on
the Cowiche; Elsie, who died at the age of eleven years; Esther, at home; Walter,
who died in infancy; and Wilbur and Oscar, who are also at home.
Mr. Stratid is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and his religious
faith is that of the Lutheran church, while his political belief is that of the republi-
can party. He stands loyally by anj' cause which he espouses and never hesitates
to voice his honest opinions. He is a self-made man and successful farmer and one
whose sterling personal worth as well as business ability has gained tor him the
respect and coi;fidence of those with whom he has been brought in contact.
HERMAN A. HARLAN.
Herman A. Harlan, engaged in the lumber business at Zillah, comes to the north-
west from Iowa. He was born in Lee county of that state on the 1st of December,
1879, a son of Howard and Allie (Cox) Harlan. In the year 1893 his parents removed
to South Dakota, settling at Elk Point, and later took up their abode at Alexandria,
where the father engaged in the practice of dentistry, for which he had qualified in
early manlrocd. In 1905 he came to the Yakima valley and purchased a fruit ranch
near Zillah, upon which he has since resided, concentrating his efforts and attention
most successfully upon horticultural interests.
Herman A. Harlan was a lad of thirteen years when his parents removed to
South Dakota and there he continued his education, which had been begun in the
public schools of his native state. After his textbooks were put aside he accepted
a position as bookkeeper with the Standard Oil Company and in 1905 he made his way
to the northwest, with Seattle as his destination. He was employed in that city by
the Pacific Coast Coal Company and also by the Lee P. Kctcham Coal Company. In
1912, however, he removed to Zillah and purchased an interest in the Morgan Lumber
Company, of which he has since been the vice president and manager. This com-
pany carries a large line of all kinds of lumber and building supplies and has built
up a business of gratifying proportions. The trade under the wise direction of
the officers is constantly increasing, for they put forth every effort to please their
patrons and are thoroughly reliable in their business methods. In addition to his
lumber interests Mr. Harlan is a director of the Lynch-Pennington Fruit Company
of Yakima and is the owner of an excellent fruit ranch near Zillah.
In 1909 Mr. Harlan was united in marriage to Miss Katheryn Knight, a native
of Nebraska. In his fraternal relations Mr. Harlan is connected with Meridian Lodge,
No. 198, A. F. & A. M.. the Rose Croix chapter of Y'akima, the consistory of Tacoma
and also the Mystic Shrine of Tacoma. He belongs to Yakima Lodge, No. 318, B.
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 1069
P. O. E., and is a loyal adherent of the teachings of these organizations. His political
allegiance is given to the republican party but without desire for office, as he prefers
to concentrate his efforts and attention upon his business affairs.
EVAN OWEN.
Evan Owen, whose fellow townsmen speak of him as a man of genuine worth,
a man whose word is as good as his bond, makes his home near Sunnyside, where
he is engaged in ranching. He was born in Wales, June 12, 1854, a son of John and
Betsey Owen, who were farming people of that country but have now passed away.
Evan Owen remained a resident of his native country through the period of his
boyhood and youth and came to the United States in 1881, making liis way to Kan-
sas. He afterward worked for wages in that state, in California, in Oregon and in
Washington and for many years was employed in herding sheep. In 1914 he pur-
chased a half interest in a sheep ranch near Outlook, Washington, his partner being
Frank Rufrock. Together they own twenty-four hundred head of sheep and a fine
forty acre ranch. In 1918 they had about ten thousand head of sheep but have sold
a great number. They are now planting the ranch to alfalfa, devoting it largely to
the raising of hay, and to the property they have added many modern improvements.
In 1883 Mr. Owen was married to Miss Jane Reese, who was born in Wales and
came to the United States in her girlhood days. She passed away in 1886, leaving two
children: Elizabeth, the wife of Joseph Crouch, a resident of Oceanside, California, by
whom she has one son, Herbert: and John William, usually known as Will, who
married Minnie Sachman and resides in Sprague, Washington. He has two children,
Robert and Clarence.
Mr. Owen has been a resident of the Yakima valley for many years, first taking
up his abode here in 1906. In the intervening period he has become recognized as
one of the successful stockmen of the northwest. He has engaged extensively in
buying and selling sheep, purchasing sheep to the value of sixty thousand dollars in
a single day. He possesses a most retentive memory, keeping all of the details of a
business transaction in his head, and he is known absolutely as a man of his word.
His life has been characterized by unfaltering industry and diligence. He concen-
trates his efforts and attention upon business and maintains an even balance in all
things. In politics he prefers the republican party and he does not believe in the
Non-Partisan League or the I. W. W.'s. He looks at life always from a sane stand-
point and recognizes its values. Losing his wife only three years after their mar-
riage and being left with two small children, he has educated them and has given
them a good start in life. He early recognized the fact that if the individual does
not succeed he must place the blame upon himself. He saw that industry is the
basis of prosperity and that hard work and economy will always enable one to attain
success. His own career is an illustration of tliis fact and all who know him give
him great credit for what he has accomplished.
PORTER ALLENBAUGH.
Porter Allenbaugh. deceased, was the owner of a valuabk' property of twenty
acres three and one-half miles west of Grandview, largely devoted to general farm-
ing, and he also had dairying interests here. He made agriculture largely his life
work and through progressive methods, untiring industry and intelligent study of
conditions of soil and climate succeeded so that he gained recognition as one of the
well-to-do ranchers of the valley.
A native of Indiana, Mr. Allenbaugh was born in Porter county, March 2, 1859,
a son of George and Eva Allenbaugh, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the
latter of Germany. The paternal grandfather of our subject was Samuel S. Allen-
baugli, who as a pioneer resided in Illinois about 1848, building the first house in his
part of Cumberland county, that state. George Allenbaugh was successfully con-
1070 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
nected with agricultural pursuits in Illinois and also served throughout the whole
period of the Civil war, rendering valuable service to his countrj', while his farm was
conducted by his wife during his absence. In 1876 the family removed to Elk county,
Kansas, and there both parents died in 1879.
Porter Allenbaugh was reared amid farm surroundings, thus early becoming
acquainted with valuable farming methods. In the acquirement of an education he
attended the public schools in his native state as well as in Kansas and subsequently
took up farming in the Sunflower state. He acquired the old homestead but in 1890
sold it and on the 14th of April of that year arrived in Yakima county. He at first
worked for wages and soon demonstrated his ability as well as experience and
knowledge, becoming manager of a five-hundred acre ranch on the Ahtanum of which
J. R. Patton was the owner. Later he removed to Yakima, where for six years he
worked for H. L. Nicker. He next rented land and in 1896 became manager of a
ranch on the Columbia river for a Mr. Tucker. As his means increased he acquired
property and owned several farms, all of which he conducted to good purpose. Ir»
1916 he came into possession of twenty acres three and one-half miles west of
Grandview, which he cultivated throughout the remainder of his life, raising corn,
potatoes, beans and hay and also giving some attention to live stock, raising hogs
for the market. He conducted an up-to-date dairy, from which he derived an ad-
ditional income that was very gratifying. He was a thoroughly modern and enter-
prising agriculturist, energetic and industrious, and made his property very valuable.
In November, 1883, Mr. Allenbaugh was united in marriage to Miss Alice Pit-
zer, a native of Ohio and a daughter of Joseph and Emily (Butts) Pitzer. both of
Virginia. Mr. and Mrs. Allenbaugh became the parents of four daughters. They
are: Edith, the wife of E. L. Lennington, a rancher of Yakima county: Edna, who
married B. F. Lambert, a resident of Yakima; Anna, who married H. L. Boyd, of
Seattle; and Carrie, the wife of George Godette, also residing in Seattle.
Mr. and Mrs. Allenbaugh occupied an enviable position in the social circle of
their neighborhood, where they were esteemed and respected by all who knew them.
Fraternally he was a member of the Woodmen of the World and also belonged to
the Modern Woodmen of America, while in politics he was a republican. He was at
all times interested in the development and upbuilding of his section of the state
and gave valuable cooperation to measures undertaken on behalf of the general
welfare.
ALBERT GARFIELD BERRY.
Albert Garfield Berry, who follows farming in the vicinity of Thorp, was born
in Adams county, Ohio, April 5, 1880. a son of John and Maggie (Schreffler) Berry,
the former a native of the Buckeye state, while the latter was born in Pennsylvania.
In 1885 they made their way to the northwest, taking up their abode in Klickitat
county, Washington, where Mr. Berry secured a homestead claim. With character-
istic energy he began the cultivation and development of that place, which he con-
tinued to carefuU}' farm until 1902, when he retired from active business life and re-
moved to The Dalles, Oregon, there spending his remaining days, his death occurring
January 18, 1909. His wife survived for a number of vears, passing away October
IS, 1916.
Albert G. Berry was a pupil in the public schools near his father's home and
when not busily engaged with his textbooks he concentrated his efforts and atten-
tion upon the ranch work. In 1903, however, he went to Idaho and on the 12th of
October, 1904, came to Kittitas county, where he accepted the position of manager
of the ranch of Judge Kaufman, in which responsible position he continued for six
years. On the 15th of May, 1911, he purchased eighty acres of land a mile and a
half west of Thorp and has since added to his original holdings by the purchase, on
the 10th of March, 1916, of nine hundred and sixty acres. He devotes two hundred
and forty acres of his place to farming and the remainder of his land is in pasture.
In addition to raising the cereals best adapted to soil and climate and also to raising
hay, he gives considerable of his attention to sheep. He has a fine ranch, well im-
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 1071
proved, and his business affairs are systematically, carefully and intelligently di-
rected, bringing to him gratifying returns.
In 1906 Mr. Berry was married to Miss Tena Holtorf, a native of California and
a daughter of Henry and Marie Holtorf, who are now residents of Trinity county,
California, where the father is engaged in the cattle business. Mr. and Mrs. Berry
have two children. Clarence Albert and Mabel.
Mr. Berry votes with the republican party and keeps well informed on the ques-
tions and issues of the day. He is a self-made man, his prosperity resulting from
his close application and indefatigable energy. He is imbued with the spirit of wes-
tern enterprise and, realizing the possibilities of the northwest, he never stops short
of the successful accomplishment of liis purpose, which is ever in the line of honor-
able activity.
HARRY J. DUNHAM.
Harry J. Dunham, a university man, now filling the office of clerk of the United
States district court at Yakima, was born in Morris, Illinois, on the 18th of August,
1892, a son of John and Catherine (Hynds) Dunham. The father died in Mexico
about 1900. after which the mother took her family to Missoula. Montana, where she
resided for a time, and then removed to Spokane. She was married a second time,
becoming the wife of Dr. \V. H. Hare, one of the pioneers of the Yakima valley, who
is now clerk of the federal court of Spokane, where they make their home.
Harry J. Dunham began his education in the schools of Laporte, Indiana, and
afterward took up the study of law at Gonzaga University in Washington, from which
he was graduated with the class of 1916. During his college days he was very active
on the football and basket ball teams and acted as coach for Marquette College. He
came to Yakima as clerk of the district court under Judge Frank H. Rudkin and has
since occupied this position, the duties of which he discharges with the utmost thor-
oughness and system.
Mr. Dunham is a member of St. Joseph's Catholic church and in politics he main-
tains an independent course but keeps well informed on the questions and issues of
the day and gives his aid to the men and measures that he believes are most worthy
of support. He has gained a wide acquaintance during his residence in Yakima and
has won the warm friendship of many.
WILLIAM C. WILLETT.
William C. Willett has charge of the county farm in Yakima county and has
the distinction of being the only man who has made the property self-supporting.
In fact he has so carefully and wisely directed its interests that he not only makes
expenses but profits have also accrued upon the work that has been carried on there.
Mr. Willett is a native of Boston, Erie county. New York. He was born June
19, 1869. of the marriage of Christopher and Catherine (Leib) Willett. The father
has now passed away but the motlier still resides in New York. For many years
Christopher Willett was identified with agricultural pursuits.
William C. Willett is indebted to the Empire state for the educational privileges
which he enjo}'ed and which qualified him for life's responsible duties. He was reared
to the work of the farm and after his schooldays were over concentrated his efforts
and attention upon agricultural pursuits in New York until 1902, when he removed tc
Poplar Grove, Illinois, and was cashier of the Poplar Grove Bank at that place until
1908. He afterward devoted three years to general farming and in 1911 came to
Yakima county, where he purchased a fruit ranch of five acres south of the city of
Yakima. He sold that property' in 1914 and for a short period was a resident of the
city, being connected with the Yakima street department until November, 1915. He
was then appointed superintendent of the Yakima county farm, of which he has since
had charge. His work in this connection has Ijcen highly satisfactory. Since he as-
1072 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
sumed the superintendency two silos have been built, the barn has been painted, a
basement has been put under the house and all buildings upon the place have been
painted. The water system has also been improved, a large amount of new pipe
line having been added, and Mr. Willett deserves much credit for what he has ac-
complished, for he is the only man who has made the county farm self-supporting.
He has sold considerable hay, cream, potatoes and stock from the place, his sales
of hay in 1918 amounting to over two thousand dollars. The farm has doubled the
amount of stock with which it was equipped in the past three years and in every way
Mr. Willett has proved himself an able and enterprising business man.
On the 30th of May, 1893, occurred the marriage of Mr. Willett and Miss Har-
riet Almira Churchill, of West Falls, New York. Their children are: Mabel, now
the wife of Niles Strow, of Yakima, by whom she has two children; and Byron
Churchill, who is a member of the United States army, now on active duty in the
spruce department. He is married but has no children.
Mr. Willett is a member of Yakima Lodge, No. 318, B. P. O. E.; of Yakima
Lodge, No. 295, I. O. O. F., and also is affiliated with the Daughters of Rebekah and
with the Knights of Pythias lodge in Yakima. While in Illinois he held all of the
chairs in the Odd Fellows loijge. His political allegiance is given to the republican
party and while residing at Poplar Grove, Illinois, he filled the office of alderman.
He stands stanchly in support of every principle in which he believes and of every
cause which he espouses. He has become well known through the period of his
residence in the northwest and has many substantial qualities which make for per-
sonal popularity.
DAVID T. WILLSON.
A valuable ranch property of forty acres pays a substantial annual income to
David T. Willson in return for the care and labor which he systematically bestows
upon it. His methods are practical, his judgment sound and his enterprise unfalter-
ing. He has lived in Washington since 1899, coming to the Pacific coast from Iowa.
His birth occurred in Dcs Moines county, near Morning Sun, Iowa, on the 16th of
November, 1866, his parents being Adam and Anna (Reid) Willson, both of whom were
born near McKeesport, Pennsylvania, and became pioneer residents of Iowa, where
the father entered a claim froin the government, securing a tract of wild and un-
dveloped land upon which not a furrow had been turned nor an improvement made.
He at once began the arduous task of converting it into cultivable fields and through-
out his entire life carried on farming. Both he and his wife, however, died in the
early 70s.
David T. Willson was thus left an orphan when but a young lad. He acquired a
public school education, which was supplemented by study in an academy of Iowa, and
subsequently he entered the livery business and also engaged in the sale of buggies
in connection with his brother, Adam C. Willson, at Morning Sun, Iowa. At length
they determined to try their fortune in the northwest and together made their way
to Seattle in 1899. They worked for wages there for a time and subsequently invested
their savings in a stock of groceries. The year 1903 witnessed their arrival in Yakima
county and they purchased together eighty acres of land near Grandview. This they
cleared and cultivated, transforming it into a good farm property. They built a fine
home thereon, also substantial barns and outbuildings for the shelter of grain and
stock, and after cultivating the place for a time they sold forty acres of the land.
Later David T. Willson purchased his brother's interest in the remaining forty, his
brother having passed away in 1914. He still owns this property and it is a valuable
tract. He has ten acres in orchard, nine acres being planted to apples and one acre
to cherries. The remainder of his ranch is devoted to the raising of hay, to the
raising of hogs and to the dairy business. Whatever he undertakes proves profi-
table, for he is a man of determined purpose who allows no obstacles or difficulties
to bar his path if they can be overcome by persistent and honorable effort. He has
worked diligently and persistently, closely studying methods of ranch development
in the northwest, and his work has been productive of excellent results.
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 1073
On the 20th of March, 1895, Mr. Willson was married to Miss Leah Rachel Wil-
son, who was born in Morning Sun, Iowa, a daughter of William M. and Miriam
(Conway) Wilson. Her mother was born in Liverpool. England. Her father, a
native of Illinois, became a pioneer settler of Iowa, where he devoted his attention
to farming for many years. He passed away, however, in 1912, but the mother still
resides in Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. David T. Willson have reared three children: Grace
Meyers, the wife of Ernest De Good, a rancher residing at Prosser, Washington:
Laverne Boies, sixteen years of age; and Robert Kelly, fourteen years of age. The
last two are both high school students.
Mr. Willson became a charter member of the Grange, and both he and his wife
have held office in the local organization. They are also members of the Presby-
terian church and their lives are guided by the highest principles. Maintaining an
independent political attitude, Mr. Willson supports the candidates whom he thinks
best qualified for office. His own capability has frequently led to his selection for
public work and duties. He has served for many years on the school board and he
has l)een treasurer of the County Grange. Self-made, he deserves much credit for
what he has accomplished, for he has been both the architect and builder of his own
fortunes.
FREDERICK C. PALMER.
Frederick C. Palmer, whose name is inseparably interwoven with the business
development of Toppenish, took up his abode in the town when it contained only two
brick buildings and had a population of but three hundred. Today it is a most pro-
gressive city of twenty-five hundred population and is steadily growing. With its
commercial development Mr. Palmer has been most closely associated and in every
possible way he has contributed to its upbuilding and to the advancement of its
civic standards. He was born in Faribault, Minnesota, on the 5th of February, 1884,
a son of George and Sophia Palmer, who in the same year left Minnesota and re-
moved with their family to Washington, settling at Goldendale. The father was a
carpenter by trade and followed that pursuit in order to provide for his wife and
children. Both Mr. and Mrs. George Palmer have now passed away. In 1899 they
had removed to Yakima and their remaining days were there passed.
Frederick C. Palmer, whose name introduces this review, acquired his public
school education at Goldendale and at Yakima and afterward pursued a commercial
course. His earlj- practical training in the business world was received as clerk in
connection with a mercantile house of Yakima and in April, 1908, he came to Toppen-
ish. where he opened a grocery store in the Gilbert block. Later he added a stock of
steel goods, granite ware, crockery and other similar lines and now has one of the
leading- 'stores of the town. It is an L shaped 'store, w^ith entrance on Toppenish
avenue and also on Washington street. Mr. Palmer began business in connection
with W. C. Moore under the firm style of Moore & Palmer, and they also carried
a large stock of furniture for some time but eventually disposed of that linrf. Mr.
Palmer purchased the interest of Mr. Moore in 1913 and in February, 1917, incor-
porated the business under the style of F. C. Palmer & Company. He is the presi-
dent and manager, with H. G. Palmer as the treasurer and J. E. Crane as secretary.
H. G. Palmer, however, is now a member of the hospital corps of the United States
Nav}-. In addition to his commercial interests Mr. Palmer owns a fine ranch near
Toppenish.
On the 2Sth of May, 1909, Mr. Palmer was married to Miss Inez Paris, of Yakima,
who was born at The Dalles, Oregon, a daughter of Enfield Paris, a pioneer settler
of that region. Mr. and Mrs. Palmer have two children: Frederick C, Jr., who
was eight years of age on the 10th of August, 1918: and Katherine Mary, born in
December, 1914.
Fraternally Mr. Palmer is connected with the Yakima lodge of Elks, with Toppen-
ish Lodge, No. 178. A. F. & A. M., and has also taken the Scottish Rite degrees in
Yakima, while with the Nobles of Afifi Temple of the Mystic Shrine at Tacoma he
has crossed the sands of the desert. He belongs to the Commercial Club and has
1074 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
served on its governing l)oard. His political endorsement is given to tlic repnblican
party and his religious faith is that of the Christian church. Alert and energetic, he
has won a prominent position among the foremost business men of his section, con-
tributing in marked measure to that commercial activity which is one of the strong-
est basic elements in the upbuilding of a district.
JOHN BOYSON.
John Boyson, who has retired from ranching and now makes his home in Yakima,
was born in Denmark, June 29, 1854, a son of John and Christina (Christenson) Boy-
son, both of whom have passed awaj'. The son acquired a public school education
in his native country and in 1878 came to the United States, working first in the lum-
ber woods of Wisconsin and afterward in the iron mines in Michigan. In 1887 he
arrived in Tacoma. Washington, and soon afterward secured employment in a saw-
mill at Buckley and at Hot Springs. He next located at Kingsley, Washington, but
afterward returned to Buckley and in 1893 came to Yakima. Soon afterward he
rented a ranch on the Selah and later worked for the Yakima Power & Light Com-
pany. He was subsequently connected with the Pacific Power & Light Company
as chief engineer and while thus engaged he purchased a ranch a mile west of Wiley
City. This he owned and developed until 1917, when he purchased another ranch
seven miles west of Yakima, on which he lived until November, 1918, when he sold
the property and took up his abode in the city.
On the 10th of September, 1886, Mr. Boyson was married to Miss Ella Martin, a
native of Denmark and a daughter of Benjamin and Christina Martin. She came to
the LTnited States in her girlhood and in Michigan gave her hand in marriage to Mr.
Boyson. They have a daughter, Hannah Christina, now the wife of Edmond Sargent,
a resident of Peoria, Illinois, and a minister of the Seventh Day Adventist church in
that city. Mr. and Mrs. Sargent now have a daughter and a son.
Mr. and Mrs. Boyson arc also members of the Seventh Day Adventist church,
and fraternally he is connected with the Brotherhood of American Yeomen. His
political allegiance is given to the republican party. Mrs. Boyson is a trained nurse
by profession and for fifteen years engaged in nursing in Yakima under Dr. Fletcher
and Dr. Baker. As the j'ears have passed and Mr. Boyson has carefully directed his
business interests he has won success and is today one of the men of affluence in
Yakima. His experiences have been broad and varied. Born and reared in Denmark,
he spent two years in France before coming to the United States and has resided
in various sections of this country. At all times he has been actuated by a laudable
ambition to advance and he has won his way steadily upward step by step, gaining
that prosperity which is the le,gitiniate reward of labor.
WILLIAM LUDWIG.
The attractive home of William Ludwig, which was built in 1911, stands on an
excellently improved ranch property in the Zillah district and as a result of his care-
fully directed efforts and unfaltering industry Mr. Ludwig is meeting with substantial
success. He was born in Germany, October 10. 1857, a son of W. M. and Sophie
Ludwig, who came to the United States in later life, settling in Illinois. The father
is now deceased but the mother survives and makes her home with her son William.
The latter obtained a public school education in his native country and in 1880,
when a young man of twenty-three years, became a resident of Illinois, where he
began working for wages. He afterward removed to Madison county. Nebraska,
where he carried on farming until the spring of 1903, when the opportunities of the
northwest attracted him and he made his way to the Yakima valley. He purchased
sixty-seven acres of land near Buena, all under cultivation, and he now successfully
engages in the raising of hay and corn and cattle and hogs. His is a well improved
property, equipped with all modern accessories and conveniences, and the care and
WILLIAM LL'DWIG
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 1077
labor which he bestows upon tlie fields is manifest in the excellent crops which he
annually gathers. In 1911 he erected an attractive and commodious residence which
is supplied with hot and cold water and all modern conveniences. He also has good
barns upon his place and he is getting much enjoyment out of life because of his
success.
On tlie 12th of January, 1889. Mr. Ludwig was married to Miss Augusta Shilling,
a native of Germany, and they have seven children. Charles, the eldest, who is
married and has a daughter, is engaged in the garage business at Buena; Mary, is at
home: William is proprietor of a garage at Wenatchee; .Arthur, Annie, Walter and
Frank are still under the parental roof. .All are members of the Christian Science
church.
In politics Mr. Ludwig maintains an independent course. He concentrates his
efforts and attention largely upon his business affairs and has become recognized as
one of the leading ranchers of his community. He bought four hundred and forty
acres of dry land above the ditch and cleared much of it and drilled six deep wells to
furnish the water supply but found it too expensive to irrigate the land. In the
development of his home property he has displayed sound judgment and keen busi-
ness sagacity, and his stalwart purpose and resolution are manifest in the substantial
prosperity \\ hich he has ultimately achieved.
SAMUEL MARTIN McLEAN.
For about thirty years Samuel Martin McLean, a native of Washington, has
been connected with agricultural development in Yakima county and thus he has con-
tributed toward the upbuilding of this rich and now prosperous section of the state.
He is one of the representative farmers of the county, having a fine ranch of one
hundred and sixty acres which stands as evidence of his progressive methods, in-
dustry and business ability. He was born in Clarke county, this state, January 24,
1866, a son of Thomas and Nancy Ann (Armstrong) McLean, of whom more ex-
tended mention is made in connection with the sketch of Frank McLean, a brother.
After the demise of his first wife the father married her sister, the latter becoming
the mother of our subject.
Samuel M. McLean was reared under the parental roof amid farm surroundings
and in the acquirement of his education attended the public schools. He subse-
quently assisted with the farm work, thereby becoming thoroughly familiar with
the most progressive methods and thus laying the foundation for a successful career
along agricultural lines. In 1888 Mr. McLean came to Yakima county, being then
twenty-two years of age. and for some time operated rented land in various sections.
In 1902 he took up government land on the Cowiche, and to the cultivation of this
tract he has since given his close attention, always following the most up-to-date
methods. His farm comprises one hundred and sixty acres, of which thirty-three
are under cultivation, and he raises hay and grain, also giving considerable time and
attention to cattle. He has erected valuable buildings upon the property, and having
closely studied soil and climatic conditions, derives most gratifying harvests in re-
turn for tin- care which lie bestows upon his fields. A number of improvements have
been instituted, modern farm machinery has been installed and other equipment has
been added, so that his property is today considered one of the most valuable in
Yakima county.
On November 16, 1890, Mr. McLean was united in marriage to Miss Clara Wed-
dle, a daughter of Frank and Martha M. (Sullivan) Weddle, natives of Indiana, who
in 1871 crossed the plains under pioneer conditions, going to Oregon, in which state
they spent a few years. They came to the Cowiche valley in Yakima county in
1880 and here the father took up a homestead, to the cultivation of which he de-
voted his attention. They were numbered among the honored pioneers of this valley
and have now passed away. To Mr. and Mrs. McLean were born thirteen children:
Violet, who married Frank Collins, a rancher in the Cowiche district, by whom she
has two children; George S., who is a member of the Twentieth Engineers of the
Forest service of the L'^nited States army and is now in France; Marion, who is ranch-
1078 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
ing on the Cowichc and is married; Wilcna G., deceased; Goldic, at home; Viola,
also deceased; Lyle; Vilera, deceased; Orville; Walter; Theodore; and Donald and
Delorse, twins, born February 6, 1916.
Mr. and Mrs. McLean are numbered among the highly honored pioneers of
Yakima county. In politics he is a republican but has never sought office, preferring
to give his attention to his private affairs but faithfully performing his duties as an
American citizen at the ballot box. Through the development of a valuable farm
he has contributed to the general prosperity, and he has many friends in his district,
all of whom esteem him as a man of high character.
NORMAN P. MEAD.
Xornian P. Mead, an orchardist of Yakima county, was born in Butler county,
Iowa, November 18, 1889, a son of Charles Sumner and Mary Mead. They came to
the Yakima valley in 1896 and for two years were residents of the city of Yakima.
The father then purchased forty acres of land two and a half miles southwest of the
depot and afterward added to his original holdings until he had one hundred acres
in Yakima county. As time passed he acquired other landed holdings until he was
the owner of large ranches on the Parker bottoms, comprising over six hundred acres.
On the Yakima ranch he planted sixty acres to fruit. He also had another tract of
one hundred and twenty acres near Yakima and was thus extensively and success-
fully engaged in farming and fruit raising. Upon his home place he built a fine resi-
dence and large and substantial barns and added all of the accessories and conven-
iences of the model farm. He improved several of his ranches and after successfully
carrying on business for many years he decided to retire. He then took up his abode
in Yakima, but indolence and idleness are utterly foreign to his nature and he could
not be content without some occupation. He has therefore purchased one hundred
and twenty acres of land on the Naches and there resides at the present time.
Norman P. Mead acquired a public school education and after mastering the
branches of learning therein taught spent two years as a student in Vashon College
at Burton and two and a half years in Washington State College at Pullman. Sub-
sequently he was with his father upon the ranch and became his active assistant in
the development and improvement of his land. In 191 S the father gave to Norman
P. Mead ten acres of fruit land, planted to apples and pears This is ten acres of the
old home place, upon which stands a most beautiful and attractive residence. Mr.
Mead also rents twenty acres in addition and thus farms thirty acres in all, his time
and attention being largely given to orcharding.
On the 24th of April, 1915, Mr. Mead was united in marriage to Miss Helen
Marguerite Cornwell, of Montana, a daughter of John Cornwell, who came to Yakima
county in 1900. Mr. afld Mrs. Mead have one child, Mary Jean.
In his political views Mr. Mead is a republican and fraternally he is connected
with the Yakima lodge of Elks. No. 318. He is widely known and his social quali-
ties arc such as make for personal popularity, so that he has an extensive circle of
friends wherever he has gone.
JACOB E. TAYLOR.
Among the prosperous agriculturists of Yakima county who have come from the
middle west is Jacob E. Taylor, who owns a valuable property near Sunnyside, com-
prising forty-three acres four miles southwest of the town. It is in excellent con-
dition, the buildings are in good repair, the farm home is modern and commodious
and everything about the place denotes the progressive spirit of the owner.
Mr. Taylor was born in Lucas county, Iowa, October 3, 1868, a son of Isaac and
Rebecca Taylor, who were numbered among the early pioneer farmers of Iowa. In
1883 the family came to Yakima county and therefore they are to be numbered among
the pioneers of this district also. By railroad they went to Ainsworth, Washington,
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 1079
where they were met by an uncle, George Taylor, one of the pioneers of this county,
who took them to his ranch on the Wenas, where he was then living. Subsequently
the father took up a homestead claim on the Wenas and there both Isaac and Re-
becca Taylor passed awaj'. the former's death occurring on January 8, 1911, while tlie
latter died in 1905. In their family were nine children of whom Jacob E. of this-
review was the fourth in order of birth. In connection with the sketches of George
Taylor and E. W. R. Taylor, appearing on other pages of this work, more extended
reference is made to the family history.
Jacob E. Taylor was reared amid farm conditions and in the acquirement nf liis
education attended school in Iowa and also near Sunnyside for one term, receiving
his instruction here from Fred Parker. He then decided to take up agricultural
pursuits as a life work and ranched with his father, working for wages. About 1891
he bought a forty-acre ranch on the Wenas, devoting this land to the raising of hay
and also conducting a dairy. In 1900, however, he sold that place and acquired title
to forty acres southwest of Sunnyside, wdiich was then all covered with sagebrush.
This he greatly improved and thereon built a house but in 1911 sold out and ac-
quired forty-three acres four miles southwest of Sunnyside, having for the past eight
years given his whole attention to the improvement of this property. He has a fine
home with a cement road leading to the door, his barns are substantial and every
kind of modern farm equipment and machinery is found upon the place. He raises
hay, beets and potatoes and also gives some attention to hogs, deriving from his
diversified farming a very gratifying annual income.
In 1889 Mr, Taylor was married to Hannah Moore, who died January 24, 1896,
leaving three children: Virgil, a rancher of Yakima county, who has a wife and two
children; Ellis T., who has placed his services at the disposal of his country, serv
ing at present with the Signal Corps in France; and Pearl, the wife of Frank Greer,
a rancher of Benton county, by whom she has two children.
On July 2, 1898, Mr. Taylor married Anna Moore, a native of San Franc
California, and a daughter of Theodore and Anna (Fellows) Moore, both deceased.
To this union were born five children: Leo, who died at the age of two years; Glenn
who was born Julv 2, 1901; Stanley. January 7, 1903; Emerson, Julv 14, 1904; and Lena
M.. born April 10, 1908.
Mr. and Mrs. Taylor occupy an enviable position in the social set of their nei.gh-
borhood, being very popular among their acquaintances and having made many
friends, who appreciate their many fine qualities of character. Fraternally he is a
member of the Odd Fellows Lodge of Sunnyside and also belongs to the Yeomen.
He is independent in politics, preferring to follow his judgment instead of party
dictation, and has served as a member of the school board, being ever interested in
the cause of education, fully realizing the value of good school training and facil-
ities. He is trustee of the Sunnyside Water Users Association and has served in
that important position for the past seven years, fully deserving the confidence which
the public has placed in him in calling him to this important office. There is much
that is commendable in his career, as his .success has come to him entirely through
his own labors, and he is in the best sense of the word a truly self-made man.
CHARLES S. MEAD, JR.
Charles S. Mead, Jr., is one of the representative young ranchers of Yakima
county, controlling extensive and important interests. His is one of the well de-
veloped ranch properties of the district in which he lives and comprises two hundred
acres of valuable land. He was born in Butler county, Iowa, September 4. 1890, a
son of Charles S. and Mary Mead, the former a native of Vermont, while the latter
was born in New York. The paternal grandfather was Peter Mead, also a native of
the Green Mountain state, whence he removed westward to Illinois and later became
a resident of Iowa, where his death occurred. His son, Charles S. Mead, accompanied
his father to the Mississippi valley and became a successful farmer of Iowa, where
he resided until 1894, when he removed to the Pacific coast country, becoming a resi-
dent of Yakima county, Washington. As the years passed he acquired large landed'
1080 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
interests in the county and bought and sold thousands of acres of land. He is now
living on a ranch of one hundred and twenty acres in the Naches valley and is re-
garded as one of the prominent and honored representatives of agricultural life in
Yakima county. Aside from his farming interests he is the vice president of the
Valley Bank of Yakima and he owns both city and ranch property throughout the
valley, in fact his position is that of one of its most prominent, influential and worthy
citizens. What he has undertaken he has accomplished. In his vocabulay there
is no such word as fail, for he early recognized that when one avenue of opportunity
seemed closed he could carve out other paths whereby he could reach the desired
goal. His investments have always been judiciously made, his industry is unfalter-
ing, and his enterprise is one of his salient characteristics. Men who know him, and
he has a wide acquaintance, speak of him in terms of high regard', recognizing the
worth of his character and his ability as displayed in his business success, which is
indeed enviable.
His son, Charles S. Mead, Jr., acquired a public school education in this county,
having been but four years of age when brought by his parents to the northwest.
He afterward attended the Washington State College at Pullman, where he re-
mained a student for five years, and he also spent two years in Vashon College.
Through the periods of vacation and after his textbooks were put aside he assisted
his father in the ranch work and when twenty years of age became actively asso-
ciated with his father in the management and operation of the ranch. In 1913 his
lather gave him two hundred acres of land adjoining Buena and thereon he has since
engaged in raising hay. grain and fruit. He also makes a specialty of handling beef
cattle, hogs and horses and he has a fine ranch, to which he has added all modern
equipment and accessories. He uses the latest improved machinery to facilitate the
work of the fields and there is no improvement of the model farm of the twentieth
century that is not found upon his place. He has erected a substantial and attractive
residence, also large barns and three silos, which have a capacity of five hundred
tons.
Air. Mead is a member of the Elks Lodge. No. 318, of Yakima. His political en-
dorsement is given to the republican party but he is not an office seeker, finding
full employment for his time in his business affairs, which are wisely, carefully, sys-
tematically and successfully conducted. The progress that he has already made indi-
cates that his future career will be well worth the watching.
CHARLES DILLON.
Charles Dillon, an orchardist of Yakima county whose fruit raising interests are
proving to him a most gratifying source of revenue, was born in Northampton,
Massachusetts, April 8, 1854, a son of James and Ellen (Going) Dillon.. The parents
removed westward to Wisconsin in 1847 and became residents of Minnesota in 1866.
There the father purchased land and began the development of a farm. In 1872 he
went to Kansas, settling in Smith county, where he took up government land upon
which not a furrow had been turned nor an improvement made. With characteristic
energy he began the development of that property, whereon he continued to reside
until called to his final rest. His wife died at the home of her son in Yakima countv
in 1908.
Mr. Dillon of this review acquired a public school education and in early life
went to Kansas, where he lived for two years. Later he made his way to the mines
of Nevada, where he was employed from 1875 until 1877. He became a resident of
Oregon in 1879. making his way to the Willamette valley, where he resided until
1884. In that year he took up his abode in Klickitat cci-nty. Washington, but in 1885
came to Yakima county and for six years was employed continuously on railroad
work. Iij 1891 he purchased five acres of land two miles south of the depot in Yakima
and later added to it a tract of fifteen acres. He now has ten acres planted to apples
and pears. He has built a gcfcd residence and barn upon his place and has trans-
formed the once wild tract that was covered with sagebrush into a productive or-
chard. His labors have wrought a marked change in the appearance of the district
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 1081
and he is numbered among the old time pioneer settlers whose work has been of
great benefit to the state.
On- the 21st of May, 1882, Mr. Dillon was united in marriage to Miss Hattie A.
Palmer, who was born in Minnesota, a daughter of George S. and Eliza (Canfield)
Palmer. The father removed with his family from Minnesota to Kansas and after-
ward to Nevada and subsequently came to the northwest, settling in Oregon. This
trip was made at the same time that Mr. Dillon came to the northwest and together
they removed to Washington. Mr. and Mrs. Dillon were married in Oregon. Her
father has always been a rancher and is well known in that connection in the Yakima
valley. To Mr. and Mrs. Dillon have been born six children: Oscar, who is now
successfully engaged in sheep raising in Yakima county; Ella, the wife of William
Gorsett, a rancher of Yakima county; Lena, the wife of Frank Dillon, who is engaged
in ranching on the Mo.\ee; Dick, who is a member of the United States army; Min-
nie, the wife of Ellis Dohcrty, a resident farmer of Yakima county; and Dawson, at
home.
Mr. Dillon is a member of the Grange and is interested in all the efforts put
forth by that organization to disseminate knowledge of value in the development
of agricultural and horticultural interests. He votes with the republican party liut
has never been a politician in the sense of office seeking. His wife is a member
of the Christian church, and both are highly esteemed as people of genuine per-
sonal worth.
JOHN S. KLOEBER, M. D.
For twenty-eight years Dr. John S. Kloeber has been identified with the north-
west. For about two decades he was an active factor as a representative of the medi-
cal profession but at the present time is one of the most prominent agriculturists and
horticulturists of the Yakima valley, conducting interests of this kind on a most ex-
tensive scale and actuated in all that he does by a spirit of progress that has placed
him in the front rank of those whose investments and labors have won for them
notable success. Endowed by nature with keen intellectual force, Dr. Kloeber has
readily discriminated between the essential and the non-essential in all business affairs
and his keen sagacity, combined with the utilization of his opportunities, has made
for leadership along all those lines toward which he has directed his energies.
Dr. Kloeber is a native of Baltimore, Maryland. He was born March 1, 1865.
a son of C. E. and M. E. (Smith) Kloeber. The father was a descendant of I'Vederick
Kloeber, who about 1820 went from Alsace to Virginia. Dr. C. E. Kloeber was a
son of Charles Kloeber and he in turn a son of Frederick Kloeber. Both the grand-
father and the great-grandfather of Dr. Kloeber of this review were identified with
mercantile interests in Richmond, Virginia. His father, Dr. C. E. Kloeber, became
a dentist and practiced his profession successfully for many years but has now passed
away. His wife is a resident of Washington, D. C. She bore the maiden name of
Mary Elizabeth Smith and is a daughter of George S. and Sophronia (Mayo) Smith.
On both the paternal and maternal sides she is descended from old colonial families
that were represented in the Revolutionary war, and with other events that have
figured prominently upon the pages of colonial and later American history the
names of her ancestors have been associated.
Dr. John S. Kloeber. after completing a public school education at Lynchburg,
Virginia, became a student in the University of Virginia and ultimately entered the
University of Maryland, from which he was graduated in 1888 on the completion of
a course in medicine. In 1889 he took post graduate work in the Johns Hopkins
Medical University and thus with broad scientific training to serve as the founda-
tion of professional success he came to the northwest in 1890, settling in Seattle,
where he opened an office and continuously engaged in practice until 1900. His
marked ability won him a notable patronage and his contemporaries and colleagues
in the profession accorded him high rank as a practitioner of both medicine and
surgery. In 1900 he built the Green River Hot Springs Sanitarium, which he con-
ducted for ten vears, or until 1911, when he sold that institution and removed to
(45)
1082 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
Yakima county. Through the intervening period he has been identified with the
agricultural and horticultural development of the valley. He first purchased one
hundred and seventy acres of land on Selah Heights, calling his place Selah Vista.
He planted one hundred and ten acres of this to apples and pears and since then he
has sold seventy acres of that tract. He now has seventy-five acres of the remain-
ing hundred acre tract planted to apples and pears, while the rest of his land is given
over to the production of hay and various cereals. In 1915 he bought two hundred
acres of land near Harrah, on the Yakima Indian reservation, and has used it for
general farming purposes. The entire tract is under cultivation and is producing
large crops of alfalfa, potatoes and other things. He had one hundred and twenty
acres planted to potatoes in the year 1918. He uses only double certified govern-
ment seed for potatoes, paying as high as one hundred and twenty dollars per ton
for his seed. He employs the most modern machinery in the development and cul-
tivation of his land, which he plows with tractors, while harvesting his crops with
the latest devices for the care of the produce. In the year 1918 he gathered potatoes
from an eighty acre tract to the value of fifty thousand dollars, or over six hundred
dollars to the acre. He rents much of his land to the Japanese and has a Japanese
tenant who started with him at a salary of two dollars per day about eight years
ago and who is today worth one hundred thousand dollars. The orchard upon his
home place is one of the finest in the Yakima valley. At one time it was the second
largest in the valley but is now scarcely surpassed in extent owing to the fact that
others have subdivided their holdings. Mr. Kloeber has erected a very fine residence
upon his home place, owns a packing house and has every modern facility to further
his business. He is actuated by a most progressive spirit and resolute purpose. He
is constantly studying the nature of the soil and its needs and the possibilities for
crop production. He knows just what can be produced in this section and the best
methods of irrigating the land and -enhancing its fertility. There is no phase of agri-
cultural or horticultural life in the northwest with which he is not familiar, as he
has taken up this line of work with the same thoroughness that he manifested in his
professional career.
On the 2Sth of August, 1908, Dr. Kloeber was married to Miss Anna Rubish, a
native of Wisconsin and a daughter of John and Anna Rubish. Fraternally he is
connected with Yakima Lodge, No. 318, B. P. O. E., also with the Masonic fraternity
at Kenosha, Wisconsin. In politics he is a republican and he is now serving as chair-
man of the medical advisory board for district No. 22, accepting this position as a
war measure. He was the president of the State Fair Commission from 1908 until
1913 and was a member thereof in 1907. He stands for every phase of substantial
development in the community, for progress and improvement along all lines hav-
ing to do with the welfare of community, commonwealth or country. His life work
has been of marked value to his fellowmen, both as a representative of the medical
profession and as a representative of the horticultural and agricultural development
of the northwest.
WILLIAM TETHEROW.
Ranching interests in Yakima county near Tieton claim the attention of Wil-
liam Tethcrow, who is a native of the west, his birth having occurred near Portland,
Oregon, April 9, 1848. His parents, David and Ruth (Southwood) Tetherow, were
both natives of Missouri. As early as 1845 they crossed the plains and located in
Oregon, where David Tethcrow passed away .-^pril 20, 1848, only eleven days after
the "birth of his son William. The mother was left with her seven children to face
the hardships of pioneer conditions. She subsequently married John Gay Wilson, a
successful agriculturist, and both died in Oregon.
In the acquirement of his education William Tethcrow attended the public schools
and on laying aside his textbooks took up ranching in Oregon. There he continued
with more or less success for several years. Coming to Yakima county in 1883, he
worked for wages until 1895, carefully saving his earnings so that he would be en-
abled some day to start out independently. In the latter year he took up a home-
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 1083
stead on what is now the Tieton project, securing a tract of one hundred and sixty
acres. When the Tieton canal was put in eighty-two acres of his land were covered
by it and he now has seventy-one acres under irrigation, having sold the remainder.
He has erected a fine farm residence, has put up suitable barns and installed modern
machinery and other equipment in accordance with twentieth century ideas of farm-
ing. Three and a half acres of his land are in orchard, the remainder being devoted
to hay and grain. Having closely studied soil and climatic conditions, Mr. Tetherow
has become quite successful and is now numbered among the prosperous agricul-
turists of his district.
On March 28, 1901, Fannie Bartch. a native of Tennessee, became the wife of
Mr. Tetherow and to them has been born a daushter. Fannie Ethel, who is yet at
home. The family enjoys the highest reputation in tlie neighborhood, both Mr. and
!Mrs. Tetherow having many friends here. He has ever been interested in the up-
building of his locality and has not been sparing in his efforts to assist in worthy
movements to advance the general welfare. In politics he is independent, giving his
vote to the candidate whom he considers best fitted for the office to which he as-
pires. He is a pioneer farmer and honored as such. Many are the experiences which
he can recount, having been connected with the western country from his birth.
He is now seventy-one years of age but still is hale and hearty and actively admin-
isters his interests, displaying in all of his transactions business ability, foresight
and circumspection. By industry and energy he has become a substantial citizen
and there is great credit due him for what he has achieved in life.
STANLEY BALLARD.
Stanley Ballard, orchardist and ranchman of Yakima county, who brings to his
work in the former connection throughout scientific training received at Pullman,
while sound judgment in all business affairs makes his efforts in any direction of
practical worth, is a native son of the northwest, his birth having occurred in Seattle,
Washington, July 13, 1889. His father, W. R. Ballard, was l)orn in (Jhio and was tin;
son of a physician, who became a resident of Roseburg, Oregon, in 1864. The fol-
lowing year he removed to Slaughters, Washington, now called Auburn, and there
took up government land. He also practiced medicine as a pioneer physician of the
state and resided at that point to the time of his death. His son, W. R. Ballard, lived
in Auburn, Washington, until about 1880, when he removed to Seattle and operated a
steamboat line there. About 1888 he established the town of Ballard, after which he
engaged in the real estate and banking business in Seattle. Associated with Judge
Burke and John Leary he built the street car line from Seattle to Ballard and in
various ways contributed to the upbuilding and development of that section. He
served for one year as president of the Puget Sound National Bank and he is still
engaged in the real estate and investment business in Seattle, ranking as one of the
prominent financiers of that section. In 1873 and 1874 he surveyed the Yakima
Indian reser\ation, this being the first survey made. All through his life he has
been more or less closely associated with survcyiiiL; ami has contributed in large
measure to the pioneer development and upbuilding ni tlu- state. He has ever stood
in the vanguard in connection with tlic progress of \\'ashington as frontier condi-
tions have given way l>eforc an achanciiig civilization, and that the opportunities
and advantages of the west and its Inisiness conditions are on a par with those of
the older east is attributable in no small measure to his efforts. Fraternally he is
connected with the Masons and in his life exemplifies the spirit of the craft. He
married Estelle Thorndyke, whose father went to sea when eighteen years of age
and became captain of a vessel. He made a trip around the world nine times with his
own boats, visiting almost every known port of the civilized world. He maintained
his home in Rockland. Maine, and there passed away, after which his family came
west to the Pacific coast, settling first at San Francisco but in the early '80s remov-
ing to Seattle, where the marriage of his daughter, Estelle Thorndyke. to W. R.
Ballard was celebrated.
Born in Seattle, Stanley Ballard completed a high school education in New Jer-
1084 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
sey and was also for a time a student in the Culver Military Academy at Lake Maxin-
kuckee, Indiana. Subsequently he spent three years at Lawrenceville, and for a year
pursued a special course in horticulture in the Washington State College at Pullman.
In 1909 his father purchased forty acres of land on Naches Heights and in 1911
Stanley Ballard took charge of this property and began its development. At a later
date he purchased the land from his father and he now has thirty-two acres in
bearing orchards, thirty acres being planted to apples and two acres to pears. Mr.
Ballard has also purchased more land from time to time as his financial resources
have increased and now has seventy acres in all, planting the balance in alfalfa. He
also has a well appointed dairy and is likewise engaged in raising cattle and hogs.
The various branches of his business are wisely conducted and are proving profitable,
so that he occupies a position among the leading business men of his section.
On the ISth of October, 1913, Mr. Ballard was married to Miss Ruth Gilmore, of
Seattle, a daughter of David and Agnes (Potts) Gilmore, who were early settlers of
Seattle, the father being a captain on boats sailing from that port. Mr. and Mrs.
Ballard are members of the First Presbyterian church of Yakima and he belongs to
the Yakima Country Club and the Seattle Golf Club. He also has membership in
the Yakima Commercial Club. His political allegiance is given to the republican
party and he does not lightly regard the duties of citizenship but at all times keeps
well informed on the vital questions and issues of the day and supports every meas-
ure and movement which he believes will prove of general benefit. He has never
sought or desired oflice, however, but prefers to give his undivided attention to his
business affairs and the wise direction of his interests has gained him place among
the leading farmers and orchardists of Yakima county.
AVERILL BEAVERS.
Among the popular government ofiicers is Averill Beavers, who is filling the posi-
tion of postmaster of Kennewick. In the discharge of his duties he has ever been
prompt and efficient and is popular with the public. He was born in Exeter, Scott
county, Illinois, August 1, 1866, of the marriage of William A. and Mary E. (Smith)
Beavers, the former of whom followed agricultural pursuits throughout his life. He
has now passed away but is survived by his widow, who resides at Pittsfield, Illinois.
Averill Beavers received his early education in the public schools of his native
state, subsequently graduating from a business college at Jacksonville, Illinois. He
then read law and was admitted to the bar of the state in 1889, when but twenty-three
years of age. He practiced in Pittsfield, Illinois, for about three years and in 1892 he
was elected to the position of state's attorney, serving in that capacity for four years.
In the spring of 1898 he went to Alaska, where he remained for two years. Upon his
return he located in Seattle, where he practiced law until 1912, when he came to Kenne-
wick. Here he turned his attention to grape growing and developed a large vine-
yard of thirty-two acres. He owns his water plant and has invested over thirty-five
thousand dollars in this property. On December 20, 1916, he was appointed postmaster
of Kennewick and was inducted into the office February 14, 1917, Ever since he has had
full charge of the federal building and has proven himself a most capable official who
readily understands the wants of the public. He has instituted new systems into mail
delivery which have proven of benefit to the public. Personally he has many friends,
as he comes in contact with practically all of the resid^ts of his town and neighbor-
hood.
Mr. Beavers was united in marriage to Miss Ida Armstrong, of Taylorville, Illi-
nois, a daughter of Dr. L. C. and Josephine Armstrong, both of whom are promi-
nent residents of that place. Mr. and Mrs. Beavers are very popular in the social
circles of Kennewick.
Mr. Beavers has always taken an active interest in the development of the valley
and has shown this particularly in developing his wonderful vineyard, which is the
largest in the valley. It is a modern vineyard and many are those who come to in-
quire of him as to his methods and proccilures and ask his permission to look over the
establishment. In fact it has made his name known far and wide in this section. In
ii^'^
VINEYARD OF AVf^RILL BEAVERS, KEXNEWICK
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 1067
his political affiliations Mr. Beavers is a democrat, steadfastly supporting the prin-
ciples and candidates of the party, his influence being felt in its councils. He attends
the Christian Science church and is a member of the Kennewick Commercial Club, in
the proceedings of which he takes an active and helpful interest, readily supporting
its measures and projects for trade and industrial expansion. He is prominent in fra-
ternal orders, being a member of St. John's Lodge, A. F. & A. M., of Seattle and he
is also a chapter Mason and belongs to the Knights of Pythias. As a leader in grape
culture, as a lawyer, as a government official and, last but not least, as a citizen, Mr.
Beavers stands high among his fellows and all who know him speak of him in the
highest terms, there being many who consider it an honor to call him friend.
THOMAS H. SMITH.
Thomas H. Smith is the owner of one of the beautiful homes of the Yakima
valley, situated in the midst of a farm of one hundred and twenty-nine acres. He
is of Canadian birth, born in New Brunswick, November 7, 1864, and is a son of
John and Isabel (Amos) Smith. The mother was born while her parents were cross-
ing the Atlantic from Scotland to the new world, her father being Adam Amos, a
native of Scotland, who arrived in Canada at an early day. John Smith was born in
Canada, a son of James Smith, who was also a Scotchman and came of Scotch and
English ancestry. The maternal grandfather of Thomas H. Smith had engaged in
sheep raising in Scotland but after coming to the new world followed farming in
Canada. John Smith devoted his attention to farming and to the lumber business,
and both he and his wife have passed away. His father, James Smith, was engaged
in the boot and shoe business in Canada.
Thomas H. Smith acquired a public school education and came to the northwest
in 1884, at which time he settled in Oregon and turned his attention to sheep rais-
ing in connection with his brother Harvey, who had made his way to tlie Pacific
coast at a very early day, settling first in California, but afterward removing to Wasco
county, Oregon, where he joined his brother, Thomas H., in 1885, and became actively
connected with slieep raising. They lived in Oregon for some 3'ears thereafter and in
1892 came to ^'akima county. Purchasing twenty-three hundred head of sheep, tlicy
established a ranch on Cold Creek, there developing a large property devoted to sheep
raising interests. In fact this becuiu' recognized as one of the best sheep ranches in
Washington and the l^rothers all;iiiud I'ldminence as most successful sheepmen in the
valley. In the early days they bought large tracts of Union Pacific land, which they
developed, adding all of the accessories and equipment necessary tor the care of sheei'.
and during the winter months handled from five to nine thousand liead after selling tlie
lambs in the fall. They also have about three hundred head of beef cattle and raise
horses for their own use. They handle very high grade stock but not registered.
In 1911 Thomas H. Smith purchased the old Cameron Brothers ranch on the Moxee,
remodeled the house and occupies that place. The Cameron Brothers had come to
the nortliwest at a verj' early day and purchased the land and improved the ranch.
They. too. were Scotch people and possessed the sterling qualities of tlic Scotch.
Mr. Smith now has one hundred and twenty-nine acres of land in his home place and
his residence is one of the most beautiful in the valley. He raises from three hun-
dred and fifty to four hundred tons of hay each year and has a silo upon his place with
a capacity of one hundred and eighty tons, which he fills annually. There is no
feature of sheep raising with which he is not thoroughly familiar, and his enterprise
and business ability are manifest in the substantial progress that has attended his
efforts, making him one of the prosperous inen of this section of the state.
In 1891 Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Gesina Patjcns. wdio became
a resident of Oregon in her .girlhood days, their marriage being celebrated in that
state. They have become the parents of seven children: Harry, who is associated
with his father in the live stock business; Abner, who is married and is connected with
his father in cattle raising; Agnes, at home; and four who died in fancy.
Thomas H. Smith belongs to the Masonic fraternity, having membership in
Yakima Lodge, No. 24, F. & 'A. M., while in the consistory he has attained the
1088 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
thirtj-second degree in the Scottish Rite. He also belongs to Yakima Lodge, No.
318, B. P. O. E.; to the Yakima Commercial Club and to the Country Club. He is
accounted one of the prominent men of the valley. His business qualities are well
balanced and his ready discrimination enables him to recognize the possibilities of
any situation and the obstacles in the path. The latter he overcomes by persistent
and earnest effort and utilizes the former in the attainment of a success that has
placed him with the leading stockmen of his section of the state.
SAMUEL C. THOMAS.
Samuel (_ . Thomas, wlio owns a ranch six miles northeast of l^lUnslnirg, on wliich
he resides, was born near Marion, in Grant county, Indiana, March 3, 1848, a son of
Isaac M. and Jane (Moore) Thomas, both of whom were born in Indiana. The father
was a son of Solomon Thomas, a native of North Carolina, who became one of the
pioneer settlers of Indiana, where he followed the occupation of farming and also
engaged in the practice of medicine. Isaac M. Thomas devoted his attention to the
occupation of farming and on leaving Indiana removed to Adams county, Iowa,
where he took up his abode in 1855. There he resided for almost two decades but
became a resident of Seattle, Washington, in 1874. He lived in the Sound country
until 1878, when he removed to the Kittitas vallej' and took up government land.
This he improved and made his home thereon to the time of his death, which oc-
curred when he had reached the very veneralile age of eighty-eight years. His wife
also passed away upon the old homestead and she was eighty-seven years of age
at the time of her demise.
Samuel C. Thomas pursued a public school education and throughout life has
learned many valuable lessons in the school of experience. He made his way to the
northwest with his father, living in Seattle for a brief period, and in 1876 he removed
to the Kittitas valley, where he took up one hundred and sixty acres of government
land. At once he began to develop and improve the ranch, whereon he resided until
aliout 1889. when he sold that property and returned to the coast, where he lived for
seven years. He next made his way to the Columbia river and five years later located
on the old home rancli in the Kittitas \alley and took care of his parents throughout
their remaining days. He is now the owner of one hundred and sixty acres consti-
tuting an excellent ranch six miles northeast of Ellensburg and thereon he engaged
in raising grain and hay, producing the crops best adapted to soil and climatic con-
ditions here up to the time of his retirement. He now rents the farm but continues
to reside thereon.
In 1870 Mr. Thomas was united in marriage to Miss Addie Yocom. a native of
Minnesota, by whom he had four children, as follows: Edgar, who is deceased: Edwin,
a resident of Wenatchee, Washington; Beulah, who is a nurse living in Seattle; and
Edward, also a resident of Seattle.
In his political views Mr. Thomas has always been a republican and gives stal-
wart support to the party. He has been a successful farmer, wisely and carefully
directing his business affairs, and the thoroughness with which he did his work and
managed his sales brought to him the substantial competence that now enables him
to live retired, enjoying the fruits of his former toil.
JAMES F. WOOD.
James F. Wood, a well known orchardist of Yakima county, has at various times
been connected with other business interests and public duties, and in every rela-
tion of life his course has been such as to commend him to the confidence and good
will of those with whom he has been associated. Washington claims him as a na-
tive son and his life record is typical of the progressive spirit of the northwest. He
was born in Goldendale. Washington. June 5. 1879, a son of John H. and Emma B.
(Berrian) Wood, the former a native of Illinois and a son of Francis Wood, who
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 1089
brought his family across the plains in 1860. They journeyed first to California and
afterward made their way northward to The Dalles, in Oregon, where John H. Wood
was reared to manhood. The grandfather continued his residence in Oregon through-
out his remaining days, passing away at La Grande. At one time his son, John
H. Wood, drove a stage between The Dalles and Goldcndale, being thus engaged in
young manhood. Later he took up his abode at Goldendale but afterward became
a Jiletliodist minister and engaged in preaching throughout the west. He was at
one time pastor of the Methodist Episcopal church at Yakima, serving in that con-
nection from 1898 until 1902, when he went to Oregon City, Oregon, where he spent
tvi'O years. He was afterward at Kennewick, Washington, where he had a ranch, and
upon that place he passed away in September, 1914. He had long survived his wife,
whose death occurred at The Dalles, Oregon, in 1897. She was a daughter of George
Berrian, one of the early pioneers of the state, who on removing to the northwest
had settled at Columbus, Washington.
James F. Wood acquired a public school education, supplemented by a Ijusiness
college course. He started out in the business world as a clerk in a general mer-
chandise store at The Dalles, where he remained for six years, and subsequently he
became a bookkeeper. The year 1898 witnessed his arrival in Yakima, after which he
was employed for two years in the county treasurer's office. He afterward engaged
in the insurance business and at a subsequent period entered the employ of the firm
of Wyman & Eraser, implement dealers at Yakima. He was next at Prosser, Wash-
ington, and later he purchased a half interest in the Green Mercantile Company at
Yakima, continuing one of the factors in the management and conduct of that busi-
ness until 1905. when he sold out. In the same year he bought ten acres of land two
and a half miles south of Yakima and this he planted to fruit trees and has since
greatly improved his orchard. In January, 1908. he became deputy county treasurer,
which position he capably filled for four years. He was afterward elected to the office
of county treasurer in recognition of his previous faithful service and continued in
that capacity for two terms, proving a most able custodian of the public funds.
While thus serving he lived upon his ranch, on which he still makes his home, and
his place is largely planted to apples and pears. His orchards produce fine fruit and
the annual sale of his crops brings him a substantial measure of success.
On the 8th of April, 19D2, Mr. Wood was married to Miss Ada M. Putnam, who
was born in Missouri and is a daughter of A. E. Putnam, of Maysville, that state.
They have an adopted daughter, Frances Elizabeth.
Mr. Wood belongs to the Yakima County Horticultural Union, of which he
served for a short time as treasurer. He is also connected with the Knights of
Pythias, with the Royal Arcanum and with the Brotherhood of American Yeomen.
His political endorsement is given to the republican party, and his religious faith is
indicated by his membership in the First Methodist Episcopal church. Along various
lines of activity he has directed his efforts and has ever been loyal to all those things
entrusted to his care.
CHARLES EDWIN WYCKOFF.
Charles Edwin Wyckoff. an orchardist who since 1904 has been the owner of
valuable fruit lands a mile and a half northwest of Buena. was born in Nemaha county,
Kansas, August 5, 1864, a son of Jacob and -\lvira (Manlove) Wyckoflf, who were na-
tives of Schuyler county. Illinois. The father, was a son of Garrett Wyckoff, who was
born in Virginia and at the age of twenty years became one of the pioneer settlers
of Illinois. His father was a native of Holland and established his home in Vir-
ginia in colonial days. Jacob Wyckoff owned and operated a sawmill in Illinois and
in 1863 removed to Kansas. In 1865 he removed from the Sunflower state to Mis-
souri and while living in that state his wife passed away in 1871. He then returned
to Kansas in 1872 and took up government land in Sumner county, six miles south of
Wellington, where he resided until his death.
Charles E. Wyckoff of this review obtained a public school education in Kansas,
pursuing his studies to the age of sixteen years, when he started out in the business
1090 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
world independently. He worked for wages for ten years and then took up a home-
stead in Noble county, Oklahoma, upon which he resided until October, 1903. In
that year he sold out and came to the Yakima valley. In 1904 he purchased thirty
acres a mile and a half northwest of Buena. which had been cleared and a part of
it planted to hay, while seventy fruit trees had also been set out. Mr. Wyckoff has
since sold ten acres of this property but retains possession of twenty acres and now
has one-half of it planted to apples and peaches, while the remainder is devoted to
the raising of diversified crops. His ranch is improved with a good dwelling and
substantial barns and everything about the place indicates his practical methods and
progressive spirit.
On the 22d of February, 1898, Mr. Wyckoflf was married to Miss Amy Lucy
Cooper, who was born in Kansas, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Cooper, the
former now deceased, while the latter is a resident of Oklahoma. The children of
this marriage are nine in number, namely: Elmer, Alvira, Alvin. Paul, Carl, Lucy,
Lillian, Clara and Fern.
Mr. Wyckoff votes with the democratic party and keeps well informed on the
questions and issues of the day but has never been an office seeker, preferring to con-
centrate his thought and labor upon the management of his business affairs. He has
used his time and talents wisely and well and by reason of his persistent effort, in-
telligently directed, he has gained a place among the prosperous orchardists of his
region.
ALVIN L. DUNCAN, D. D. S.
Dr. Alvin L. Duncan has been actively and successfully engaged in the practice
of dentistry at Clc Elum since September, 1913, and is widely recognized as an able
representative of his profession. His birth occurred in Louisa county, Iowa, on the
Sth of November, 1881, his parents being Joseph J. and Ida L. (Stopp) Duncan. The
father, also a native of Louisa county, Iowa, was a son of Kennedy Duncan, who re-
moved to the Hawkeye state in pioneer times and there took up a tract of govern-
ment land. Joseph J. Duncan has passed away and his widow now makes her home
with her son Alvin.
In preparation for his chosen profession Alvin L. Duncan entered the College
of Dentistry of the State University of Iowa at Iowa City, being graduated on the
completion of his course in 1904. He opened an office at Sanborn, Iowa, where he
remained for seven years and then did not practice for a year. In 1912 he came to
Washington, locating first at Selah, while in September, 1913, he removed to Cle
Elum, where he has continued to the present time. As a dental practitioner he has
demonstrated his skill and ability and has long enjoyed a large and lucrative patronage.
In 1907 Dr. Duncan was united in marriage to Miss Caroline Austin, a native of
Emmet county, Iowa, and a daughter of William and Jennie (Lines) Austin. They
have become the parents of two children, Dorothy and Joseph.
The Doctor is a republican in his political views but in exercising his right of
franchise does not consider himself bound by party ties, always considering the
capability of a candidate rather than his party affiliations. Fraternally he is identi-
fied with the Masons, the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and the Fraternal
Order of Eagles. His life is upright and honorable in every relation and he has won
an extensive circle of warm friends during the period of his residence in the Yakima
valley.
PETER OLLIVIER.
Peter Ollivier, who is engaged in the conduct of a stock ranch four and a half
miles southeast of Yakima, was born in France on the 14th of February. 1871, a son
of Peter and Rose (Vilaron) Ollivier, both of whom were natives of France. The
son was a young man of nineteen years when he crossed the Atlantic and made his
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 1091
way to Los Angeles, California. In that state he engaged in herding sheep and
working on ranches until 1893, when he made his way northwest to Walla Walla,
Washington, where he again became a sheep herder. In 1901 he removed to Sunny-
side, Washington, and in the meantime had accumulated three thousand sheep of
his own. He there had five thousand acres of grazing land and carried on sheep
raising, continuing actively and successfully in the business until 1917, when he sold
out his interest there and purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land four and
a half miles southeast of Yakima. This is a stock ranch, of which he has forty acres
planted to hay, while the balance is in pasture. His business interests are carefully
and wisely conducted and success in substantial measure is crowning his labors.
In 1917 Mr. Ollivier was married to Mrs. Martha Amear, of Yakima. By a
former marriage he has three children: Emilient, eighteen years of age, who is now
a member of the L'nited States artillery: Peter, who is attending school; and Louise.
In his political views Mr. Ollivier has alwaj-.s been a republican since becoming
a naturalized American citizen. He is a self-made man and as the architect of his
own fortunes has builded wisely and well. He has made good use of his time and
his opportunities, has worked diligently and persistently, overcoming all obstacles
and difiiculties in his path by persistent effort, and with the passing years he has.
gained a place among the substantial residents of the Yakima valley.
GEORGE ANSON KANDLE.
Ranching interests in the Naches valley are well represented by George Anson
Kandle, a prominent young farmer of that locality and a native of Washington, who
was born in Thurston county on the 1st of January, 1885, a son of Robert H. Kandle,
of whom more extended mention is made on other pages of this work.
George A. Kandle attended the public schools in the acquirement of his edu-
cation and in 1903, when eighteen years of age, came with his father's family to
Yakima county, where he engaged in agricultural pursuits in connection with his
father for about two years, or until 1905. By that time he had reached the age of
twenty and decided to start upon his independent career, renting land which he
farmed on his own account. As a result of his labors he obtained the sum necessary
to purchase land and now has forty acres on the lower Naches, of which two acres
are planted to orchard. The rest is in hay and plow land and also in pasture. Mr.
Kandle is progressive in his ideas and has made many improvements upon his place.
On September 21, 1904, George A. Kandle was united in marriage to Sylvia Tay-
lor, a daughter of Isaac Taylor, who is numbered among the pioneers of Yakima
county. To this union has been born a daughter, Leone. Mr. and Mrs. Kandle have
many friends in Naches. He gives his political support to the republican party but
has never been desirous of holding office, preferring to give his whole attention to his
private interests.
JOHN A. STEIN.
John A. Stein, living near Wiley City, Yakima county, has devoted the greater
part of his life to industrial pursuits and at the present time is concentrating his
efforts and attention upon agricultural interests, owning a valuable farm property.
He was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, December 11, 1862, a son of Jacob and Eliza-
beth (Schulte)- Stein, both of whom were natives of New York. The father removed
westward during the pioneer epoch in the development of Wisconsin, settling in
Milwaukee in 1846. There Elizabeth Schulte had taken up her abode in 1844 and
they were married in that city. The father was a merchant and continued in busi-
ness in Milwaukee until 1868. when he removed to New London, Wisconsin, where
he carried on merchandising to the time of his death. His wife has also passed away.
John A. Stein is indebted to the public school system of Wisconsin for the edu-
cational opportunities which he enjoyed and wliich fitted him for life's practical and
1092 HISTORY OF YAKIMA \-ALLEY
responsible duties. When his textbooks were put aside he began learning the ma-
chinist's trade and in February, 1896, he embarked in business on his own account by
establishing the Virginia Iron Works at Virginia, Minnesota. He became president
of the company, controlling the business and operated his plant at that place until
1905, when he sold out there and removed to Hoquiam, Washington. He then pur-
chased the business of the Grays Harbor Iron & Steel Company, of which he became
president and manager, so remaining until the spring of 1918. At that date he dis-
posed of his industrial interests, which had proven profitable, and removed to
Yakima county. He purchased forty acres of land on Tieton Heights and took up
his abode upon this place. In 1908 he also bought twenty acres of land near Yakima,
all of which is planted to orchard. He still owns this property but has never resided
thereon. The home farm is now devoted to the raising of grain, corn, potatoes and
other crops. He has recently erected a very fine modern residence upon his place
and it is equipped with the latest improvements and accessories of the model farm
of the twentieth century.
On the 24th of September, 1889, Mr. Stein was united in marriage to Miss Kate
Wink, of Marinette, Wisconsin, who passed away in 1893. On the 19th of April,
1898, he was again married, his second union being with Theresa Meath, of Troy,
New York. The children of his first marriage are: Joseph, who is in the aviation
service of the United States army in France; and Mary, who is a Sister in the Cath-
olic church. To the second marriage five children have been born: John, residing in
Aberdeen, Washington, where he is employed in the shipyards; Cecelia, at home;
Raymond; Edmond; and Virginia. The family are communicants of St. Paul's Cath-
olic church.
Mr. Stein maintains an independent course politically, voting for men and meas-
ures rather than party. He has never taken an active part in politics, preferring to
concentrate his efforts and attention upon his business affairs, which have been
wisely directed and have brought to him good returns upon his investment. Ob-
stacles and difficulties in his path have seemed but to serve as an impetus for renewed
effort on his part and his capability has found visible expression in the business in-
terests which he has owned and controlled and in the ranch properties which are now
returning to him a most gratifying annual income.
GEORGE WEIKEL.
George Weikel, who is extensively engaged in ranching in Yakima county, his
business affairs being most wisely, carefully and profitably conductedj was born in
Canyonville, Douglas county, Oregon, on the 5th of September, 1865, a son of John
and Celestia A. (Chapman) Weikel. The father's birth occurred in Union county,
Pennsylvania, while the mother was born near Des Moines, Iowa, and was a daughter
of -Andrew J. Chapman, who came to the northwest in 1852. settling at Wilbur,
Oregon. John Weikel was a soldier of the Mexican war and removed to Oregon in
1848, after being honorably discharged from the army. His father also became one
of the pioneers of Oregon, where he settled in 1852. John Weikel devoted his atten-
tion to gold mining in the west and to cattle raising and experienced all the hard-
ships and privations of western frontier life. He participated in many Indian
fights, but notwithstanding all the difficulties of settlement here in the early days,
he persevered in his efforts to establish a home in the western wilds. In 1865 he
removed to Riddle, Oregon, and in 1871 became a resident of Yakima county, at which
time he located where the old South farm is now found near Kennewick, being one
of the first settlers of the region. In 1877 he took up his abode in the city of Yakima.
He was extensively engaged in stock raising, running over ten thousand head of cat-
tle. He passed away at Wilbur, Oregon, March 6, 1882, and was survived until
1890 by his wife. They had a family of six children, of whom George is the eldest,
the others being: Mrs. George Glazier; Mrs. Eva Ferrell; Ada; Roy, a resident of
Everett, Washington: and Ethel, who died in 1892.
George Weikel acquired a public school education and afterward spent two
years, 1875 and 1876, as a student in the Umpqua Academy. Through the succeed-
HISTORY OF YAKIMA \ALLEY 1093
ing two years he was a pupil in the Sisters' College at Yakima and for four years
attended the public schools. He early became interested in the live stock business
with his father and from an early day has been closely associated with the business
development and progress of the county along various lines. With many lines of
business he was closely associated and his acti\ities extended to those fields wherein
the public was a large beneficiary. He was responsible for instituting the work that
resulted in the building of the Tieton canal, which he planned and started. He also
assisted in railway construction and for eight years he was engaged in the whole-
sale and retail coal trade in Yakima. In 1896 he went to Alaska, where he remained
until 1898 and then returned to the States. He has since been engaged in ranching
in the valley and is today the owner of more than four hundred and eighty acres of
land under cultivation. He has seventy acres planted to fruit trees, ninety acres to
Iiops and one hundred acres to alfalfa. He produces large crops and as an orchard-
ist occupies a prominent position, having been one of the most successful as well as
one of the extensive fruit growers of this section. He is likewise engaged in stock
raising and his business affairs at all times are conducted along thoroughly legitimate
and constructive lines, his success being most honorably won.
On the ISth of March, 1899, Mr. Weikel was united in marriage to Miss Ella
Chambers, a daughter of Andrew J. and Elizabeth J. (Brown) Chambers. The
father was Ijorn in Olynipia, Washington, in 1853, a son of Thomas J. and America
(McAllister) Chambers. The Mc.Mlisters came to Washington in 184.T and Benton
McAllister, a brother of Mrs. Chambers, was the first white male child born in this
state. Thomas J. Chambers was a son of Thomas M. Chambers, a native of Ireland,
who took up his abode in Tennessee about 1833, after having previously visited
America on two occasions. He subsequently removed to Kentucky and in 1843
started for the west. He spent the winter in Ohio and then resumed his journey,
arriving in Oregon in 1845, after having traveled across the country with team and
wagon. He was among the first to settle within the boundaries of that state. Later
he took up his abode near Olympia, and Chambers creek was named in his honor,
while at a later period Chambers Prairie, between Olympia and Seattle, was named
for him. He owned and operated the first sawmill in Washington and was con-
nected with many events which have left their impress upon the history and develop-
ment of the state. He held many positions of trust and was the first probate judge
in Washington. Thomas J. Chambers, the grandfather of Mrs. Weikel, was born at
Hermitage, Tennessee, in 1833 and was a second cousin of Andrew Jackson. He
came to Yakima county in 1866, settling near the city of Yakima, where he lived to
the time of his death, which occurred at the home of his daughter. He was a
prominent pioneer and in the Yakima valley was widely known as a large cattle
raiser and successful dairyman and stockman. His son, Andrew J. Chambers, was
a youth of fourteen years when the family came to Yakima county. Here he en-
gaged in the cattle business for a considerable period but for the past quarter of a
century has given his attention to merchandising at Ahtanum. He now has a small
ranch and dairy. His wife was born in New York city, a daughter of William and
Mary J. Brown, who made their way to California by boat and across the Isthmus
of Panama on mules. Mrs. Chambers being at that time five years of age, the trip
being made in 1854. Later the family removed to Oregon, where Mr. Brown en-
gaged in mining. Mrs. Chambers was educated in a convent at Vancouver, Wash-
ington, and in 1873 came to Yakima to teach school on the Yakima Indian reserva-
tion. .\t that time there were but few settlers in the neighliorhood, there being but
five children in the school. Mr. and Mrs. Chambers were married in the city of
Yakima in the year 1875. The latter was very active in nursing and assisting the
sick in those pioneer times when professional help could not be secured.
Mrs. W'eikel is a graduate of the schools of Ahtanum and also of the State Nor-
mal School of the class of 1895. She owns a ranch on Naches Heights, where the
Basket Fort Indian fight took place in 1856. She is a lady of charming personality,
always cordial and gracious to her many friends. By her marriage she became the
mother. of a daughter. Elizabeth C, who was graduated as honor member from the
Yakima high school in the class of 1918 and is now attending the University of
Washington at Seattle, where she is specializing in library work. She is also a stu-
dent of music. Mrs. Weikel and her daughter attend the Episcopal church.
1094 HISTORY OF YAKIMA \'ALLEY
Mr. Weikel has membership with the Knights of Pythias and the Knights of the
Maccabees. His political support is given to the republican party and he is very
active as a worker in its ranks but is not an office seeker. He served as a member
of Troop D in the State Cavalry Home Guard. He is one of the leading men of his
community — a gentleman of charming manner and pleasing personality, highly
esteemed wherever known and most of all where best known. Mrs. Weikel is a
charter member of the Coterie Club of Yakima, in which she has held all the offices,
including that of president. Both Mr. and Mrs. Weikel are highly cultured people
and their home in Yakima, where they reside, is the center of many attractive social
functions. Both are representative of old and honored pioneer families of the west
and the work instituted by their grandparents and carried on by their parents is
being continued by them — work for the benefit and improvement of the district in
which they live, notable for progress along material, intellectual and cultural lines.
ARTHUR H. WHEATON.
Benton county has been fortunate in the selection of its county officials, one of
whom is Arthur H. Wheaton. assessor. He was born in Syracuse, New York, in
1885, and is a son of Charles W. and Agnes Leora (Huxford) Wheaton. both of
whom passed away in New York. The father was a hardware manufacturer in his
state and long conducted a prosperous industrial enterprise there.
Arthur H. Wheaton was reared amid the refining influences of a good home
and in the acquirement of his education attended the public schools until lie started
out in fife on his own account, becoming a salesman for his father. At the age of
eighteen years he decided to cross the continent, having been impressed with the
vast opportunities oflfered to a young man in the west, and came to Washington,
locating iti Spokane, where for two years he was connected with Jensen, King &
Berg, live stock dealers, remaining with them until 1905. He then accepted a posi-
tion with J. J. Reed & Coinpany in Kennewick and later was with King & Son, gen-
eral merchants. In 1911 he was appointed postmaster of Kennewick and efficiently
served in that position until 1914, when he became county assessor of Benton county.
In 1915 he was re-elected and has since ably discharged his duties in this connection.
He is a trustworthy and thoroughly reliable official, ever ready to assist the public,
and has made many friends while in ofiice. In 1918 he was a candidate for the posi-
tion of county auditor.
In 1912 Mr. Wheaton was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Vernon Williams,
of Kennewick. and to them has been born a daughter. Agnes Leora. The young
couple are very popular in the social set of their city and have made many friends,
all of whom consider it an honor to share in the hospitality of their home, which
Mr. and Mrs. Wheaton ever hold open to them.
In his political affiliations Mr. Wheaton is a republican, faithfully upholding the
standards of his party and having considerable influence in its local councils. He
is very prominent in fraternal circles, being a member of the blue lodge of Masons
and also of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in which organization he has
held all the chairs as well as in the encampment of that order. The religious faith
of the family is that of the Episcopal church and they are ever ready to give their
active moral and financial support to the work of that organization. Mr. Wheaton
owns farm property near Prosser, which is now being brought to a good state of cul-
tivation.
SAMUEL B. R.\GSDALE.
Samuel B. Ragsdale, whose ranch property of thirty-five acres is carefully cul-
tivated and developed, was born at Shoal, Indiana. February 7, 1876. and is a son of
Silas and Romaine (Salyards') Ragsdale, both of whom passed away ere their son
Samuel had reached the age of five years. Thus left an orphan, he lived with a guar-
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 1095
dian until he was fourteen years of age, when he started out to provide for his own
support and for seven years worked for wages. He was desirous, however, of en-
gaging in business on his own account and when he had attained his majority he
rented land in Indiana and there carried on farming until 1903. In that year he
removed to Yakima county and purchased forty acres of land near Grandview. It
was an undeveloped tract covered with the native growth of sagebrush and it re-
quired much arduous labor to transform it into a state of fertility and productiveness.
He afterward sold twenty acres of that place but later purchased fifteen acres more,
so that he now has thirty-five acres in all. On this he raises fruit, hay and grain,
and he also rents one hundred and sixty acres of land, which he devotes to the rais-
ing of hay and grain. He has thus become one of the extensive ranchers of the
district with a well developed and highly productive property from which he is an-
nually deriving a most substantial income. He is also one of the directors of the
Grandview Irrigation Ditch.
On the 31st of October, 1897, Mr. Ragsdale was united in marriage to Miss Sarah
Brown, a native of Indiana and a daughter of T. E. Brown. Tlic children of this
marriage were eleven in number: Edward, Roy, Otto, Walter, Pearl, Gladys, Clar-
ence, Albert, Xellie, Gertrude and Nellie.
Mr. Ragsdale votes with the democratic party and keeps well informed on the
questions and issues of the day but has never been an aspirant for oiifice preferring
to concentrate his efforts and attention upon his business affairs, which have made
him one of the men of affluence in his community.
THEODORE S. DARBY.
Theodore S. Darby, who now resides on his valuable fruit ranch in the Parker
Heights orchard tract, is one of the most successful orchardists of his district. L'ntil
1918 he resided in Yakima but in order to better supervise his important interests
has now taken up his residence on his ranch, where he and his brother planted the
first trees. The property is largely devoted to the raising of apples but one-half of
the orchard has pears as fillers, while a part is seeded to alfalfa. It is under the
Union Gap ditch and through irrigation has become very valuable. Mr. Darby has
built his own packing sheds and other necessary buildings in order to promote his
business interests.
A native of Cortland, New York, Theodore S. Darby was born March 12, 1854,
of the marriage of Edwin and Helen (Short) Darby, the former a native of Cort-
land, New York, and the latter of Homer, that state. The grandfather of our subject,
Joseph Darby, was born in England and after crossing the Atlantic first settled in
Connecticut, but later took up his residence in New York. He followed farming,
as did the father of our subject. The latter became a resident of Maryland and about
1883 removed to Missouri, where both he and his wife passed away.
Theodore S. Darby received a public school education in New York state and
Maryland. He continued on the home place after laying aside his textbooks, until
the age of twenty-three years, 'when he started upon his independent career and for
fifteen years was an employe in a wagon factory. Removing to Missouri, he acquired
land in that state, which he farmed for eight years, but at the end of that period
came to Yakima county in September, 1902. Here he and his brother, Arthur T.
Darby, bought land in the Wide Hollow district, which was devoted to orchard and
to alfalfa, but this property they sold in 1905, our subject then acquired a ten acre
orchard in Fruitvale, which he sold two and a half years later, and in 1907 he and
three brothers, Arthur T., E. F. and E. H. Darby, bought forty-three acres in the
Parker Heights ochard tracts, No. 2, which at that time was all covered with sage-
brush. They planted the first trees here and now the entire tract is in orchards, the
principal crop being apples. One-half of the land has pears as fillers and part of it
is seeded to alfalfa. T'hey built their own packing plant and the orchard is now in
full bearing, guaranteeing them a large profit annually. The land is under the Union
Gap ditch and all under irrigation. Mr. Darby lived in Yakima until 1918 but in that
year moved upon his ranch. He is now considered one of the most progressive
1096 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
and up-to-date orchardists of his neighborhood and is a member of the Horticul-
tural Union, being thoroughly in accord with the purposes of that organization.
His brother, Arthur T. is now a fruit grower in the neighborhood of the fairgounds
in Yakima, while E. H. resides on the ranch with our subject. He is married anfl
has two sons. E. F. Darby, the other brother, has passed away. Each of the living
brothers owns an individual tract but they operate the land together.
On May 30, 189S, Theodore S. Darby was united in marriage to Delia (Dudley)
Trussell, who was born in Clinton county, Missouri, a daughter of William and Jane
(Hockenberry) Dudley, the former yet a resident of Missouri but the latter deceased.
Mrs. Darby had a daughter by her former marriage, Vida Trussell, who makes her
home with her stepfather. To Mr. and Mrs. Darby were born a son and a daughter:
Edwin, at home: and Louise, a student in the high school. Mrs. Darby passed away
January 22, 1918. her demise not only being a great shock to her immediate family
but to the many friends whom she had made in this neighborhood.
In his political affiliation Mr. Darby is a republican, inclined toward the pro-
gressive wing of that party, and for two years he served as a director of Union Gap
ditch, being deeply interested in the subject of irrigation, which he recognizes as of
the .greatest importance in regard to the horticultural development of the district.
He has served for two terms on the school board in Fruitvale. the cause of education
ever finding in him a warm champion. In fact he has ever been interested in move-
raents which have for their purpose intellectual and moral upbuilding as well as ma-
terial development. He is the manager of the fruit ranch upon which he now resides
and in the administration of his affairs he has not only gained prosperity for himself
but is an important force in horticultural development here, thus contributing toward
general prosperity and the upbuilding of his district.
DANIEL A. McDonald.
Daniel .\. McDonald, rancher and banker, identified with the financial interests
of Yakima county as the vice president of the First National Bank of Wapato and
actively interested in the further development and cultivation of a valuable ranch
property in that vicinity, was born on Prince Edward Island in 1861, a son of
Alexander and Isabel McDonald, who were pioneer residents of Canada, identified
with farming interests there.
Daniel A. McDonald acquired a public school education in his native country
and at the age of twenty years went to Boston, where for three months he was em-
ployed in a rattan factory. Attracted by the opportunities of the growing northwest,
he then made his way to Montana and was employed by the Northern Pacific Rail-
road Company. He came to the Yakima valley in 1883 as the railroad was being
built into this section and continued in railway service for a short time but soon
resigned. In 1885 he took up a preemption claim near Yakima, now known as the
Alderson farm, and lived upon the property until 1888, when he sold the place. In
1889 he went to Parker Bottoms, where he bought one hundred and si.xty acres of
land and in the intervening years he has become one of the leading ranchers of this
section of the state, devoting his attention to the raising of live stock and to the cul-
tivation of fruit and hops. His is a splendidly developed property. He annually
gathers large crops of fruit and his hop interests also furnish a most substantial
yield. He raises high grade stock, whereby he materially increases his annual in-
come, and in all that he undertakes he displays a most progressive spirit. In 1910
he built upon his ranch one of the best homes in the Parker Bottoms. The same
j'ear the town of Donald, Washington, was established upon his farm and was named
in his honor. With firm faith in the future of the district. Mr. McDonald has made
extensive investments here and is now the owner of over four hundred acres of fine
land in the lower Yakima valley, of which thirty acres, is planted to fruit, while the
remainder is plow land, largely devoted to the raising of hay and grain. In his
stock raising interests he makes a specialty of handling fine shorthorn cattle.
In 1889 Mr. McDonald was united in marriage to Miss Ella F. Dunn, the eldest
daughter of Captain Robert and .\nnie M. (Curry) Dunn, mentioned on another page
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 1097
of this work in connection with the sketch of George Dunn. Mrs. McDonald was
born in Kentucky in 1866, crossed the plains with her parents and attended school
in Yakima. To this marriage five children have been born: Edith, born August 25,
1890, is the wife of Melvin Anderson, a rancher near Harrah, and they have four
sons. Isabel, born September 15, 1891, is the wife of Roy Tavis, a rancher residing
near Wapato, and they have one son. Robert, born September 8, 1894, is at home.
Clara, born August 3, 1897, is the wife of Richard Williams, of Buena, Washington,
who is there engaged in the automobile business, and they have one daughter.
Daniel, born November 30, 1900, is assisting in the development of the home ranch,
which in its splendid appearance indicates the careful supervision and untiring efforts
of father and sons. In addition to his ranching interests Mr. McDonald is connected
with the First National Bank of Wapato, of which he has been a director from its
organization and of which he is now vice president.
Fraternally Mr. McDonald is connected with the Masons and his religious faith
is that of the Presbyterian church, while his political belief is that of the republican
party. He is accounted "one of the good men of the valley." a prosperous rancher,
able &nd resourceful in business and loyal and public-spirited in citizenship.
EDWARD CALDER HESTON, M. D.
Dr. Edward Calder Heston, physician and surgeon practicing at Roslyn, was
born at State College, Pennsylvania. September 20, 1884, a son of Dr. John W. and
Mary (Calder) Heston. the latter now deceased. The father removed from the Key-
stone state to South Dakota in 1896 and is a prominent educator of that section,
being now president of the State Normal School. He also served at one time as
president of the college at Pullman, Washington, and is recognized as a man of
pronounced ability in the educational field.
Edward C. Heston. after acquiring a public school education in Seattle and in
South Dakota, entered the Northwestern LInivcrsity at Chicago for the study of
medicine and completed his course by graduation with the class of 1909. He after-
ward filled the position of interne in the Seattle General Hospital for a year and thu-^
put his tlieorctical knowledge to the practical test. In 1910 he removed to Roslyn,
Washington, to become a member of the medical staff of the Roslyn & Cle Elum
Beneficial Company and was made head surgeon in 1914. His work in this connec-
tion is most valuable. He makes a specialty of surgery and has developed his ability
along that line to a notable point, doing surgical work throughout the field covered
by this company. He keeps in touch with the latest scientific investigation and re-
search and his knowledge of the principles of medicine is comprehensive and exact.
In July, 1917. Dr. Heston was united in marriage to Miss Edith Murphy, of
Tacoma. and they now have a son, Neal. Fraternally Dr. Heston is connected with
the Elks Lodge, No. 1102, of Ellensburg and also with the Masonic lodge of Roslyn.
He has many admirable traits of character manifest in social as well as professional
relations, and in his practice he displays a sense of conscientious obligation that indi-
cates the thoroughness with whicli each professional duty is performed.
CHRISTIAN H. HANSON.
Christian H. Hanson has been actively identified with business interests in Top-
penish since October, 1916, as proprietor of the Standard Sanitary Grocery and has
won a large trade in this connection. His birth occurred in Douglas county, Minne-
sota, on the 4th of November, 1886, his parents being Peter and Karen Hanson, who
emigrated from Denmark to the United States in young manhood and young woman-
hood. They first took up their abode in Illinois and later removed to Minnesota,
where the father was successfully engaged in general agricultural pursuits until 191. ^.
He is now living retired, enjoying the fruits of his former toil in well earned rest.
Christian H. Hanson acquired his education in the pubHc schools of his native
1098 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
state and assisted his father in the work of the home farm until eighteen years of
age. He then spent a year as a hotel employe and at the age of twenty secured a
position in a grocery store, working as a clerk for four years. Subsequently he de-
voted three years to farming but on the expiration of that period again obtained a
clerkship in a grocery store and was thus employed until October, 1916 — the date
of his arrival in Toppenish, Washington. Here he embarked in business on his own
account, opening the Standard Sanitary Grocery at the corner of A and Toppenish
avenues, which he has conducted to the present time. He carries a large line of
staple and fancy groceries and enjoys an extensive and profitable trade, for he has
-won an unassailable reputation for thorough reliability, while his establishment is
also most modern in its appointments and his stock attractively displayed.
On the 14th of October, 1916, Mr. Hanson was united in marriage to Mrs. Bertha
Trombley, of Nelson, Minnesota. He is a democrat in his political views and an Elk
in his fraternal relations, belonging to Lodge No. 318 of Yakima. He is also an inter-
ested and active member of the Toppenish Commercial Club, while his religious faith
is that of the Lutheran church. Though still a young man, he has already won a
measure of prosperity that has gained him a place among the substantial and repre-
sentative citizens of his community. "
OLIVER ROBINSON.
Oliver Robinson, one of the well known stockmen of Kittitas county, his home
teing in the vicinity of EUensburg, was born in Saunders county, Nebraska, Novem-
ber 3, 1880, a son of Thomas and Rebecca (Grewell) Robinson, both of whom are
natives of Illinois. They went to Nebraska at an early day, casting in their lot
with the pioneer settlers there in 1877. They resided for a number of years in that
state and in 1883 removed to Colorado but in 1890 returned to Illinois, where they
still make their home.
Oliver Robinson acquired a public school education and engaged in farming in
Illinois until 1900, early becoming familiar with the duties and labors . that fall to
the lot of the agriculturist as he tills the soil and harvests his crops. He arrived in
Kittitas county in 1900 and in 1906 purchased eighty acres of wild land which at that
time was covered with sagebrush. With characteristic energy he began the de-
velopment and improvement of the place, on which he has since built a pleasant
home and substantial barns. He is engaged in the raising of hay and grain and
annually gathers good crops. He also is well known as a stock raiser, handling
sheep, hogs and cattle, and both branches of his business are proving profitable.
In 1905 Mr. Robinson was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Lee Wilson, a
daughter of T. T. Wilson, and their children are three in number: Carroll, Florence
and Joseph. Fraternally Mr. Robinson is connected with the Independent Order of
Odd Fellows and his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Presby-
terian church. His politicat views are in accord with the principles of the republi-
can party but he has never sought to figure in public life, preferring to concentrate
his efforts and attention upon his business affairs, which are wisely and carefully
•directed, so tliat he has gained a substantial competence as the years have passed.
JEHU J. HAYS.
Jehu J. Hays, a prominent attorney and leading business man of Grandview, was
born near Asheville, in Buncombe county. North Carolina, on the 4th of March,
1868, and is a son of James M. and Eliza (Embler) Hays, who were also natives of
Buncombe county. His paternal grandfather, James Hays, was born in the same
place and there spent his entire life. They belonged to a good old southern family
and most of its representatives followed the occupation of farming. Both parents
died in Buncombe county.
During his boyhood Jehu J. Ha^-s had little opportunity to attend school and at
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 1099
the age of eighteen could read poorly, but he determined to have a better education
after hearing his father read the life of James A. Garfield, in which was told the
experiences of the president during his boyhood and how he overcame all obstacles
in winning prominence. Mr. Hays at length entered the Carson and Newman Col-
lege of Jeflferson City, Tennessee, where he paid his own expenses, and after his
graduation he taught school for some time. He began the study of law at home
and when his eyes grew tired his wife often read to him. He took a two years'
course with the Columbian Correspondence College of Washington, D. C, and at
length was graduated from the law department of the University of Tennessee in
1907, winning the gold medal for the best work in Moot Court and Practice. After
leaving college he taught for one year in the Joncsboro high school and later was
for some years at the head of the Masonic Institute at Mountain City, the county
seat of Johnson county, Tennessee. He continued to live there until he completed his
law course, after which he practiced at that place for one year.
It was in the fall of 1908 that Mr. Hays came to Washington and spent the first
winter in Kittitas county. In the spring of the following year he became a resident
of Toppenish, where he made his home until March, 1912, when he removed to
Grandview. He is today the oldest lawyer in the place and has served as city attor-
ney during most of his residence here. He also filled the same position while living
in Toppenish and was police justice for a time.
On the 13th of April, 1901. Mr. Hays was united in marriage to Miss Martha E.
Helm, a native of JefTerson county, Tennessee, and a daughter of William B. F.
Helm, a farmer by occupation. Both her parents are deceased. To Mr. and Mrs.
Hays have been born five children: Byron Jackson, Martha Lucille, Ruth Mary, Wil-
liam and James Woodrow. all of whom are living with the exception of William.
Although Baptists in religious belief, Mr. and Mrs. Hays now attend the Metho-
dist church and he is also identified with the Modern Woodmen of America and the
Foresters of America. In politics he is an independent republican. .A.lthough he
started out in life with limited advantages, he has always made the most of his
opportunities and has become one of the leading attorneys of Yakima county. He
has had a degree of success financially and is today the owner of two ranches, which
he is now developing. In addition to his law practice he also engages in the real
estate and insurance business to some extent. He attributes much of his success to
the assistance given him by his wife, who has helped him in every possible way. They
were married before she finished her college course and she, too, was making her
own way through school, having commenced teaching at the age of eighteen years.
They are today numbered among the leading citizens of Grandview and wherever
known are held in the highest esteem.
JOSEPH SLAVIN.
Joseph Slavin is identified with general agricultural interests on the Ahtanum.
He was horn in Winona county. Minnesota, .\pril 12, 1868. a sou of .Andrew and .Ann
(Duncan) Slavin, both of whom were natives of Ireland. They came to the United
States when young people and cast in their lot with the pioneer settlers of Minne-
sota, where for many years the father carried on farming. He died in that state
and the mother afterward passed away at the home of a son in Yakima county.
Spending his youthful days under the parental roof in Winona county, Minne-
sota, Joseph Slavin there acquired a public school education and was thus qualified
for life's practical and responsible duties. He came to Yakima county on the 11th
of December, 1885, and thus for more than a third of a century has lived in the
northwest. For four years after his arrival he worked for wages, but he was de-
sirous of engaging in business on his own account and therefore he practiced strict
economy and unfaltering industry in order to gain a start. In 1896 he felt that his
savings justified his purchase of land and he and his brother invested in ranch prop-
erty. A decade later, or in 1906. Joseph Slavin bought one hundred and sixty acres
of land on the Ahtanum and has built thereon a fine residence, large barns and
(46)
nnn history of yakima \'alley
other buildings necessary for tlie shelter of grain and stock. In fact the equipment
of his place is thoroughly modern and the entire farm indicates his progressive
spirit and unfaltering industry. He devotes his land to the raising of hay and
grain and also to the production of hops, having large hop vineyards. He likewise
has six acres planted to orchards, which are now in excellent bearing condition, and
he carries on a dairy business. He is regarded as one of the leading farmers of the
district in which he makes his home.
Mr. Slavin is a member of St. Joseph's Catholic church and his political endorse-
ment is given to the democratic party, which he has supported at all national elec-
tions since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. In local affairs, however,
he casts an independent ballot nor has he ever been ambitious to hold office. On
the contrary, he has preferred to give his undivided time and attention to his busi-
ness affairs, which have been intelligently directed and have brought to him a most
gratifying measure of prosperity.
METT LONGMIRE.
Among the young agriculturists of Yakima county and a native of this countj-
is Mett Longmirc, who was born December 20, 1884, a son of Charles and Laura Ann
(Longmire) Longmire. The father is numbered among those pioneers who crossed
the plains in a primitive way in order to establish a home upon the frontier and
here, on the Wenas. he took up a homestead, to the cultivation of which he gave
his undivided attention until he removed to Yakima, where he now makes his home.
Mett Longmire attended public school imtil he had acquired a good practical
education and then entered the sheep business. In 1906 he acquired a ranch in the
Wenas valley and has since been so successful that he has been able to add to his
acreage from time to time until he now owns over three thousand acres of land, ninety
of which are under cultivation. The remainder of his land is used as pasture, for
while he raises some hay, he gives his principal attention to sheep raising.
Mr. Longmire was united in marriage to Miss Reba Addington, a daughter of
J. B. Addington, and to this union three children have been born: Bernice, Kenneth
and Metta.
Mr. Longmire is a republican in politics but not a politician in the sense of office
seeking, although he is thoroughly familiar with the issues of the day and conditions
as they affect local government. Fraternall)' he is a member of the Elks and in that
organization has many friends.
PETER JOHN NORLING.
Peter John Norling, who passed away on the 2d of April, 1919, had witnessed the
growth and development of the Kittitas valley during more than a third of a century
and had been actively identified with its ranching and stock raising interests through-
out that entire period, owning a farm of one hundred and twenty acres in the vicin-
ity of Ellensburg, His birth occurred in Sweden on the 16th of November, 1848,
his parents being John and Elsie Xorling, who passed away in that country before
their son, Peter John, had reached the age of six years.
Peter J. Norling spent the first twenty-three years of his life in the land of his
nativity and then, attracted by the favorable reports which he had heard concerning
the superior advantages and opportunities offered in the United States, he crossed
the Atlantic and after reaching American shores made his way into the interior of
the country, arriving in Chicago on the 7th of June, 1871. A month later he removed
fo Whiteside county, Illinois, where he remained for two years and then took up his
abode in Sycamore county, that state, working as a farm hand in order to earn a
livelihood. In 1875 he journeyed westward to Blackhawk, Colorado, and four years
later removed to Ten-mile, that state, where he remained until 1883. In that year he
made his way to the Kittitas vallcj' in Washington, traveling via San Francisco, Cali-
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 1101
fornia, and The Dalles, Oregon. He first purchased one hundred and sixty acres of
railroad land but later disposed of the property and purchased another tract of equal
size near Ellensburg. He subsequently sold forty acres of the latter place but re-
tained the remaining one hundred and twenty acres and was successfully engaged
in the cultivation of hay and grain and the raising of stock throughout the remainder
of his life. As the years passed his labors were attended with gratifying results and
he long ranked with the prosperous and representative ranchers and stockmen of the
valley. He also possessed considerable inventive genius and patented a ditcher.
On the 17th of July, 1895, Mr. Norling was united in marriage to Mrs. Anna
Maria Swanson. the widow of Charles Swanson. She bore the maiden name of Anna
Maria Munson, is a native of Sweden and emigrated to the United States in the year
1884. By her first marriage she had three children, namely: Augusta, now the wife
of Olaf Johnson, who is engaged in ranching in the Kittitas valley; John, at home;
and Oscar, a resident of Ellensburg. Mr. arid Mrs. Norling had one son, George
William, who is a member of the United States army.
In politics Mr. Norling was a republican, stanchly supporting the men and
measures of that party at the polls. Both he and his wife attended the Lutheran
church and were highly esteemed as people of .genuine personal worth. Coming to
the new world in early manhood, he found the opportunities which he sought and
through their wise utilization won a place among the substantial and respected citi-
zens of his community. His demise, which occurred in the seventy-first year of his
age, was the occasion of deep and widespread regret, for he had gained an extensive
circle of friends during the long period of his residence in the Kittitas valley.
JOHN G. SODEN.
John G. Sodcn. engaged in the butchering business in Toppenish, was born in
Warren county, Illinois, in 1870. His parents, Frank and Julia Sodcn, removed to
Brookings county. South Dakota, in the year 1877, casting in their lot with the pio-
neer .settlers who were reclaiming that district for the uses of civilization. The father
took up government land there upon which not a furrow had been turned nor an
improvement made and with characteristic energy he began to develop a farm, upon
which he lived to the time of his death. His wife passed away on the 6th of April,
1915, and he died a year later to the day and hour.
John G. Soden acquired a public school education and also received instruction
from his father at night. The father was most devoted to the welfare ni his family
and was a most progressive citizen. He had manifested his loj'alty to his country
during the period of the Civil war by service at the front, enlisting in August, -1862,
as a member of Company C, One Hundred and Nineteenth Illinois Infantry, with
which he remained on active duty until mustered out at the close of the war in 1865,
when he returned to his home with a most creditable military record, having aided
in winning victory on many a southern battlefield. He was an active supporter of
the republican party throughout his entire life, believing firmly in that party, which
had stood for the defense of the LTnion during the dark days of the Civil war. He
became a prominent and well known resident of Brookings county. South Dakota,
heartily cooperating in all measures and movements for the general good from tlie
time when he established his home there in pioneer days. His son Charles was the
first white child born in that county.
John G. Soden was but a little lad when the family home was established
there and upon his father's farm he was reared, early assisting in the work of further
development ami improvement. When his schooldays were over he concentrated his
efforts and attention upon the farm work and so continued until he reached the age
of twenty-three years, when he left home to engage in farming on his own account
and spent four years in that way. It was in 1897 that he left South Dakota for the
west, making his way to Genesee, Idaho. The following year he entered the butch-
ering Inisiness in that state, devoting a year to the conduct of his shop. Later he
engaged in buying beeves for various firms for a period of five years and then once
more started in business on his own account at Sprague, Idaho, where he continued
1102 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
until the 1st of February. 1915. On that date he came to Toppenish, where he pur-
chased a meat market, which he has since conducted. He carries an excellent line of
meat, has a splendid refrigerator and other equipment and has built up a good trade,
his patrons finding him always courteous and obliging as well as thoroughly reliable.
On the 12th of December. 1893. Mr. Soden was married to Miss Lillie Lord, a
native of South Dakota, and they have become the parents of si-x children, two sons
and four daughters.
Mr. Soden is a member of Yakima Lodge. No. 318, B. P. O. E.. and also of tlie
Knights of Pythias. He is likewise connected with the Toppenish Commercial Club
and his political endorsement is given to the republican party. He was reared in that
faith and has never seen occasion to change his views or allegiance. He stands for
that which is progressive in public affairs of the community and his aid and influence
are always given for the benefit and progress of his adopted city.
JOSEPH A. RICHARTZ.
A highly improved farm property of eighty acres on Ahtanum Heights is owned
by Joseph A. Richartz, who acquired possession of this place by purchase in 1914. A
part of it was then wild land but his efforts have converted it into productive fields
on which he is raising large crops. Mr. Richartz has always lived in Yakima county,
for he is numbered among its native sons, born on the 22d of February, 1893. His
parents were Joseph and Catherine Marie (Powell) Richartz. both of whom were
natives of Germany. They became residents of Yakima county in 1886 and took up
a homestead claim on Nob Hill. Later the father sold that property and purchased
a ranch on the Moxee, whereon Mrs. Catherine M. Richartz passed jway. Subse-
quently the father disposed of that property and now lives in Wisconsin.
Joseph A. Richartz acquired a public school education, supplemented by a com-
mercial course in the Yakima Business College. He was thus well qualified for
life's practical and responsible duties. After completing his studies he worked for
five years at the dairy business and thus gained broad experience along that line.
In 1913, desirous of engaging in business on his own account, he rented eighty acres
of land on the Cowiche and the following years he purchased eighty acres on
Ahtanum Heights, a part of which was wild and undeveloped. He has since greatly
improved his farm, which is now one of the attractive ranch properties of the dis-
trict. In its excellent appearance it indicates the care and labor which he has be-
stowed upon it and he is now successfully engaged in raising hay, corn', grain and
potatoes. He also handles considerable live stock and makes a specialty of dairying.
His farm work is carefully and systematically conducted and excellent results have
rewarded his labors.
On the 19th of January, 1915, Mr. Richartz was united in marriage to Miss Ruth
Marie Bennette. who was born at Stevens Point, Wisconsin, a daughter of Daniel
and Mary Catherine (Murphy) Bennette. Mr. Richartz and his wife have member-
ship in St. Paul's Catholic church and he is identified with the Knights of Columbus.
He votes with the republican party upon national questions but otherwise casts an
independent ballot, supporting men and measures rather than party. He is one of
the representative young farmers of the community, having passed little beyond his
first quarter of a century mark. Already, however, he has made for himself a credit-
able place as a ranchman and the qualities that he has displayed in his business
career indicate that his future will be well worth watching.
ALBERT MALLON.
Although Albert Mallon has acquired his present farm only recently he has for
a number of years been connected with agricultural interests in Yakima county. He
now owns eighty acres of valuable land on the Ahtanum and there he raises grain,
hay and potatoes, also successfully conducting a dairy. He was born in Germany
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 1103
on the 4th of March, 1865, a son of Christ and Carrie (Kaiser) Mallon. The latter
passed away in Germany. The fatiier and remainder of the family subsequently
crossed the Atlantic, taking up their residence in this country, and in 1886 Christ
Mallon and his son Albert became agriculturists of Hennepin county, Minnesota,
where the father followed agricultural pursuits until his death.
Albert Mallon received his education in Germany, and having removed to Min-
nesota, he there assisted his father and later engaged in farming independently until
1903, coming in the fall of that year to the Yakima valley. He engaged in ranching
on Nob Hill until 1918, when he acquired eighty acres of land on the Ahtanum and
here he is now successfully following his chosen occupation. The farm is in good
condition and he has already made improvements which characterize him as a pro-
gressive, modern agriculturist. He raises grain, hay and potatoes and also success-
fully conducts a dairy.
In 1888 Mr. Mallon was united in marriage to Miss Amanda Fischer, who was
born in Germany and as a young girl was brought to the United States. Their mar-
riage occurred in Minnesota and to them have been born five children: John, a resi-
dent of Yakima, who is married and has one child; Alma, who married John Siegert.
an agriculturist residing on Nob Hill, by whom she has a son; Emma, the wife of
Charles E. Barrett, of Bremerton, Washington, and the mother of one son; and
Helmuth and Richard. Mr. and Mrs. Mallon are respected by all who know them,
for they are reliable people who readily participate in measures undertaken on behalf
of community welfare. They are devoted members of the Lutheran church, in which
faith they were reared.
In his political affiliations Mr. Mallon is a republican. He is a loyal, patriotic
American and has ever given of his time and effort in order to promote movements
undertaken on behalf of the nation, state or district. There is great credit due him
for what he has achieved, as he began life empty-handed and is now the possessor
of a valuable ranch property.
GEORGE W. EGLIN.
George W. Eglin owns and occupies a beautiful home standing in the midst of a
valuable ranch property of one hundred and twenty acres. He is one of the most ex-
tensive hop growers of this section and has every equipment upon his place neces-
sary for the care of the crop. Mr. Eglin is numbered among Yakima county's native
sons, his birth having occurred on the old homestead place on the Ahtanum, Decem-
ber 26, 1875, his parents being Abraham D. and Margaret (Crews) Eglin. The father
was born at Woodstock, Canada, on the Uth of June, 1834. and the mother's birth
occurred in Missouri, August 21, 1837. The paternal grandfather, Cornelius Eglin,
was a native of New York but in young manhood went to Canada, where he worked
as a millwright and carpenter. Later he recrossed the border into the United States,
settling in Indiana, where he engaged in farming to the time of his death. His son,
Abraham D. Eglin, was a lad of but ten years when the family home was established
in Indiana. In 1854 he crossed the plains to the Pacific coast and settled in Oregon,
near the present site of the city of Portland, which at that time, however, was but a
tiny hamlet, covering but one or two streets of the now beautiful Rose City. Mr.
Eglin became extensively engaged in farming and stock raising and was also inter-
ested in mining. In 1871 he left Oregon and removed to Yakima county, Washing-
ton, taking up a squatter's right on the Ahtanum, while later he preempted the claim.
It was a tract of wild land upon which not a furrow had been turned nor an im-
provtment made. With characteristic energy he began the development of the
ranch, which he converted into a valuable and productive property. Later in life he
retired from active farming and took up his abode in Yakima, where he passed away
in September, 1911, He had been prominent in the public life of the community as
well as in its agricultural development and had served as county commissioner, to
which office he was elected on the republican ticket, having long been a stalwart
supporter of that party. He was most highly esteemed as a man and citizen and
ranked with the honored and representative pioneer ranchers of the district. His
1104 HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY
wife was a daughter of a pioneer settler, her father having crossed the plains in
1852, at which time he located in Oregon, where he passed away when Mrs. Eglin
was a young girl. She survives her husband and is still living in Yakima. In the
family of Mr. and Mrs. Abraham D. Eglin were thirteen children, eleven of whom
reached adult age, while ten are still living. Benjamin C, born in Oregon, June 1,
1860, is a resident of Seattle. Lavina, born November 14, 1861, makes her home in
Twisp, Washington. John S., born April 8, 1863, is deceased. Judith P., born July
25, 1865, is living in Yakima. Warren M., born January 27, 1867, is also a resident of
Yakima. Olive L., born July 25, 1868, is the wife of Charles Barth, of Yakima.
Thomas W., born June 27, 1870, makes his home in the city of Yakima, as does
Charles D., who was born November 1, 1872. The next of the family is Mr. Eglin
of this review. James B., born March 1, 1877, is living in Yakima. Frank, born
October 12, 1878, is a rancher on the Ahtanum.
George W. Eglin is indebted to the public school system of Yakima county for
the educational opportunities which he enjoyed. When not busy with his textbooks
he assisted his father upon the ranch and after his school days were over continued
with Iiis father in ranching operations, until 1897. when he rented land from his father
and so continued until 1902. In the latter year the father gave him a part of the
ranch and he has since purchased more until he now owns one hundred and twenty
acres in all. Upon this place he has built a fine house and barn and added all modern
equipments and conveniences. He conducts a small dairy and engages in the raising
of hay but devotes much of his time and the greater part of his land to the raising
of hops, being one of the prominent representatives of that industry in this section.
He has the most modern equipment for the care of the crop, including a fine hop
house, twenty-six by fifty feet, and a big twenty-six foot square hop kiln. He also
has exceedingly fine hop trellises in his vineyards.
On the 23d of December, 1897, George W. Eglin was united in marriage to Miss
Hattie Johnson, who was born in Missouri, a daughter of Andrew and Katie John-
son, who removed to Kansas in 1890 and came to Yakima county in 1892. The father
was a rancher, but both he and his wife have now passed away. To Mr. and Mrs.
Eglin have been born five children. Andrew Lee, born November 20, 1898, joined
the United States navy, returned home ill and passed away on the 20th of October,
1918. Basil, born May 11, 1902, died on the 3d of August, 1903. Laura, born Novem-
ber 10, 1905, is at home. Howard, born January 9, 1910, died August 31, 1911. Volney.
born December 13. 1911, completes the family.
Mr. Eglin is a republican in politics but has never been an office seeker. He
stands, however, for all that has to do with the upbuilding and progress of the com-
munity in which he lives and is never neglectful of his duties of citizenship. His
life has been devoted to ranching interests from early boyhood and as the years
have passed he has steadily worked his way upward until he is now the owner of a
valuable and attractive ranch property and is one of the most prominent hop grow-
ers of this section.
HENRY GOEMMER.
Henry Goemmer is an enthusiastic supporter of the Yakima valley, recognizing
its opportunities and advantages. He is now the owner of a forty-acre ranch sit-
uated near Outlook and its well developed appearance indicates his careful super-
vision and practical methods. Mr. Goemmer was born in Germany, November 11,
1863, a son of Martin and Katherine Goemmer, who came to the United States
with their family in 1884. They made their way to Kansas, where the father purchased
eighty acres of land, there remaining imtil 1896, when they came to the Yakima
valley, and both the father and mother spent their last days in the home of a
daughter in Washington.
Henry Goemmer acquired his education in the schools of Germany and after
coming to the new world assisted his father in farming in Kansas for ten years.
He afterward spent five years in Colorado and in November, 1898, came to the
Yakima valley, where for a year he was employed by a brother-in-law. .Ambitious
HISTORY OF YAKIMA VALLEY 1105
to engage in business on his own account, he then purchased twenty acres of land
half way between Outlook and Granger. At the time of his arrival he had a cash
capital of but one hundred dollars and a family consisting of wife and four children.
The land which he purchased was but partially improved, but he converted it into
a fine ranch and made his home thereon for ten years. In 1902 he purchased thirty
acres north of his original tract, all covered with sagebrush, and later he sold
liis first property and moved onto the second ranch. He now has forty acres in his
home place, devoted to the raising of hay, corn, potatoes and sugar beets, and he
likewise conducts a dairy business. He is a most zealous champion of the Yakima
valley, its opportunities and its interests, having found no place in all the world
that suits him better than the district in which he now lives. He turns for recrea-
tion to motoring and has made extensive trips through Yellowstone National Park
and to other sections.
On the 27th of May, 1884, Mr. Goemmer was married to Miss Christiana Em-
rich, who was born in Ottenburg. Germany, and came to the United States in her
girlhood days with her parents. Philip and Kathcrine Emrich. The children of this
marriage are as follows: O. A., the eldest son, is married and resides in Seattle,
where he is connected with the Commercial Club. He served in the quartermas-
ters department on the Yakima local board during the World war. Henry J., who
is married and has two children, resides at Jerome, Idaho, where he follows farm-
ing. C. P.. who is married and has three daughters, is engaged in the insurance
business at Oakland, California. R. R. is married and devotes his attention to farm-
ing near Jerome, Idaho. All were given good educational opportunities and the
eldest son and C. P. both attended business college, while Henry and R. R. attended
the Washington Agricultural College at Pullman.
Mr. Goemmer has been a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows
for the past thirty years and has served as representative to the grand lodge held
in Walla Walla in 1918. Five years ago he was presented with the veteran jewel of
the order, in which he has filled all of the offices of the local lodge. Mr. and Mrs.
Goemmer are members of the Presbyterian church, but they assisted in establish-
ing the Liberty Federation church in their home neighborhood, formed of people
of Presbyterian and Methodist faith. They are very active in the work of the church,
Mr. Goemmer having served as superintendent of the Sunday school for many
years. His political allegiance is given to the republican party. He has served on
the election board and for many years has been a member of the school board, and
his aid and influence are potent, factors in bringing about progress, development and
improvement in the community in which they have now long made their home.
INDEX
Abbe, C. A. 317
Adkison, J. W. 1032
Alderson, John 336
Alexander. J. W. 760
Allan, S. G. %'4
Allan, T. G. 987
Allen, L. D. 108
Allcnbaugh, Porter 1069
Ames. H. B. i 494
Anionette, \V. F. 1000
Anderson. Axel 589
Anderson. C. J. 656
Anderson, Israel 923
Anderson. J. W. 549
Anderson. S. L. 410
Andrews, H. H. 277
Angel. H. E. 530
Arms. W. L. 674
Arnold, Walter 196
Arpke. O. L. i 411
Arrowsniith. Fred 810
Aumiller. E. J. 135
Babcock. C. P. 366
Bagley. Peter 100
Bailey, E. W. 1052
Baird. J. T. 780
Baker. B. E. 994
Baker. Earl 768
Baker, Mrs. Sarah 524
Baker. W. L. 962
Ball. W. C. 513
Ballard. E. R 542
Ballard, R. T. .. 542
Ballard. Stanley 1083
Balmer. J. A. 28
Bannister, B. A. 364
Bannister, E. A. 229
Barbee, Daniel 256
Barkes, J. E. 1010
Barnes, C. H. 653
Barney, J. L. 1020
Barns. Dewey 1032
Bartholet. Frank 39
Bean. J. D. 390
Beaudry. J. 788
Boaudry. Vanace 773
Beaver, G. H. 556
Beavers, Avcrill 1084
Bechard, Dolphus 653
Bedell, J. L. 977
Beecham, M. W. 937
Bell. J. R. 514
Benediktson, I. 793
Benham, W. R. 1023
Bergquist. Frank 833
Bergstrom. Carl 878
Bcrnier. Alvido 781
Berry. A. G. 1070
Bcsscscn. P. F. 98
Bice, D. F. 1030
Bick. A. F. 581
Bichn, George 80
Biever, J. N. 720
Bilger, C. S. 288
Birge, W. R. 1063
Bishop, Melvin . 595
Blackburn, J. W 182
Blackbnrnc, S. G. 292
Bledsoe, H. F. __._ 143
Bline. J. A. 643
Blood, B. L. 1060
Boggess. A. A. 398
Bolin. C. F. 414
Bone, R. H. 673
Boose, H. A. 105
Roosc, O. L. 239
Rorgerson, J. M. '. 536
Borgeson, John 402
Bounds, I. J. 461
Bourdon, Louis 932
Bowes, W. E. 746
Bowman, A. A. 618
Bowman, M. R. ..i. .._ 846
Boyle, Lon __. 364
Boyson, John 1074
Brackett. E. W. 684
Bradley. C. L. 703
Bradshaw, G. R. 409
Brain. J. B. 596
Breaum, Louis 799
Breeding, J. A. 368
Briggs, Claude 829
Brockhausen. T. E. 499
Brosious, C. P. 853
Brown, Andrew 341
Brown, A. N. 536
Brown, C. C. 1- 929
Brown, D. P. 723
Brown E. K. 357
Brown, F. W. 409
Brown, H. G. 300
Brown, I. L. 521
Brown, M. J. 979
Brownlie, William — 921
Brulotte, Ovide 448
Brunelle, Leon 607
Brunson, D. W. 212
Brusten, Conrad 116
Bryant, E. J. 472
Buil,,Cl«uJes 284
Bull. J. A. 296
Bullan, R. P. 164
Burns, A. W. 1040
Burton, O. L 844
Cadle, G. H. - 799
Cadwallader, J. A. 734
Calkins, E. D. 1037
Calvert, Holt 999
Cameron, R. E. 936
Camp, C. W. 1002
Cardiff, I. D. 568
Carey, Frank 744
Carlson, Ax«l 921
Carlson, Oscar 947
Carlson, O. F. 590
Carpenter, Frank 166
Carpenter, W. F. 528
Carpenter, W. T. 152
Carson, Merle 856
Carstens, J. H. 1060
Case, A. Z., Sr. 441
Catlin, John 880
Cedar, C. F. 845
Cerswell, B. S. 632
Chambers, Ralph 756
Chandler, E. M. 807
Chappie, C. L. 712
Charron, Leon 105
Chase, G. M. 475
Chase, H. W 705
Chess. W. A. 668
Childs. J. C. 758
Chiostri, Mario 463
Churchill, C. C. 151
Clark, A. L. 1029
Clark, DeWitt D. 505
Clark, G. W. 832
Clark, T. W. 714'
Clark. W. S. 178
Clemmer, F. D. 165
Clift. J. L. 331
Clithcro, G. L 174
Clogg, L. H. 586
Cochran, C. L. 322
Cochran. S. H. 565
Coe. B. X. 53
Coffin, A. W. 343
Coleman, W. E. 232
Coleman. Z. Y. 156
Conant, O. K. 977
Conat, O. E. 834
Condon. E. M. 458
Congdon, A. S. 913
Congdon, C. A. 30
Connell. Richard 629
Cooke, L. V. 689
Cooke. M. D. 445
Cooke. Rufus 390
Coonse, Harry 803
Cooper, P. B. 579
Cooper, T. S. 188
Corbett. J. H. 607
Cornett. J. D. 426
Corpron. William 646
Courchene, Evariste 387
Cox. E. V. 817
Cox. J. K. 1033
Cox. L. M. 830
Crabb, F. M. 781
Crabtree. M. G. 563
Cramer. W. H. 1053
Crandall. E. W. 113
Crandall, H. C. 113
Craven, E. R. 151
Crawford, G. E. 579
Crawford, Lowa M. 179
Cresci, Victor 840
Crews, W. P. 455
Crocker, H. A. & Sons 972
Cronkhite. O. B. 537
Crook, W. H. 930
Crookston. Andrew 675
Crossman, E. D. 413
Crowell, W. L. 499
1109
Cull, J. O. 290
Curtis, J. L, 476
Cutler, A. B, 771
Dahlin, August 899
Dahlman, G. D. 490
Dalton, A. A. 722
Dalton, C. R. 944
Dalton, E. C. 958
Damerow, W. G. 226
Damman, M. M. 659
Danielson. C. A. 909
Dankers, John 608
Darby, T. S. 1095
Dash, G. B 345
Dash, L. A. 200
Dasher, R. R. 609
Davidson, J. B. 43
Davis, A. C. 267
Davis. A, S. 413
Davis, D. J. 520
Davis, H. C. 94
Davis, J. A. 360
Davis, J. E 423
Da Vise, C. J. 999
Day, F. C, 45
Dean. A. M. 485
(Icn Hartigh, Klaas 914
Denton, G. W. 812
Desmarais, G. E. 336
Desmarais, L. H. 141
Dickinson, F. T. 667
Dicni, John 889
Dillon, Charles 1080
Dillon, John 351
Dills, I. H. 261
Diteman, E. P. 45
Ditter, John 273
Ditter, J E. 171
Ditter. P. A. 168
Dobie, John 800
Donald, George 11
Donnelly, T. J. 99
Donovan, C. R. 14
Dooly, W. H. 1007
Doran, E. L. 320
Doran, W. S. 200
Drake, Edwin 471
Drake, H. H. 609
Druse, D. L. 640
Duffield. W. R. 462
Duffy, C, E. 231
Duffy, E. H. 692
Duncan, A. L, 1090
Duncan, C, R. 405
Duncan, G. B. 786
Dunham, H. J. ..1071
Dunn, A. D. 638
Dunn, Robert 610
Dupre, E. J. 691
Durham, I. W. 768
Earls, W. S. 892
Eaton, Emery 436
Eberle. Fred 969
Eby, E. R. 870
Eby, J. A. 855
Eglin. G. W. 1103
Einarsen. John 904
Elkinton, J. H. 907
Elliott, J. B. 1009
Ellison, J. W. 621
Elser, W. F. 247
Engles, C. A. 1028
Eschbach, A. P. 524
Eschbach, B. F. 845
Eschbach. E. A. 823
Eschbach, P. J. 493
Estes, J. H. 604
Evans, G. W. 980
Fairbanks, F. E, 901
Fear, Thomas 46
Ferris, B. K. .* 910
Feser, Joseph 442
Filey. W. M. 774
Fitts, E. B. 992
Fitts, J. W. 630
Flagg. W. L. 181
Fleck. O. R. 312
Fleming, A. G. 186
Fleming. J. M 297
Flumm-erfelt. C. H. 260
Forbes. C. H. 172
Forrest. E. U. 243
Fosseen. A. B, 92
Fossum, A. R. 1030
France, W. H 1050
Eraser, J. H. 699
Frazicr, J. H. 871
Frederick, Jacob lli
Fredrickson, J. B. 212
Freeman, J. B. 724
French, O. L. 68
Froemke, H. C. 926
Fry, A. C. 737
Fry, E. W. 427
Fulmcr, F. R. 1012
Fulmer, H. B. 1018
Furrv, C. M. — 552
1110
Gabbard, J. S. 14
Gale, W. L. 388
Gamble, T. L. 346
Gammons, J. D. 655
Gano, I. J. 326
Gano, W. E. 335
Gardner, A. R 159
Garretson, Lloyd 970
Garrison, Howard 85
Gibson, C. A. 283
Gibson, E. S. 278
Gibson, John 565
Gibson, L. J. 282
Gibson, O. D. 281
Giffin, G. E. 143
Gifford. K. C. 373
Gilbert, C. N. 893
Gilbert, F. H. 424
Gilbert, H. M. 1021
Gilliland Lenox 478
Gilmour, Maud 210
Gladson, A. J. 661
Glen, H. A. 875
Glenn, A. E. 290
Goemmer, Henry 1104
Goodwin, A. C. 134
Goodwin, A. E. 688
Goodwin. J. W. 587
Goodwin, S. E.. 65
Goodwin, T. B. 730
Gothberg, F. A. 724
Gothberg, Gottfried 914
Gowdy, G. C. 472
Grady, T. E. 136
Grandview State Bank 1058
Grant, C. W. 245
Gray, A. W. 749
Green, D. W. 983
Green, H. H. 543
Greenslade, J. H. 809
Greenwalt, D. B. 670
Greer, J. W. 825
Griffin, C. H. 1008
Griffith, J. D. 682
Grissom, H. W. 867
Griswold, O. V. 989
Gronvold, C. H. M. 502
Grunden, A. A. 651
Grupe, Mary A. 365
Guinan, A. F. 940
Gustafson, Charles 511
Haasze, E. J. 233
Hager, H. E. 639
Halev. Thomas 706
Hall, F. A. 44
Hall, F. C. 387
Hall, W. C. 596
Hambleton, W. J. 656
Hamilton, G. W 21
Hamilton, W. C. 322
Hand, J. N. 1054
Hansen, C. H. 1038
Hansen, O. S. 417
Hanson, C. H. 1097
Hanson, Fred 759
Harlan, H. A. 1068
Harrah, J. T. 130
Harrel, E. H. 480
Harris, B. L. 939
Harris, J. B. 625
Harrison, Frank 203
Harrison, S. J. 202
Harrison, W. H. 138
Harrison. \V. O. 764
Harsch, H. A. 1023
Hartcr. F. K. 1034
Hartley. Reuben 564
Hartman. F. L. 683
Hartman. J. B. 875
Harvey, G. B. 639
Haskins, G. L. 295
Hatfield, J. O. 544
Hatten, William . 492
Hauetcr. A. B, 325
Hawn. A. W. 1058
Haworth. C. C. 484
Hay. Reuben 968
Hayden, R. H 767
Hays. A. E. 124
Hays. J. J. 1098
Hays. R. A. 124
Heath. Charies 51
Heberling, G. H. 239
Hedden, E. W. 129
Heer. L. L. 1067
Hcllicsen, H. M. 893
Henderson, James 145
Henry, F. R. 309
Hepburn, Robert 690
Herkc, P. J. 721
Hcrrick. C. C. 877
Heston, E. C. 1097
Hewitt. C. E. 1024
Heyduck, G. F. 210
Hickenbottom. A. B. 342
Hickok. R. J. 158
Hicks. Alfred 645
Hillbery, L. J. 305
Hillman. \V. B. 1019
Hillyer, A. S. 470
Hilton, Mrs. Alfred 854
Himmelsbach, E. B. 194
Hinman, C. H. 97
Hinman, E. P. 1042
Hinman, Oliver 1039
Hiscock, F. K 62
Hobbs, D. N. 602
Hobbs, T. E. m
Hodder, A. W. 1051
Hofmann, F. T. 122
Hogue, G. D. 736
Holden, A. B. 617
Hollen, T. T. 735
Holt, E. E. 998
Holt, L. M 750
Holtzinger, C. M. 988
Hood, L. O. 477
Hoover, Benjamin 957
Hoover, S. E. 266
Horsley, Frank 116
Howay, T. H. 115
Hubbard, W. P. 252
Hubbell, J. C. 185
Hudson, C. A. 743
Huebner, A. H. 253
Hufnail, W. M. 801
Huggins, B. F. 392
Hughes, J. L. 902
Hughes. Wilbur 268
Humphrey, L. D. 886
Huss, A. L. 1029
Hubs, Harvey 457
Huxtable, W. I. 60
Irish, B. F.- -• 1037
Irish. W. N. 382
Isaacson. E. A. 588
Iverson, Knute 971
Jackson. M. V. -. 204
Jacobs, S. D. 601
Jacobs, T. R. 1057
Jaeger, A. F. 217
James, H. P. 1008
Jenkins, Henry 765
Jenne, J. M. 778
Johnson, Alfred 599
Johnson, C. E. 240
Johnson, C. G. 812
Johnson, David 824
Johnson, G. A. 572
Johnson, H. M. 358
Johnson, Johanes 946
Johnson, L. E. 51
Johnson, N. S 501
ohnson, O. M. 1059
ohnson, R. M. 463
ohnson, U. C. 546
ohnson, W. H. 616
ohnston, W. S. 1010
ones, Calvin A. 883
ones, Charles A. 817
ones. J. B. 790
ones, T. L. 1047
Jongejan, Cornelius 491
ongewaard, Albert 449
ndlc. G. A. 1091
Kandle, N. H. 245
Kandle, R. H. 981
Kappelman, F. G. 943
Kappelman. F. P. .. 943
Karr. Abigail 79
Karr. J. A. 70
Kauffman. Ralph 7-
Kaynor. J. C. 225
Kcene. J. M. 786
Keith. A. R. 662
Kelly, D. J. 884
Kelly. L. B. 992
Kendall. R. C. 578
Ker, George 458
Kerr. James 486
Kershaw. R. H. 982
Keyes, C. M. 847
Kielsmeier. E. H. 123
Kinnear, J. A. 733
Kinsley, L. F. 922
Kinyon. L. B. 352
Kloeber. J. S. 1081
Knickrehm. George 788
Knowles. E. E. 917
Kohls. J. P. 603
Kowalsky. J. J. 396
Krcsge, C. H. 624
Kuhn. L. H. 107
Kuhnkc. C. E. 880
T.a Bissoniere, A. J. 870
Lachance, J. B. 749
La Framboise. Antoine 425
Laframboise. J. F. 304
Lail, U. K. 331
Lauderdale, W. G. 269
Laupp. W. E. 947
Lawrence, L. E. 1050
Learning, O. R. 328
Lemieux, A. J. 935
Lcntz, Michael 1014
Leuning, D. G. 938
1112
l.euning, J. H. 967
Lewis, A. G. 313
Lichty, P. J. 876
Liebert, T. A. 1021
Lienkaemper, August 373
LInce, J. F. 677
Lincks. J. R. 600
Lindeman, Gus 237
Lindsey, E. A. 1013
Liniger, Fred 396
l^inse, B. F. 216
Linse, S. D. 177
Livengood, C. A. 520
Livengood, Ira 574
Livesey, Sydney 454
Lockett. T. J. 447
Lombard. H. H. 112
Longmire, David 22
Longmire, D. E. 1004
Longmire, G. B. 974
Longmire, J. G. 1004
Longmire, Mett 1100
Loudon, J. P 1042
Lovestrand, August 877
Low, A. J. 246
Low, R. D. 638
Lowe, A. E. 436
Lowe, W. F. 647
Luby, W. N. 167
Luce, L. D. 299
Ludens, J. J. 507
Ludwig, William 1074
Luther, J. K. 259
Lynch, C. J. 1028
Lynch, J. H. 190
McAulay, G. F. 101
McCaw, S. R. 209
McClanahan, A. L. 858
McCleery, Daniel 1054
McCormick, Robert 483
McCown, C. C. 187
McCredy, A. E 13
McCullough. Linden 66
McDermid, A. A. 961
McDonald, D. A. 1096
McDonell. J. A. 508
McGee, A. E. 406
McGinnis, W. M. 785
McGonagle, William 856
McGowan, W. M. 172
McGarth. J. E. 201
McKay, G. M. 468
McKee, W. H. 644
McKie, Daniel 194
McKivor, Thomas 890
McKnight, F. W. 291
McLaughlin, George 982
McLean, F. M. 719
McLean, S. M. 1077
McNair, W. D. 244
McNamara, T. C. 711
McNatt. W. F. 622
McXeil, H. G. 766
McWhorter, L. V. 378
Macdonald. J. J. 1043
MacKintosh, P. G. 826
Mah^n Brothers 467
Mains, E. L 885
Mains, R. L. 254
Major, J. A. 567
Mallon. Albert 1102
Malmborg, J. H. 745
Marchildon, I. L. 954
Marks. E. B. 837
Marshall, A, B. 163
Marshall, A. C. 237
Martel. C. C. .._ 397
Martin, T. L. 506
Mason. G. W 303
Mason. Ralph 637
Matthews. Grant 698
May. F. W. 304
Mead. C. S. Jr 1079
Mead, N. P. 1078
Means. S. W. 953
Mechtel. John 321
Meekhot. J. M. 98
Meeske. Emil 111
Mehl, G. E. 454
Meigs, L. O. 121
Mellen. E. M. 924
Mercy, Frederick 248
Messer, G. F. 891
Meyer. Peter 742
Meystre. C. E. 948
Middendorf. J. H. 419
Middleton. O. W. 224
Mieras. William 440
Milldrum, George 144
Miller, Alexander 179
Miller. H. B. 648
Miller. H. L. 142
Miller, J. H. 1001
Miller, J. J. 843
Miller, S. H. 802
Miller, W. L. 660
Miller. W. W. 809
MiUiron. F. G. 283
Milroy. R. B 60
1115
Mires, Austin 124
Mitchell, B. L. 611
Moberly, B. E. 633
Moffat, C. C. 275
Monk, George 612
Moore, E. F. 795
Moreau, F. E. 533
Morehead, Charles 733
MOren, J. W. 675
Moren, S. B. 696
Morgan, F. A. 469
Morgan, J. E. 355
Morgan, J. H. 54
Morgan, R. S. 56
Morgan, W. F. 27
Morris, Ross 654
Morrison, J. D. 839
Morrison, J. H. 861
Morrison, W. J. 782
Morthland, D. V. 448
Mortimer, G. W. 633
Mowery, C. H. 869
Mueller, I. N. 453
Munsell, W. M. 223
Murphy, W. P. 215
Xclson, Edwin 667
Nelson, Fred 756
Nelson, Fridolf 973
Nelson. H. W. 537
Nelson, John 978
Newell, C. H. 89
Newman, J. M. 189
Nichols, Anna R. 201
Nichoson. V. O. 298
Norling, P. J. 1100
Norman, W. H. 363
Norton, A. L. 915
Norton, W. E. 945
Nystrom, L. M. 908
Nystrom, Nels 1031
Nywening, John 54S
Olding, J. G. 556
Ollivier, Peter 1090
Olney, N. N. 232
O'Loughlin, M. A, 710
Olsen, W. R. 1019
O'Neal, Perry 489
Ormsby. Mrs. A. E. 497
Osborn. R. M. 435
Otis, M. S. 931
OttmuUer, J. F. 327
(^tto, A. M. 678
Owen, Evan 1069
Paddock, C. R. 971
Padelford, A. M. 420
Palmer, C. S. 173
Palmer. F. C. 1073
Park, A. L. 356
Park, F. G. 193
Parker, Fred 208
Parker, F. C. 902
Parker, J. M. 902
Patnode, Peter 512
Paul, H. N. 500
Pelto, Jacob 356
Perry, J. M. 612
Peterson, J. W. 255
Peterson, Peter 868
Pike. M. M. 1003
Piland. J. A. 735
Plath. F. B. lOOl
Pollard, I. N. 991
Pollard, Lee 967
Pollock. John 602
Potter, W. J. 318
Poulscn. Louis 320
Prater. J. H. 652
Pratt, J. E. 557
Preble, E. B. 334
Presson, A. W. 100
Presson, B. F. lOO
Preston, H. P. 85
Price. J. N. 772
Price, Walter 522
Prior, A. M. 218
Prior, George 838
Pruyn. Edward 582
Purbaugh, W. H. 621
Purviancc. Roy 1022
Puterbaugh. E. C. 854
Rabie. A. J. 572
Rabie, Elzard .545
Rabie, Israel 480
Ragan, Ellis 190
Ragsdale, S. B. 1094
Ramerman. J. B. 334
Ramsey, J. H. 593
Ray, D. A. 188
Rayl, D. A. 514
Redman, W. H. 160
Redmon, T. J. 464
Reed. D. C. 149
Reeves. W. R. 831
Reid. George 916
Remy, Ed 959
Rennie, Robert 929
Renz, C. H. 848
1114
Rettig, Valentine 1024
Reynolds, D. D. 314
Reynolds, O. A. 751
Reynolds. W. M. 907
Richards, N, C. 401
Richartz, J. A. 1102
Richey, C. H. 306
Riemcke. C. A. SS9
Ringer. R. T. 677
Robbins. W. V. E 709
Robel. Joseph 182
Roberts, H. F. 958
Roberts, J. T. 687
Roberts, L. H. 697
Roberts, W. L. 404
. Robinson, A. D. 440
Robinson, Oliver 1098
Rockett, G. W. 21.^
Rockett, R. P. 550
Rodenbeck, H. F. 428
Rodgers, J. J. 821
Rosenstein, Colnian 66.^
Ross, W. S. 728
Rouleau, N. T, 222
Rowe. W. R. 37
Rueschaw. R. C. 752
Rusk, C. E. 741
Sainsbury. T- F. 916
Sample. William 571
Samson. E. E. 1017
Sander, C. A. 340
Sanders. D. F. 818
Sanders. W. O. 134
Sanderson, C. E. 20
Sanderson, Henry 20
Sandvig, M. A. 449
Sanford, E. P. 395
Sawyer. W, P. 40
Schaeffcr. T. J. — ^- 923
Scheufier. J. F. 549
Schlien, Frederick 403
Schmidt. C. A. 625
Schnase. Julius 275
Schnebly. F. C. 490
Schnebly, P. H. 374
Schneider. Louis 833
Scholes. J. H. 745
Schreiber. R. C. 431
Schreiner, J. F. 359
Schroeder. H. E. 287
Schuller. Michael 135
Schumann, O. R. 423
Schut, Henry 498
Schwaegler. J. B. 344
Schwartze, J. R. —
Scott, C. B.
Scott, W. W.
Scudder, H. B. __.
Searles. J. L.
Scllin. A. A.
Severance. A. W. _.
Sever\'ns. John
Severyns. Kathryn
Shadbolt, F. A. _.
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Shardlow, F. B. 763
Shaw. H. A. 534
Shawver, J. N. 484
Sheane. W. W. 862
Shearer, W. L. 83
Shcllenberger, John 789
Shcppard. Edward 327
Shipley. Peter 590
Shnemake. R. M. 918
Shumate, G. O. 133
Sickenga. F. N. 1038
Silvers. E. W. 758
Silvers. W. H. 816
Simon, E. S. 156
Simon, O. J. 479
Simonson. S. J. 779
Simpson, Alexander 289
Simpson. C. S. 389
Sinclair. A. H. 270
Sinsel. F. B. 231
Skinner, A. M. 402
Skinner. J. W. 1011
Slade. George 879
Slavin. Joseph 1099
Sloan. A. D. 1062
Sly. E. M. 106
Smith. Charles 270
Smith. C. A. 993
Smith. Edward 631
Smith. E. A. 704
Smith. IT. D. 939
Smith. L. E. 91
Smith. R. O. 259
Smith. R. W. 274
Smith. T. H. 1087
Snider. A. B. 54
Snivcly. H. J 8
Snodgrass. G. W. 367
Snyder. A. C. 405
Snvder. J. A. 332
Snvder, V. S. 1044
Soden. J. G 1101
Soltow. A. B. „ 869
Speck, C. S. 371
Sproull, W. R. 412
Souier. William 695
Stahlhut, Henry 925
Stanton, M. F. 102
St. Aubin, Andre 372
Stean, G. F. 226
Steenbergen, J. T. 86
Steensen, J. C. 885
Stein, J. A. 1091
Steinman, W. A. 365
Steinweg, W. L. 5
Stengle, Albert 7m>
Stenstrom, Emil 566
Stevens, J. E. 392
Stevenson, J. W. 199
Stewart,. F. R. 900
Stewart. W. A. 38
Stinson, Carl 629
Stobie. William 864
Stone. M. S. 738
Stout, E. H. 1002
Stover, G. R. 951
Stover, V. A. 951
Stover, W. S. 951
Strand, C. G. 456
Strand, T. O, 1067
Strand. 6. R. 217
Strausz, H. I.. 684
Strausz, W. H. 826
Strobach, Richard 742
Stuart, Hugh 418
Sudweeks, John 529
Sudweeks, J. W. 567
Sundberg, C. S. 808
Sutor, James 804
Sutorius. C. P. 29
Sutton, J, H. 822
Suvcr, C. W. 840
Suver, J. J. 615
Swain, C. F. 577
Swigart, A. N. 954
Swope, J. W. 824
Sykes. Ann E. 84
Talbott, Leonard 93
Tapp, J. W. 519
Taylor, Alexander 424
Taylor, E. V. 234
Taylor, E. W. R. 69
Taylor, Frank 1062
Taylor, F. J. 119
Taylor, G. W. 251
Taylor, J. E. 1078
Tavlor, L. W. 121
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Taylor, O. A. 493
Taylor, T. J. 689
Taylor, W. J. 114
Tennant, E. G, I57
Terry, E, G. 434
Terry, J. G. 298
Tetherow, William 1082
Thomas, C. G. 1064
Thomas, M. H. 230
Thomas, S. C. 1088
Thomas, W. R, 587
Thompson, Emory 700
Thompson, F. E. 146
Thompson, R. J, 59
Thompson, W. E. 580
Thompson, W. M. 478
Thorndyke, J. A. 857
Thorp, L. L. 262
Thrush, William 120
Tiffany, R. K. 729
Tissell, Charles 925
Todd, William 1014
Trapp, F, L. 755
Trenbath. E. W. 266
Tufts, De Witt 1012
Turner, A. C. 585
Tweed, E. J. 644
Tweedt, G. E, 195
Tyrrell, A. E. 1061
Tyrrell, P. H. 506
Udell, C. E, 411
Valentine, F. W. 872
Van Belle, C. G. 889
Van Brundt. E. C. 811
Van De Wall, F. S. 793
Van Dusen, S. D. 295
Van Mavern, Peter 764
Van Vleck, Asa 420
Van Vliet, Seamen 311
Van Wyk, Abraham 1061
Vaughn, J, W. 713
Velikanje, E, B. 681
Verran, William 559
Verstrate, ."Vbram 456
Vickers, J. W. 990
Villaume, E. P. 872
Wachsmith, Richard 551
Wakelee, L, C. 790
Walker, H, C. 221
Walker, J. C. 728
Wallace, O. W. 862
Wallin, A. G. 137
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Walters, Carl 516
Walters, David 417
Walton, R. O. 306
Ward, J. L. 434
Warner, E. J. 794
Washington, Ole 945
Watt, W. M. 909
Wayenberg. Henry 450
Waj'enbcrg, John 1027
Weatherwax, W. H. H. 527
Webber, E. A. 623
Weber, Edwin 832
Weber, Robert 1052
Webster, Daniel 312
Weeber, J. B. 310
Weed, F. S. 222
Wees, Bruce 787
Weigel, J. H.. 691
Weikel, George 1092
Weir. C. H. 558
WVrner, J. A. 752
Wheaton, A. H, 1094
Wheeler, J. M. 727
Wheeler, T. H. 935
Whippey, C. F. 507
White, A. S. 560
White, C. H. 660
White, Isaac 878
White. W. T. 815
Whitson, A. C. 863
Wiggins, F. A. 276
Wilcox, A. B. 997
Wilcox, H. H. 669
Wiley, Charles 165
Wiley, John 345
Wiley, J. J. 67
Wiley, Wallace 757
Wilkinson, R. H. 1011
Willard, J. B 155
Willett, J. L. 211
Willett, W. C. 1071
Williams. F. A. 15
Williamson, R. B. 91
Willson, D. T. 1072
Wilson, J. C. 319
Wilson, T. H. 439
Wilson, William 802
Wineman, A. H. 646
Wing, A. E. 238
Winger, C. C. 433
Wirsig, O. H 894
Wirt, George 594
Wise, Harry 634
Wise, P. E." 666
Withee. L. F. 626
Wolcott. James 1049
Wold. T. C. 696
Wood, F. B. 1041
Wood, J. F. 1088
Woodcock. Ernest 90
Woodhouse. Xorman 391
Woodin, F. A. 180
Woodin. P. C. 988
W^right. J. H. 535
Wright, W\ L. 523
Wussow. F. A. 27
Wyant, E. V. iZ2
WyckofF, C. E. 1089
Vakinia Countj' Horticultural Union 960
Yakima Valley Bank ^7
Vakinia Valley Transportation Co.. 401
Yearwood, J. A. 512
Yergen. Charles 55
Young. B. F. 796
Young, J. C 858
Young, J. W. 371
Zentcnhorst. John 432
Zimmerman. T. B. 515
Zirkle. H. A. 676
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